Dozens of new jobs could be created after plans were unveiled for a car dealership in Chester. Motorpoint has submitted an application to transform a site on Sealand Road into a dealership complete with showroom, workshop and dedicated valet building.
Site details and refurbishment
Launched in 1998, the company has 22 sites nationwide and claims to be the UK's 'leading independent retailer of nearly new and used cars'. The 15,794 square metre site had been occupied by Ungerer & The Quality Factor and consisted of six building blocks, three of which have recently been demolished. The remaining three would be refurbished as part of the proposals.
The application said the total number of staff employed would be 46 covering seven days. Staff parking would consist of 22 spaces.
Proposal aims
The application said: "The redevelopment will deliver a modern, customer‐focused dealership that meets Motorpoint's operational requirements while enhancing the commercial character of Sealand Road." It added: "The scheme introduces a coordinated site layout with improved circulation and clearly defined customer and service areas."
It said the proposal aligned with Chester's wider economic objectives by 'reactivating an underused brownfield site', generating new employment opportunities, and supporting investment in the local area. The application stated: "The dealership will strengthen the commercial offer along Sealand Road, complementing existing retail and automotive uses and contributing to the continued vitality of this established employment corridor."
Refurbishment focus and opening hours
The application said the proposed development focused on the re-use and refurbishment of the existing buildings within the application site with 'minimal additional interventions' to upgrade these empty buildings to 'high‐quality and modern standards'. It concluded: "Overall, the proposal represents a well‐considered and deliverable scheme that will make a positive contribution to existing brownfield site and the local area, and provide new commercial opportunities."
The proposed showroom opening hours would be Monday to Friday, 10am–8pm, Saturdays 9am–6pm, and Sundays 11am–5pm.
