Bowker Motor Group is to begin work on a £300,000 refurbishment of its Mini centre on Trident Park, Blackburn.

Work begins today with the Mini centre remains open as usual throughout the eight week project, following the brand’s new product and global brand strategy.

The centre will have a new open-plan layout: space for up to six cars; a customer lounge and a coffee bar with complimentary refreshments.

The result will be a new community hub for East Lancashire drivers and Mini enthusiasts.

Bowker Mini manager Daniel Gibson said:  “The new open plan showroom will be a big change for us all.

“It will offer a great space to work in, and meet customers old and new. This is where most of our customers begin their Mini journey. So everything about the experience has to be right from the start.

“Mini enjoys a devout following from East Lancashire drivers. And we hope they’ll visit the new showroom when complete.”

Bowker Blackburn’s site on Trident Park includes a BMW and Mini franchise owned by Bowker Motor Group. Bowker Motor Group’s East Lancashire dealership opened in Accrington in 1987 before moving to Trident Park in Blackburn in 2006.

The latest Mini centre refurbishment represents the most significant infrastructure investment on the Bowker site in Blackburn for five years. 

In 2012 the motor group installed 206 new solar panels on the roof of the BMW centre.

The installation is believed to be the biggest of any similar installation in the motor trade.

> Picture: the current Bowker Blackburn site