Plans to create a brewing-themed heritage destination in Burton-on-Trent town centre are coming to a head.
Under new proposals the UK’s first Brewing Enterprise Centre would be created alongside a brewing hall and brewing history collection.
East Staffordshire Borough Council has been working with leisure, heritage and brewing experts to create a new concept for the Burton High Street project.
Plans to transform the vacant Bass House building, pictured above, into the brewing-themed visitor attraction will go before the full Council next Monday.
The Brewing Enterprise Centre with its facilities to develop skills and recipes would place Burton at the centre of brewing education.
Burton Beer Hall, professionally operated by a lead brewing operator providing food and drink facilities, would be complemented by a “Talent Tap” offering a space to sell and distribute the local products created through the Brewing Enterprise Centre.
An adjacent Beer Hall Garden and Public Piazza would create a vibrant public space.
If the concept is approved, the Council will seek to engage brewers and wider commercial market to become involved.
The Council’s cabinet is also deliberating on the way forward for Burton Market Hall, pictured above.
Residents’ views are set to be sought on alternative schemes – conversion into a food hall or creation of a community co-operative.
Cllr Mick Fitzpatrick, Leader of the Council, said: “These plans for the town centre are truly exciting, I am already impressed with the interest shown by the brewing industry, including a European brewery who would like to send their brewers on tour to Burton!”
Cllr Paul Walker, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Cultural Development, said: “Together with the exciting plans for the Bass House site that will transform the High Street, an invigorated Market Hall will add much to Burton’s town centre in the future.”
