JCT600 granted planning permission to redevelop Mercedes-Benz dealership in Harrogate

JCT600, the Bradford-headquartered car retailer, secured approval at a planning committee meeting to redevelop its Mercedes-Benz dealership in Pannal, just outside Harrogate.

The proposal will see the site increase in size with a full refurbishment of the existing building.

The final approved design was agreed after a several months working with the Harrogate Borough Council planning team to find an acceptable landscaping solution for the site.

Located close to the Grade-II listed viaduct, the site is in the Crimple Valley Special Landscape Area.

The company, which acquired the dealership on Leeds Road in April 2015, plans to invest more than £1.7m to transform the existing building and valeting bay into a modern, customer-centric showroom, incorporating Mercedes-Benz branding and digital integration.

The revamped showroom will feature low cost and sustainable energy initiatives including a ‘smart’ wireless energy management system and LED lighting, in line with the company’s sustainability policy.

JCT600 has acquired a one-acre site adjacent to the dealership enabling it to enlarge the facility which will include an eight car showroom for new vehicles with a dedicated handover lounge, plus capacity for 65 pre-owned vehicles externally.

The new site will feature a full range of customer facilities such as an internet café, dedicated after sales lounge and a specially designed kids zone with iPads and game station.

Mark Taylor, property director of JCT600, said: “Mercedes-Benz enjoys one of the most prominent locations for motor retail in Harrogate, being next to the M&S Simply Food outlet and BP petrol station close to Pannal.

“We did seriously consider relocating the business, but concluded that with the right vision and investment, it could be transformed to create a prestigious facility which would meet the growth aspirations of JCT600 and Mercedes-Benz.

“This development will not only improve the appearance of the site for years to come, but also protect the jobs of the 44-strong team who work there.

“We’re also proud that the refurbished facility will be as environmentally-friendly as possible, in line with our ongoing sustainability roll-out across our network of dealerships.”