Motorway service area operator Roadchef has secured a deal with National Highways and the Department for Transport to secure the lease extension on five of its sites for a further 75 years.
The multi-decade deal will unlock up to £300m investment into the business over the next five years, and will fund new EV charging infrastructure, upgrading of HGV driver facilities, increased retail and catering options, as well as the potential to develop new sites.
The expansion of EV charging points is in response to increased consumer demand, as well as Roadchef anticipating the future needs of drivers, it said.
Roadchef plans to increase the number of charger bays across its sites to 1,000 by 2030, as a result of the new investment in the business.
The sites with extensions include Clacket Lane Eastbound and Westbound, Northampton Northbound and Southbound, Sandbach Northbound and Southbound, Strensham Northbound and Watford Gap Northbound and Southbound.
On the modernisation of HGV facilities, Roadchef said it was also a “key priority” for the firm, with driver welfare on UK motorways “an important consideration”.
Tim Gittins, Chief Executive of Roadchef, said:
“Securing the lease extension on five state-owned sites marks a significant milestone for Roadchef, giving us the long-term certainty to deliver new investment across the network. We are focused on enhancing the customer experience today, while making the upgrades needed for the future.
“Having worked closely with National Highways and the Department for Transport, this agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sector collaborate with a shared ambition, to deliver meaningful benefits for motorists, employees and the wider UK economy.
“This is a pivotal time for Roadchef, with further developments already in the pipeline. This investment will support our continued growth, enabling us to expand our network and provide more motorists with access to high-quality facilities across the UK’s road network.”
Elliot Shaw, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at National Highways, said:
“We’re proud to have secured this long-term lease agreement with Roadchef, enabling us to further enhance these vital services that help drivers rest, recharge, and stay safe.
“This deal shows our continued commitment to managing public assets wisely and making sure they benefit everyone.
“It also paves the way for important upgrades, such as expanded electric vehicle charging and HGV driver facilities, supporting our vision for a cleaner, greener transport network.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:
“We know we need to support businesses in the transition to electric and that’s why we’re investing over £7.5 billion to grow the market, boost EV manufacturing, increase sales and build up the UK charging network.
“Our recent £1 billion investment will cut cost for British businesses, support jobs, clean up our roads, and give operators protection against shifting global fuel prices.
“The logistics sector is the backbone of the UK economy, worth £170 billion and supporting 2.7 million jobs. We’re helping them expand and decarbonise their fleets whilst saving them cash, driving growth up and down the country.”
Alpesh Patel, a Managing Director at Macquarie Asset Management, said:
“As a long‑term investor in the UK, we understand the vital role that high quality infrastructure plays in supporting economic growth, employment and improved public services.
“Roadchef’s lease extensions provide the long‑term certainty needed to unlock meaningful investment across its site network, delivering enhanced services for motorists nationwide, both now and into the future.”
Image courtesy of Roadchef
