Motorway service operator, Welcome Break is reopening Fleet Services South (M3 J4a/5) this Thursday, 6 September, following a £20m investment project. A total of 150 new jobs have been created at the site.
The new service station replaces the temporary structure that was installed following a major fire in December 2016, resulting in the building being destroyed
The main cue for the structure of the new building was taken from the existing trees that surround the site. Trees have been used for the structural frame and support, which is sustainable as well as helping improve the air quality at a busy motorway service area.
Thermal glazing has been used to heat the space in winter from passive solar gain, whilst the inner space is kept cool in summer through passive natural ventilation.
The service station houses major high street retail and catering brands, such as Starbucks, Little Waitrose, and KFC, as well as a brand new Pizza Express restaurant, which has seating for 166 customers, together with an outside seating area.
The services are also proud to have installed Changing Places facilities. Changing Places are state-of-the-art assisted accessible toilets that are a lifeline for people with learning disabilities and disabilities that limit mobility.
The service station will be officially opened on Wednesday September 12 by Welcome Break CEO Robbie Bell, together with Chief Fire Officer Dave Bartlett as a thank you to the emergency services who worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire at Fleet Services.
To mark the occasion, the fire services will be showcasing two fire engines and safety equipment and fire mascots will also be in attendance.
Welcome Break CEO, Robbie Bell, said, “We are delighted our new-look Fleet Services is set to open. We hope our customers will be impressed with the building itself, as well as the wide range of choice of high street brands.
“We are as ever, committed to offering visitors the best brands and facilities with the highest standards on the motorway network 24/7 365 days a year.”