Latest news with #CaledonianBrewery
Edinburgh Reporter
22-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Artisan Real Estate welcomes Caledonian Brewery planning consent
Artisan Real Estate is to progress with the homes-led transformation of the former Caledonian Brewery in Shandon, Edinburgh following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC's Development Sub Committee on Wednesday (21 May) unanimously granted consent for Artisan's ambitious proposals to develop the historic brewery site into a sustainable, low-carbon residential neighbourhood delivering 168 new high-quality private and affordable homes. Sitting at the western edge of Edinburgh's city centre, the Caledonian Brewery was the capital's last major brewery prior to the ceasing of operations in 2022. The brewery was founded in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark and its distinctive range of B-listed Victorian buildings provide an important reminder of the city's once extensive brewing heritage. Welcoming the planning consent, Artisan's Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater said: 'This is a hugely exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a complex and historically important city centre site, providing a high-quality mix of new homes and affordable housing in line with the Council's policy to help tackle the city's housing emergency. 'Artisan's UK-wide expertise as a regeneration specialist will now deliver a sustainable new residential community in an accessible city centre location that will respect, preserve and enhance the rich history of the Caledonian Brewery. Working closely with our heritage experts, we have unravelled the different layers of history and development which have governed the evolution of the site. This has been a model design approach to a very complex and challenging site bringing together a mix of buildings developed at different stages during the last 150 years. 'From the very start, Artisan placed the preservation of the site's unique heritage right at the heart of our approach, creating a distinctive footprint which both reflects the brewery's historical legacy whilst creating a high-quality and well-connected urban neighbourhood which promises to set new standards for city centre living.' The Caledonian Brewery's unique heritage and character will govern Artisan's development approach. Around one fifth of the homes will be housed in the existing listed buildings which will be preserved and repurposed. Additional development proposals will respect and reflect the original footprint of the brewery – including recreating the skyline of the maltings buildings which was demolished following a fire almost 30 years ago. Most of the listed buildings on the site date from the late 19th to early 20th century and were constructed using distinctive red brick with white brick dressings. The existing brewhouse and maltings were built in 1892 following designs by renowned Edinburgh architect Robert Hamilton Paterson, who also designed the Royal Scots War Memorial in the city's St Giles Cathedral. The brewery currently houses a vast amount of brewing equipment – including what was the last remaining direct fired 'coppers' to be used in the UK, which have been attracting the interest of independent breweries across the world. As part of the redevelopment plans, Artisan intends to 'upcycle' as much of the internal equipment as possible, allowing the Caledonian Brewery's significant technical legacy to continue to play a part in today's global brewing industry. Artisan Real Estate has a strong track record in delivering award-winning sensitive urban regeneration projects. This includes the New Waverley mixed-use development in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town and part of the World Heritage Site, as well as completing the transformation of Glasgow's historic A-Listed Custom House district into a thriving hotel quarter. Mr Westwater added: 'Artisan Real Estate is committed to delivering high quality urban living for everyone in well-connected central areas, bringing interest, investment and life back into the heart of our cities. Building high-quality, sustainable homes in sensitive and unique urban sites such as the brewery site is a lengthy, complex and expensive process – but we are confident that our comprehensive proposals will raise the UK bar for the homes-led regeneration of historically important city centre sites across the UK.' The previous operators of the brewery, Heineken UK, invited bids for the site in 2022. A spokesperson for Heineken UK said: 'The Caledonian Brewery has been an integral part of Edinburgh's brewing history and the local community for more than 150 years. We were keen that the legacy of the brewery was maintained and contributed positively to the local community. 'Having received several bids for the site, we believed that Artisan's plans to deliver a 100% residential scheme delivered the best outcome for the community as well as meeting the Council's ambitions in terms of delivering sustainable housing. We are pleased that the planning consent has now been granted for this exciting city centre neighbourhood to progress which is set to preserve the brewery's legacy for future generations.' Like this: Like Related
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Plans approved for 168 flats at old Edinburgh brewery
Developers have secured planning permission to build 168 flats on the former Caledonian Brewery site in brewery closed in 2022 after 153 years, with the loss of 30 jobs. It was the last major brewery in the Real Estate announced its takeover of the 1.9-acre site in December plans, approved by City of Edinburgh Council, will see the old brewery buildings repurposed to create a mix of sustainable flats and houses across the site. David Westwater, Artisan's managing director for Scotland, said it would preserve the site's "unique heritage" while creating a "well-connected urban neighbourhood".He added: "This is a hugely exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a complex and historically important city centre site, providing a high quality mix of new homes and affordable housing in line with the council's policy to help tackle the city's housing emergency."Artisan's UK-wide expertise as a regeneration specialist will now deliver a sustainable new residential community in an accessible city centre location that will respect, preserve and enhance the rich history of the Caledonian Brewery."He said about one fifth of the new homes would be built within the existing also include recreating the skyline of the maltings buildings which was demolished following a fire almost 30 years ago. The Caledonian was founded in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark. Most of the listed buildings on the site date from the late 19th to early 20th existing brewhouse and maltings were built in 1892 following designs by Edinburgh architect Robert Hamilton also designed the Royal Scots War Memorial in the city's St Giles took over the operation of the brewery in 2008 after acquiring Scottish & Newcastle, but the company later said modernising the site was not financially the closure in 2022, the drinks giant struck a deal to continue making the Caledonian Brewery's main brands - Deuchars, Coast to Coast and Maltsmiths - at the Belhaven brewery in invited bids for the site in 2022, and spokesperson said the company was pleased that planning permission had been granted for the new homes.
