Leekes has opened its 'advanced' Building Centre concept in Llantrisant, Wales.
The 'drive-thru' centre located at the back of a Leekes department store is aimed at trade customers and is in keeping with the business's heritage as a builders' merchant.

The 33, 110 sq ft yard consists of three pods, each containing a collection of building materials. A landscaping area has also been included with products ranging from sheds and fence panels to decorative accessories and aggregates.

The centre also contains exterior till points for tradesmen to pay as they leave the yard

The six-figure investment is part of Leekes' plans to become the number one destination for home improvement retailing in Wales as well as broader aims to enable the family-run business to expand its retail and leisure businesses.

The Leekes Group recently agreed a 10-year funding plan with Barclays worth £37.7m.

DIY and decorating business manager Lee Tiffin said: "The new Building Centre is second to none. The new drive through format, improved ranges and our re-launched Trade Card means its now easier to buy."

Leekes has more than 100 years trading history in Wales and the West starting out as an ironmongers and then a builders' merchant business based in Tonypandy selling materials direct to both the trade and public.