B&E Boys were honoured to welcome His Majesty The King to the site of their latest project: the sympathetic redevelopment of the Root Farm buildings, located in the village of Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire, during a recent visit to region. This meaningful visit reflects His Majesty’s well-known commitment to sustainable rural development and support for strong, resilient local communities.
The redevelopment of Root Farm, which commenced in August 2024 and is set for completion in September 2025, forms part of the Duchy of Lancaster – a private estate held in trust for the Sovereign, as Duke of Lancaster. Established in 1265 through lands gifted by Henry III to his son Edmund, the Duchy of Lancaster has since expanded to encompass over 18,000 hectares of land across England and Wales, including significant holdings in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Lincolnshire.
Following an extensive consultation process with the local community, planning permission was granted to transform several redundant and vacant buildings into a series of flexible workspaces for local businesses. The project includes demolition of an l-shaped building and an asbestos clad farm building to make way for four industrial buildings clad in stone and Canadian Larch. The new workspaces will be supported by high-quality shared amenities, including a kitchen, toilet and shower facilities, a meeting room, and carefully planned parking areas. The site has been designed not only to accommodate current needs but also to support potential future expansion with minimal disruption to businesses or the surrounding area.
During his visit, The King toured the construction site, observing progress and meeting members of the project team. He was introduced to apprentices Billy Dawson, Miller Heywood and Harley Rawstron – two training in joinery and one in brickwork – who have played a direct role in the ongoing works. His Majesty also spoke with John Boys, Construction Director, and John Finnegan, Site Manager, both of whom have led the project on behalf of B&E Boys.
This project is not only architecturally ambitious, but also deeply rooted in environmental responsibility and traditional craftsmanship. The redevelopment features the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roof, ground source heat pumps, and a high standard of insulation and airtight construction. The roofs are finished with Burlington natural slates and cast-iron rainwater goods have been used throughout to ensure longevity and heritage-appropriate detailing.
Natural and sustainable materials have been prioritised, including Canadian Larch for cladding, British-grown Douglas Fir for roof trusses, and Accoya for windows and doors. Wherever possible, original stone, brick, and steel beams from the former structures have been cleaned, preserved, and reintegrated into the new buildings and boundary
walls. Additional reclaimed materials have been sourced locally, further reducing environmental impact and supporting regional businesses.
B&E Boys have provided direct labour for many of the construction trades involved, drawing on skilled workers from within the Lancashire area. The team is particularly proud of the opportunities this project has created for young apprentices and the broader local workforce. The company also made a concerted effort to source materials and specialist services from local suppliers, reinforcing their long-standing commitment to the communities in which they work.
This is not the first time B&E Boys have worked with the Duchy of Lancaster. In 2021, the company completed a highly successful project at Mill Farm, Crewe, which involved converting a traditional red brick barn and milking parlour into two carefully restored, semi-detached homes. That scheme included the demolition of modern agricultural buildings and significant restoration works, all completed in accordance with the Duchy’s exacting design and conservation standards.
John Boys, Construction Director at B&E Boys, reflected on the significance of the project and the Royal visit, saying “It’s a privilege to be delivering this project in partnership with the Duchy of Lancaster, especially one that is rooted in heritage, sustainability, and community benefit. Seeing The King take such a genuine interest in the work, and in meeting the apprentices who are helping to build it, has been a real highlight for everyone involved. We’re proud not only of the craftsmanship and environmental standards on display here, but also of the opportunities this project is creating for local people and businesses in Lancashire.”
The Root Farm development will provide not just physical spaces for businesses, but a long-lasting legacy of local investment, environmental stewardship, and rural regeneration for the Dunsop Bridge community.
