Circle Leasing, which provides courtesy cars to the UK independent bodyshop sector, has opened its new head office at the former Wellington Barracks in Bury following restoration work.

Colonel TD LLoyd Jones OBE, the former commander of the Barracks, officially declared the Barracks open for business at precisely 11am on August 4, 2013. 

The timing was significant as it mirrored the official closing of the Wellington Barracks which took place at 11am on 11.11.11. 

The directors of Circle Leasing were also delighted to receive the Worshipful Mayor of Bury, Councillor Sharon Briggs, as well as the leader of the Bury Metropolitan Council, Councillor Mike Connolly, and four past colonels of the Royal Fusiliers.  

The dignitaries were led onto the site by the Royal Fusiliers Corps of Drums which successfully combined their Minden Weekend duties in the town with this special occasion at the former Wellington Barracks. 

More than 150 members of the Bury community, including local residents attended the event, which marked the completion of a £1.5m development project transforming the former Wellington Barracks into smart new offices. 

The project has been nominated by Bury Building Control for an LABC (Local Authority Building Control) award.

Dennis Studholme, chairman of Circle Leasing, said:  "We're delighted that Colonel Lloyd Jones agreed to be our guest of honour today. 

“We have many people to thank in the process of fulfilling our vision for the restoration of this wonderful historic building, not least Colonel Lloyd Jones and the Royal Fusiliers who contributed much to our plans. 

“They helped us retain the character and substance of this building which has served our nation well through two World Wars.

"Our thanks also go to the Bury Metropolitan Borough Council planning team and to our neighbours who worked closely with us as we perfected our plans.  

“Also the local architects, builders and contractors who worked tirelessly to complete the magnificent building you see today. 

"And of course our team who embraced the potential of 'The Barracks' from day one, particularly Danny Harris, our project and facilities manager, who has lived and breathed the project in recent months." 

Visitors  had the opportunity to view plans for the next phase of the development which will see the conversion of the former club house into further office space and an additional coffee shop conveniently located for staff, clients and visitors to the adjacent memorial gardens.