Brewery Quarter go-ahead is ‘important moment’
A council-backed regeneration scheme is set to kickstart an ambitious new era for Burton upon Trent, after a mixed-use development on the town’s High Street got the green light this week.
Proposals to redevelop the former Molson Coors brewery headquarters were recommended for approval by planners at East Staffordshire Borough Council, with initial work on the regeneration now scheduled to begin in 2026 – around five years after £23.8m of funding from central government had been allocated to seven linked projects to redevelop Burton’s High Street.
Molson Coors sold off the site in a £5.2m deal to the council in 2022, with the firm’s modern Carling House offices expected to be demolished as part of the town’s regeneration plans.
However, under the new proposals, the building will now be redeveloped into hotel accommodation with a new visitor centre also planned for the former employee car park at the site, which is set to be built in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
The famous water tower at the brewery campus will be also developed as a visitor attraction, featuring a rooftop viewing platform, looking out over a new public square developed to the rear of Bass House – also set to be redeveloped as a visitors centre and educational facility.
Cllr Louise Walker, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said approval of the plans for the Old Brewery Quarter was an “important moment” for Burton upon Trent.
“This project combines our heritage, culture and commercial growth to create a town centre that residents and visitors can enjoy,” she said.
“It sets a new standard for regeneration in the town and reflects the ambition and vision of our community.”
In a further boost for the development, hospitality group Loungers announced this week it was set to become the first commercial operator on the site, with plans to open a Lounge café-bar within the redeveloped Bass House.
Alex Reilley, Chairman, Loungers added: “We are thrilled to be taking part in this exciting redevelopment of an historic, heritage building that will revitalise Burton’s town centre. We are excited to be joining the other tenants in creating somewhere really special for the town.”
The project has been supported by Sarner International Ltd, Franklin Ellis Architects, BHB Architects, The National Brewery Heritage Trust, and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, in consultation with the Burton Town Deal Board.
