Lookers re-opens Stockport Renault dealership 12 months after fire

Lookers has officially re-opened the doors to its Renault dealership in Stockport – 12 months after a blaze that devastated the site.

A total of fourteen fire engines attended the incident at the height of the fire in the early hours of September 2 last year and the resulting renovation work has been all-encompassing.

The AM100 retail group has welcomed customers back to a facility which has been upgraded throughout and has been able to grow its workshop capacity from 10 to 12 ramps in time to join the COVID-19 recovery.

There are also new meeting rooms, team break rooms and an indoor handover area.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News branch manager, David Sowerby, said: “All clouds have a silver lining.

“I’m excited to see the site reopen with a facility that we are incredibly proud of. I know that myself and the team are looking forward to welcoming our customers through the doors.”

He added: “This brand-new dealership delivers a modern, fresh and functional environment for both the team and our customers.”

The sales and aftersales teams from the Lookers Renault franchise had to be relocated to nearby Wellington Road during renovation of the fire damaged dealership.

Lookers told the MEN that the rebuild had cost over £3m.

Sytner’s Guy Salmon Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) dealership in Stockport lost a number of vehicles as the result of a suspected arson attack last month.

In an incident unrelated to Lookers Stockport blaze, firefighters battled for eight hours to contain the fire at Sytner Group’s landmark Guy dealership which triggered explosions and emitted billowing smoke overnight.

Luckily, the main showroom was not affected by the fire, which had started in a valet bay.

Speaking to AM at the time Sytner Group divisional managing director, Steve Gough, said: “We would firstly like to thank the emergency services and in particular the Fire Service for their efficient response and preventing the fire spreading any further which has resulted in only superficial damage to the building.”