AN iconic building is to get a huge boost when it becomes the HQ for one of the region’s biggest automotive firms as part of its £10million expansion plans.

The Lister Motor Company HQ is to move into The Rocket Centre from its current base in Petre Court ,Clayton-le-Moors, in November.

The 10,000 sq ft centre closed in November 2017 after 20 years of trading motorcycles, accessories and clothing.

But Lister, with its collection of hyper cars, will breathe new life into the building.

Lister managing director Lawrence Whittaker and CEO of Warrantywise, said he was looking forward to the relocation.

He said: “The Rocket Centre is going to be the HQ for Lister Motor Company, Warrantywise and also a showroom for our hyper cars.

“It’s a brilliant space, excellent location and is part of a large expansion plan we are undertaking. A lot has changed since we purchased Lister Motor Company, we have great momentum. Our manufacturing will still be taking place in Oxford, but the UK headquarters will be right here in Lancashire.

“Not only will we be creating new jobs in a variety of trades, the new location will be showcasing our newest creation, the Lister 666BHP, which is the first of several Jaguar models for Lister.

“The aim with this bespoke addition to our collection was to design and build the fastest, most powerful and luxurious Lister ever made, based on the Jaguar F-Type. We have succeeded and only 99 of these will be made. Launched earlier this year, £3.1million of orders was received in just 24 hours.”

Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, added: “It’s excellent news for the borough, not only will it create jobs but it will attract other premium brands to the area.

“As a council we are celebrating this, Lister and Warrantywise are premium brands and perfectly suited to the Rocket Centre.

“We are committed to developing larger areas to invite larger businesses, and early next year we will be allocating new areas where it’s crucial to attract new business, specifically, on the M65 corridor, J6, 7 and 8."

; we aim to connect East Lancashire to the national motorway network, putting areas like Huncoat and Clayton-Le-Moors on the map.”

“Historically we have been the centre for industries such as textiles, these are a declining trade and it’s incredibly important to keep Warrantywise within the borough and welcome Lister’s headquarters and hyper car showroom – the first of its kind. We couldn’t be more pleased that Lawrence chose the Rocket Centre to be the centre of the expansion.”