A £1.9 million secured the building alone, and now the Cheltenham business behind the investment has officially unveiled its latest milestone.

Builders merchants George Bence Group, a fixture in the town for more than 160 years, bought the former car dealership on Manor Road earlier this year.

Now the former Renault and Nissan showrooms have become the fifth premises in Bence's growing empire - its forth branch opened just outside Bourton-on-the-Water earlier this year.

The Cotswolds business opening created nine jobs and took the firm's total to more than 110 staff.

Its new Cheltenham building is the headquarters of its Bence Roofing Supplies.

Paul Bence, managing director of the business, the fifth generation to run the company and also a director of Cheltenham Town FC, welcomed the spa town's MP Alex Chalk along to cut the ribbon to open the new premises.

Mr Chalk said: "I take immense pride in being at an event like this and we all should be very proud of businesses like Bence's who are bringing additional employment to the area.

"Planning, graft and vision have led them to their achievements. The value and pride that exists, alongside the ambition, make them a great place to work.

"Their success is Cheltenham's success and I very much look forward to seeing a bright future for the business with further expansion."

Mr Bence, managing director of Bence Roofing Supplies, said: "The growth in our roofing business has been led by our product range, stock holding and exceptional customer service led by a very motivated & focussed branch team.

"We are very proud of what has been achieved over the past five years and it was essential that we moved to a larger site to carry on our aspirations on growth.

"The new site also provides us with an improved strategic location for road networks and expanded sales areas to explore"

Bence builders merchants has more than 20 vehicles covering a 40-mile radius and caters from national housebuilders to DIY enthusiasts.

the group also boasts the award-winning Obsidian showrooms, which showcases "the best in kitchens and bathrooms from the world's top manufacturers".

Bence's new premises is approximately 19,689 sq ft, across 1.21 acres of land on Gallagher Retail Park, also home to retailers including Next; Hobby Craft; Boots; DFS; Sports Direct and Oak Furniture Land.