Burton on Trent’s world-famous brewing heritage is set for a new chapter with planning approval granted for the Old Brewery Quarter, a major regeneration project bringing new life, leisure and hospitality to the town centre.
Securing planning permission for a series of cultural and heritage schemes has been described as a “defining moment” for Burton on Trent’s regeneration and will revitalise the area and lay the groundwork for economic growth.
The projects have collectively been named the Old Brewery Quarter, celebrating Burton’s brewing heritage.
“It sets a new standard for regeneration in the town and reflects the ambition and vision of our community,” said East Staffordshire Borough Council cabinet member Louise Walker.
National Brewery Heritage Trust chairman Dr Harry White said: “The trust has been working closely with East Staffordshire Borough Council on this flagship project, so we are very pleased that planning permission has now been granted.
“This is a major step forward in an exciting project that will showcase the town’s brewing and pub heritage and is a key foundation in preserving it for future generations.
“Burton has long been regarded as the capital of Britain’s beer industry and we commend the council for its commitment to regenerating this important part of the town.
“We are delighted that the development is to be named the Old Brewery Quarter – a term which sums up the rich past of a town still at the forefront of a great British industry.”
The authority also announced that food-and-beverage operator Loungers was the first to sign up to open a cafe-bar within the town’s historic Bass House. The new venue will serve beers brewed in the town and is due to form part of a wider visitor attraction within the building.
The Burton Lounge will serve beers brewed in the town connecting the brand directly with the area’s brewing story. The venue will form part of a wider brewery and social history visitor attraction within Bass House.
The Old Brewery Quarter is due to be delivered in phases. Approval has been granted for Bass House to be opened as a heritage experience, featuring interactive exhibits, a working pilot brewery and the National Brewery Heritage Archive.
Nearby, Town House will be restored, preserving its architectural heritage while adapting it for flexible future use.
The Water Tower will be repurposed as a visitor attraction, featuring a rooftop viewing platform with panoramic vistas across the Washlands.
A new events space will be created on the footprint of the former Trent House office building, designed as a hub for festivals, performances and community events.
It would also serve to connect the town centre with the historic brewery buildings and the Washlands, the council said.
The Washlands Visitor Centre, developed in partnership with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, will provide educational and exhibition spaces as well as interactive classrooms, a cafe and a riverside terrace.
Meanwhile, the former Molson Coors headquarters at Carling House is set to be converted into a hotel.
Initial groundworks are due to begin on site in early 2026, the council said.
