SA Brain and Co’s Cardiff Brewery in Central Quay, Cardiff, will be one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.
The company’s iconic building and chimney will be kept to retain the brewery’s heritage, while new offices, hotels, apartments and a leisure zone will be built close by.
SA Brain is currently looking for a new site within the city centre, but has not confirmed any details.
‘Huge potential’
Brains chief executive Scott Waddington said: “We recognise the brewery site has huge potential for redevelopment and, at the same time, we needed to re-invest in our brewing plant, office and training facilities.
“This presented the opportunity for us to relocate and enable the Central Quay development to take place, where we expect our Brains and Coffee#1 brands to feature.”
He added: “While moving from our Crawshay Street home in the centre of Cardiff will be sad, I am excited by the potential the scheme creates for both our business and employees.
“Quay’s waterfront location will drive huge investment from some of the national and international operators who want to be in Cardiff.”
‘Unlocking opportunity’
Property developers Rightacres Property will begin redevelopment over the next few months.
Rightacres chief executive Paul McCarthy said: “The timing for bringing forward the Brains site ties in perfectly with the Metro system delivery programme.
“Public transport is pivotal to the success of any business district and to have a Metro terminal at Central Quay, adjacent to the central train station would be good for all concerned.”
He added: “We would hope to submit detailed planning for our first buildings towards the middle of next year, with a view to getting underway with construction towards the end of 2017.”
Cardiff Council leader Phil Bale said: “The city council has been involved in trying to unlock this opportunity for a number of years and we are delighted that Brains and Rightacres have come to an agreement which will help deliver on our aspirations to extend the city centre south of the train station.”