Dealer closures have been all too common in recent years, so it’s encouraging to report on an established motorcycle business expanding into a new region. CMC Motorcycles of Chesterfield is doing just that, after acquiring a former Mercedes car dealership in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, to open a brand-new motorcycle showroom.
The new store, set to become CMC’s sixth outlet, closed as a Mercedes dealership last year after Sytner Group withdrew from the town. CMC initially expressed interest in the site, but with another car group poised to take over, the Chesterfield-based business had to put its plans on the back burner. However, that sale fell through earlier this year, prompting the owners to approach CMC again. A new agreement was reached, and CMC is now preparing to move in and transform the building into a full “destination” dealership in time for the 2027 season.
Chris Brightman, MD at CMC, said: “We’ve got five stores at the moment, and this will make it six. We’re just balancing things out; we have a cluster of three stores in the Midlands and two stores in Wales, so with the addition of the new Weston-super-Mare site, we’ll have a cluster of three in Wales and the South West.
“The vision is that we’ll create a destination dealership, offering the same level of services and products that our other destination dealerships offer. So that’s the same as Chesterfield, Bridgend and Newport. We’ll be looking to sell motorcycles, offer service and repair facilities and clothing, accessories, and parts, with a cafe as well.”
It’s still to be decided which franchises the Somerset store will represent, as discussions on brand partners are ongoing, but in the meantime, significant refurbishment work is underway to repurpose the building for its new role. “We’ve got surveyors in this week to map the existing footprint,” said Brightman. “The architect will then take our requirements on board, aiming to have the ground floor ready for motorcycle sales, servicing and parts by spring next year. Phase two will see the first floor completed later in the summer, housing clothing, accessories, and the cafe area.”
It’s great news for bikers in the South West. With CMC moving in, local riders can look forward to another top-notch dealership experience. The new destination store will bring new jobs, a fresh place to meet and another reason for local riders to get out on their bikes.
BDN will bring you the full lowdown on the new CMC outlet early next year – so watch this space!
CMC Motorcycles
01246 860046
www.cmcbikes.com