Tebay Operator Begins Construction Of £65 Million M56 Services

Construction has begun on a £65 million motorway services development by the family company behind Cumbria's renowned Tebay Services.

The project is being delivered by Westmorland, the Cumbrian business famous for its Tebay motorway services, in partnership with the Tatton Estate. The new development, known as Tatton Services, is located between junctions 7 and 8 of the M56, near Millington and Rostherne in Cheshire. It is expected to open in spring 2028.

The development represents an 80–20 partnership between Westmorland and the Tatton Estate. Founded in 1972 on the Dunning family farm in Cumbria, Westmorland has built a national reputation for offering locally sourced food and a distinctive alternative to conventional motorway service areas.

Tatton Services will operate using renewable electricity, with no fossil fuels used in its day to day operations apart from fuel sold at the forecourt. The site will include 40 electric vehicle charging bays when it opens, supporting the growing demand for low emission travel.

The scheme also includes a community grant programme, committing at least £100,000 each year to support local initiatives. Westmorland says the development has been designed to benefit surrounding communities as well as motorway users.

Construction is being managed by a team of specialist firms. Howells designed the development, Mott MacDonald is overseeing project management, groundwork is being carried out by Yates Building and Civil Engineering, and the main construction contract has been awarded to Eric Wright Group.

The services will be built around an existing farmstead, with plans preserving the original farmhouse and barns. The main building will feature a central kitchen, kitchen garden, and a traditional style fuel barn, reflecting Westmorland's emphasis on regional produce and countryside character.

Westmorland Chair Sarah Dunning said the project would create more than 400 skilled jobs, alongside apprenticeships and training opportunities. She added that the company aims to work with at least 70 local producers within a 30 mile radius, strengthening links with Cheshire's farming and food sectors while bringing the Tebay model to a new region.

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