John Clark Motor Group

Through their expanding Pentland, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) franchise, the John Clark Motor Group (JCMG) required to purchase a plot of development land in order to undertake the construction of a new JLR showroom and workshop.

Having worked with the John Clark Motor Group in the past, Graham + Sibbald’s Dundee Agency team, led by Partner Andrew Dandie, received the acquisition and valuation instructions from JCMG.

Approach

Graham + Sibbald’s Dundee Agency team undertook a market research exercise via local and national agents, although no suitable sites were forthcoming. A further search was conducted, primarily focussing on off market opportunities resulting in direct negotiations with the land owner to acquire the site, subject to successful receipt of planning consent.

Key Challenges

As part of the award of the franchise for Dundee, JCMG had to meet rigorous timescales set by JLR in order to complete the acquisition and the construction project to comply with the requirements of the Arch concept being rolled out throughout the country by JLR.

The site therefore had to meet the requirements of both the client, JCMG and the manufacturer JLR. Visibility to customers was key along with proximity to existing motor trade operators.

Results

A suitable site was successfully purchased which allowed the dealership development to be undertaken with the subjects officially opening in September 2018, coinciding with one of the busiest periods of the motor trade year.

Key Message

At all times the development team consisting of, the JCMG board, JLR representatives, project managers and architects, were involved to ensure that site could be delivered for the proposed dealership on time and within budget.