An official turf cutting ceremony has marked the start of building work on a purpose built vehicle sales and service centre on an empty site in Wisbech.

Cambs Times: New development turf cutting at Victoria cafe site, Lynn Rd, Wisbech. Left: Amanda, Gary, Susan and James from Paragon motors.Picture:Steve Williams,New development turf cutting at Victoria cafe site, Lynn Rd, Wisbech. Left: Amanda, Gary, Susan and James from Paragon motors.Picture:Steve Williams, (Image: Archant)

Owners say it is the first development of its kind for more than 10 years in the local area providing a boost for the local economy and creating future employment opportunities.

The ceremony was attended by owners of car dealership Paragon Motor Company, Gary and Susan Robinson, together with representatives from local construction company SDM Fabrications and Guyhirn based architectural firm Swann Edwards Architecture.

The derelict site of the former Victoria Café covers almost an acre of land and was bought by Paragon Motor Company in 2013.

At around 8,000 square feet, the dealership will have space for a car showroom, a dedicated customer handover area, and a workshop facility plus reception, a customer lounge and class four and seven MOT’s.

Cambs Times: New development turf cutting at Victoria cafe site, Lynn Rd, Wisbech. Left: Gary and Susan Robinson directors of Paragon motors, Richard and Peter Melton directors of SDM construction.Picture:Steve Williams,New development turf cutting at Victoria cafe site, Lynn Rd, Wisbech. Left: Gary and Susan Robinson directors of Paragon motors, Richard and Peter Melton directors of SDM construction.Picture:Steve Williams, (Image: Archant)

Company managing director Gary Robinson said: “It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to our loyal customers and great confidence for the future prospects of Wisbech and the local economy.

“Our objective has been to replace and expand on the facilities and products currently on offer at our Sutton Road operation which was established in 2000 by offering customers greater selection in both sales and aftersales in a modern, accessible and customer friendly environment.

Cambs Times: Paragon aerial shot of how the new sales room will lookParagon aerial shot of how the new sales room will look (Image: Archant)