Hartwell plans major works for Hereford BYD car dealership

A Hereford car showroom plans a revamp as it becomes a dealer for a Chinese manufacturer.

Hartwell plc is seeking planning permission (number 251863) to make a number of changes to it showroom in Centurion Way to the north of the city,

Its application says that its current temporary showroom for Chinese-made BYD cars at the site “does not meet the current standards set by BYD for quality, customer care and environmental/sustainable practice”.

RELATED NEWS:

• Next steps for bypass revealed as chiefs push ahead
• Huge number of disabled parking violation fines revealed
• Richard Hammond unveils new Morgan model

To “fully introduce the BYD brand to the site” now requires an “outdated single-storey section” of the building serving as a Ford showroom to be demolished and replaced with a new larger “modern-looking” extension “more suitable for the BYD corporate identity”, which will occupy an extra 69 square metres.

How the new BYD showroom would look

Hartwell would also “take the opportunity to refurbish other areas of the dealership” with new cladding and glazing “to enhance both the aesthetics and the energy efficiency of the building”, its application says.

OTHER NEWS:

• Large care home to replace Hereford church
• Drink driving ban for former councillor
• Estate cottage ‘broke farming rule for two decades’

Otherwise the building, including workshop, parts store, offices and showrooms for Omoda and Jaecoo brands which it began selling last year, will remain unchanged.

Claimed to be China’s largest private-sector employer, the vertically integrated BYD conglomerate also produces batteries, solar panels, semiconductors, and the Skyrail public transport system.

Comments on the application can be made until August 12.