Novocastrians welcomed a touch of luxury to the city this week as Australia’s first Destination Porsche Centre opened its doors.
The state-of-the-art facility was launched last night with a special event for guests across the region.
Showcasing new levels of sustainability and innovation, the 1,670 square metre centre is the result of a 14-month, $5 million build.
Located on Griffiths Road in Lambton, it brings Porsche to Newcastle for the first time, offering the chance to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most iconic luxury car brands.
Porsche Australia CEO Daniel Schmollinger said the opening marked an “exciting time” for the brand.
“Each Porsche location is unique and exclusive,” he said.
“We are deliberately selective about where we are located, who represents us in these markets and how each location is designed and presented.
“By having a network that is just the right size, we can ensure the quality of the Porsche ownership experience remains absolutely exceptional.
“In McCarrolls and Newcastle, we have the right partners and location.”
Porsche Centre Newcastle looks even more luxurious at night.
It’s the first centre to showcase the brand’s new Destination Porsche architecture, which is being rolled out around the world.
The concept for this new architecture is based on changing customer needs. It revolves around a new retail plan that incorporates a showroom intended to become a gathering place for the Porsche community.
Led by McCarroll Automotive Group, the Porsche Centre Newcastle team is hoping it appeals to current owners as well as new customers.
“The most exciting thing about Newcastle at the moment is that it’s got this incredible energy,” CEO Simon McCarroll said.
“Over the past five to 10 years it’s transformed into one of Australia’s most exciting, dynamic and vibrant cities and we felt the time was right to make an investment in the town that matched this.
“We’ve been in the city since 1999 – we set Newcastle up initially because my mother and her family were all from the area – and now more than ever I think you are seeing people move to Newcastle.
“It is a world-class city and it’s our pleasure to bring world class brand experiences to our customers in the area.”
Newly re-elected Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes is proud to admit the centre will be great for the city.
“This is a big day for Lambton, and for greater Newcastle, with the new McCarroll’s Premium Precinct – headlined by the new Porsche Centre Newcastle – delivering investment, jobs and growth for our region,” she said.
“From the local building and architectural teams, to the local materials and the local staff who will be managing these showrooms, there is Newcastle DNA right through this project.”
The centre will employ 48 staff, while the build process employed 669 suppliers and labourers on site, contributing more than 100,000 hours of work to the local economy.
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