See inside new Extra service station on the M1 at Skelton Lake

Yorkshire's newest - and greenest - motorway services are now open.
By Grace Newton
Published 24th Jul 2020, 12:33 BST
Updated 24th Jul 2020, 12:48 BST
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Extra's new Skelton Lake development is located at junction 45 of the M1, and close to the east Leeds communities of Garforth, Swillington and Rothwell.

The new facility includes a range of food, drink and retail outlets, some of which have opened sites that can't be found anywhere else on the motorway network.

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The building itself is also considered the UK's most sustainable service station, with a 'living' roof, wildflower planting, a viewing deck overlooking Skelton Lake and access to the RSPB visitor centre at the nearby St Aidan's nature reserve.

The new Extra service station off the M1 at Skelton LakeThe new Extra service station off the M1 at Skelton Lake
The new Extra service station off the M1 at Skelton Lake

There are charging points for electric vehicles and cycle storage.

The development is marketed as a refreshment stop for walkers and cyclists as well as drivers. There will be new cycling and walking trails that will link the site with the Wykebeck Way and the routes between Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park.

It's now open to the public and is just two miles east of Leeds city centre.

The site supports around 300 full-time jobs.

Outdoor seating at the servicesOutdoor seating at the services
Outdoor seating at the services

Which outlets are already open?

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Starbucks, Burger King, Pasty Shop, convenience store Urban Express and amusement arcade Quicksilver have opened, with the Texaco filling station and attached Spar shop, with cashpoints, also trading.

The Texaco and Spar will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.Please note that due to Covid-19 restrictions, not all outlets are able to open yet.

What's coming soon?

Mexican-themed burrito stand Mi Casa is one of several food and drink outletsMexican-themed burrito stand Mi Casa is one of several food and drink outlets
Mexican-themed burrito stand Mi Casa is one of several food and drink outlets

The next phase will see more restaurants, including Nando's, KFC, Leon, Pizza Express, fish and chip shop Harry Ramsden's, sandwich bar Upper Crust, burrito stand Mi Casa and Asian vendor Chopstix, open.

There'll also be a Ramada motel with 100 bedrooms.

What other facilities are there?

Parking for cars, HGVs, caravans, coaches and motorhomes

The site is surrounded by nature, and the building itself has a 'living' roofThe site is surrounded by nature, and the building itself has a 'living' roof
The site is surrounded by nature, and the building itself has a 'living' roof

Children's play area

Picnic areas and outdoor seating

Food court

Free, fast Wi-fi

Viewing deck and visitor centre with views over Skelton Lake

Access to RSPB St Aidan's nature reserve

Electric vehicle charging points

Cycle parking

Well-maintained toilets, washrooms and showers

Changing Places toilets for people with disabilities

Baby changing facilities

Business centre and meeting rooms

Links to cycling and walking routes including the Wykebeck Way

Related topics:RothwellGarforthLeedsStarbucks

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