REFURBISHMENT of a Christchurch car dealership will see a new brand come to the site - with a service centre nearby where supermarket plans were previously drawn up.

Westover Jaguar will be joining Westover Land Rover at Bailey Retail Park, off Barrack Road.

The showroom is going to redeveloped to accommodate both makes under one roof.

Building work is already underway to create vehicle workshops and a service centre on a stand-alone six-acre plot close the showroom.

The plans received planning permission by Christchurch Borough Council earlier this year.

The aftersales facility is being built at the rear of the retail park, the site of a previous proposal for a major supermarket.

The land had been earmarked by developers Quantum, with an Asda food store destined for the site.

The developers gained planning permission for a supermarket on the former MoD testing facility, but after Asda pulled out of the scheme Quantum later put the site up for sale.

Three acres of the service centre site will be allocated to parking, with 72 dedicated customer spaces. There will also be 27 service and MOT work bays, and two dedicated electric vehicle stations at the new location, as well as upgraded car wash and valeting facilities.

Westover Group managing director, Paul Dillon, said: “We’re really excited to have been granted planning approval and with the build now well underway, we have begun the count down until completion.”

“The finished showroom will be stunning – sleek and modern and utterly in keeping with the look of the latest range of iconic cars from Jaguar Land Rover.

“Our teams will do their very best to minimise disruption for customers and we expect the impact to be limited due to a clever build schedule.

"However, we can provide home test drives as well as a collection and delivery service for anyone who prefers not to visit the showroom whilst work is underway.

“The level of investment we’re making reflects our commitment to Christchurch and our love of doing business here. We currently employ 55 local people and the new showroom will bring some additional employment opportunities to the area.”

The new Westover Jaguar Land Rover Centre will feature an 18-car showroom accommodating seven of the newest models in the Jaguar range and 11 from Land Rover.

The refurbished complex will also feature a hospitality area with a barista bar and children’s area.

Westover Jaguar will be relocating to Christchurch from its current location on West Quay Road in Poole.