Kia plans at ex-Bargain Buys shelved after Jackson Street acquisition

The Star reported after proposals to change the use of the vacant former Bargain Buys, on Lowe Street, St Helens, into a Kia dealership were sent to St Helens Council planners last year.

Permission for the conversion of the site, which has been unused since 2018, had been granted, with council planners stating “it will enable the regeneration of a long term vacant site for the benefit of the local community”.

The empty Bargain Buys premises (Image: St Helens Council Planning Portal)

However, Acorn Motor Group, an award-winning dealership with car garages across the country, who were behind the plans, recently announced it is launching a premises on Jackson Street at the former Middlehurst garage.

This was as Andy Middlehurst and son Chris, both successful racing drivers, launched a new classic car business, called 'Middlehurst Road Race and Classic'. The family's bespoke new showroom and workshop is next to their former garage on Jackson Street, which has been passed on to Acorn Motor Group.

Acorn Motor Group have launched a premises at Jackson Street (Image: Acorn Kia)

Acorn had said this will be the only site in St Helens to sell new Kia vehicles, and will sell a variety of used and pre-loved cars.

The business will also offer servicing and repair works.

When asked by the Star, an Acorn spokesman confirmed the dealership at the former Bargain Buys “is no longer happening since the acquisition on Jackson Street”.

The Lowe Street premises has been listed online as available to rent.

The Acorn Kia premises at Jackson Street (Image: Acorn Kia)

Acorn managing director James Platt said: "We are thrilled to have been appointed as the new official Kia dealership for St Helens and the surrounding area and are already settling into our new premises on Jackson Street.

"The site already comes with an excellent reputation courtesy of Middlehurst Garage and its longstanding association with the Nissan franchise I look forward to continuing operating with the same ethos.

"Acorn Kia St Helens is part of the Acorn Motor Group and joins our four other Acorn Kia locations. We pride ourselves on delivering a customer-focused approach to all that we do, and we are excited to welcome customers to our new Kia business from St Helens and the surrounding areas.

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"As the official Kia partner for St Helens customers can expect a warm welcome from our helpful and highly trained team. We have multiple awards for customer service excellence, and I am looking forward to our team being able to demonstrate this across all the parts of the business.

"The business will offer customers the opportunity to purchase their New, Motability or Approved Used Kia vehicle, access the amazing range of electric vehicles that Kia has to offer, service and M.O.T facilities to take care of your Kia or other make vehicles as well as parts availability, specialist business sales and vehicle rental. In addition, we have over 500 Approved Used cars currently in stock to suit all budgets that can be viewed on our website.

Acorn Kia at Jackson Street (Image: Acorn Kia)

"Plans are already in place to transform our new premises into a new and modern showroom that represents the latest Kia CI, and we are looking forward to these progressing over the coming months.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish Andy and Chris Middlehurst all the very best with their continuation of Middlehurst Garages and the exciting plans they have, as neighbours it will be great to see both businesses progress moving forward.”