Redundant Fiat showroom starts hosting weddings

A Fiat car showroom in Kent which has remained empty and redundant for some 13 years is now a venue for weddings and parties.

The property alongside the A2 at Rainham, which was formerly home to Medway Autos Fiat, has been fully refurbished and launched as the Christine House wedding, events and banquet venue.

The repurposed car dealership provides space for up to 450 people, and has a bar and lounge alongside a bridal room, reception area and kitchen.

Emily Lockwood, business development manager for Christine House, said: "This building has been dormant for 13 years and it's been a two year project and now we are at completion which is so exciting."

She told Kent Online: "The Beulah Lounge is going to be great for the local community – offering breakfast, brunch, afternoon teas, evening grills, cocktails - it is going to be a really great place for family and friends to come to."

Images taken by Google Streetview since 2008 show the Medway Autos dealership closed and abandoned, except for occasional use of its front forecourt for parking. 

A neighbouring Hyundai dealership continued to trade.

In 2006 Mohamad Joorabchian, the founder and chairman of Medway Autos' parent group, Greens Motor Group, collapsed and died suddenly the day after opening his newest outlet representing Vauxhall and Saab.