From laughing stock to top service stop

Euro Garages has reopened what was once dubbed as Britain's worst motorway service station following a £12.3m rebuild.

The indie forecourt operator acquired Rivington Services previously Bolton West Services and the subject of a TV mockumentary by Bolton comedian Peter Kay on the M61 in Lancashire in 2009. It has spent two years demolishing and rebuilding most of the northbound and southbound services.

The redeveloped station, which opened this week, features glazed foodcourt areas, convenience stores, high-street outlets such as Starbucks, Subway and Burger King, parking for more than 170 vehicles, a large petrol forecourt and a landscaped seating area.

Zuber Issa, CEO of Euro Garages, described the reopening as a milestone for the business. "Over 70,000 vehicles use the M61 everyday and as the only amenity on the motorway we know that Rivington Services will provide a welcome stop for passing motorists, whether they are commuters, holidaymakers or truck and coach drivers."

Euro Garages, whose chairman is former Asda CEO Andy Bond, is ninth on The Grocer's Top 50 ranking of independent grocery retailers. It reported a 17.7% increase in sales to £285.2m in the year to 31 July 2010 but pre-tax profits fell by 10% to £5m.