Motor dealership pays more than £3m for distribution site

AN eight-acre site in North Staffordshire is set to become a new storage and distribution hub for a national motor dealer.

Arnold Clark Automobile has secured the site in Linley Road, Kidsgrove to serve as a distribution base for more than 1,000 cars.

Agent Harris Lamb secured a price in excess of £3m for the site, which was previously occupied by AAH Pharmaceuticals for warehousing and distribution.
 
The old building was demolished last year, leaving the 8.79-acre site clear for redevelopment. Having successfully obtained planning permission, the motor group will shortly commission construction work on a vehicle preparation and amenity block.
 
Andrew Groves, who oversaw the sale on behalf of Manchester-based Realty Estates, said: “This site will be used as a storage and distribution centre for up to 1,100 cars, which will be brought down from Arnold Clark’s Scottish base and subsequently distributed to the company’s network of dealerships in Staffordshire and the Midlands.
 
“The business was attracted to the site as it was one of very few flat, level sites within North Staffordshire and South Cheshire available to buy.
 
“That opportunity, combined with its size and its access to the motorway network meant that it ticked every box for the business. It represents a great investment into the region and continues to cement its reputation as a UK employment hub.”

Arnold Clark was established in 1954 and has gone on to operate 200 dealerships across the UK. The business also has 130 service centres, 40 accident repair centres and 13 parts centres.
 
Colliers International acted for Arnold Clark.