A caravan and motorhome dealership plans to create 40 jobs at a new site on the edge of the Peak District.
Kimberley Caravans, based in Kimberley, just outside Nottingham, has bought a former engineering premises in Chesterfield, which it plans to turn into its third site.
The business, which was set up in 1981 and has a £23 million turnover, already has a second branch in Darlington, County Durham.
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Planning permission to transform the derelict 4 acre Derbyshire site into a caravan and motorhome sales centre with offices and servicing workshops was submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council in April.
If successful, Kimberley hopes to have the new branch up and running by late summer – and eventually wants to be able to display about 150 new and pre-used leisure vehicles there.
The proposals would create up to 35 full-time jobs, as well as five part-time roles.
Kimberley director Chris Lowe said: “We are delighted to have acquired a new site in Chesterfield, where we have plans to open our third branch this summer.
“The business was set up four decades ago on a small plot of land in Nottinghamshire, so seeing it grow into one of the largest leisure vehicles dealers in the 海角视频 is a really proud moment.
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“The site has been empty for more than five months, so we are thrilled to be able to bring it back into productive use and generate employment opportunities along the way.
“We already have a lot of customers in North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, so the Chesterfield branch will allow us to offer them a more convenient level of service.
“The site is well located on the edge of the Peak District, and is just 30 minutes from Sheffield and Chatsworth House in the Derbyshire Dales and 40 minutes from Doncaster – areas where we know there is a lot of interest in caravans and motorhome ownership.
“Going from initial interest to completion on the purchase has taken about 12 months.
“We identified this site due to its size, which will enable us to offer a good choice of caravans and motorhomes and display a strong selection of pre-owned and new vehicles, as well our exclusive models.
“The site also houses multiple large buildings, which we’ll utilise to create a sizeable service centre for the mechanical side of the business and an accessory shop, which is important in giving customers a good experience during their visit.”
The purchase comes as sales of caravans and motorhomes continue to surge due to more families opting for staycations because of the travel restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
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In 2020, a record number of leisure vehicles were sold across Europe – rising 12 per cent to around 235,000 units, according to the European Caravan Federation.
As well as supplying new and pre-used leisure vehicles, Kimberley offers caravans and motorhomes from Compass, Coachman and Swift that are tailored to its own specifications.
Chris said: “In addition to the travel restrictions, people have been anxious about holidaying abroad and getting on a plane or cruise ship.
“As a result, families have been choosing reliable, safe and enjoyable holidays at home. This has led to a rise in demand for leisure vehicles, with holidaymakers relishing the flexibility that motorhomes and caravans offer.
“With lockdown restrictions easing but foreign travel uncertain, more people are looking at the domestic holiday market and leisure vehicles allow them to conveniently take a break amid the pandemic.”
Legal advice for the transaction was provided by Browne Jacobson, led by Mark Hymers.
The planning application was completed with assistance from DLP Consultants and Matthew Montague Architects.