Gulf Flush Filling Station in West Yorkshire has reopened following a £150k renovation.
After being closed and not having sold fuel for more than three years, the site has been reopened by Nithu Tharmalingam, who has breathed new life into the abandoned petrol station.
In partnership with Gulf UK, the entrepreneur has re-opened the site on Wakefield Road in Liversedge, West Yorkshire and created a 24/7 forecourt and a Premier shop for the local community.
Tharmalingam, who bought the site in October 2024, collaborated closely with Premier to ensure the fit out of the 24-hour shop was delivered to a high standard, from energy-efficient lighting and fridges to an eye-catching food-to-go section.
And in January 2025, the forecourt was back in business with brand new Tatsuno pump dispensers that offer all four grades of fuel. So, whether parents from the many surrounding schools pop in on the school run, or classic cars enthusiasts pull in for a pit stop, Gulf Flush Filling Station caters to everyone.
Tharmalingamsaid: “It was hard work and I had to prove myself to the council and local authority because of the site’s history. But all my efforts paid off. It was a very good decision to set up my own business. We’re pleased to be back selling petrol and welcoming Liversedge residents through our doors.”
The site is the third petrol station operated by Tharmalingam, who operates two other Gulf sites in Sheffield and Leeds on a leasehold basis.
Drawing on his industry experience, Tharmalingam knows a good site when he sees it. As well as the forecourt and shop, the site comes with a laundrette, a multi-occupancy residential property and two large billboards either side of the site which Tharmalingam leases out to local businesses.
Situated between many local schools and businesses, Gulf Flush Filling Station is benefitting from strong footfall. After only four weeks in operation, the shop and forecourt are proving to be a big success – selling more than 175,000 litres of fuel since opening.
With Gulf Flush Filling Station Tharmalingam has turned his dreams of owning his own petrol station into a reality. But it wasn’t without its challenges. Due to the site’s previous reputation within the community, Tharmalingam said he had to re-build trust with the Kirklees Council Licensing Panel and local authority to be granted petrol and alcohol licenses.
Thanks to an existing strong working relationship, Gulf UK – owned by Certas Energy, the UK’s largest independent distributer of fuel and lubricants – was Tharmalingam’s partner of choice to help revitalise Gulf Flush Filling Station.
David Hobson, Certas Energy area business manager, said: “We’re delighted to see Gulf Flush Filling Station re-open to the public. When the site became available I contacted Nithu and arranged a meeting for the following day as I knew it had great potential. Once a deal had been agreed, we supported Nithu with suggestions for pump suppliers and installers, as well as assisting with the cleaning of the tanks so they were ready for use. Nithu has put in the hard work to turn Flush Filling Station around and we’re ready to support him as he continues to evolve the site.”
On working with Certas Energy, Tharmalingam added: “I have a good relationship with Gulf. I’ve worked with David for the last two years and he’s helped with a lot! As a Gulf dealer, you get good bargains from them – especially good fuel prices and great customer service. Whatever we need, they can always help. I feel really comfortable with Gulf.”
Tharmalingam plans to install EV chargers and a self-service car wash to further enhance Gulf Flush Filling Station’s offering.
