Tamworth: Difference between revisions
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At the junction of the M42 and the A5 lies Relay Park, a business park with its own motorway service area inside it. It forms its own little oasis that feels like it's a world away from the large roundabout that guards its entrance. | |||
==Facilities== | ==Facilities== | ||
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|keydates = {{Key Date | 1990 | Opened by [[Granada]] }} | |keydates = {{Key Date | 1990 | Opened by [[Granada]] }} | ||
{{Key Date | 2001 | Re-branded [[Moto]] }} }} | {{Key Date | 2001 | Re-branded [[Moto]] }} }} | ||
Upon opening, the site was described as being the "largest single-sided service area in Europe", at a total size of 28 acres. There were 257 car parking spaces together with 18 spaces for coaches and 34 HGV spaces within the site boundary. A 1994 study calculated that the service area had a [[turn-in rate]] of just 5-6%. | Upon opening, the site was described as being the "largest single-sided service area in Europe", at a total size of 28 acres. There were 257 car parking spaces together with 18 spaces for coaches and 34 HGV spaces within the site boundary. A 1994 study calculated that the service area had a [[turn-in rate]] of just 5-6%. | ||
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Under the original plans for the HS2 eastern rail link, Tamworth services would have been demolished. A revised plan has the tracks running in a tunnel, allowing the service area to remain. | Under the original plans for the HS2 eastern rail link, Tamworth services would have been demolished. A revised plan has the tracks running in a tunnel, allowing the service area to remain. | ||
===Planning=== | ===Planning=== | ||
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[[Esso]] won the contract in 1987 with their plan for Tamworth services, which would be built in the new industrial estate. Esso partnered with [[Granada]] to build and operate the main building, and later sold their petrol station to [[Euro Garages]]. | [[Esso]] won the contract in 1987 with their plan for Tamworth services, which would be built in the new industrial estate. Esso partnered with [[Granada]] to build and operate the main building, and later sold their petrol station to [[Euro Garages]]. | ||
===Brand Changes=== | |||
[[File:Ladbrokes Tamworth 2022.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The outdoor unit, built for Rock Island, now empty.|alt=Ladbrokes motorway services.]] | |||
Between 1995 and 1998 there was a [[Rock Island Diner]] here. It was initially provided in a separate building, but it was later moved indoors. Insiders claimed this was because it was failing, but Granada insisted the move was to double its capacity. It had glossy chrome and red plastic fittings and 1950s posters and music are no longer to be found. | |||
The inside restaurant then became [[Little Chef]], while the outdoor building became [[Ladbrokes]]. Ladbrokes later closed in 2020 and the building now lies empty. | |||
The [[M&S Simply Food]] store opened on 2 March 2006, in a ceremony attended by the then-manager of Tamworth FC Mark Cooper. | |||
The site is currently undergoing major refurbishment works which will see minor refurbishments to the [[Costa]] and [[Greggs]] stores along with a new [[KFC]] restaurant and new [[Pret A Manger]] store being added. It is also expected to gain an additional 38 HGV parking spaces as well as new shower facilities as part of Moto's investment into improving HGV facilities across their network. Most of these works are due to be complete in May 2022. | |||
The forecourt continues to operate separately to the main building. EG Group changed its shop branding from [[SPAR]] to [[Sainsbury's On the go]] in late 2020, at which point the on-site [[Subway]] closed. The shop rebranded back to [[SPAR]] in 2021. | |||
==Alternatives== | ==Alternatives== | ||
Revision as of 12:29, 23 May 2022
B77 5PS
map and directions
Single site located at a junction..
At the junction of the M42 and the A5 lies Relay Park, a business park with its own motorway service area inside it. It forms its own little oasis that feels like it's a world away from the large roundabout that guards its entrance.
