Keep on Truckin' with TF Jackson
ADS Truck Parking and TF Jackson have raised the bar for HGV driver welfare facilities with a major upgrade to the Willow Row truck stop in Stoke-on-Trent. The project was made possible thanks to a £225,500 share of a £8 million government HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme, which focused on improving the welfare facilities, rest areas, and dining options for lorry drivers.
Using a modular building design presented the perfect solution for the upgrade project. TF Jackson’s prefabricated buildings can be quickly assembled on-site and customised to provide essential amenities—such as restrooms, showers, and break areas—without lengthy construction delays. The durable, weather-resistant design is equal to the challenges of the UK weather, and its energy-efficient features reduce operating costs, making it a practical, long-term investment for truck stop operators.
The Objective
The DfT’s HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme aims to boost welfare facilities like showers, rest areas, and restaurants, increase heavy goods vehicle parking capacity, and improve driver security.
ADS Truck Parking Director Andrew Sargent applied for a grant, seeing it as a golden opportunity to address drivers’ safety and security concerns. The fund was earmarked for improving the Longton site facilities, especially the driver rest area, restaurant, toilets, and showers, as well as upgrading the CCTV system and perimeter fencing.
The Solution
When Andrew initially contacted TF Jackson, he was looking to provide a home from home for drivers, a dedicated place to socialise and unwind. After discussing the brief with Guy Corbett in TF Jackson Technical Sales, a modular building design proved a perfect solution due to its rapid deployment, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
A prefabricated build provides modern, clean, and comfortable amenities, including showers, toilets, and rest areas. The modular design allows for easy customisation and the potential for future expansion. It is also highly durable and canwithstand the wear and tear of constant use. TF Jackson offers several standard configurations that can be easily customised, expanded and stacked to reflect a project’s requirements perfectly. A project design will start with some basic modular building blocks which can joined and stacked to form a custom layout and blank canvas for your ideal space solution.
The ADS development was completed in two phases. Phase 1 covered the design, manufacture, and installation of a 7-bay refectory and toilet/shower block. The second phase extended the build to include an additional 11 bays, comprising a laundry room, shop, and a 2-storey driver lounge with offices. The bespoke floor plan included floor-to-ceiling windows, an external staircase, worktops, a bar, countertops, a patio area, a kitchen area, and a canteen.
Andrew praised the work and commitment of the TF Jackson team, “I’d been in the industry myself for many years before opening ADS Truck Parking in 2019, and therefore I totally understand what drivers appreciate when they are looking for somewhere to rest up, “he commented.
“TF Jackson has supported us all the way, from start to finish; it was like having a guiding hand on your shoulder. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
TF Jackson – in for the long haul.
The completed project was launched in a special open day, attracting praise from drivers, government officials, businesses and members of the community. Former MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, Jack Brereton, attended the event, describing it as a fantastic occasion to see the completed works first-hand and meet the teams responsible.
“This investment will continue to support ADS Truck Parking to be a central hub for hauliers traveling through our area, helping boost the local economy of Stoke-on-Trent and Longton particularly.”
TF Jackson was delighted to be part of a project that supported a shift away from viewing HGV facilities as just “greasy spoon” truck stops. By choosing modular construction, ADS could meet and exceed its drivers’ needs while keeping costs under control. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and discover how a modular solution can transform your business.
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