The Background

ChannelPorts Extra Service Station, once just a practical stop for lorry drivers, has undergone a major transformation into a welcoming, family-friendly space, perfect for travellers making their way to or from the English crossing. Having used ChannelPorts services through our purchasing department, Contract Furniture Group was proud to be selected to help redefine this vital roadside venue.

 

ChannelPorts Contract furniture Group

 

The Task


The project began with a client appointment to our Nottingham showroom to explore seating options. However, after a site visit and in-depth discussions, the scope quickly evolved into a full-scale fit-out of the dining and social areas. With our end-to-end capabilities, from design and manufacturing to installation, we were able to present a comprehensive solution to transform the open-plan space into a modern, comfortable environment with the capacity to seat up to 300 people.

 

 

The Work


To make the most of the open layout, we designed a mix of T-shaped and L-shaped freestanding fixed seating booths, which helped divide the space into more intimate zones. Each high-back unit was topped with bespoke joinery that supported poseur-height ledges for additional seating and surface space.

The fixed seating was upholstered in-house, for the backrests, we used a seafoam green suede-look Aquaclean fabric from Sunbury, known for its easy-clean and stain-resistant properties. The seat pads were upholstered in a similar green faux leather, Panaz Aston, which is waterproof, highly durable, and tested for heavy contract use.

 

 

We also delivered a range of bespoke joinery elements, including poseur height rest tables on the back of freestanding booths, integrated recycling units, and custom furniture housings for amenities such as microwaves and charging points. To bring the space to life, we collaborated with ChannelPorts and an external design team, Lemon Creative, to wrap these units in playful illustrations depicting nostalgic French and British holiday scenes - complete with mischievous seagulls for a whimsical touch.

 

ChannelPorts Contract furniture Group

 

Our team supplied and upholstered a range of loose furniture to complement the fixed seating, including Atlantic Side and High Chairs in vibrant colours to echo the illustrated graphics. These were also upholstered in Panaz Aston for a cohesive look and commercial-grade performance. We added laminate square and rectangular table tops in Smoked Liberty Elm, paired with our robust KX22, KX30, and KT22 bases, each designed for stability and longevity.

 

The Result


Completed by our installation team in just four days, the transformation has turned ChannelPorts Extra into more than just a pit stop, it’s now a warm, family-oriented environment where people can eat, relax, and recharge. The final design successfully balances function, aesthetics, and capacity, providing a vibrant, versatile space that reflects the spirit of holiday travel while remaining practical for everyday use.

 

ChannelPorts Contract furniture Group

 

Looking to transform your hospitality or public space? Let Contract Furniture Group help you design, manufacture, and deliver a space that works as hard as you do.