Lancashire car dealer Bowker will begin building a new group headquarters and motorcycle dealership after Preston City Council approved plans for a six-figure transformation of the former Preston Docks' customs' office. (Architects drawings above)

The newly-approved plans extend the existing nautical themed building by 4,500 square feet providing in total 13,000 square feet at this Preston docklands gateway location.

As well as a new administrative and marketing hub for Bowker Motor Group, the ground floor has been earmarked for a new dealership - Bowker Motor Group’s 10th - and the home of the recently-acquired BMW Motorrad operation currently trading as Southport Superbikes.

The new building is expected to open in the summer.

Bowker Motor Group chief executive, Paul Bowker, said: “We’ve enjoyed an exciting period of exciting period of expansion over the last two years.

"This latest investment continues our ongoing commitment to the Lancashire motoring sector. Our new headquarters building will establish Bowker as the biggest motor dealer in the Preston area.

“There has been a lot of hard work, planning and thought gone into our plans for a building which will transform the main gateway to Preston docks. It’s a prominent and prestigious location and we hope people will be proud of what we are building.

“We are very grateful to the authorities and the team of professionals who have helped us make it through the crucial planning stage.”

The building was officially acquired in October from event management company Glasgows which has moved to new premises.

The proposed development, designed by Preston-based architectural and planning consultancy practice Cassidy + Ashton, features a first floor administration suite of offices for the group’s directors, training and marketing department.

The plans also cover key environmental and sustainability considerations including underground surface water attenuation, efficient lighting and photovoltaics on the roof. The building will include an employee shower block in response to demand from employees cycling to work.

Bowker Motor Group already owned nine dealerships including BMW, Mini and Maserati franchises in Blackburn, Preston and Osbaldeston. Southport Superbikes became the 10th, joining Harley-Davidson Preston as the second prestige motorcycle dealership in the group.