Clive Brook Volvo has committed to a multi-million-pound redevelopment of its existing Bradford dealership after “complex existing lease arrangements” stalled its relocation plans.
The two-site franchised retailer is set to transform its Canal Road site to the Swedish carmaker’s latest Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) corporate identity after walking away from its aim of occupying a nearby former Jaguar showroom formerly operated by Appleyards, Jardine Motors Group and Farnell.
“Due to complex existing lease arrangements and an increase in construction costs, the retailer did not feel the move would be a commercially sensible decision under the current economic climate,” said a statement issued by Volvo Car UK.
Twin sites
Clive Brook’s redevelopment scheme will be supported by a second Bradford location, however.
The group acquired a second Bradford site back in 2020 and is now preparing to create a new vehicle preparation and cosmetic repair facility there, providing the business with extra capacity throughout the works which are set to get underway in June.
Clive Brook, retailer principal at Clive Brook Volvo – previously profiled in an interview with AM magazine – said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Clive Brook Volvo – with the appointment of two fantastic team members and our new-look showroom soon to take shape.
“This refurbishment is about more than a change of furniture – it’s designed to create a space where our customers can feel relaxed and at ease in an environment that provides flexible waiting, working and assessment areas.
“With the phasing-out of petrol and diesel cars in the coming years, our new state-of-the-art facility will be ready for the future, with a range of plug-in hybrid models to choose from – plus the pure electric C40 – alongside a selection of used cars from our Volvo Selekt range.”
Brook added: “We cannot wait to welcome customers to our new-look home for all their Volvo requirements and, crucially, a personalised experience with our expert team.”
New look, new faces
Accompanying the creation of Clive Brook’s new-look showroom is the appointment of two new team members.
Coachworks consulting founder and managing director Karl Davis joins the group as non-executive director, bringing 40 years of experience in the motoring industry.
Davis’s main objective over the next 12 months is to help Clive Brook Volvo achieve above average performances in sales and customer service.
Also joining the business is Shelley Phillips, who becomes group aftersales manager.
Phillips, formerly of Marshall Motor Group and TrustFord, has extensive automotive experience, including four years with Volvo, where she has won numerous Regional Champions Awards.