Malmesbury, Wiltshire-based dealer David Hendry Cars is to relocate its operations after 27 years on the same site, moving into specially converted farm buildings near the town.

The two acre site includes 8,500sq ft of space inside the buildings, soon to house a purpose-built 10-car showroom, four-bay workshop, MoT station and engine repair facility.

Hendry will continue to import specialist Subarus and serve as a main dealer for SsangYong on the new site; the company is also looking to maintain its relationship with TVR.

Senior partner David Hendry says the location provides a solution to the problem of getting planning permission in the area, although a development of this type is not without its constraints.

Strict government planning regulations mean the conversion must be carried out in a way that retains the look of the existing buildings, giving the completed facility a distinctive rural feel – a far cry from the more usual purpose built glass and steel showrooms.

Hendry says: “We are spending £750,000 including purchase of the property, and are confident that investment in a new site will raise our profile locally and provide service facilities for the much expanding town.”

Business partner Stephen Waine is to leave the partnership this year, and will be replaced by David’s son Andrew, who has worked as service manager for 13 years.