Penton Motor Group has said that it will commence plans to develop a £2.5 million “retail hub” when coronavirus lockdown measures are eased.

The Wiltshire-based new and used car retail group, which represents Vauxhall, Citroen, Peugeot and DS Automobiles across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, is hoping to expand its commercial propoerty portfolio with the creation of the facility in Stony Lane, Christchurch.

A statement issued by the £60 million turnover group said that it had built four new showrooms for its franchised motor business and renovated a further three separate investment buildings over the past eight years

Commenting on the new venture into commercial property development, it added: “This is a new direction for the long-established Wilson family business, which has locations in Christchurch, Poole, Andover and Salisbury, to develop a ground-up commercial investment property other than for its own use.”

Penton Group managing director, Robert Wilson, said: “This new development demonstrates our confidence in the commercial property sector and the Christchurch area.

“With the possible creation of 30 jobs, it represents a significant boost for the local economy and regeneration of a disused brownfield site.

“It is an exciting circa £2.5m investment for our business, on which we can use our expertise and experience in showrooms and service centre development to expand further into the commercial property market.”

Described by the group as “a trading hub for businesses”, the new development – to be known as Penton Business Park – will be built on the disused former site of Boyland Joinery.

Penton’s plans will create five units measuring between 4,000sq-ft, and 12,000sq-ft which could house a trade counter, light industrial and possible gym uses with parking for 50 vehicles.

Fellow Christchurch firm John Reid & Sons Ltd (REIDsteel) has designed and manufactured the steel frames, decking, cladding, glazing and doors for the project.

Penton’s statement claimed that leading national chains had already taken space in the development, with up to 12,000sq-ft remaining available.

Wilson said: “We all look forward to seeing this development progress as soon as conditions allow.”