In 2003 Booths obtained outline planning approval to develop a store at Hesketh Bank. Wilson Mason were subsequently commissioned to take the design forward, to detailed planning approval and construction.

In line with the Client’s commitment to providing a local service to the community and also their increasing environmental awareness, design proposals were developed which aimed to reflect the fenn like qualities of the surrounding landscape which, is generally flat and has significant areas of wetland.

A ground hugging leaf like structure was developed form the main roof using a sequence of flitched timber beams and columns which support a cold moulded ply roof deck. Secondary “pods” are provided to accommodate the tea shop and back of house areas.

The store, which aims to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating, is supported by a ground source heat pump system to provide under floor heating to the main retail floor as well as cooling to the office accommodation. In addition, rainwater harvesting is achieved through grey water tanks and surface water run off will be attenuated by the provision of additional buried storage tanks.

Store cooling will be achieved by recycling the chilled air which discharges from the refrigeration cabinets and is circulated using additional fans to distribute the air within the main store.