The bespoke 29,000 sq ft build by Frasers Property UK, which has been pre-let to TrustFord, part of the world’s largest dedicated Ford dealer group, recently started on site with completion targeted for the end of 2023. It will be one of the first automotive developments in Scotland to achieve a BREEAM “Excellent” sustainability accreditation.

It is anticipated that TrustFord will be recruiting over 40 new employees from the area when it opens in Spring 2024 following a high-quality fit-out.

The site, on the busy Hillington Road close to M8 J26, was previously occupied by Reid Furniture and latterly Harvey’s & Bensons Beds before the building was demolished in September 2022 as it was no longer suitable for modern business requirements. The J26 area is highly sought after by automotive brands for its great accessibility and highly visible roadside frontage.

The contract to build the new development has been awarded to Muir Construction which successfully completed the build of the £14 million Hillington West 100 & 200 development last year, the biggest speculative new build scheme on Scotland’s largest industrial estate in over 25 years.

The design specification and construction of the scheme is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability accreditation. The new facility will benefit from PV solar panels on the roof, underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump, EV charging, low-energy and water-efficient fittings. Upgrades to footpaths and extension of cycle paths will be undertaken in the vicinity to enhance accessibility and safety for pedestrians.

Grant Edmondson, commercial director at Hillington Park said: “Frasers Property UK is proud to deliver another high-quality regeneration at Hillington Park. We are delighted to have concluded a major pre-let with TrustFord for its new Glasgow operation.”

TrustFord joins a cluster of major automotive brands that are located at Hillington Park, highlighting the industrial estate’s attractiveness for occupiers in Glasgow.

Stuart Mustoe, CEO at TrustFord said: “With a planned opening in 2024, we are very excited to be developing a new Ford dealership. Its central location, right next to the motorway network, and with a highly visible presence, is ideal for us to create a site dedicated to new and used car and commercial vehicles alongside a stunning new workshop. The new, purpose-built building has the highest environmental specifications which match our own business standards and reflect our increasing focus on electric vehicles.”

Other major automotive brands at Hillington Park include Volvo, Jaguar, BMW, MINI, Renault, Dacia, Harley Davidson, Ducati and Triumph.

Hillington Park, which is already home to over 500 organisations employing over 8,000 people, is located just two minutes from the M8 motorway, seven miles west of Glasgow’s city centre and just three miles from Glasgow International Airport. Regular bus services operate on the Park and two mainline train stations provide direct links to Glasgow.