West based HSH motor company is set to unveil its new Bath Honda showroom in Prior Park, Bath in time for an Autumn launch.
The Bath dealership changed hands recently as part of a flurry of recent deals which have seen major motor manufacturers jostling for the best positions on the Roadside as the industry pulls away following the downturn.
William Jolly, Director of Colliers International’s specialist Automotive and Roadside team based in Bristol which helped broker the deal, said: “The current market has created ideal opportunities for canny motor manufacturers and dealer groups to move in on the best sites.”
Audi switched its Bath operation to brand new premises at Peasedown St John on the outskirts of the city in 2007 leaving the Prior Park site vacant for more than four years, much to the concern of local residents. Jolly said that the deal had required particularly sensitive handling given the uncertainty over the site’s future.
He said: “A clause in the head lease meant the site could only be used as a car showroom. All and sundry came along trying to acquire the site but were unable to get around the restrictive covenant. Our specialist Automotive and Roadside team was finally able to negotiate terms with a new tenant, much to the relief of the neighbours who had worried about the future of the premises given its unique situation in one of Bath’s most attractive residential and tourist areas.”
William Jolly said the movements signalled increased confidence in the sector.
“We are seeing people return to the market to expand their network in the West. A number of operators are on the expansion trail at a time when they are not coming up against as much competition for sites from the residential and retail sector. We have active requirements from manufacturers and dealer operators in Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Reading and Southampton.”
Colliers International’s specialist Automotive & Roadside team are recognised as one of the leading property advisers to the UK automotive industry with offices across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
