Copdock

Copdock

Tesco

Camera icon

9 more photos in the gallery

Location:

A1214 near Copdock

Postcode:

IP8 3TT

map and directions

Access/Layout:

Single site located at a junction..

Today there is a retail park next to the A1214 which is signposted as services. Historically, it was a major service area on the A12 and the A14, but most of the signs were taken down in 2011. The services can still be accessed from A14 J55.

Facilities

Template:Coronavirus Catering: Burger King Drive Thru, Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut, Tesco Café Shops: B&M Home Store, Currys PC World, Carphone Warehouse, Early Learning Centre, Mothercare, Tesco Extra Forecourt: Tesco, Car Wash

Parking Prices

Parking is reserved for users of the respective stores. In addition, a number of HGV spaces are provided next to the petrol station (charges not known).

Trivia and Design

Mothercare replaces the Welcome Break amenity building.

Copdock really shouldn't count as a service area; it is no more special than any other supermarket next to a fast food restaurant. However, on the A1214, Suffolk County Council continue to erect signs saying 'Services', probably as a tribute to the site's unusual history or a reference to the lorry parking.

The London Road park and ride site is accessed through the site too.

History

You wouldn't notice it today, but the place was first opened by Welcome Break in the early 1990s. They and Granada were in competition to cover the most ground, and both were looking at A-roads.

The Tesco superstore opened in November 1987 and probably pre-dates the services (which, in a leaflet dated before 1992, was said to be "opening soon"). The land was probably all sold at the same time.

The services were usually named Copdock Mill and would have been similar to Ross Spur. It was a low, brick building with a tall, red roof. Inside was The Granary and a branded shop. It's thought Welcome Break operated the forecourt (branded Texaco at the time, now branded Tesco), with HGV parking (still there today) behind it. Opposite was an amenity building (now Mothercare) and a car park.

In the 1990s, Welcome Break sold the land to the adjacent retail parks. Tesco have since built a new entrance from the forecourt, and the Mothercare car park has a new entrance. The Burger King was then added to the car park.

The lamps with the two globes are evidence of the original lighting, and until 2016 there was still one sign in the car park with Welcome Break branding.

Alternatives

Previous:		Next:
Beacon Hill (9 miles)	Services on the A14	Orwell (5 miles)
Capel St Mary (4 miles)	Services on the A12	Orwell (5 miles)