Benfield, the north-east independent motor group, has embarked on a refurbishment and relocation process, which will see its Kia and Skoda showrooms swap with its Alfa Romeo franchise.

Benfield’s Alfa Romeo franchise has moved to Warwick Street in Newcastle, which previously housed two showrooms, one for Skoda and one for Kia.

The new Alfa showroom has seen a £250,000 investment and once fully open on January 16, it will be the largest Alfa showroom in the UK at 4,305 square feet.

Newcastle-based Meldrum Construction Services began work on the new Alfa site on November 17 and work was completed with no problems.

The Skoda and Kia franchises are now at Railway Street (the previous Alfa site), which has had a £500,000 investment on refurbishment and building work.

Both franchises now have more space for customer parking and have larger dedicated showrooms than at their previous Warwick Street home.

A Benfield spokesman said the showrooms were moved in reaction to an increase in sales and demand for the Kia and Skoda brands.

The Warwick Street site will continue to carry out service and repair work for Kia and Skoda, but will also offer Fiat servicing as an authorised repairer.

The spokesman said: “Benfield has recorded a significant growth in new vehicle sales with Kia and Skoda and both have out-performed national figures. 

“The low running costs and high residual values are now attracting more cost-conscious motorists.”

He declined to reveal sales figures.

Benfield’s expansion plans at Railway Street and Warwick Street follow an increase in turnover across its 25 strong dealerships to £316.3 million.