WOULD-BE BMW-owners in Huntingdonshire will soon be able to choose from a dealership nearby once again.

WOULD-BE BMW-owners in Huntingdonshire will soon be able to choose from a dealership nearby once again.

Since Murketts in Huntingdon ceased selling new and approved used BMWs nearly two years ago, the closest dealerships have been 20 miles away in Bedford Cambridge and Peterborough.

But now Elms, part of the Bedfordia Group, has plans to move the Cambridge dealership from its overcrowded Great Shelford site to Cambourne.

The new �8.5 million dealership will open its doors to customers in early spring 2011.

This four-acre build, described as ‘iconic’ by the company parading its green credentials, “will showcase a range of renewable-energy solutions including photovoltaic cells, energy efficient lighting and a wind turbine.

“The BMW cars on display will include EfficientDynamics as standard, technologies that reduce CO2 emissions while delivering an increase in performance.”

Managing director of Elms BMW, Niall Hooper, said, “Relocating to Cambourne will enable us to provide a purpose-built state-of-the-art dealership for customers in the Cambridge and Huntingdon area. The building is designed to provide a unique customer experience and will be built with a focus on sustainability in line with the values of our business and the brands that we represent.”

The 24-car BMW showroom will include a premium undercover used car area, with a separate seven-car MINI showroom.

A new high-tech service workshop will include an MOT centre, a tyre service and a dedicated on-site cosmetic repair centre.

The Elms Group currently employs 258 people and has dealerships in Bedford, Cambridge and Bishop’s Stortford.