CAR dealership bosses are looking to create almost 40 new jobs and retain 133 others with the opening of a major showroom.

Halliwell Jones (Wilmslow) is seeking to create a BMW and Mini car showroom near Handforth Dean Retail Park.

The scheme would see a major expansion of the business and the opening of a new premium used car sale business at vacant land off Coppice Way and Lower Meadow Way.

The development would replace the BMW and Mini showrooms in Wilmslow and the Halliwell Jones Bodyshop at Brooke Park, combining both on one site.

Halliwell Jones has been looking to relocate these facilities for more than three years as its current facilities are ‘constrained by their locations and the adjacent uses, which impacts their operation and potential for expansion’.

Planning permission for the scheme is being sought from Cheshire East Council.

“The proposals will deliver significant economic benefits, including the retention of an important local employer, including the 133 jobs it supports, plus the creation of 36 jobs through an expansion of its existing business and creation of a new premium used car sales business,” said a report by DPP Planning with the application.

“In addition, the proposed relocation of the existing facilities will allow the existing sites and buildings to be reoccupied, potentially supporting between 93 and 163 new jobs in the local area.”

The BMW showroom would be relocated from premises on the corner of Manchester Road and Dean Row Road in Wilmslow.

The Mini showroom and servicing workshop part of the business would move from its current site at Summerfield Village Centre off Dean Row Road.

The current bodyshop is at the Brooke Park employment area off Lower Meadow Road.

The land earmarked for the development is vacant despite being allocated for employment use for more than 20 years.

The four-storey dealership would comprise a showroom, used car sales area, offices, maintenance depot, workshop, bodyshop, car park and car storage areas.

A report by MDG architects said: “The project will provide a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, which will see the consolidation of sales, servicing and repair activities, currently split across three sites in outdates facilities, and will allow for business growth.

“The quality of the scheme will help regenerate the site and the local area, and the dealership will also draw people to the area, offering more trade to the neighbouring commercial units.”