Aubrey Halls Launches New Classic Car Storage, Market and Community Space in Historic Rye

Rye, East Sussex saw the public launch of a new classic car storage facility, combined with a market hall and event space, on Sunday December, 21^st.

Owned and run by Georgia Peck, the new space provides safe, secure vehicle storage in its 5,250 sq ft facility which is equipped with cutting-edge security, CCTV and fire alarm facilities as well as providing valeting and detailing, battery conditioning and a concierge collection and delivery service.

Rye’s Rich Automotive Heritage

The historic Saxon town of Rye, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, has a long connection with the automotive industry, dating back to the earliest days of the motor vehicle. The town is perhaps most famous for its motorsport legacy following the establishment of Weslake Engineering in Rye in the 1950s. The partnership between company founder Harry Weslake and American F1 racer and team owner Dan Gurney culminated in Gurney’s win at the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix in the Anglo American Racers Weslake-powered Eagle.

Today Rye maintains close associations with classic car ownership and restoration but, until now, was missing a central hub where storage and vehicle care could meet the local community and its varied interests.

From Dog Walk to Dream Project

For owner Georgia Peck, the opportunity to develop Aubrey Halls started with a chance viewing of the vacant property, situated on Rock Channel, while dog-walking.

“I stumbled upon this building while dog-walking,” explained Georgia in a conversation with EnduranceandGT editor Andy Lloyd. “Rye is where I grew up – it was where my grandfather – lived so I have a real emotional connection to the town. I had a lot of cars in my stable that needed a home so when the opportunity was presented to me, it made sense for me both personally and professionally.

“It was really important for me to bring the automotive community back to Rye because it’s got an amazing history and there’s no singular destination in Kent and East Sussex that the community can come to.”

Georgia Peck’s Vision: Cars, Food, Music & Art

Georgia Peck’s vision is that Aubrey Halls becomes more than just a classic car storage business. As a result, the space next to the secure storage area will become The Market Hall which will be fully opened in 2026.

“I’m a big foodie and so what we want to do is develop The Market Hall to focus on local suppliers, producers and farmers,” explained Georgia. “We’re setting up The Market Hall, which will be permanent, and that will have a farm shop, a vinyl listening bar, records, music, coffee and all celebrating local producers and suppliers. Even if you hate cars, you can come down here as a foodie, as a local resident or as a tourist and love what we’re doing.”

In addition to cars, food, music and coffee, Aubrey Halls will also be presenting a curated gallery of British and locally sourced artworks. The space is currently featuring the work of Emily Jackson, an abstract painter and sculptor, who works under Studio Wolffia. Emily has recently exhibited in London and was selected for participation in the Women in Art Fair at the OXO Building.  

Georgia is focused not only on her latest venture, Aubrey Halls, but also Aubrey Automotive, a business which carries out bespoke vehicle commissions and restorations.

“We’re working on our seventh car at the moment,” said Georgia. “We’re building a G Wagon for the Peking to Paris and we’re working on another Land Rover commission so we’re doing whole bunch of things.”

Regular Events & Car Meets Planned

The launch event for Aubrey Halls is the first of many such gathering at the Rock Channel, Rye premises. Georgia plans to run at least two events every month, one of which will be a car meet. One thing’s for sure – if future events are as well attended as the opening, Rye will have another successful automotive-focused business to add to its long history. Check out Aubrey Halls’ social media and website at www.aubreyhalls.co.uk for future dates.