Project Overview

The creation of this cutting-edge facility spanning 14,000 sq.m marked a pivotal moment for Jaguar Land Rover’s Classic operations, as it brought together all their functions under a single roof.

Project Value
£4,250,000
Project Value
Dedicated Showroom & Workshop Space
14,000 sq.m
Dedicated Showroom & Workshop Space
Key Features
54 Bays
Key Features
Logistics
Occupied Site
Logistics
Location
Oxford
Location
Completion Date
March 2017
Completion Date

This facility stands as a testament to JLR’s commitment to excellence and innovation in classic automobile restoration and service.

The project, located on an occupied business park in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, delivered the largest facility of its type in the world, with dedicated showroom space and a workshop containing 54 bays for servicing and restoring Jaguar and Land Rover models.

Other works included the fitting out of the showroom and show areas, as well as the provision of a reception, sales areas, offices, amenity areas and a design studio on a mezzanine floor above.

The workshop itself is meticulously organised, with distinct areas allocated for the strip-down, remanufacturing, and assembly phases of restoration programs.

Beyond the workshop, the project also encompassed the outfitting of showrooms and display areas, as well as the creation of reception areas, sales spaces, offices, amenities, and a design studio located on a mezzanine level.

Core Team

Gary Wykes

Gary Wykes

Board Director

Gary started his construction career at 16 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor, combining hands-on experience with studies at Kettering and Northampton Colleges, where he earned ONC and HNC qualifications. He later obtained a part-time degree from Nottingham Trent University, completing it in five years thanks to his prior qualifications.

In the mid-1980s, Gary worked with a second company, managing projects in Hatfield and Aylesbury, before seeking a role closer to home. Joining SDC in the late 1980s, he progressed from Quantity Surveyor to Senior Quantity Surveyor and then Manager of the Special Projects Division. During the early 1990s recession, Gary played a key role in restructuring the division, which focused on smaller-scale projects. This effort helped position SDC for long-term success in a challenging economic climate.

Appointed to SDC’s Board of Directors in 2003, Gary oversees the Special Projects Division, manages key projects, and contributes to strategic and financial planning. Between 2004 and 2007, he played a role in transitioning SDC to an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT), ensuring stability and employee-centred governance. His leadership alongside the other Board Directors has been pivotal in navigating challenges and ensuring stability.

Gary has fostered enduring relationships with major clients like Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge, emphasising quality and client satisfaction. Over decades, he has supported SDC’s evolution from a more informal operation to a professional, structured organisation. As the company continues to grow and adapt, he remains committed to supporting its ongoing success and ensuring it is well-positioned to meet future challenges.

Phil Janes

Phil Janes

Commercial Manager

Phil is a highly experienced and accomplished Project Commercial Director, having been a valued member of the SDC team since 1990. Phil plays a central role in providing strategic commercial direction across a wide range of projects, ensuring that each initiative is executed with both financial efficiency and long-term success in mind. His leadership skills are exceptional, and he is known for his ability to guide teams with clarity and purpose. Over the years, Phil has developed a vast and varied experience in the automotive, science and technology sectors, contributing to a number of groundbreaking projects that integrate sustainability with the latest advancements in technology. His wealth of knowledge has made him a go-to expert in areas where innovation and environmental responsibility intersect.