Work begins on £3.5m market-leading Midlands £3.5m car showroom  

Work has started on The Oakdene Collection’s innovative new second hand car showroom in Derbyshire.

Founder Joe Hemsley is investing over £3.5m in the market-leading headquarters in Alfreton to create a unique new buying experience in the second-hand car market.

The brand new 42,000 sq foot HQ and collection centre will hold upwards of 400 cars, spread across two storeys. It will include two levels of showroom as well as a top specification photographic and video studio.

Interior design studio Jessic May Design is working with The Oakdene Collection to complete the space. “The aesthetic will be timeless luxury,” says Jessica, who works with private clients all over the UK and abroad. “We are creating a customer journey that will elevate the experience and make every client feel at ease. This will be a total departure from usual car showrooms, which tend to be clinical and cold. We are instead creating a high-end hotel atmosphere.”

“Luxury experiences shouldn’t be exclusive to those buying in the top bracket,” says Joe. “Even our attainable cars are still a large outlay in the current climate and we feel very strongly that our customers should know how valued they are through the entire journey, from the grand welcome foyer into the huge lounge, and onwards into top spec meeting rooms and showrooms.  This is about creating an elite yet affordable journey for our valued customers. Top class should not be reserved for top prices.”

Joe launched The Oakdene Collection from his home four years ago. The business grew quickly and Joe moved it into Derby premises within a year, taking the company to a turnover of £34m in just 2.5 years. The old showroom will serve as a full workshop facility down the road from the new premises, providing market-leading motor tech, with 15 ramps and diagnostics to cope with the increased stock being sourced and re-sold. The move was overseen by MG Chartered Surveyors, director Charlotte Steggles said: “We were delighted to act on behalf of our client in securing a new occupier for Unit 3 Hockley Way, Alfreton, welcoming The Oakdene Collection as the incoming tenant. The letting represents a great outcome for our client, with a quality business taking occupation of the unit and undertaking an extensive fit out. It has been a pleasure working with Joe and his team at The Oakdene Collection throughout the process, and we wish them every success in their new home.”

The Oakdene Collection is set to turn over £50m in the next 12 months, with a profit of over £2.5m, and Joe will be growing the team from 50 to almost 90 thanks to the expansion and new HQ.