B&E Boys are proud to announce the successful completion of the sympathetic redevelopment of Root Farm in Dunsop Bridge, Lancashire. This ambitious scheme, undertaken on behalf of the Duchy of Lancaster, has transformed a series of redundant farm buildings into high quality, sustainable workspaces that will serve the local community for years to come.
The project, which began in August 2024 and has now reached completion represents a careful balance of heritage preservation, environmental responsibility, and modern functionality. It follows a period of extensive consultation with local residents to ensure the redevelopment would reflect both the character of the area and the practical needs of local businesses.
The completed scheme includes four new industrial buildings, clad in natural stone and Canadian Larch, replacing outdated structures including an asbestos clad farm building. Inside, tenants will benefit from shared amenities such as a kitchen, toilet and shower facilities, and a modern meeting room, alongside carefully designed parking areas. The site also allows space for future expansion to meet growing demand without disrupting existing businesses or the wider rural landscape.
Sustainability has been a defining feature of the Root Farm project. Photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps, and advanced insulation standards have been integrated to ensure the buildings are energy efficient and environmentally responsible. The construction also makes extensive use of natural and reclaimed materials. Wherever possible, original stone, brick, and steel beams were preserved and reintegrated into the new design, with additional reclaimed materials sourced locally to reduce environmental impact.
This commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability is matched by a strong investment in people. Much of the construction was delivered directly by B&E Boys’ skilled workforce, including apprentices who gained hands-on experience under the guidance of our experienced tradespeople. Materials and specialist services were also procured from suppliers across the North West, ensuring that the benefits of the project extended well beyond the boundaries of the construction site.
The redevelopment has already been marked by a Royal seal of approval. His Majesty The King visited the site earlier in the project to learn more about the works and meet members of the team. As a strong supporter and advocate of apprenticeships, His Majesty also met with the apprentices who worked on the project. His Majesty’s visit highlighted the importance of schemes like Root Farm in supporting sustainable rural economies and strengthening community resilience.
For B&E Boys, this project builds on a longstanding relationship with the Duchy of Lancaster, following the successful completion of a similar redevelopment at Mill Farm, Crewe, in 2021. It once again demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver complex projects which combine traditional craftsmanship with modern construction methods, all while keeping heritage and sustainability at their heart.
The completed Root Farm development now stands as a lasting investment in the future of Dunsop Bridge – offering not just modern, flexible workspaces, but also a model of sustainable rural regeneration that will endure for generations to come.
