Behind the scenes at Okells Hoole
This time last year, we had just opened the doors to Okells Hoole, one of our biggest and perhaps most nerve-wracking projects to date.
So, a year on, we thought it was time to share more on how this once empty, run-down building became a space we are incredibly proud to call home.
A building designed for community
Built by the Co-op well over 100 years ago, the building was part of a wider development of Hoole - along with housing, shops and amenities for local residents.
Within the building itself operated a butcher, grocers and upstairs, a tailor and shoemaker.
It had lain empty for a number of years and was showing signs of disrepair. But we could see this building had good bones and were excited at the opportunity to breathe life back into this wonderful space.
Greater than the sum of its parts
Hoole has always had a unique energy - full of independent businesses, creative people, and strong community spirit. From the beginning, we knew we wanted to contribute to it.
Having grown our garden centre in Tarvin over many years, Hoole presented a chance to take the very best of Okells into a new space, allowing us to represent different elements of our business - plants & garden, homeware & gift, and our popular coffee shop - on a smaller and more intimate scale.
It was an exciting new challenge for us and our team.
Bringing the building back to life
Originally carved up into a series of small, cramped rooms, work commenced to open up the space into larger, more functional areas in which to accommodate our retail spaces and coffee shop.
Although the work involved was extensive, it was important to us that we retain the building's charm and character, while creating a space that felt right for today.
It was a joy to uncover hidden features, like the black and white butcher’s tiles buried beneath layers of vinyl flooring.
Wooden ceilings that had been hiding above office style suspended ceiling tiles. And a stunning vaulted ceiling upstairs.
Outside, we transformed the overgrown and long-forgotten courtyard into a paved patio area, with raised beds and outside seating.
Of course, we added plenty of plants along the way, creating just the spot to enjoy lingering lunches and catch ups over coffee.
A thank you from us
Work on our Hoole site was no easy feat, but we are delighted with how things turned out.
We’ve a host of people to thank - not least the welcoming community of Hoole, along with our wonderful team (many of whom have been with us since the start) and everyone who had a hand in creating Okells Hoole.
Behind the scenes at Okells Hoole
One year on since we opened the doors to Okells Hoole, we thought it was time to share how this once empty, run-down building became a space we are incredibly proud to call home.
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