Watford Gap services, located on both sides of the M1, holds a special place in British history. It was the first motorway services to open in the UK in 1959 and quickly became a popular rest stop for major bands in the 1960s. Icons like Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles frequented the services, adding to its cultural significance. Despite its nostalgic value, Roadchef, the company that owns Watford Gap, plans to demolish it and build a modern facility that still celebrates its past.
Amanda Mason, head of marketing at Roadchef, acknowledges the emotional attachment people have to Watford Gap but emphasizes the need for evolution. The reasons people visit service stations—resting, eating, refueling—remain the same, but the company wants to ensure the business’s sustainability for the future. The contrast between the old main building and the new high-speed electric car chargers demonstrates Roadchef’s commitment to adapting to the 21st century.
To gather ideas for the new site, Roadchef organized a competition among students at Bristol University’s Innovation department. The competition aimed to explore themes of people, the future, and the environment. Mason was impressed with the results, recognizing that younger generations have different perspectives on driving and travel.
While some ideas from the competition, such as a circus and a funfair for kids or virtual reality headsets, may seem outlandish, others show promise. One idea involves using virtual reality to simulate a Michelin-starred restaurant experience and ordering gourmet meals from an on-site “dark kitchen.” Another idea is to create a landscaped garden where visitors can earn points for sustainable food and drink options. These concepts align with the changing preferences of younger generations.
Additionally, Roadchef is focusing on reducing its carbon footprint. One student suggested harnessing solar energy to power the building, which aligns with Roadchef’s sustainability goals. However, not all ideas are practical. One suggestion to install turnstiles at the entrance, generating electricity as people pass through, is deemed unwelcoming.
One of the major challenges facing Roadchef is predicting the demand for electric vehicle (EV) chargers and securing sufficient energy for them. Paul Comer, director of EV implementation, acknowledges that power supply is crucial, especially as demand for chargers and charging speeds increase. Currently, Watford Gap southbound has ultra-fast chargers consuming 2MW of power per day, but by 2025, each site may require up to 20MW. Comer also mentions the need to plan for electric trucks, which may require 400kW chargers. Balancing energy demands and infrastructure development is a complex task for Roadchef.
Despite these challenges, Roadchef is committed to installing ultra-fast chargers at all 30 of its locations. Last year, they installed chargers at nine sites, with plans for more this year. Comer affirms that Roadchef is pushing hard to adapt to the growing demand for EV charging.
In conclusion, the demolition and redevelopment of Watford Gap services symbolize Roadchef’s commitment to modernization while paying homage to its iconic past. Through student competitions and forward-thinking initiatives, Roadchef aims to create service stations that cater to the preferences of younger generations and prioritize sustainability. The challenges of predicting EV charger demand and securing sufficient energy supply are being addressed to ensure a seamless transition into the future. Roadchef’s efforts demonstrate their dedication to meeting the evolving needs of customers in the 21st century.