Brewery move could pave way for site redevelopment

Bristol Beer Factory has outgrown its current premises in Southville

A brewery could be converted into shops, workspace and accommodation for 103 students.

Bristol Beer Factory has outgrown its premises in North Street, Southville, and is relocating its brewery to Ashton Vale Trading Estate. The tap room will move to the nearby Old Brewery development, where 107 houses are being built.

The company said it can "no longer continue to operate effectively" from its current location.

Plans to demolish some of the site's existing buildings have been submitted to Bristol City Council.

The demolition would make way for three new accommodation buildings, which would be occupied by students from the Bristol School of Acting, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One of the buildings will have retail or commercial space on the ground floor.

'Sensitive redevelopment'

The Brewery Tower, which is in an "increasing state of deterioration", will also be repaired and converted into workspace.

Architects said it is "uneconomic" to retain the building in its current "poor state" and the new development would be a financial benefit.

They added that there is a "compelling case" for its demolition.

A spokesperson from Bristol Beer Factory said moving the brewery to an "enlarged and improved" site will allow current staff to retain their jobs while recruiting to fill new roles and reinvesting in the local community.

“Bristol Beer Factory wishes to retain a presence in the area through the highly successful tap room, and through the sensitive redevelopment of the site," they added.