National Brewery Centre saved from closure

UK beer lovers from Burton and beyond are celebrating the news that the brewing museum and visitor centre in Burton-on-Trent has been saved and will reopen in 2010.

A long campaign by brewery workers, local newspapers, beer enthusiasts and the local MP has forced Molson Coors, the owner of the facility, to reverse last year’s decision to close the attraction at the Horninglow Road site of the Coors Visitor Centre and Museum of Brewing.

Called The National Brewery Centre, it will retain key elements of the existing facilities, updating and reorganising the site to create a unique visitor attraction.

“Burton has a proud position in not only the UK’s brewing industry, but throughout the world,” said John Lowther, chief executive of Planning Solutions, which will operate the new centre.

“We are delighted to be opening The National Brewery Centre here in Burton and celebrating the vital contribution that the town has made to our brewing industry and heritage.

“I know from our many discussions with local people that this will be widely welcomed and it will provide a much-needed boost for tourism and local employment.

“It is important to recognise the commitment that Molson Coors (UK) is making in contributing towards the site’s success.

“Not only are they providing the buildings and artefacts at a peppercorn rent, they are donating £200,000 in matched funding to get the project off the ground and a further £100,000 annually for the maintenance of the buildings for the duration of a 25-year lease.”

John Polglass, director of business and property services at Molson Coors, said: “Molson Coors has always been committed to finding an organisation that can provide a long term future for a Brewing Museum in Burton.”
 
The Local Action Group, formed in January this year, which has tirelessly campaigned for the reopening of the centre, is celebrating the announcement.

The group’s chairman Keith Norris said: “The Group is very pleased to give our unanimous support to the proposals.

“We are confident that the plan will not only secure the reopening of the Museum but also offers exciting opportunities for it to become a truly national visitor attraction.”

“We will continue to work in partnership with Planning Solutions and Molson Coors to ensure the success of the project and preserve Burton on Trent’s heritage as the UK’s capital of brewing.”

Member of Parliament for Burton on Trent, Janet Dean, said: "I am delighted that we will again be able to celebrate the heritage of Burton and the brewing industry with the opening of the National Brewery Centre.”

“I would also like to thank the volunteers who have helped to preserve the exhibits during the period of closure, and Keith Norris and fellow members of the local action group for all their hard work and support since January.”

Alan Lodge, 25.11.2009