Motorway Farm Shop Vision Moves Closer as £65m Cheshire Services Prepare for Construction

A new generation of motorway services inspired by the success of Tebay is set to take shape on the M56, replacing traditional fast-food outlets with locally sourced food, sustainable design and a stronger connection to the surrounding countryside.

Construction is expected to begin shortly on a £65 million motorway services development in Cheshire that promises to redefine the roadside experience for drivers travelling across the North West.

Located between Junctions 7 and 8 of the M56, the project will be delivered by Eric Wright Group and is being developed through a partnership between Westmorland, the family-owned operator behind the award-winning Tebay and Gloucester Services, and the historic Tatton Estate.

Scheduled to welcome its first visitors in spring 2028, the development is expected to create more than 400 jobs while offering an alternative to the conventional motorway service station model.

A Different Kind of Motorway Stop

Rather than filling the site with familiar high street restaurant chains, the new Tatton Services will focus on celebrating regional food and drink.

At the heart of the development will be a farm shop, open kitchen and landscaped kitchen garden, showcasing produce from Cheshire and the surrounding counties.

Westmorland has committed to sourcing food from at least 70 local suppliers located within a 30-mile radius, reinforcing its long-standing philosophy of supporting local farming and independent producers.

The design, created by architects Howells, also incorporates existing farm buildings, blending new construction with the site's rural character instead of replacing it entirely.

Construction Programme Underway

Ground preparation is already progressing, with Yates Building & Civil Engineering completing enabling works ahead of the main construction phase.

Eric Wright will then take responsibility for delivering the principal build, bringing the landmark roadside destination to life over the next two years.

Sustainability Built Into the Design

Environmental performance has been placed at the centre of the project.

The services have been designed to operate without fossil fuels, with the exception of the vehicle refuelling area, helping reduce operational carbon emissions once the facility opens.

Electric vehicle infrastructure will also feature prominently from day one, with 40 rapid charging bays installed initially and capacity designed to expand as demand for electric transport continues to grow.

Setting a New Standard

The development reflects the growing demand for motorway services that offer more than a quick stop for fuel and fast food.

By combining locally sourced produce, sustainable construction principles and sensitive rural design, Tatton Services aims to create a destination that complements its surroundings while providing motorists with a markedly different roadside experience.

If successful, the scheme could provide a blueprint for the next generation of motorway service areas, demonstrating how infrastructure can support local economies, celebrate regional identity and embrace low-carbon design without compromising convenience for road users.