THE CREAMERY, CASTLE CARY, SOMERSET

Ken Biggs Contractors delivered the restoration and redevelopment of the historic 1912 Creamery at Castle Cary, transforming the derelict former dairy into a working cheese-making facility, café, restaurant and shop.

The project combined sensitive heritage restoration with complex structural and new-build works. A new brick extension was constructed alongside the original creamery, carefully matching its materials and detailing, while a glazed entrance pavilion provided the connection between old and new.

A key technical challenge was the building’s 60ft brick chimney, which was found to be structurally unstable. The chimney was carefully dismantled brick by brick and rebuilt around a new internal structure, preserving a distinctive local landmark.

Internally, significant structural alterations included the creation of a double-height cheese-making facility, new floors and roof structures, and large areas of specialist glazing to provide views into the working dairy. Bespoke metalwork, windows and heritage-inspired finishes completed the transformation.

The project required a careful balance of conservation, structural intervention and high-quality construction, retaining the character of the original creamery while creating a fully operational modern facility.

The completed project was recognised with a 2026 RIBA South West & Wessex Award, celebrating its architectural quality and sensitive approach to the historic building.