Building work has begun on Tatton Services, a new £65 million Motorway Services Area located between Junctions 7 and 8 of the M56 in Cheshire, near Millington and Rostherne. The development is an 80-20 partnership between Westmorland and the Tatton Estate and represents a major long-term investment in the region’s local food economy, people and sustainable travel. It hopes to open in Spring 2028.
Westmorland, the family business behind Tebay Services and Gloucester Services, began in 1972 on the Dunning family farm in Cumbria. Over five decades, the company has built a national reputation for its unique “Proper Food” philosophy – championing locally sourced, homemade food and working closely with independent food and drink producers.
Westmorland Chair Sarah Dunning said:
“We’re very excited to bring our proper food offer and ethos to Cheshire. From day one, this is about creating something rooted in the local landscape and community. We have committed to working with at least 70 producers within 30 miles of the site – and we hope that number will grow as relationships flourish.
“We’re also creating over 400 skilled jobs for local people, alongside apprenticeships and training programmes designed to build meaningful, long-term careers in the food industry. Our ambition is not only to serve travellers but to create opportunities and lasting value for the communities around us.”
Tatton Services aims to set a new benchmark for sustainability. The site will be powered by electricity sourced from renewable supplies, and no fossil fuels will be used in the day-to-day operation of the site, aside from the vehicle fuel sold at the forecourt. Electric vehicle charging will play a central role, with 40 charging bays available at opening and plans to expand capacity significantly in the future, ensuring the site is ready for the transition to greener travel.
A dedicated community grant programme will distribute a minimum of £100,000 per year to local initiatives, reinforcing Tatton Services’ long-term commitment to supporting grassroots projects and strengthening ties across Cheshire.
The scheme has been designed by Howells, the architects behind the RIBA award-winning Gloucester Services. Project management is being led by Mott MacDonald, with groundworks by Yates Building & Civil Engineering and construction delivered by Eric Wright Group. The team has committed to prioritising local employment, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities throughout delivery.
The services will be built on the site of a longstanding farmstead, where a farmshop celebrating locally produced food from the Cheshire countryside will feel entirely at home. Plans carefully retain the existing farmhouse and barns, with new buildings designed to complement the historic setting. The main building will centre around a kitchen, kitchen garden and fuel barn, – creating a destination that reflects the character and heritage of the surroundings.
Pete Crowther, Tatton Estate CEO, said,
“This unique sustainable motorway service area is exactly the sort of high-quality development the Tatton Estate is proud to partner with – combining a strong family-run ethos with excellent architecture, landscaping and environmental credentials. Tatton Services will bring lasting benefits to local businesses and the wider community, creating jobs and supporting the regional economy.”
(Picture: Westmorland Farmshop and Tatton Services)
