Sussex brewer buys S&N depot
Sussex brewer Harveys has purchased the former Scottish & Newcastle UK Distribution Depot in Lewes.
The 2.35 acre site, with 36,568 square feet of warehouse and office accommodation was constructed in 1990, during Harveys' Bicentenary year, as a purpose built brewery distribution depot.
It is situated 500 yards from their existing premises.
Harveys, which won silver in the Champion Beer of Britain yesterday, says it will help them to load and unload under cover and make it easier for them to accept deliveries from articulated lorries.
Joint managing director Hamish Elder said: "An ever increasing number of our suppliers are now delivering in articulated lorries which are totally unsuited to the narrow streets of Lewes."
Joint managing director Miles Jenner added: "It is very seldom that such ideally suited premises become available. The site is more than adequate to cater for our existing requirements and we will probably sub-let parts to ensure that it is fully utilised."
Despite Harveys maintaining a 50 mile radius for deliveries of their cask conditioned beers, the company has seen production increase by 75% over the past twenty years. Harveys will stock S&N UK lager brands, Foster's and Kronenbourg 1664, over a seven year period as a part of this transaction.
Harveys said the future of their existing depot in Lewes had not been decided.
"Our Depot in Pinwell Road, which we purchased ten years ago, has proved invaluable" said Elder.
" No decision has been made regarding the future of the Pinwell site.
"However, we very much hope that it can continue to co-exist in harmony with local residents and that much of the structural work we have undertaken can be retained."
