Lookers gets planning go-ahead to power on with full Nissan site redevelopment at Portland Road
Lookers is investing a further £3.25 million in its nationwide network of Nissan dealerships with the addition of a bright, modern landmark dealership at Portland Road in Newcastle which will open in spring next year.
One of the UK’s leading automotive and service groups, Lookers only opened the doors on a new £1 million Nissan dealership at Gateshead earlier this year following similar transformations in Chester and Carlisle in 2022.
Plans for the new state-of-the-art Nissan dealership at Portland Road, which will see the existing 30-year-old facility replaced to accommodate a striking new showroom, spacious workshops and enhanced customer facilities including a dedicated handover bay, more parking and additional EV charging points, have been green light by Newcastle City Council.
The final refurbishment is expected to be officially unveiled to customers in spring 2024, though the dealership remains open throughout the build, with all normal services still available on site.
The new showroom will accommodate seven new Nissan models, including the new all-electric Nissan ARIYA, featuring cutting-edge design and powerful electric mobility, the British-built Qashqai – officially the UK’s most popular new car last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Representing a major local investment, the new dealership at Portland Road in the Shieldfield district of Newcastle upon Tyne, will be similar in size to the existing dealership at 2,578 sq. metres on a site of 5,446 sq. metres and will accommodate 65 staff – including three new hires.
Lookers’ Franchise Director, Steve Eley, said:
“Backed by fresh investment, cutting-edge design and a focus on sustainability in an all-electric driving future, our new Nissan dealership at Portland Road will deliver world class facilities for customers and staff and will act as a standout showcase for this leading brand’s growing portfolio of award-winning cars and approved used vehicles.”
The single-storey design incorporates a showroom including car display areas, a meet-and-greet space, sales and aftersales areas, office accommodation and a luxurious customer lounge, while staff will enjoy a new workshop and a dedicated canteen.
Externally, the plans approved also include car demo areas and a used vehicle display area as part of a redevelopment that aligns with the futuristic and sustainable design aspirations and will incorporate the manufacturer’s new two-dimensional logo. Duncan McPhee, Lookers Group Chief Operations Officer, said:
“We’re delighted to further invest in our longstanding and successful partnership with Nissan and provide our customers with best-in-class customer facilities which befit this future-focused and hugely popular brand.
Lookers has represented Nissan at Portland Road for more than 15 years and we’re excited to embark on a new investment journey signalling growth and additional jobs in a real vote of confidence in the local community and wider region.”
Lookers is one of the largest multi-franchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland, representing 33 volume and premium car manufacturers across a network of over 150 franchised locations, and has a team of more than 6,500 staff.