Donalds Group’s company directors dug in the first spade to get work officially underway at the group's latest Mazda and Volvo double-dealership development in Ipswich.

The traditional ‘ground-breaking’ ceremony saw directors dig the first hole at Ipswich’s Futura Park ahead of the creation of the two new franchised sites which Donalds said will provide "exciting employment opportunities throughout the local area" for both the sales and aftersales departments.

Recruitment for the two new sites will commence shortly before the planned build completion date in summer this year. 

The Group’s chief executive, Daniel Stone, said: “Futura Park is a prestigious location, with high-profile outlets and we’re immensely excited to get started on this new chapter in Donalds’ history. 

“Our cutting- edge facilities will deliver much more than just vehicle sales and maintenance – they will create a truly memorable retail experience, in luxurious surroundings.

"We hope to be seen as a comfortable and welcoming ‘second home’ for customers returning to use our aftersales facilities, or even just stopping by for a friendly fresh coffee.”

The Mazda showroom will host the manufacturers new retail concept, the ‘Customer Interaction Zone’ – an area within the showroom where customers can sit down with Donalds staff and learn about products through technology.

The new larger showroom will benefit from a new forecourt and a workshop extension, increasing the service bays to seven.

The Volvo showroom will follow the brand’s Retail Experience concept, which sees 40% of floor space dedicated to a living area for customers and the workshop will be fully visible through large windows.

Once construction is finished, customers and guests will be invited to an opening party, which Donald’s has promised to be “unforgettable”.

VIP passes can be obtained online for the launch event at Futura Park.

Pictured: (L) Graham Wemyss,Sam Hamblin, Daniel Stone, Wendy Hawtin and Dan Le Cocq