Bacardi plans new Bombay Sapphire distillery

Bacardi has unveiled plans for a new Bombay Sapphire gin distillery and visitor center in the UK.

Set to open in 2013, the multi-million-pound project will be located on a five-acre lot in Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire.

The site is currently home to a historic money-printing facility and an abandoned mill.

In addition to renovating the existing facilities, Bacardi will add a new structure to the site, the focus of which will be a greenhouse containing Bombay Sapphire’s 10 botanicals.

The project is being led by London designer Thomas Heatherwick and the Heatherwick Studio.

Heatherwick said: “As the particular flavours of Bombay Sapphire gin are derived from 10 botanicals, the centrepiece of the site is a glass house, within which visitors will experience the specific horticultural specimens infused in the spirit.

“The glass house, influenced by Britain’s rich heritage of glass house structures, will be two separate structures providing both a humid environment for spices that originate from the tropics, as well as a dry temperate zone for Mediterranean plants. We are thrilled to have the chance to take this historic site, and turn it from its current derelict state into a new industrial facility with national significance.”

In February 2012, planning permission to restore Laverstoke was granted and the build process is now underway and managed by Meller Ltd, with a goal the distillery will open its doors in autumn 2013.

Bombay Sapphire global category director, John Burke, added: “It’s a very exciting time for the Bombay Sapphire team, especially now that we’re seeing our plan for Laverstoke Mill come into fruition. With tradition, quality and craftsmanship at the heart of the site’s heritage, we can finally look forward to opening our doors to consumers worldwide and share with them the care, skill and imagination that is infused in the spirit we produce.

“Bombay Sapphire gin has experienced great success and growth over the last 10 years and with the opening of the brand’s home and consumer experience, we are very optimistic for next decade.”