Ayston Farm Project: Preparing a Barn for Apple Press Production

We take pride in helping local landowners and farmers across Rutland and the surrounding villages make the most of their rural buildings. Our recent project at Ayston Farm, near Uppingham, is a great example of how a traditional agricultural barn can be transformed for new commercial use.

Transforming a Barn for a New Purpose

The client at Ayston Farm wanted to convert an existing barn into a fully functional apple press factory. Our role was to complete the essential groundwork and utility preparation to ensure the building was ready for specialist equipment and production use.

Our team carried out:

• A full concrete base floor – providing a strong, durable surface suitable for heavy machinery and easy cleaning.

• Drainage installation – including internal floor drains positioned around key machinery to allow for efficient water flow and safe, hygienic working conditions.

• Electric and water infrastructure – preparing all required service connections to support the apple pressing and production process.

The result is a solid, practical, and professionally finished barn floor ready for commercial use.

Step-by-Step: See the Project in Progress

We’ve captured the full process of the Ayston Farm project — from the initial empty barn through to the completed apple press factory floor.

Our project gallery shows:

• The barn before work began, highlighting the starting condition.

• The preparation stage, where groundworks and drainage layouts were installed.

• Concreting the first two bays, showing the careful levelling and finish.

• Concreting the final two bays, completing the full base.

• The finished result – a smooth, reinforced concrete floor with integrated drainage, ready for use in apple processing and production.

Take a look through the gallery below to see how the project progressed from start to finish.

Before the work begain:

During preparation:

First sections:

Second sections:

The completed project:

Supporting Local Farmers and Businesses

Many farmers across Rutland, Oakham, Uppingham, and surrounding areas are finding new opportunities by converting their existing barns into workshops, processing facilities, or commercial spaces. At C Allen Groundworks & Landscaping, we’re experienced in providing the groundwork, utilities, and site preparation needed for these conversions.

Whether you’re planning to:

• Upgrade your farm buildings for new commercial use,

• Install concrete floors for workshops or storage,

• Or prepare a site for drainage and utility connections,

our skilled team can deliver a complete solution that meets your needs.

Looking to Start a Similar Project?

If you’re based in Rutland or nearby villages and are considering converting a barn or outbuilding for new use, our experienced groundwork team can help you plan and prepare the site properly from the start.

Learn more about our local groundwork and commercial services: Contact C Allen Groundworks & Landscaping or call 07891 594 610 to discuss your project.