Bristol Street Motors creates new jobs with opening of £500k Stockton-on-Tees site

Bristol Street Motors Motornation has created 15 jobs as it opens the doors to its latest dealership in Stockton-on-Tees. This follows a £500k investment from the group the brand is part of, which now holds 160 sales outlets nationwide.

The former Evans Halshaw site at Preston Farm Industrial Estate has been transformed to now include an extensive forecourt and 10-ramp service centre, as well as a Kids’ Zone featuring a pool table, Xbox console and other activities.

Around 150 used vehicles are on display at the site, with thousands more available for delivery through the group’s wider network of dealerships.

The now Bristol Street Motors Motornation site was acquired in December 2021 and has undergone significant refurbishment ahead of its opening. This includes an overhaul of soft furnishings, new signage and a “state-of-the-art” service centre for servicing and repairs.

The location was previously a Reg Vardy Rover dealership before the chain was bought by Pendragon in 2005, becoming part of its Evans Halshaw division, where it subsequently closed a few years ago.

Kevin Parkinson, who has most recently worked for Bristol Street Motors at sites in Sheffield, is returning to his native North East to oversee the dealership. He said: “A lot of work has gone into getting the site ready for opening.

“It was empty for quite a while, but with such a prominent position and a large vehicle display area, we thought it was the perfect location for a Motornation site.

“I’m delighted to be back on home turf and serving Teesside customers again. There’s something for everyone at Bristol Street Motors Motornation Stockton; vehicles to suit all budgets, and affordable and high-quality servicing.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Bristol Street Motors, added: “We’re very pleased to open the doors of this fantastic dealership, following a significant redevelopment and investment.

“The changes that the used car market has undergone in the last two years has allowed us to expand the Bristol Street Motors brand, but we have also diversified the Motornation site to offer vehicle servicing and repairs.”