JCT600 has overcome setbacks caused by the COVID-19 crisis to start work on its new £9 million Ferrari supercar dealership and service centre in Leeds – the highest value project in its history.

Work on the eight-month project had been expected to get underway in January but ‘Lockdown 3’ stalled progress of the project which is now scheduled to open early next year.

Once completed, the Bradford-based AM100 retail group’s existing Ferrari Leeds showroom will move from its current home at JCT600 Brooklands, in Lower Wortley, to the prominent new site on City West Business Park, The Boulevard.

The move will free-up the Brooklands site for redevelopment as part of an “exciting” new project, JCT600 has said.

Commenting on the start of work at the new Leeds site this week, Tom Armstrong, brand director for JCT600’s specialist brands, said: “Over the last 40 years, JCT600 has enjoyed a long and constructive partnership with Ferrari, with the coveted Prancing Horse remaining one of the most iconic and best-loved car marques, renowned for combining elegance with outstanding performance.

“Despite the current global economic challenges, we are pleased to be demonstrating our ongoing commitment and trust in the brand by investing in this landmark facility which will feature Ferrari’s latest corporate ID and create a truly memorable experience for customers.”

Mark Taylor, property director at JCT600, added: “Providing an outstanding environment in which to enjoy the Ferrari purchase and ownership experience, this new facility will complement the innovative models on display.

“We are confident that it will be very well received by customers and we look forward to welcoming them to our new home.”

JCT600’s new Leeds showroom will showcase Ferrari’s latest corporate identity – first showcased at Dick Lovett’s new Ferrari dealership in Swindon – and will create an art gallery style experience for customers while also focussing on the use of multi-media and improved interaction.

The new dealership will display the current Ferrari product range as well as cars from the Ferrari Approved programme over two floors, enabling further vehicles to be displayed externally.

It will also feature a 13-bay workshop which will include a bespoke Classiche area, catering for the maintenance and restoration of older heritage vehicles.

 The high-tech showroom includes a large nine-screen TV-wall playing content streamed direct from Italy, as well as a top quality sound system and Ferrari’s new concept ‘community table’ for enhanced interaction with clients and owners.

It will also feature a luxury lounge and a separate aftersales consultation bay, plus three rapid electric vehicle charging points in readiness for Ferrari’s hybrid vehicles such as the SF90 Stradale.

 Ferrari’s UK franchised retailers have been in the process of both upgrading and expanding the Italian supercar manufacturers dealerships and scope of operations in recent months.

Dick Lovett Swindon adopted the most recent Ferrari corporate identity, following the completion of major refurbishment works at the retail site in August.

In June last year JCT600’s opening of a new £1m Ferrari supercar service centre in Newcastle was followed by that of a £1.2m aftersales facility by Jardine Motors in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Last month, meanwhile, Sytner Group opened the doors to its first standalone Graypaul Maserati dealership, officially separating it from Ferrari in Birmingham.