South West family owned automotive group Helston Garages are delighted to be expanding their foothold in Taunton following a landmark deal steered by sector specialists Colliers International.

Currently located on three separate sites in the town, Helston have agreed a package with Taunton Deane Borough Council to switch their Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo showrooms to two purpose built units on the former DLO site, just one mile east of the Town Centre.

Colliers International Automotive & Roadside Director Will Jolly said the deal – which had taken the best part of three years to come to fruition - would secure the future of the businesses in the town.

He said: “This really is a major coup for all parties concerned. This is a stonking site and keeps three valuable businesses in Taunton. The town will retain these major occupiers with all the benefits in terms of jobs and footfall, while Helston Garages will be able to switch operations to a new purpose built site which will allow the businesses to flourish. .”

The redevelopment of the Priory Depot site was given a resolution to grant planning permission at the council planning committee in October.

Will Jolly believes it could be the first of a series of significant deals in and around the town.

“With Hinkley Point C just up the road, these are the sort of high profile deals we are going to see more of in anticipation of the massive investment into the area.

“Businesses are queueing up to capture the opportunity that brings.”

Helston Garages Group MD Andy Barrett said: “We have always been committed to delivering the right facilities in Taunton for Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo customers to enjoy. “This permission was key to the deal as it will mean that the three Helston Garages Group businesses will be able to expand into their new state of the art showroom and workshop premises, once building works are completed” It’s great to be now say with some certainty that we will be able to achieve this and strengthen our presence in Taunton and we are looking forward to the opening in 2017.”

Leader of Taunton Deane Council Cllr John Williams said: “We are very pleased we have been able to sit down with Helston to ensure we retain these valuable businesses in Taunton with all the benefits they will bring in terms of our retail appeal, footfall and jobs. There was an overwhelming desire to see this prominent gateway site developed to a high standard for a local business and Taunton Land Rover, Taunton Jaguar and Taunton Volvo rose to the occasion.”

Local MP Rebecca Pow said: “I was delighted to hear that planning permission had been granted for this excellent scheme – it is just the sort of regeneration that Taunton is keen to embrace and it will play an important role in securing the future economy of the area.”