Work starts on new brewery in city

Work has begun in Liverpool at a new brewery whose brands will include the famous Higson’s name, first quaffed by its city folk in 1780.

The brewery, on Bridgewater Street in the city’s Baltic neighbourhood, has been designed by Liverpool architects Condy Lofthouse and will include a brewing and distilling hall, a bar with a food offering and a tasting room.

“There were no shortage of volunteers to work on this job,” said project architect Pete Williamson.

“Going back, it’s fair to say that generations of my family were raised on Higson’s and it’s a privilege to play a part in bringing the brand back to the city.”

The 11,000sq ft development incorporates two former rubber manufacturing warehouses and is being refurbished by Wirral-based contractor Trustland following Condy Lofthouse’s achievement of full planning permission for its client.

Work is expected to be completed in the autumn before handover to the brewery.

“It’s a fascinating project that respects the urban grain and which will bring additional life to an area that is regenerating rapidly,” said Williamson. “The bar and visitor experience will benefit from lots of exposed brick, glass and ironwork and the brewing and distilling use will sit very well in this diverse neighbourhood.”

The scheme follows Condy Lofthouse’s recent completion of the new community hub for Everton Football Club on Spellow Lane and its handover of 25 affordable homes in Huyton for social enterprise First Ark.