The New Welcome Break Opens at Fleet Services

A phoenix from the ashes – and certainly a welcome break for all

After a fire destroyed Welcome Break’s Fleet Services in December 2016, the motorway service operator developed a vision to rebuild the facility, inspired by the surrounding tree-lined landscape. The project has now been completed, and the new Fleet Services opened for business on Thursday September 6^th, 2018, a few days ahead of its official opening.

Truck drivers, holidaymakers, company car drivers and other travelers are now able to rest and relax in a Welcome Break that:

• Has been redesigned and rebuilt at an investment cost of £20 million
• Is light, airy, and offers ultra-modern facilities
• Houses major high street and catering brands including Starbucks, little Waitrose, WHSmith, Harry Ramsden’s, Subway, and a new 166-seat Pizza Express

Integral Safety Management is proud to have collaborated on this project as Principal Designer, working closely with JWA Architects, developer Galliford Try, the appointed consultant team, and Welcome Break’s Head of Estates and Development, Mike Coe.

How ISM helped bring the Welcome Break vision to life

As Principal Designer it was our job to plan, manage, coordinate and monitor health and safety in the pre-construction phase, and then continue this work through the build. We ensured that all relevant health and safety regulations were considered throughout the project, advising the client and providing information to designers and contractors, without which the project could not have been completed. In brief, we:

• Offered practical construction advice on the build ability and maintainability of the new structure
• Ensured compliance with health and safety laws and regulations
• Ensured smooth planning, managing and monitoring of the pre-construction phase
• Assisted in the planning and development of surrounding works in conjunction with the developer

The new Fleet Services – a real welcome break

Delivered in only 18 months, the new Fleet Services is a stylish service station that offers exceptional facilities for those who need a break from the trials of motorway driving. The new Pizza Express melds gently with its surrounds, with a wood façade and caber-styled columns. Inside, the décor has been completed with the deep warmth of a natural wood finish.

In the main building the wood theme is repeated, with supporting columns rising like living trees. Interior design allows visitors to walk freely and easily as they browse. Plentiful seating is dotted throughout the lobby and food court.

For those who simply want a coffee-and-go, Starbucks offers inside and outside seating away from the main building.

A fitting finale

When you collaborate on a project with such vision and help see it to completion, there’s a good deal of anticipation ahead of the official unveiling. In this case, the official opening was fittingly conducted by Chief Fire Officer Dave Bartlett and Welcome Break CEO Robbie Bell on 12^th September 2018, with two fire engines showcased by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services.

Welcome Break, Fleet Services is now open and operational. It’s clean, bright and modern – a flagship facility, and most certainly a welcome break.