Bradford-based motors group JCT600 has brought back the Rawdon site of its first dealership for a seven figure sum 42 years after selling the land.

Meanwhile, Morrisons is planning to develop its former head office site in Thornton Road, Bradford, for retail use in a move its says will create 100 jobs.

Family-owned JCT600, whose head office is at Apperley Bridge, has re-acquired the ‘Rawdon roundabout’ site which was bought by chairman Jack Tordoff in 1968 and which he sold four years later to raise funds to invest in the business – it now includes a Sainsbury’s convenience store.

Jack built the company up from a single garage over 44 years before becoming chairman in 2002. It now has 50 dealerships across the North and Midlands. The Rawdon site has operated under various car brands and was redeveloped in 2010 when the company launched its PriceRight second hand car operation there.

After adding a recently-opened 32,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s Local store employing 32 staff at the front of the site, a developer acting for the owner has sold the site comprising the JCT600 dealership, petrol station and convenience store to JCT600.

Jack Tordoff said: “It’s good to have the Rawdon roundabout site back in the JCT600 family. I decided to sell and lease back the property to raise investment capital for the business in 1972, but I’ve always regretted having to do so.

“Due to a clause we inserted in our lease some time ago, we’ve had the opportunity to buy back the site – the location is synonymous with the JCT600 brand and is part of our long heritage, so we’re pleased to have the deeds back with us after more than 40 years.”

Morrisons has drawn up plans for the Thornton Road site which will include six retail and leisure units, for which some initial interest has been received from national operators Ahead of submitting an application to Bradford Council, a public exhibition will be held enabling people to view the plans.

Members of Morrisons development team, including planning and highways consultants, will be on hand to answer queries at the event at its Girlington store from 4pm on June 12.

John Robson, Morrisons asset manager, said: “We are delighted to be investing in a historic Morrisons site which will not only redevelop this site but also improve the wider Girlington District Centre through new public realm and pedestrian links.

“We are keen to regenerate this important site and create up to 100 local jobs in the process along with over 100 more jobs during construction.”

l Lancashire-based motor retailer RRG has invested £1.3million on a major overhaul of its Bradford Toyota and Lexus sales and workshop operations off Canal Road.