[citation needed] In August 1961 the contract was awarded to Motorway Services, owned by Blue Star Garages and Forte.

The motorway section largely replaced the A49, which passed north-south next to the services.

[citation needed] The southbound side has an unusual layout for motorway service areas in the UK, insofar as the fuel forecourt is sited at the top of the entry slip road, on arrival at the complex.

The more commonly used layout places the fuel forecourt as the last facility before motorists rejoin the motorway.

The design of motorway service areas was still experimental at the time the site was built in the early 1960s, and this arrangement was not repeated.