South West family-owned car sales group Helston Garages is expanding its foothold in Taunton following a deal steered by Colliers International.

Currently located on three separate sites in the town, Helston has agreed a package with Taunton Deane Borough Council to switch its Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo showrooms to two purpose-built units on a former council depot site, one mile east of the town centre.

Colliers International Automotive & Roadside director Will Jolly said the deal – which had taken the best part of three years to come to fruition – would secure the future of the businesses in the town.

He said: “This really is a major coup for all parties concerned. This is an excellent site and keeps three valuable businesses in Taunton. The town will retain these major occupiers with all the benefits in terms of jobs and footfall, while Helston Garages will be able to switch operations to a new purpose built site which will allow the businesses to flourish.”

The redevelopment of the Priory Depot site was given a resolution to grant planning permission at the council planning committee in October.

Helston Garages Group managing director Andy Barrett said: “We have always been committed to delivering the right facilities in Taunton for Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo customers to enjoy.

This permission was key to the deal as it will mean that the three Helston Garages Group businesses will be able to expand into their new state of the art showroom and workshop premises, once building works are completed.

“It’s great to now be able to say with some certainty that we will be able to achieve this and strengthen our presence in Taunton and we are looking forward to the opening in 2017.”

Leader of Taunton Deane Council Cllr John Williams said: “We are very pleased Helston Garages will be taking up the DLO Depot site at Priory Way in Taunton. This will help consolidate the area as a destination for premier car dealerships. The site is a prime location at the gateway to Taunton.

“We welcome Helston Garages and the creation of new jobs. The relocation of the DLO is all part of our regeneration strategy for Taunton and maximising our assets for the benefit of our community.”

Local MP Rebecca Pow said: “I was delighted to hear that planning permission had been granted for this excellent scheme – it is just the sort of regeneration that Taunton is keen to embrace and it will play an important role in securing the future economy of the area.”

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