MORE than 70 jobs will be created when a car showroom relocates to a new base.

The Farnell Jaguar Land Rover business, run by Vertu Motors, is to move from its current base in Farnworth to a new, purpose-build facility on the edge of Bolton town centre.

Bolton Council has approved plans for the dealership to move onto a site next to the existing Ford and Citroen dealerships in Higher Bridge Street, currently occupied by a workshop and some smaller outbuildings.

It is anticipated that the dealership will directly employ 100 staff, of which 20 are likely to be part-time positions, and that 27 of those will be relocated from the existing Bolton Road showroom.

A planning statement submitted with the application said: “The Jaguar Land Rover brands and Vertu Motors PLC are experiencing significant growth and the proposed development will consolidate the two brands into a single large regional dealership that has been designed for projected growth.

“It will provide an exceptional workplace, generating significant new employment and training opportunities with both the construction and operation of this Jaguar Land Rover development.”

As well as the modern showroom, the new centre will also include a workshop, MOT testing faculties, ancillary offices, parts storage, wash and valet bays, internal car parking and rooftop car storage.

The lease on the North East-based dealer’s Farnworth base runs out in July 2018, so it is expected the new site will be up and running by then.

This is the third major dealership to announce its intention to create a new flagship facility around the town centre in recent months, following in the footsteps of Audi and RRG Skoda.

Vertu says that its apprenticeship programme will be of benefit to the Bolton community.

A spokesman added: “These apprenticeships and graduate schemes will not only provide employment for local young people, but also allow Vertu to build relationships with the local community.

“As a workplace the development will be outstanding. For example, the workshop will incorporate all the latest equipment for this premium brand, giving apprentices the earliest opportunity to learn and work with the latest vehicle technologies.”

Another Farnell dealership in Bell Lane, Bury, will be rebranded and continue to operate with its existing members of staff.