The Evolution of Orwell Crossing.
Explore the journey of Orwell Crossing Lorry Park from its inception to its set up as one of the best assets that drivers had for truck parking on the A14 at Ipswich.
Truck Shows, Radio Rallies, Custom and Vintage Car gatherings and meetings of various Clubs on a regular basis.
Many of us will know the legend that is Karl Rout and his partner Anne, who genuinely did so well with all that they achieved.
A Legacy of Service and Transformation
Once the redundant land at the back of a small business park and pig farm, the leap to public service providers was embraced and well received by many – except maybe the authorities who Karl battled endlessly.
Orwell Crossing Lorry Park was established in February 2004 by the Rout family, strategically positioned on the A14 eastbound near Nacton, just six miles from Felixstowe Port. Initially designed to meet the needs of lorry drivers, the park offered secure parking with CCTV, a 24-hour restaurant, and full washroom facilities. Over the years, it expanded its services to include local residents and travelers, becoming a well-regarded rest stop.
Image courtesy of Gary at rodsnsods.co.uk
The Rout family, Derek, Karl and John, are ably assisted in the day to day running of the facility by Karl’s partner Anne Blowers (Senior Manager) and members of her family: Sarah Rushworth (Assistant Manager), Mark Franklin (Night and Security Manager) and George, Anne’s grandson, (Waiter)
October 15th 2001.
Brian Beacall, Orwell Crossing’s Head Chef, is in command of the kitchen and leads a team of six Chefs, using locally sourced ingredients, including meats from Cracknell’s Butchers, sausages from Proctor’s of Ipswich, and seasonal vegetables grown on the family farm, where there is now a poly-tunnel, in which Karl is growing salad and fruit for the restaurant.
More than just a Truck Stop.
Impact on Drivers and Community
The lorry park’s closure has raised issues for truck drivers seeking secure parking near Felixstowe and beyond, across the whole of Suffolk. A driver highlighted the scarcity of alternatives, noting that without Orwell Crossing, options are limited to council-provided lorry parks in Bury St Edmunds and a BP garage in Felixstowe.
Trevor Parish, operator of the Suffolk Diner at Orwell Truckstop, expressed his concerns regarding the closure:
“I have put an absolute fortune into my business in the past two years—I spent £25,000 during lockdown to carry out work and put in new equipment. It’s ridiculous—we have not been given proper reasons why we should have to go. It’s mine and my staff’s livelihoods at stake.”
Community
The inaugural truck show at Orwell Crossing Lorry Park occurred in 2005. By its tenth anniversary, the event had grown significantly, attracting 500 visitors and showcasing 123 trucks. The family-friendly atmosphere featured activities such as face painting, bouncy castles, and children’s games
Engagement
Orwell Crossing was featured on BBC Radio 4 Food Programme in April 2013. BBC reporter Andrew Webb spent a day at the truck stop, and drivers shared their experiences of what it is like to work, live and eat on the road.
Entertainment
Olives Bar at Orwell Crossing became a popular venue for live music, hosting performances from various artists and bands. In March 2011, country singer Ollie Austin performed at the venue. Similarly, the band Country Company had multiple performances at Orwell Crossing, including shows in May 2010 and December 2012
Travellers leave A14 lorry park as officials intervene four-day battle
Financial Struggles and Strategic Shifts
Navigating Economic Challenges
The Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, located on the A14 eastbound near Nacton, approximately six miles from Felixstowe Port, was a family-run establishment offering secure parking, a 24-hour restaurant, and washroom facilities. In 2016, the business changed ownership, leading to the closure of the bar and restaurant, although parking and showers remained available.
Karl Rout was indeed the entrepreneur who was of course looking to make his fortune and many people will remember his Karaoke nights hosted with his partner Anne. In 2005, owner Karl Rout applied to the Suffolk Coastal Council to permit car drivers to use the facilities, but his request was denied. He appealed the decision, and after a public inquiry, a government planning inspector overturned the council’s ruling two years later and this was great news, and the positive news that both Carl and Carol needed, and well deserved.
Both Karl and Anne genuinely wanted to provide a service to the drivers that stayed with them and did all they could, with brand new, state of the art reception building and hard standing. Something that many drivers will always be grateful for – A little less for the dire Elvis Presley numbers though!
The Orwell Crossing Lorry Park encountered significant financial difficulties, reporting losses of approximately £1 million by 2013. These challenges were exacerbated by competition from free parking alternatives and underutilisation of its facilities. The sudden passing of co-owner Karl Rout while on holiday in America in February 2014 added to the uncertainty, impacting management stability. Despite these hurdles, the park’s strategic location and potential for growth attracted new investors, leading to its eventual redevelopment into a logistics hub. This transformation aimed to address financial sustainability while contributing to regional economic development.
Despite its offerings, the popular business faced financial challenges, leading to its acquisition in December 2020 by BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties. This marked the beginning of its transformation into the Orwell Logistics Park, the large scale warehousing offer at the site today.
What is out there?
The closure of the Orwell Crossing Lorry Park has left a noticeable gap in secure parking facilities for HGV drivers along the A12 and A14 corridors. With fewer options available, drivers face increased challenges in finding safe and compliant rest areas, raising concerns about potential illegal parking and its implications for road safety.
What about the driver?
Tough luck it seems. With Copdock Tescos Ipswich full every weeknight, it pushed more and more drivers to park on the side of the road, even on the facilities hard standing for road maintenance crews (Medite building at Ransomes). This also pushed more drivers to park on Oysterbed Road on the Port of Felixstowe, with some intermittent access being allowed by the Port Police authorities.
Truck Parking at Tesco Copdock, Ipswich.
Community Reactions
The development of the Orwell Logistics Park has sparked diverse reactions within the local community. On one hand, there is optimism about the economic benefits, including job creation and improved infrastructure. On the other hand, concerns persist about the environmental footprint and the increased traffic that the new logistics hub might bring. Balancing these perspectives is crucial to ensure that the development aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations.