QUEENSLAND’S Gold Coast will have a new BMW and Mini complex next month with the opening of a luxurious purpose-built, multimillion-dollar dealership in Southport.

Gold Coast BMW and Mini Garage will move to an 11,000-square-metre site, about 3km from its current location, on a property at 285 Southport Nerang Road bought by the owners of the new dealership.

Dealer principal for Gold Coast BMW and Mini Garage, Kathleen Broadway, told GoAutoNews Premium that the new complex – planned to open in December but as yet without a firm date – has a 30-car showroom, 28-bay workshop, an on-site BMW-accredited body shop and a BMW Genuine Parts warehouse.

The workshop is twice the size of the current building and includes a valet service and the option of a 90-minute “fast lane” service.

“We have looked at what the customer wants and that includes quicker and easier and more convenient servicing,” Ms Broadway said.

“By creating a workshop that is double the size, and adding the valet-style drive through, we can make it better for our customers.

“In the showroom, we have designed a space where people can relax at the cafe or they can be connected to their workspace through the business hub with WiFi and charging station. We also have the BMW Geniuses on site who will take customers around and give information on new products in the showroom.”

To staff the new dealership, Gold Coast BMW and Mini Garage has employed 80 people, most in the expanded workshop.

Ms Broadway said the BMW corporate identity guidelines were applied to the development.

“We got a lot of inspiration from around the world in the best BMW dealerships and the best retail destinations,” she said.

“We have basically designed a boutique hotel lounge – or airline lounge – area that gives customers the convenience of relaxing or get on with the day-to-day business.

“It’s always about creating an environment for our customers where we have a ‘yes’ culture and meeting the customer needs.

“We wanted to make it as best as we could. We wanted them to walk up to the door and know that we would look after them.”

The design of the building is single storey. Ms Broadway said there was a trend by dealerships to go to multi-levels but she wanted more intimacy.

“We have created a big, open and welcoming space where you can see the whole area of the showroom from one side to the other,” she said.

“You can see the M range as the same time as the luxury range and the SUV models.”

Ms Broadway said that dedicated showrooms for Mini and BMW are in the same building but separated by a wall.

By Neil Dowling