Arnold Clark has submitted plans to transform a former Toys R Us store into a car retail facility as part of the expansion of its Motorstore used car supermarket sites.

A planning application has been lodged with Warrington Borough Council detailing the plan to transform the former toy shop’s six-acre location into a larger used car retail facility than that it currently occupies on Farrell Street in the town.

The former toy shop site, which was closed by Toys R Us in April last year, two months after the business went into administration, is located on land adjacent to the AM100 car retail group’s Renault franchise, on the Gemini Retail Park.

In its planning application to Warrington Borough Council, Arnold Clark said: “Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd. are currently implementing a country wide rebranding and refurbishment scheme which includes constructing new car showrooms.

"Arnold Clark believe that this site in Warrington is an excellent location to expand their business, provide an excellent customer experience and ultimately, create employment opportunities within the area; both during construction and when fully operational.

"The entire site is proposed for motor trade.

"The existing building will be converted for use as a vehicle showroom with offices, service and body repair workshop and vehicle /prep/photography facilities with vehicle washing facilities building being housed in an extension to the back of the building in the service yard area."

Arnold Clark said that the new Warrington facility would feature parking for 200 display vehicles alongside stock storage for 100 vehicles.

In February last year the contribution of the Motorstore network to the overall success of Arnold Clark Automobiles was acknowledged by AM Awards judges when the group claimed the titles of Dealer Group of the Year and Best Used Car Dealer (Franchised).

The opening of new branches (including a Motorstore car supermarket in Doncaster) contributed to a 10% increase in used car sales in 2018 (up 7.5% like-for-like).

The group’s Motorstore used car vehicle network currently features 32 locations across the UK.

AM approached the group for further plans of its planned “country wide rebranding and refurbishment scheme” this morning (January 2).