Motorpoint plans new Chester dealership with 46 jobs
The used-car retailer wants to transform a former industrial site on Sealand Road with a showroom, workshop and dedicated valet building.
By Cheshire Live
Motorpoint has submitted plans for a new car dealership on Sealand Road in Chester which could create 46 jobs.
The proposal would redevelop a 15,794 square metre former industrial site previously occupied by Ungerer & The Quality Factor.
The site originally contained six building blocks, three of which have already been demolished. Motorpoint proposes retaining and refurbishing the remaining buildings as part of the dealership development.
Plans submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council include a showroom, vehicle workshop and a separate valet building.
The application says 46 members of staff would work across the site over seven days, with 22 parking spaces provided for employees.
Proposed showroom opening hours are 10am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
Much of the scheme would involve reusing and upgrading the existing buildings rather than constructing an entirely new development.
Planning documents describe the site as underused brownfield land and argue that bringing it back into commercial use would generate employment and new investment in the area.
Motorpoint also says the dealership would complement the existing mix of automotive, retail and employment uses along Sealand Road.
The location forms part of Chester’s established western employment area. Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning policy protects employment land at Sealand Industrial Estate and Chester West Employment Park and supports improvements within the area.
Sealand Road has developed into one of Chester’s main commercial corridors, with a mixture of industrial premises, car dealerships and large retail businesses close to the city centre.
Motorpoint specialises in nearly new and used vehicles and operates a network of dealerships around the UK.
The Chester proposal remains subject to the planning process and has not yet been approved.
Cheshire West and Chester Council will consider the application before determining whether the redevelopment can proceed.