Cartime has begun the transformation of a former Aldi supermarket in Rochdale to create its latest used car showroom.

Work has commenced on the half a million-pound refurbishment project which, combined with the development of a new premium 4x4 centre across from the business’ existing site in Bury, are set to take its total vehicle stock from 700 to 1,200 vehicles.

Cartime announced in July that it had exchanged contracts on the Edinburgh Way Aldi premises in a £1.6 million deal, which will create 25 jobs for the local area, and Cartime is hoping to open its doors in January.

Matt Kay, Cartime managing director (pictured), said: “We have always strived to do things differently to other used car dealers and this new showroom will set us even further apart from the competition.

“Investing in technology and the latest innovations to offer the very best customer experience is at the heart of what we do, and this new brand new site gives us the opportunity to drive this model forward even further.

“It is an extensive site and will house more than 200 high quality, prestige used cars – most of which will be handpicked by myself. We look forward to opening the doors to the new showroom in January and welcoming customers inside.”

Cartime’s new 1.6-acre Rochdale dealership will feature a vehicle handover area and in-house coffee shop.

Electronic screens showcasing Cartime’s latest offers and vehicles will also be installed throughout.

Last month Cartime announced the imminent creation of its new 4x4 centre at a dealership site recently vacated due to the relocation of Farnell Land Rover.

That facility will deliver a further 19,000 sq-ft of retail space on which to display 250 used premium off-roaders.

Kay said: “Demand for used 4x4s in the North West is continuing to rise and we saw taking over Farnells’ vacant site as a huge opportunity for us.

“With more than 250 vehicles in stock at the site, we believe we will become one of the largest specialist used 4x4 centres in the North West.”