Lotus announces Hethel improvements

Sweeping plans see old structures restored and new ones constructed as Geely investment makes itself felt

Lotus has announced plans to revamp its Hethel headquarters as the manufacturer's 70th anniversary celebrations draw to a close. Having called the 100 acre site home for more than 50 years, several of the facility's more noteworthy buildings will receive a little TLC alongside the construction of a few new additions to the Norfolk landscape.

Architects Feilden+Mawson have submitted plans for a new Customer Experience Centre - built alongside the pitlane - Heritage Centre and Museum, creating "a destination to experience the brand's history and heritage." Meanwhile restoration of Colin Chapman's former office and renovation of the ex-WW2 air base's control tower, which doubles as the Lotus Clubhouse, will ensure that the marque's historic HQ stays in good shape for the future.

A new restaurant for staff and guests, extensive landscaping of the site and improvements to access will complete a long overdue sprucing up of one of British motoring's most beloved brands, and enable Lotus to provide the sort of customer-focused experience to which buyers have become accustomed in recent years.

Speaking at the unveiling of the plans, Group Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng said: "The progress of these developments at Hethel demonstrates our commitment to Lotus and its bright future. Hethel is rightly the centre of the brand and what better place for customers, aspiring owners and staff to experience our values? Hethel is, and will always be, the heart of Lotus and our plans are the next step in readying the site for the next 50 years."