Greene King’s major £40 million bid for a new brewery in Bury St Edmunds has been given the go-ahead by councillors.
The plans to move away from the existing historic brewery in Westgate Street were discussed earlier this afternoon by members of West Suffolk Council’s development control committee.
Matt Starbuck, managing director for Brewing and Group Supply Chain at Greene King, said moving into the new site in Fortress Way, on Suffolk Park, would halve water usage for each pint.
Concept image of Greene King’s new brewery which will halve water usage for each pint. Picture: Greene King
He said: “As a company, we have been brewing in the town for over 200 years and we are very passionate about our craft.
“The development of a new modern facility will enable us to retain our presence and rich brewing heritage connected with the town and evolving it for generations to come.”
There were some concerns about the lack of solar panel provision within the application but members were quick to recommend approval of the project, with councillors commending Greene King for their work in the community.
Greene King has been brewing in Bury St Edmunds for over 200 years. Picture: Mecha Morton …
As part of the proposals, although solar panels were not included, the roof of the new building was future-proofed to include them in the future.
Cllr Susan Glossop: “We are very lucky to have Greene King wanting to do this and spending all this money for economic development — there are places where they would be biting their arm off to have Greene King.”
The council received six objection letters in total from residents, raising concerns such as odour, noise, and traffic, as well as one letter of support.
The new brewery will remove HGV movements between the new distribution centre and the historic facility, in Westgate Street. Picture: iStock.
Planning officers concluded the design of the building mitigated some of the harm caused by the development and recommended the facility for approval.
Their report read: “The retention of the Greene King Brewery in the town will safeguard jobs, many of which are highly skilled and well-paid.
“On balance, the proposed development is considered acceptable as the harm identified is clearly outweighed by the economic and social benefits that the proposal would bring to the wider community.”
Greene King expects to begin construction halfway through this year and open in 2027. Picture: istock
The new brewery will sit to the north of Greene King’s newly built distribution centre, which replaced the former Cullum Road building, and allow for better integration as well as reduce HGV traffic in the town.
There have been no plans revealed yet for the Cullum Road site.
Mr Starbuck added: “This is an important milestone in the delivery of our new brewery as we look to create the next chapter in Greene King’s history in Bury St Edmunds.
Councillor Indy Wikenayaka, West Suffolk Council’s lead for growth. Picture: West Suffolk Council.
“We are excited to get started on building our new state-of-the-art site – which we believe will bring benefits to the local community, economy and our customers – and we will continue to work closely with local stakeholders throughout the process.”
Cllr Indy Wikenayaka, the council’s lead for growth, said: “We are pleased that Greene King has secured planning permission for a new brewery at Suffolk Business Park in Bury St Edmunds and look forward to working with them as a key player in our local economy.
“Their investment and eagerness to stay in Bury St Edmunds not only ensures the retainment of jobs and a skilled workforce but also demonstrates West Suffolk is the location for businesses to grow and evolve.”
Due to parking concerns, however, officers have had to include a planning condition preventing tours from opening to the general public at the new site.
Peter White, the council’s case officer for the proposals, said, however, these may continue at the historic Westgate Street site with the potential they could eventually be included at the new facility depending on parking monitoring.
The company has also revealed it is preparing to launch a collaborative engagement process to shape the future of the historic brewery site.
It promised to work closely with neighbours, the council and its team members to shape the future of the site and committed to respecting Westgate’s rich heritage.
This afternoon’s plans were approved unanimously by councillors.
Details on how to get involved in the company’s engagement process will be shared in the coming weeks and made available at www.greenekingconsultation.co.uk.
The company expects to begin construction halfway through this year and open in 2027.