Gala day for new complex opening

Press, 28 July 1989, Page 34

Gala day for new complex opening

A gala day will be held at the Dyers Road Service Station from 9.30 a.m. tomorrow to celebrate the completion of the redeveloped complex. The service station was established at 241 Dyers

Road some years ago. Until recently it was a typical two-lane service station with a mediumsized workshop and a small retail showroom. The new complex could be described as a “service station for tomorrow.” Utilising all the available land, the service station has been completely redeveloped with a six-lane toll gate forecourt, a new canopy, extensive five-bay workshop and a mini-supermarket Star Shop covering an area of 120 sqm. and carrying a wide range of convenience goods. Tomorrow’s gala day is expected to be popular. Motorists spending $2O or more on petrol will have an opportunity to enter the big draw which is offering petrol to the value of $5OOO. The main draw will be at 12.30 p.m. Other attractions will include a free car wash, discounted petrol, a sausage sizzle, giveaways and spot prizes. A radio station will be broadcasting from the service station. The recent deregulation of the oil industry and the fast growing industrial and commercial area have contributed to the growth of the service station. Another factor has been the owner and operator, Ashley Smith, who has been with the service station for about four years. He is a well-known local man who has built up an excellent rapport with customers and also established a thriving business which had vastly outgrown its facilities. A forerunner to the major redevelopment was the installation of a modern car wash facility last year. This soon became a popular attraction at the service station. The new six-lane forecourt is the first of its type to be installed in a Caltex Service Station in Christchurch. This tollgate configuration places more emphasis on the retail shop which is a feature of the complex. In addition to motor accessories, the retail Star Shop sells a wide range of convenience goods includ-

ing grocery lines and hot food. It also contains a four-bay cooler and a twobay freezer. All makes of cars are repaired and serviced in the new automated workshop which has all the necessary hi-tech equipment to cover all work from lubrications and oil changes through to complete motor reconditionings. Personalised and friendly service is provided by three mechanics and an automotive electrician. Warrant of Fitness checks are also offered. A complete tyre and battery service, trailer hire and an energy bar, supplying coal, coke and firewood, help to make the Dyers Road Service Station a one-stop facility. The entire complex is enhanced by a large new canopy covering the entire forecourt area. Another feture complementing the spacious forecourt is the three new multi-product pumpers. All types of fuel are pumped from the one facility. This is the first Caltex service station in Christchurch to be installed with the extra large pumpers which could be described as futuristic in many respects. The Dyers Road Service Station provides a full service. There is no need to pump your own petrol or check the oil when you are wearing good clothes. Moreover, the service station offers a speedy and efficient turn-around when fuelling up. Full service does not, however, mean higher prices. The Dyers Road Service Station will be well positioned for the proposed new Burwood expressway which promises an increased traffic flow between the northern and southern suburbs. In the meantime, the Dyers Road complex is serving a busy industrial area as well as transient traffic. According to Ashley Smith, the redeveloped service station will remain competitive in the deregulated oil industry. The service station is open seven days.