Lotus is planning to redevelop its Hethel headquarters to include a customer experience centre, heritage centre and museum.

As part of the brand’s 70-year anniversary celebrations, the 100-acre site in Norfolk is set to undergo extensive development following the brand’s acquisition by Geely last year.

Lotus dealers will be able to invite new and existing customers to the proposed facility, where the entire model range will be displayed.

Buyers can configure their exact specification in private salons and then take delivery of their car on site, accroding to the brand.

The heritage centre and museum will incorporate the site’s original main office and executive suites. It will display a wide range of Lotus vehicles and exhibits.

Bringing the original executive suite, including Colin Chapman’s office, to life, the heritage centre and museum will allow visitors and staff to experience the history and heritage at the heart of Lotus.

Alongside the heritage centre and museum, a new restaurant will provide hospitality facilities for a wide range of activities.

The Lotus test track will remain at the centre of the operation.

Group Lotus’ chief executive officer, Feng Qingfeng, said: “The progress of these developments at Hethel demonstrates our commitment to Lotus and its bright future. Hethel is rightly the centre of the brand and what better place for customers, aspiring owners and staff to experience our values. Hethel is, and will always be, the heart of Lotus and our plans are the next step in readying the site for the next 50 years.”

The announcement of the investment comes less than a week after Endeavour Automotive opened its standalone Lotus dealership in Colchester, around 45 miles from Lotus Cars’ headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk.