Signs removed and parking lot empty as York garage closes its doors

All signs have been taken down from the garage (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

A YORK garage has closed after much speculation around whether it would shut its doors.

Vertu Mazda in Layerthorpe has now officially shut, with its forecourt cleared of cars, after a short consultation period where a spokesperson said that they were ‘reviewing the financial viability’ of the site.

In a message to customers, the company said: "As a valued Vertu customer we are writing to inform you that Vertu Mazda York will be permanently closing on July 31 2026.

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"To ensure you continue to receive the high-quality service and care you've come to expect, Vertu Renault York (located just three miles away from Vertu Mazda York) will now support your ongoing sales, servicing and repair needs and the colleagues there look forward to serving you.”

The garage is empty, aside from one member of staff who is working inside

(Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Vertu Renault York is at Clifton Moor Gate and serves customers from York and surrounding areas, including Wetherby, Pontefract, Leeds, Thirsk, Hull and Scarborough.

However, some customers – including Andrew Mortimer – were told to contact the garage in Harrogate to book a new service, something that was ‘somewhat of a shock’ as he was able to successfully book an appointment at the start of the month.

The forecourt is mostly empty with only a few cars still inside

(Image: Alice Kavanagh)

As reported by The Press over the years, developers have been eyeing up the site which is on the edge of York city centre for several years with one applicant said to be “working collaboratively with the council since February 2023" on student housing plans.