Roadchef is set to invest more than £300 million across its network after securing 75-year lease extensions on five key motorway service areas, in a deal that underlines the growing importance of roadside infrastructure in the UK’s transport and energy transition.
The agreement, struck with National Highways and the Department for Transport, provides long-term operational certainty at major sites including Clacket Lane, Watford Gap, Northampton, Sandbach and Strensham.
Backed by shareholder Macquarie Asset Management, the investment programme will be rolled out over the next five years, with a focus on upgrading facilities, expanding electric vehicle charging capacity and improving services for both motorists and freight operators.
A central pillar of the investment is the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reflecting the rapid shift towards zero-emission transport.
Roadchef plans to increase the number of charging bays across its sites to around 1,000 by 2030, with a particular emphasis on ultra-rapid chargers designed to support long-distance travel.
Motorway service areas are expected to play a critical role in the UK’s EV transition, providing essential en-route charging points for both private drivers and commercial fleets.
The company is also targeting significant upgrades to facilities for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, recognising the sector’s importance to the UK economy.
Planned improvements include expanded parking capacity, enhanced catering options, upgraded shower and changing facilities, as well as increased security measures and high-speed connectivity.
With the logistics sector contributing around £170 billion to the economy and supporting millions of jobs, investment in driver welfare and infrastructure is seen as a key enabler of growth and efficiency.
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Roadchef is seeking to expand its retail and hospitality offering, bringing a wider range of well-known brands to its sites.
Existing partnerships with operators such as McDonald’s, Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger and WHSmith are expected to be complemented by new additions, aimed at improving convenience and choice for travellers.
Chief executive Tim Gittins described the lease extensions as a “significant milestone” that enables the company to invest with confidence in both current operations and future growth.
The deal also highlights the role of public-private partnerships in delivering infrastructure improvements, with government agencies and private investors working together to enhance services on the UK’s road network.
Elliot Shaw of National Highways said the agreement would support safer and more sustainable travel, while Keir Mather emphasised the broader economic and environmental benefits of investment in charging infrastructure and logistics support.
With more than 46 million customers served annually across 31 locations, Roadchef’s network is a critical component of the UK’s transport ecosystem.
The latest investment programme reflects both immediate operational needs and longer-term structural changes, as the shift to electric vehicles and evolving travel patterns reshape the role of motorway services.
For Roadchef, the combination of long-term leases and substantial capital backing provides a platform for sustained growth. For the wider economy, the upgrades are expected to support cleaner transport, stronger supply chains and improved services for millions of road users.
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Roadchef secures 75-year leases to unlock £300m motorway investment
