Brewery development goes ahead

Up to 380 apartments wil be built on the brewery site

Planners in Bristol have given the go-ahead for a major redevelopment on the site of the former Courage brewery in the St Phillips area.

The £150m regeneration scheme for the five-acre site includes commercial and residential properties with leisure facilities.

Up to 380 apartments will be constructed as part of the development. Some will be purpose-built and brewery buildings will be converted.

There is also to be a working microbrewery and bar, along with other waterfront restaurants, bars and cafes.

Richard Brooks wanted the brewery to stay open

Additionally the developers promise a health and leisure facility with a swimming pool and spa as well as a crèche and other community space.

Nick Foulkes of architects Colwyn Foulkes said: "The scheme design has been drawn up to reflect the legacy of the sugar and brewing industries over the last 300 years."

Richard Brooks, chairman of the Bristol and district branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) was part of a campaign to keep the old brewery open two years ago.

He said: "It does all sound impressive, but it's the quality of the final thing that matters.

"It will be interesting to see if any of the plans get dropped or changed at the last minute.

"We are obviously pleased to see the micro-brewery still features, but it's a shame they couldn't keep more of the site for industrial use as the council promised."