A new £65m motorway services area is set to open in Cheshire that seeks to champion locally sourced, homemade food and work closely with independent food and drink producers.
The development for Tatton Services is an 80-20 partnership between Cumbrian family business Westmorland and the Tatton Estate, with plans to open in spring 2028.
It is located between Junctions 7 and 8 of the M56 in Cheshire, near Millington and Rostherne.
Westmorland, which also operates Tebay Services, Gloucester Services and Cairn Lodge Services, said the new site would set a new benchmark for sustainability and build on its national reputation for “unique proper food philosophy”.
The site will be powered by electricity sourced from renewable supplies. Fossil fuels will not be used in the day-to-day operation of the site, aside from the vehicle fuel sold at the forecourt, the business added. Electric vehicle charging will also play a central role, with 40 charging bays set to be installed.
Westmorland said 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 services will also be built on the site of a long-standing farmstead, where a farm shop championing locally produced food from the Cheshire countryside is situated.
Westmorland said plans have “carefully retained” 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.
“We’re very excited to bring our proper food offer and ethos to Cheshire,” said Westmorland chair Sarah Dunning.
“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 Estate CEO Peter Crowther 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.”
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