A LUXURY car garage that opened in Ellesmere Port less than two years ago has shut up shop.
Corkills Alfa Romeo, based next to the Porsche Garage on Longlooms Lane, Cheshire Oaks, launched in September 2010.
And in February last year owner Corkills Motor Group celebrated its £2.5m investment with a stylish launch event, inviting celebrity chef Aldo Zilli to cook for guests.
But on May 28 the showroom closed its doors.
Corkills Group Holdings (CGH) claims most of its 11 staff have already found new employment.
Corkills will remain the site’s landlord and the closure will not affect the company’s Volkswagen dealerships in Wigan and Southport.
Corkills Motor Group managing director Adrian Kermode, a member of Ellesmere Port Development Board, said: “Discussions are ongoing and we hope to have some good news in the near future.”
Alfa Romeo spokesman Ross Milton said CGH had ‘disposed of its Cheshire Oaks operating business to concentrate on its property portfolio in the area’.
Development Board chairman Robert Mee said the closure did not represent a downturn in the town’s fortunes.
“I understand this to be a private business deal which does not reflect a downturn in the town’s economy and ability to attract new businesses,” he said.
“Motor dealerships at the Cheshire Oaks site are a strong draw for visitors to the town and we continue to receive enquiries as to land and site availability.
“Corkills will retain ownership of the site’s land and take on a landlord role and I look forward to them continuing to take an active role in the future of Ellesmere Port.”
