Cardiff-based Boyes Rees Architects has secured a contract to design a new Waitrose supermarket and the relocation of the existing Dents glove factory in Warminster.

Developer Henry Boot Developments has planning in place to develop a Waitrose store on the Dents site in Fairfield Road. Dents will relocate to a larger site in the Wiltshire town.

The £4.5m mixed-use scheme comprises of a 23,000 sq ft Waitrose store, and a further 3,000 sq ft in additional units and parking, with a completion date of September 2011. The development is expected to create up to 160 jobs.

On the Waitrose development, Gary Loo, Director at Boyes Rees, said: "We have worked closely with Henry Boot Developments to design a scheme that is modern in appearance but at the same time complements the adjacent conservation area by using materials that work in harmony with those found in the surrounding historic buildings."

Boyes Rees has also been engaged for the £2.4m relocation of Dents, one of the largest employees in the town. Dents will be moving in early 2011 to more modern spacious premises totaling 30,000 sq ft n Furnax Lane.


The new Dents building will include a large warehouse to house stock, design and manufacturing facilities, retail outlet, as well as office and meeting rooms for Dent's operational and administration staff.

A public museum is also included within the design of the new building which will feature historic Dents pieces, some of which have royalty connections.

Gary Loo at Boyes Rees added: "As the unit is a new-build on an existing industrial park site, a plethora of materials and colours has been applied to the design. Space within the unit has been allocated and designed for use in line with Dents' requirements and interior finishes have been developed to represent their existing corporate brand, helping to establish a strong and distinct identity for Dents amongst its business neighbours."

Julian Painter, Director at Henry Boot Developments said: "The appointment of Boyes Rees is a significant milestone in the delivery of a new Waitrose supermarket for Warminster and the relocation of Dents. Full planning permission is in place on both schemes and work is already underway on-site for the new Dents facility by appointed contractor Jehu."

Boyes Rees is a RIBA chartered practice based on Greyfriars Road. Its credentials include healthcare facilities and hospitals, educational facilities, residential housing developments, retail outlets, hotel and leisure chains, and office and industrial developments.

Current projects include a Royal Mail Delivery Office and a Territorial Army Cadet Centre in Thurrock, hotels at Dunstable and Portishead and a new educational building for Coleg Morgannwg in Nantgarw.