Repair centre to create five jobs

22/12/2010

A NEW car servicing and repair sector centre is opening in Hull as part of a national roll-out.

Car parts retailer Halfords expanded its services by buying Nationwide Autocentres in February in a deal reportedly worth £73.2 million.

The company’s move to Great Union Street is one of 200 new centres being opened, which altogether will create 1,000 jobs nationally.

Simon Allen, network development manager for Halfords Autocentres, said the Hull site will create five new jobs.

He said: “It’s an extremely prominent location, the right size and right price for the business.

“I expect it will be a success at the new site, where we will carry out MOT’s, services, and car repairs.”

The building comprises a detached steel frame in a location described by surveyors at Garness Jones as “one of the most visible main-road positions in Hull”.

It has internal offices, stores, a large open-plan area and toilet and kitchen facilities.

It also has car parking and extensive landscaped areas, providing scope for further expansion.

Mr. Allen said: “The new venture will raise awareness and should help the business grow.

“I’m very pleased with the new location and I’m looking forward to it opening.”

The takeover will also lead to Nationwide’s 230 outlets being re-branded as Halfords Autocentres.

Paul White, a surveyor at Garness Jones, said: “It’s been on the market for just more than a year. There has been interest, but it was just finding that right client.

“This has been a good result for both parties and we have both been left very satisfied.

“The building is in a prominent position and should generate a lot of business and attention.”

Halfords Autocentres is due to open in February next year.

Links: Garness Jones       

www.garnessjones.co.uk