A MAJOR UK car dealership is looking for a new lease of life after closing its shop after 30 years.
The popular showroom has announced it will move out of its current site as a redevelopment gets underway.
GoogleA major car dealership is closing its doors after 30 years to relocate[/caption]
Elm Tree Cars in Marlborough, Wiltshire, has been faithfully serving the people of the South West for over three decades, but now faces uncertainty.
At a planning meeting of the town council, Mark Lovelace, the dealership’s owner, explained that the business will be moving on.
He said that they have “no plans to cease trading” but are still searching for a new HQ as they leave Pelham Court.
He also indicated that it will downsize as the current building is too large.
Mr Lovelace said: “The Pelham Court premises is a large brownfield area much bigger than we need and is always requiring a significant investment.
“It is ideal for housing with a beautiful river frontage, and we are incorporating a number of wildlife and environmentally beneficial features into our application.
“I have tried on numerous occasions to secure an alternative local site [for Elm Tree] including the old Skurrays Vauxhall building, but without planning already in place, we are always at a disadvantage.”
Staff are understood to be on board with the change despite not knowing where they will be moving to.
The existing site will be subject to a formal planning application in the near future.
The council received the initial discussion of the proposal “warmly”, according to a report by the Swindon Advertiser.
Mr Lovelace added: “The number of Elm Tree cars we see everywhere gives us all a great sense of pride.
“Customers often send photographs of cars with the Elm Tree logo they have seen in far away places.
“I am personally extremely grateful, even moved, by those loyal customers and friends who have, and continue, to support us.”
It comes after a major dealership chain announced the opening of a new branch, bringing with it 25 new jobs.
Meanwhile, urban explorers discovered an abandoned Ford showroom full of untouched vintage motors.