Expansion enters final phase

Work has begun on site for the final phase of Howard Group’s three-phase development at Interchange Park, Bedford, to expand Motorvogue’s multi-brand dealership following the grant of planning permission last year.

This last stage of the project will deliver a 3,470sqft extension of the existing 11,000sqft showroom for multi-brand dealership tenant Motorvogue, as well as the construction of a new Renault and Dacia showroom measuring 3,120sqft. Howard Group will be working in collaboration with contractor Cadman Construction, a third generation family business based in Colchester. In 2017 Cadman completed the construction of the Haverhill Retail Park in Haverhill on behalf of Howard Group.

The addition to the retail park will bring further jobs and investment to the town, primarily through the relocation of the Renault and Dacia franchise from Clapham in north Bedfordshire. The expansion of Motorvogue’s current premises will see the business’ floor space increase to 14,470sqft, retaining its external display area for 120 cars and a vehicle preparation and servicing centre of 6,000sqft. Motorvogue Bedford is a multi-brand dealership which already offers new car sales from Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Seat and Hyundai.

Jon Pochin, managing director at Motorvogue, said, ‘Interchange Park has brought us huge success, and we are thrilled to expand on this with the new Renault and Dacia showroom. The development as a whole has proved instrumental to the growth of our business, and we’re excited to enter this next phase of Motorvogue’s evolution.’

Colin Brown, director of portfolio development at Howard Group, said, ‘The completion of Interchange Park is a milestone for us. Howard Group was founded in Bedford and remains committed to investing in the area, having owned the site for a number of years now. We’re very proud to have Motorvogue as a tenant and to know that the estate is helping the business flourish.’