THE boss at Kendal Porsche has said the opening of the company’s brand-new centre marks a ‘new chapter’ for the business.

Works to the new Porsche Centre South Lakes on the M6 J35, near Carnforth, is nearing completion, with owner and centre principal Ian Parker saying the centre could open in mid-July.

Building began in June last year and the opening of the centre will see the business move from its current location on Longpool in Kendal.

Recently the company released a video on their social media platforms taking viewers on a tour around the site and, despite the pandemic, work is on schedule for a summer opening, according to Mr Parker.

“It’s all going to plan,” he said.

“Probably opening around the middle of July, although that’s not set in stone.”

“We’re very happy with the contractor and the build quality and the architect.

“It’s a major project, big brands would have a property manager looking after things but Simon and myself have been looking after it and running the business.”

Mr Parker said he will miss Kendal when the company moves but that the business had outgrown the premises.

Longpool has been home to the company for six decades.

“Of course we’ll miss Kendal,” he said.

“But at the end of the day we didn’t have any option.

“We tried but we can’t stay in these premises because we outgrew them considerably.”

The move will provide showroom space for 16 cars, as well as a café, children’s area and dedicated handover bay.

“It’s a massively exciting time for us,” said Mr Parker.

“We’ve been in these premises in this area for a very long time.

“To go to a completely new site is extremely exciting for us and all our staff.

“It’s going to be a new chapter in the business.”

It has still not been decided how the company will mark the opening of Porsche Centre South Lakes.

“Normally we would have a big launch for all our customers but now is not the time to do that,” added Mr Parker.