The modern UK petrol station has evolved far beyond a fuel-only operation. Today’s forecourts generate substantial revenue from ancillary services — everything from convenience retail and coffee concessions to EV charging, car washes, and parcel hubs.
These secondary income streams now drive profitability and asset resilience as fuel margins narrow and transport trends shift. For landlords, developers, and investors, understanding and structuring these ancillary uses is central to maximising returns from forecourt assets.
Fraser Bond advises owners, operators, and funders across London and the wider UK on designing and leasing ancillary service strategies that enhance both revenue and long-term property value.
| Category | Typical Operator / Example | Commercial Model |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience Retail | Tesco Express, SPAR, Londis, MFG Retail | Franchise or lease, base rent + turnover element |
| Coffee & QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) | Costa Express, Greggs, Starbucks, McDonald’s Drive-Thru | Franchise, concession, or separate lease unit |
| EV Charging Hubs | BP Pulse, Osprey, Gridserve | Revenue-share or concession lease with operator funding |
| Car Wash / Valeting | Waves Car Wash, IMO, Handwash Express | Lease/licence with reinstatement and environmental clauses |
| Parcel & Click-and-Collect Lockers | Amazon, InPost, DPD | Licence or rent-per-locker model |
| ATM & Vending | Cardtronics, NoteMachine | Licence or revenue-share |
| Vehicle Servicing / MOT Pods | Kwik Fit, Halfords Autocentres | Leasehold or joint-venture agreement |
| Advertising & Digital Screens | Clear Channel, JCDecaux | Rent or revenue per impression contract |
These services collectively increase site footfall, extend dwell time, and improve the consumer experience — all of which strengthen the property’s trading potential.
Confirm ancillary uses fall within sui generis or mixed-use permissions. Adding EV charging, QSR, or retail may trigger change-of-use or traffic assessments.
Design safe, efficient traffic flows for fuel, EV, and drive-thru users. Poor circulation reduces sales and increases liability.
EV chargers, refrigeration, and foodservice increase electrical demand — DNO upgrades may be needed.
Ensure water, drainage, and chemical-handling infrastructure meet EA and local standards, particularly for car-wash tenants.
Balance base rent with turnover-linked payments to align landlord and operator incentives.
Ancillary leases typically run 10–15 years, with landlord redevelopment breaks for flexibility.
Prioritise national or franchised operators with proven trading history for investment-grade income.
Fuel-to-Food Transition – Convenience and QSR operators now generate a greater share of site turnover than fuel.
EV Integration – EV charging hubs combine coffee and retail for “charge-and-shop” experiences.
Sustainability Mandates – Low-carbon construction and waste-recycling systems attract ESG-driven investors.
Digital Revenue Streams – Outdoor media, Wi-Fi advertising, and in-store screens create incremental rent.
Mixed-Use Redevelopment – Forecourts are being repurposed into hybrid EV-retail hubs in dense London suburbs.
Diversified Income – Multiple tenants reduce risk from fuel volume decline.
Higher Capital Value – Mixed-use forecourts achieve yield compression.
Resilient Covenants – National retail and food brands underpin stable cash flow.
ESG Alignment – Ancillary upgrades improve sustainability ratings and occupier appeal.
Re-Letting Flexibility – Modular kiosk and pad designs allow quick tenant turnover.
Fraser Bond provides end-to-end advisory for landlords, investors, and developers, including:
Site Feasibility & Use Appraisal – Assess space allocation, access, and service layouts.
Operator Sourcing & Negotiation – Introduce credible QSR, EV, and service operators.
Lease Structuring & Rent Optimisation – Draft heads of terms balancing rent, turnover share, and redevelopment rights.
Planning & Compliance Management – Coordinate consultants for drainage, traffic, and building control.
Investment Packaging – Model yield, covenant strength, and exit valuations for funding or sale.
To unlock ancillary service potential across your petrol station portfolio, contact FraserBond.com for tailored commercial property advisory.