Facilities
Catering: Burger King, Chow, Costa Coffee, Greggs, Costa Express, Krispy Kreme Shops: M&S Simply Food, WHSmith Amenities: Children's Play Area, Full Hou$e, Template:Website, Lucky Coin, Showers : Travelodge Template:Charging points Forecourt: Esso, SPAR, Starbucks on the Go, AdBlue4You, Jet Wash, Free Cash Machine
Parking Prices
First 2 hours free for all vehicles, after which cars must pay £15 and HGVs, caravans and motorhomes £30. HGVs can pay £32 to include a £10 food voucher.
Prices are paid using PayByPhone. The location code is 2466.
The fees are strictly enforced by CP Plus.
This information is provided to us by third parties. You should always check with staff on site.
Contact Details
🏢 Address:
Moto Tamworth
Tamworth Motorway Services Area
Green Lane
Wilnecote
Tamworth
Staffordshire
B77 5PS
- Amenity building and hotel operated by Moto
- Forecourt operated by Euro Garages
- Foursquare Page
- 📞 Telephone number: 01827 260120
- 📌 what3words: ///joined.retire.brave
- more map options
Trivia and History
Upon opening, the site was described as being the "largest single-sided service area in Europe", at a total size of 28 acres. There were 257 car parking spaces together with 18 spaces for coaches and 34 HGV spaces within the site boundary. A 1994 study calculated that the service area had a turn-in rate of just 5-6%.
The service area's access road formed part of a through route, linking a country lane (Green Lane) to the dual carriageway to the M42 (also called Green Lane). It is not a public route and has since been closed off.
Under the original plans for the HS2 eastern rail link, Tamworth services would have been demolished. A revised plan has the tracks running in a tunnel, allowing the service area to remain.
Planning
See also: M42 Service Area Planning
The original plan for the M42 had a service area nearer J11 - probably at Austrey Meadows. Building at J10 was specifically ruled out because it would cause traffic issues.
By the time the motorway was mostly complete in 1986, the Department of Transport were trying a number of new methods to encourage interest from developers. They decided to experiment with a new system where instead of specifying the location, they would invite any developer to propose a service station "on the northern section of the M42". The first developer to come up with a proposal that satisfied both the DoT and the local authority's planning department would win the contract.
Esso won the contract in 1987 with their plan for Tamworth services, which would be built in the new industrial estate. Esso partnered with Granada to build and operate the main building, and later sold their petrol station to Euro Garages.
Brand Changes
Between 1995 and 1998 there was a Rock Island Diner here. It was initially provided in a separate building, but it was later moved indoors. Insiders claimed this was because it was failing, but Granada insisted the move was to double its capacity. It had glossy chrome and red plastic fittings and 1950s posters and music are no longer to be found.
The inside restaurant then became Little Chef, while the outdoor building became Ladbrokes. Ladbrokes later closed in 2020 and the building now lies empty.
The M&S Simply Food store opened on 2 March 2006, in a ceremony attended by the then-manager of Tamworth FC Mark Cooper.
The site is currently undergoing major refurbishment works which will see minor refurbishments to the Costa and Greggs stores along with a new KFC restaurant and new Pret A Manger store being added. It is also expected to gain an additional 38 HGV parking spaces as well as new shower facilities as part of Moto's investment into improving HGV facilities across their network. Most of these works are due to be complete in May 2022.
The forecourt continues to operate separately to the main building. EG Group changed its shop branding from SPAR to Sainsbury's On the go in late 2020, at which point the on-site Subway closed. The shop rebranded back to SPAR in 2021.
Alternatives
| Previous: | Next: | |
| Hopwood Park (25 miles) Warwick (M40, 36 miles) Corley (M6 south, 18 miles) Norton Canes (M6 Toll, 16 miles) | Services on the M42 | Appleby Magna (8 miles) Donington (A42, 21 miles) |
| Hinckley (12 miles) | Services on the A5 | none nearby |
| none on M42 Cherwell Valley (M40, 61 miles) | Moto services | none on M42 Donington (A42, 21 miles) |
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