Basecamp, North Lakes
2026 • 700 sqm • Project value £400,000
Project Overview
Basecamp took over a small and dated farm shop in 2020, with much of the existing building previously used for poultry and meat processing. As first-time farm shop operators, they needed support to transform the site into a compliant, efficient and commercially viable retail and food operation. The project focused on reconfiguring the existing space to improve the retail floorplan, catering provision, customer toilets and all associated back-of-house areas, while also creating a fit-for-purpose butchery to support wholesale operations. The end goal was a layout that could operate efficiently day-to-day and scale confidently during peak seasons.
The focus of the design brief was to create a layout that would support efficient day-to-day trading, while allowing the business to scale during peak periods and future growth. Jane was appointed to develop the operational layout, shape the customer-facing experience and bring structure to a project that had already begun on site without a clear programme.
Drawing on her background in food retail, catering and butchery environments, Jane advised on customer flows, specialist food area sizing and specification and counter space planning. This included designing service zones that allowed staffing levels to be scaled up or down depending on trade, supporting efficiency in quieter periods and resilience at busier times.
Alongside the customer areas, Jane led detailed space planning for back-of-house operations, including refrigerated hanging rooms, walk-in refrigeration and preparation areas. She ensured the building layout and equipment choices supported smooth operational flow, compliance and long-term commercial viability.
Jane also guided decisions on finishes and materials, incorporating details such as brass and distressed wood in a way that balanced visual impact with durability and practicality.
When Jane joined the project, building works were already underway, with contractors on site but no clear programme or budget controls in place. She brought structure to the project by implementing a detailed programme and live budget management, giving all stakeholders clarity on spend, savings and additions so decisions could be made confidently while keeping the project on budget.
With peak summer trading approaching in early July, the programme was built around keeping as much of the farm shop operational as possible. Jane developed a phased approach, prioritising the creation of a new butchery at the rear of the building so the existing central butchery could then be removed, unlocking space for the wider refurbishment while protecting trading during the busiest period.
As with many live builds, site issues outside of anyone’s control did arise, including delays linked to the poured concrete floor requiring additional polishing. Jane re-sequenced works, reorganised contractors and recovered lost time to maintain momentum and protect the overall timeline. She also guided decision-making alongside the architect, M&E engineer, building control and Environmental Health Officer to ensure the project remained compliant, operationally sound and value for money.
The redevelopment is already delivering strong results, with trade increasing by 30% before the project is even fully complete. The finished areas now offer a far more coherent customer experience, with a design that has real personality and reflects Basecamp’s brand.
Specialist food counters have been improved and expanded, café capacity has increased and customer flow has been strengthened across the site. Behind the scenes, new lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation systems support a more energy-efficient building designed around how the team operates day to day.
With the remaining phases due for completion in early 2026, further commercial growth is expected as the full scheme opens.
From Our Client
"We couldn’t be more delighted with the farmshop and cafe extention that Jane designed and project managed for us! She was extremely helpful during the design process, patiently incorporating our ideas and combining them with her knowledge and experience, so that the finished space is both completely unique and highly practical.
Jane truly went above and beyond to get the work finished on time, impeccably, and to a very tight shedule, with her dedicated and reliable team of contractors. She was incredibly easy to work with, always direct, capable and honest.
The refit and extension made an immediate impact on our business that was well above our expectations, adding a 30% increase to our turnover. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her for any project and are looking forward to working with her again in the near future!"
EMMA SMALLEY,
DIRECTOR, BASECAMP NORTH LAKES
