New Elite Garages Site To Help Bolster Shaftesbury Community

Elite Garages have been in business for more than 50 years and remains one of the leading independent tyre, MOT, car service and forecourt operators. With 19 locations already covering the entire south and south-east, we are thrilled to announce a new site is on its way to the picturesque market town of Shaftesbury.

Where Will The New Elite Garages Shaftesbury Site Be Situated?

Elite Garages Shaftesbury will be located in Bell Street, Shaftesbury, SP78AR and also become our first-ever standalone convenience store. The property has been described as an ‘anchor store’ of the town, situated close to the high street and adjacent to the main public car parks in the centre of town.

It will be opposite the Tourist Information Centre, various retail stores and the Arts Centre. The new Shaftesbury Elite Garages will be around 25 miles east of Yeovil and 20 miles south-west of Salisbury where we also have another site offering dealership quality services at better rates and customer service you’d expect from a family-run business.

The mayor of Shaftesbury, Cllr Andy Hollingshead, has publicly shared his delight that Elite Garages have bought Bell Street Supermarket as it will transform the old derelict supermarket site which featured brands such as Somerfield, Budgens and Co-Op.

What Are The Plans For The Shaftesbury Convenience Store?

As mentioned earlier, the site was a supermarket but it has unfortunately been derelict for over three years. The building provides a first impression for visitors so it’s exciting to transform an eyesore into full retail use, providing convenience for visitors and the community for groceries and more.

The vision for the ground floor entails a multi-use building with a convenience store, a local garage workshop and some additional retail units. At the moment, our options are open for the first floor which could be a space for another business to move in, offices, a gym or maybe even flats.

Nothing is confirmed yet and we are enjoying engaging with various members of the community for inspiration. The new site will not only revitalise this ‘anchor store’ but will also provide some local employment opportunities. We’re looking forward to creating a viable long-term successful business.

Why Did We Choose Shaftesbury For Our New Site?

Founded by the Saxons, the town of Shaftesbury has a rich history built on a hilltop due to the strong position overlooking the surrounding area. Shaftesbury Abbey is one of the important attractions built by King Alfred which was a popular pilgrimage destination during the medieval period. However, it was later destroyed during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Thankfully, the ruins are still standing today where you’ll find a museum and shop.

In addition to the variety of independent shops, the scenery is remarkable with charming views on the Park Walk, the Blackmore Vale and the iconic ‘Gold Hill’. It was featured in the 1973 Hovis advert which has a beautiful view looking down a picturesque cobbled street. Other attractions include:

• Gold Hill Museum and Garden
• Holy Trinity Church, St James’ Church and St Peter’s Church
• The Creative Swans Yard is also just around the corner

Final Thoughts

We are excited to expand into such a beautiful area with the opportunity to join a large variety of independent shops which includes cafés, gift stores, clothing shops and more. There are currently no convenience stores in this part of town which presents us with a unique opportunity. Everyone at Elite Garages is looking forward to turning the site around.

We’ve been lucky enough to be welcomed into the Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce, where we had the pleasure of speaking to other business owners in the area. Make sure you follow the hashtag #IndyShaftesbury which is an initiative to celebrate a large number of independent businesses on the High Street.

For all the updates on the progress, keep in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our website. Here you will also find a full list of service centres, customer reviews and some interesting articles.