The A29 Garage Services, Service Station and Car Wash and Valeting Centre are all conveniently situated on the one site on the Dungannon Road, Cookstown and offer everything for the motorist and shopper. Initially envisaged by Mr Ivan Badger and his wife Ida, the A29 Service Station was officially opened in 1979 as a shop and filling station and for the past four decades has gone from strength to strength, catering for motorists and shoppers' every need.
Mr Ivan Badger bought the green field site in May 1978 and the A29 filling station and shop opened in January 1979 with a Texaco petrol station and since then the family-run business has grown and expanded. In 1980 a two-bay garage was built beside the petrol station to cater for the motoring needs of the community. The site was further developed in 1991 when it was extended to a four bay garage. In 1995 the shop was also extended in the first step towards a convenience store/supermarket.
In 2004 a new eight-bay garage was built and opened in 2005. In 2010 the old shop was demolished to make way for a new Spar franchise featuring a modern supermarket and in-house cafe which also provides a popular breakfast facility. Ivan took an active part in the running of the business until his sad passing in 2016. Today Alan Badger continues the family-run business with the help of his son, Gareth.
For the past 40 years the A29, as it has become known, has expanded not only its supermarket and garage services, but also its customer base to become one of the most popular businesses in Cookstown and Mid-Ulster. And 40 years on, the A29 business continues to develop and adapt with the changing times and there are future retail developments in the pipeline for the Dungannon Road site.
A29 Service Station
THE A29 is a great one-stop shop and provides all your daily essentials, as well as offering up plenty of treats for the avid shopper or passing motorist. Once a shop, the A29 Service Station, currently under the management of Johnny Finch, now boasts a supermarket to equal any in Cookstown and you can find just about any commodity at the right price! These include groceries, drinks, newspapers etc.
In addition, the A29 Service Station has an extensive in-house catering facility for hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches for passing motorists and tradesmen. Easy and convenient parking is available at the door of the premises and the helpful and obliging staff ensure there is always a warm welcome on the mat with a quick and efficient service.
The superb food offering available from the A29 complex has been further added to with the introduction of Finch outside catering. Providing favourites such as sandwiches and cold buffet platters as well as sit down meals, hot buffets and barbecues, there is a wide variety of delicious food on offer. Finch Catering is available for any number of events from birthday parties to engagement parties, confirmations to corporate meetings or church events.
A29 Garage Services
THE A29 Service Station, Garage and Car Wash have been a family success story since 1979, with Ivan and his son Alan working together to build up the business, while the A29 catered for the needs of motorists. While Ivan concentrated on the shop and petrol forecourt, Alan invested in and expanded the garage facility and motor repair business on the same site.
Initially starting up as a two-bay garage, this part of the business grew very quickly, and a further two bays were added. Such was the success of the business that it soon outgrew its location and in 2005 a new eight- bay purpose-built state-of-the art workshop was built on a new site within the old forecourt.
As a result, the A29 Garage Services now provides an MOT test lane, diagnostic bay, tyre fitting and wheel alignment, as well as the usual motor servicing, motor repairs and parts and accessory sales. In addition the A29 Garage Services caters in car sales and exchanges, trailer sales and offers a 24-hour breakdown service.
A29 Car Wash & Valeting Centre
KEEPING your vehicle looking good is another feature on the A29 Service Station site on the Dungannon Road, Cookstown. For the past 20 years the A29 has offered a car wash and valeting facility and a special two-lane purpose-built car wash was built in 2008.
Situated between the Garage and Service Station, the Car Wash and Valeting Centre offers a range of facilities to keep your vehicle spotless, both inside and out. You can get a car wash and valet while you wait or can leave your vehicle in and call back again for the finished article.
The Car Wash and Valeting Centre is under new management with Mr Brian Murtagh offering a very professional service, second to none. The Car Wash & Valeting Centre is open seven days a week - 8am6pm Monday to Saturday and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Phone: 07795 537172 or 07780 243780.
Going Back in Time: Here are a few images to show some of the changes we made over the decades.
