WINCHESTER — A family-run business from Fair Oak is breathing new life into a vacant car workshop, turning it into the city’s first interactive home improvement showroom. THT Ltd, led by owner Tom Taylor, 39, has begun gutting the former National Tyres and Autocare premises on St Cross Road, slated to reopen this summer as a seven-pod demonstration space featuring fully functional kitchens, bathrooms, and plumbing stations.
Taylor, a Bassett resident, said the project was driven by demand from Winchester’s growing homeowner base. "People kept asking when we’d expand," he said. "This space lets us showcase our work, host workshops, and give back to the community." The company specializes in kitchen and bathroom installations, boiler servicing, and gas heating repairs. Its services already cover 60% of Hampshire postcodes.
📋 By The Numbers
- 4,500 sq ft — Size of the transformed showroom
- 12 weeks — Timeline from key handover to partial opening
- £250,000 — Estimated local investment in renovations
Construction crews are installing soundproofed demonstration areas, a customer lounge with mood lighting, and an outdoor patio for summer events. Taylor confirmed chef-led cooking nights will debut in August, with proceeds funding Winchester Food Bank. The showroom’s exterior is being clad in locally sourced Hampshire flint, blending modern design with traditional aesthetics.
| Feature | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Single open space with oil-stained floors | 7 themed pods with hardwood flooring |
| Lighting | Fluorescent tubes | LED track lighting with dimmers |
| Utilities | Disabled plumbing | Fully compliant wet rooms |
Neighbors have praised the project. "It’s about time Winchester had a proper showroom," said resident Margaret Holloway, 68. "The old place was an eyesore." Winchester City Council granted planning permission in January after a public consultation drew 127 responses, 94% in favor. Taylor’s team is hiring four full-time staff and 12 part-time installers ahead of the launch.
💡 Pro Tip
Homeowners planning renovations should visit showrooms during off-peak hours to test fixtures without pressure. Ask about trade discounts—many local firms offer them.
THT’s expansion comes as Hampshire’s home improvement sector grows 8% annually, per the Federation of Master Builders. Taylor dismissed concerns about retail competition from online sellers. "People still want to touch taps, sit in showers, and taste the difference in our kitchen displays," he said. The showroom will open Monday–Saturday, with late-night hours on Thursdays. The first 50 visitors each week will receive free samples of Taylor’s proprietary grout sealer.
Key Points
- ✅ First interactive home improvement showroom in Winchester
- ⚡ 4,500 sq ft space with 7 functional pods
- 💡 Chef nights to support Winchester Food Bank starting August
Taylor’s vision extends beyond retail. He’s collaborating with local schools to offer plumbing apprenticeships, with the first cohort starting in September. "We’re not just selling products," he said. "We’re building skills and community." The showroom’s grand opening gala is scheduled for July 20, featuring live demonstrations and a performance by the Winchester Symphony Orchestra’s youth ensemble.
