The new Motorworld VW dealership at Oxford Motor Park has opened for business ahead of its official launch at the end of May, writes David Duffy.

Situated at the front of the new ten-acre estate facing onto Langford Lane, Kidlington, Motorworld is the first company to trade on the estate the largest of its kind in the county.

Construction began in November 1999 to build the new 14,000 sq ft building. The 35-strong team of staff from the existing site at Oxford Road, Kidlington, have moved in and the doors opened for business last week with the official opening later this month.

Woody Coats, Motorworld general manager for VW and Audi, heads the team.

The 1.3-acre plot will accommodate a ten-car showroom, space for over 60 used cars, generous customer parking, 12-bay workshop and offices.

Being a new build project the building will reflect VW's sophisticated retail design concept set within attractive landscaping.

The design is ultra-modern with 130 sq metres of glass curtain walling from floor to ceiling on the front elevation of the building creating a bright and naturally-lit interior space.

A circular area of ceramic tiles delineates the showroom car display and an impressive curved galleried balcony at first floor level, overlooks the sales area.

An open weekend will be held over the late May bank holiday from Saturday May 27 to Monday May 29 when local people can visit the new dealership and enjoy the special attractions and launch promotions.

The opening follows the refurbishment last year of Motorworld's sister VW dealership in Iffley Road and will provide two sites serving customers throughout Oxfordshire. Work will shortly begin to transform the Oxford Road premises in Kidlington into a new solus Motorworld Audi dealership.

Motorworld group general manager, Alf Middleton, said: "We have served VW customers throughout Oxfordshire for many years and will now have ample space to expand our service with two dedicated sites of the very highest standard.

"This exciting period of transition is not yet over as we begin work to redevelop the Oxford Road site. By the end of this year we will be staging another launch as Motorworld's solus Audi dealership is completed.

"Motorworld is a division of Oxford Swindon & Gloucester Co-op and we are extremely grateful for their support in the expansion of the business and for making such a considerable investment.

"Both VW and Audi are extremely successful marques and this investment was essential to cope with the growing demand for their products.

"Creating a specialist motor park is the way forward for car showrooms of the future and Motorworld is leading the way. We are now well-placed to serve the changing needs of the county's motorists."