Volvo Guildford embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project aimed at modernising its dealership facilities and ensuring full compliance with Volvo’s latest Volvo Retail Sustainable Experience (VRSE) brand standards. This complex scheme required the careful coordination of demolition, reconstruction, and a complete reconfiguration of the remaining spaces, all while maintaining operational continuity.
Client: Volvo Guildford
Lead Designer: Jones Architecture + Design
Main Contractors: Brickhill Construction
The project encompassed a complete overhaul of the dealership site, including:
Demolition of the Existing Workshop:
The works commenced with the demolition of the outdated workshop facility. This phase required detailed planning to uphold the highest safety standards and to minimise disruption to both the dealership’s day-to-day operations and the local environment.
Construction of a New State-of-the-Art Workshop:
Following demolition, a brand-new workshop was constructed, designed to meet the demands of modern automotive servicing and aligned fully with Volvo’s VRSE guidelines. The new facility delivers improved workflow, enhanced working conditions for technicians, and future-proofed provisions for emerging technologies.
Complete Strip-Out and Redesign of the Existing Building:
The existing showroom and customer-facing areas were completely stripped back to their structural shell. Jones Architecture + Design led the redesign, integrating Volvo’s Scandinavian-inspired VRSE principles to create a welcoming, contemporary environment that enhances the customer journey and embodies the brand’s core values: safety, sustainability, and understated luxury.
Construction of a New Valeting Facility:
In addition to the main building works, a new purpose-built valeting facility was constructed. This addition enables the dealership to maintain the highest standards of vehicle presentation and to streamline the customer handover and aftersales process.
Design & Delivery
Jones Architecture + Design worked closely with Volvo’s brand team and the dealership’s management to ensure the final scheme captured the essence of the VRSE identity — from material choices and spatial planning to lighting and customer flow. Brickhill Construction, appointed as main contractor, oversaw the delivery of the project from demolition through to final fit-out, maintaining exceptional quality standards and a collaborative approach throughout.
Outcome
The completed redevelopment has transformed Volvo Guildford into a state-of-the-art dealership that:
- Exemplifies Volvo’s VRSE design language and customer-focused ethos.
- Enhances operational efficiency through a modern, sustainable facility layout.
- Delivers a premium customer experience through intuitive, welcoming, and beautifully designed spaces.
- Future-proofs the business for the growing electric vehicle market and advanced service technologies.
This project is a prime example of the power of collaboration between client, designer and contractor, showcasing how thoughtful design and skilled delivery can redefine both customer and operational experiences.
