The Chorley Group, which operates Fiat, Nissan, Kia and Hyundai franchises, has unveiled plans for a new workshop on land adjacent to its premises on Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool, at a cost of more then £1 million.

The move is set to create yet more jobs at the showrooms just months after they took on 11 new members of staff including technicians, reception staff and managers in 2014.

The firm has already completed a deal to purchase a one-acre site from a national property development company.

The new workshop will include four ramps and a Class 7 MoT bay.

Chorley Group sales director Pauline Turner said: “Business has really picked up over the last 12 months, to the point where we are starting to run out of space.

“These new facilities are therefore vital to our future success and will enhance the customer experience.

“As well as the new workshop, we are also planning to increase our used car displays and create more customer parking.

“We are also refurbishing our Nissan and Hyundai showrooms to bring them in line with the manufacturers’ new corporate branding.

“Those plans include creating a new customer lounge and waiting area, and the new showrooms will also be deskless.”

Work will start on the new facility as soon as planning permission has been granted.

“If all goes to plan we hope to have the new workshop ready by the middle of next year.

“This will dramatically increase our after sales capacity, which means we will also need to recruit a team of additional technicians.”

The Chorley Group is a family-run business with dealerships in Blackpool, Chorley, Preston, Burnley and Wigan. (Source: Blackpool Gazette)