National car retailer Jardine Motor Group, which trades as Lancaster, is set to start work on a new Jaguar Land Rover dealership after buying a 3.5-acre site in Kent for an undisclosed sum.

The company plans to invest £12 million in the 43,000 sq ft showroom near the A26 in Tonbridge after receiving planning permission in July.

The dealership – due to feature an 18-car showroom, 24 bay workshop and a 100 used car display – is expected to open in December next year.

Jardine will move its Jaguar showroom in Sevenoaks and Land Rover site in Tonbridge into the new facility.

Brand director Darren Jennings said the new location is part of a strategy to create “dual-brand arch dealerships” for Jaguar Land Rover.

He said: “With the development of a new state-of-the-art dealership, we’re supporting both our own and the brand’s innovative and technological retail ambitions by creating an environment which appeals to our customers.”

Jardine bought the site from a private land owner in a deal completed by real estate company Colliers International.

Director Anthony Keohane said: “This new Jaguar Land Rover dealership will be situated on a prominent gateway site into the town and boasts excellent visibility and access from the A26.”