JCT600 opens new sustainable showroom for Hull Audi

The new sustainable facility that houses the Audi showroom in Hull has been opened by JCT600, featuring one of the most advanced building management control systems in the motor industry.

The official opening is the culmination of a 12-month project and marks the completion of JCT600’s investment in the redevelopment of its Hull Audi dealership, which has already created 15 new jobs.

The project began in November 2012 with the acquisition of a 3.4 acre site on Saxon Way, Priory Park, opposite JCT600’s existing Audi dealership.

Buildings on the new site, formerly part of KCom, were demolished and Hull-based PDR Construction started work on JCT600’s new energy efficient Audi dealership. The building’s management control system enables the energy usage of the building to be controlled and closely monitored.

In addition, there is also a weather station on the roof to automatically control the window blinds.

Almost entirely covered in solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, the showroom is able to generate its own electricity and sell any surplus back to the national grid. Energy and water consumption is closely monitored and daily reports are provided to check on overuse or wastage.

The new expanded facilities include a 12 car showroom, a large customer lounge and a children’s play area downstairs as well as a second lounge on the first floor, featuring individual office work stations with printing and scanning facilities, as part of a dedicated after sales area.

The new Hull Audi also has display space for 70 used vehicles; a 16 bay workshop with MOT facilities; and new five bay valeting facilities.

Steven Kirby, head of business at JCT600’s Hull Audi dealership, said: “The popularity of the Audi brand meant that we had simply outgrown our former premises. This has been a huge and complex project which has created a fantastic, spacious and high tech showroom for Audi customers which will greatly improve their experience when they visit us. As well as bringing 15 new jobs to Hull, it has also added a stylish modern building to a high profile gateway into the city.”

Mark Taylor, group property director at JCT600, added: “After almost three years from planning to completion, we are proud to have completely transformed a run down, vacant site into a truly eye-catching building. Complete with Audi’s latest innovative ‘Terminal Architecture’ design incorporating striking exterior perforated aluminum panels, Hull now boasts one of the most modern, high tech Audi dealerships in the UK.

“We are already receiving great feedback from customers as they enjoy the stylish environment and improved facilities. The building’s eco friendly ‘green’ credentials are also proving a talking point -from a high tech wireless building management system, to our largest ever solar panel investment covering the whole showroom roof. The sustainable design also features almost all LED lights, including external lighting - the first time that we have been able to do this. We are proud to have made the building as energy-efficient as possible.”