Autolab UK gears up for £4m Blackburn expansion

After securing 2.6 acres off Carl Fogarty Way from Blackburn with Darwen Council, the custom luxury vehicle manufacturer is plotting a more than 21,500 sq ft showroom.

Autolab UK is known for its bespoke 4x4s and will have its production facility close to the new site, which is being designed by Blackburn-based architect Campbell Driver Partnership.

The car manufacturer’s expansion is set to cost £4m.

Autolab was the preferred bidder for the land according to the council, which declined to disclose the final sale price. The 2.6-acre plot had been available by informal tender in March. More than 40 developers expressed an interest in the area, according to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The local authority said it ultimately chose the preferred bidder based on quality of their design, the number of jobs created, and business needs. Autolab is set to create 25 jobs with the new showroom.

Autolab director Sajid Hussain said the new showroom would be “great for generating income into the borough”, as most of the company’s customers travel from outside the borough.

Hussain continued: “This new site in Blackburn will be our flagship showroom with a production facility nearby servicing the retail offer.

“Our focus will not only be on developing our current business model, but also expanding our range of electric vehicles which is an important move forward.

“For the whole team, it was important that we kept the business in Blackburn with Darwen and it’s fantastic news that we’ve been chosen as the preferred bidder for this site.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of the council, described Autolab’s project as “just the type of development” the authority was looking for.

“This offers the chance for us to support a successful Blackburn firm with their expansion plans,” he said.

“It’s impressive what the whole of the Autolab team has achieved since first launching a decade ago and we look forward to seeing what the future can bring, especially with a focus on electric vehicles.”

Riley continued: “Sites like these unlock valuable opportunities to invest in the borough – supporting our strong vision for growth benefiting our residents, communities and businesses.”

A planning application for the showroom has yet to be submitted.