Celebrating 100 years of motoring excellence.
The plot of land occupied now by The Tower Garage was formerly a coaching station. These stables were commissioned by a local resident and well-heeled businessman named James Jardine.
In 1919, The Tower Garage was formed as a limited company to cater for all the needs of motorists. This meant they offered not just car repairs but insurance,bodywork, fuel, and even driving lessons. The site had comprehensive facilities to repair just about anything relating to cars, unlike the throwaway society of today.
The stables were originally part of what is now Alderley Edge School for Girls.The house was called Brookdale and the two cottages on other side of road were known as Brookdale Cottages. These were gardener's and coachman's residence.
Over the years the garage held several franchises for such historic marques including Morris, MG, Riley, Jowett and Wolseley.
In 1960, the managing partner of the business, Mr Todd, died suddenly and the business was put up for sale.
Paul Higham - an aeronautical and automobile engineer who originated from Iran - bought the business as a going concern.
By providing quality of service and mechanical excellence he rapidly improved and expanded the business.
In 1961, in collaboration with the Total Oil Company and architects Berkeley and Moir, a space-age fuel station and car showroom was fashioned. The design, which was very radical and ahead of its time, incorporated a cantilevered roof and futuristic ‘flying saucer’ shaped building.
The purpose of this building was to showcase Total Oil Company's fuel and lubricant range, which at the time were new to the UK.
It has been suggested that the showroom’s design was possibly influenced by a building in the owner's home country of Iran, although this has not been confirmed. In an interview with the Rochdale Observer in 2005, Mr Moir said that with regard to the building's design he had no goal in mind: "apart from creating something different".
The photograph - from 1961 - shows the opening ceremony of the new showroom. Raising the flag is the local MP at the time, Sir Walter Bromley-Davenport. Paul Higham is centre photo, and in the foreground a young Stephen Higham, who today is Managing Director of the company.
The petrol station was subsequently moved further up the site, with the addition of a convenience store, and the old petrol pumps were subsequently removed. The building remained in use as a car showroom and offices.
However, the late 1960s and early 1970s proved a very difficult time for British car manufacturing and a numerous British marques were incorporated into a company called BMC (British Motor Company) whose sales declined.
Whilst BMC was in decline, the Ford Motor Company was enjoying great success in European markets with the surge in demand for affordable family cars and reliable commercial vehicles. In 1976, Highams obtained a franchise to repair and sell Ford motor cars and vans.
This involved major expansion of facilities of what was then to become the largest car dealership in the area. All car sales were moved into the fuel station building, which subsequentlybecame a showroom.
Paul Higham was later joined in the business by two of his sons - Mark and Stephen Higham. Twenty years later they diversified into car leasing and prestige car sales.
In 2011, the car show room was reincarnated as the Aldeli - a New York styled deli - which is run by Ilana Higham, daughter of Stephen Higham. The ‘Deli’ provides a laid-back environment to enjoy a coffee and light food. Adjoining Aldeli is the ‘Deli-Ice’ ice cream and frozen yoghurtparlor.
In 2011, the car show room was reincarnated as the Aldeli - a New York styled deli - which is run by Ilana Higham, daughter of Stephen Higham. The ‘Deli’ provides a laid-back environment to enjoy a coffee and light food. Adjoining Aldeli is the ‘Deli-Ice’ ice cream and frozen yoghurtparlor.
All motor trade activities continued within a larger purpose-built workshop, performing servicing, MOT certification and repairs of most makes of modern cars and vans.
Highams
Tower Buildings
Wilmslow Road
Alderley Edge
Cheshire
United Kingdom
SK9 7QB
Tel: 01625 582223
Email: service@highamscars.com
Workshop open 8AM to 5.30PM Monday to Friday (closed weekends).
Forecourt open 6AM to 11PM every day.
You can drop off or collect your car from 6AM to 11PM. The forecourt attendant will take care of everything for you.
Thank you for visiting Highams Garage.