Edinburgh Reporter
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Reporter
Plans to convert former Caledonian Brewery into carless development recommended for approval
A major development will be considered by planners on Wednesday with a recommendation that the application to build 168 homes (including 40 affordable houses) on the brownfield site is approved. The development at 40 Slateford Road by Artisan Real Estate is on the site of the former Caledonian Brewery, and given the scale of the application, some two and a half hours has been scheduled for the application. Anyone may attend the meeting or watch online here. The new housing development includes affordable housing and there is a mix of old buildings which will be retained, some of which are listed, and also new build homes. The advice from planning officers is that 'demolition is always a loss and should only be considered as a last resort when all other options have been explored'. But officers conclude that the proposal will not harm the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building and there will be no detrimental impact on the setting. The number of affordable homes will be less than the council's stipulated requirement of 35%. The developer has provided evidence that there are exceptional costs and this supports fewer homes than would otherwise be required. But the developer will have to provide a commuted sum of £420,000 to make up for the reduced number of affordable homes. Other financial contributions include a payment towards active travel infrastructure of £132,046, four car club spaces costing £80,000, and a secondary school contribution of £63,342. There will be 365 cycle parking spaces provided indoors and outside the flats with a combination of secure stores and Sheffield stands, as well as two-tier cycle storage inside. There will be ten spaces for non-standard bikes. Developers will provide two accessible car parking space with EV chargers to the north and middle of the site. There will be a developer contribution made towards providing four Car Club spaces in the vicinity, the bus shelter on Slateford Road which will be upgraded and a new pelican crossing will be created adjacent to the bus stop. The application states that 'No other car parking is proposed'. The report provides support for a low car parking development such as this: 'LDP policy Inf 7 (Private Car Parking) supports development where private car use is not needed, with a view to encouraging parking free or low car parking developments. 'A range of factors are set out within the policy for consideration such as levels of sustainable transport accessibility, parking controls on neighbouring streets, availability of shared mobility services, and whether accessible parking standards are satisfied. 'The location and design of the two proposed accessible parking spaces are acceptable in the context of LDP policy Inf 8 (Design of Car Parking) and in accordance with the Council's parking standards. In respect of no other parking being proposed for future residents the proposal is consistent with the objectives of LDP policy Inf 7 as it is in an existing urban location with excellent access to public transport, close to local facilities which reduce the need for travel by private vehicle, and located close to several road and path arteries (Slateford Road, Gorgie Road, and the Union Canal) to the City and surrounding areas which allow for active travel.' It is recognised in the report to councillors that there have been many objections from neighbours, and from people living in the neighbouring Merchiston Community Council area, regarding the possibility that they will be adversely affected by the lack of parking in the development. During the three month long consultation last year bodies including Merchiston Community Council considered the proposals. At their meeting last June Cllr Val Walker confirmed that she had been assured 'residents of the new development will know they cannot have parking permits, but understands the fear that residents will park nearby in evenings and at weekends'. However she pointed out that there is a need for non student housing and this development provides that, and has good transport links. Gorgie/Dalry Community Council were also given the chance as statutory consultees of commenting on the plans. The developers made a presentation to the community council at their meeting on 1 April 2024, and the community council responded positively subject to a requirement for restoring the Slateford Road wall, providing space for delivery vehicles in the development and improved access to the site with improved links to Dalry Community Park. Residents' objections A resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, wrote to The Edinburgh Reporter with their ongoing concerns about the lack of parking in the proposed development, and the apparent disregard for the objections lodged by local residents. They wrote: 'The developer claims it will be a 'car-free' development, yet there are no legal restrictions on residents owning vehicles — nor any way to enforce these. 'The developer's own application shows that the area averages 0.6 cars per household, meaning at least 100 additional vehicles could soon flood nearby streets. Local parking is already maxed out, and while there's a residents' permit zone nearby, it doesn't apply in the evenings or weekends, when demand for parking by residents is highest, so offers no protection for existing residents. 'To make matters worse, the development will cut existing parking in the area by creating 4 new City Car Club bays on public streets, at the expense of residential parking spaces, and a new pelican crossing removing a further 10 parking spaces. 'Despite overwhelming concern from residents (more than 150 objections — equivalent to 67% of households notified during the planning process) and Merchiston Community Council, Edinburgh Council officers are recommending approval. 'Local residents support new housing — but not at the expense of making life impossible for existing communities.' Artisan said that the development was intended to 'respect, preserve and tell the story of the Caledonian Brewery'. David Westwater Managing Director Scotland for Artisan said after the consultation events last year: 'The feedback from our consultation events was overwhelmingly supportive and positive. There was a significant and long-established affinity, amongst local residents especially, for the historic brewery buildings which will be preserved to form the heart of our new development – including the spectacular 130-ft red brick chimney which towers over the local community.' He continued: 'There was also significant support for our plans create a much needed sustainable, low carbon residential community on the site, with 168 homes providing a healthy mix of different types of accommodation. This will include a mix of one, two and three-bed family apartments through to duplex units and mews houses, together with affordable housing in line with the City of Edinburgh Council policy.' The brewery was founded in 1869 but was closed in 2022 by Heineken UK who then marketed it for sale. The planning application 24/024048/FUL is here. The main report is below: Loading… Caledonian Brewery – Development Timeline 1865 18-year-old London tea merchant George Lorimer returns to his family home in Edinburgh following the tragic death of his father at Edinburgh's Theatre Royale. Whilst golfing at the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society he meets Robert Clark, then Head Brewer at the Alexander Melvin Brewery in Edinburgh. After a few drinks, they agree to use George's future inheritance to launch a brewery in the city. 1868 George finally inherits his father's estate and purchases the then 2.3-acre site alongside Slateford Road from the Earl of Sheldon. 1869 With George providing the money and Robert providing the brewing expertise, the pair complete the brewery and name it the Lorimer & Clark Caledonian Brewery after the Caledonian Railway Line which still forms the northern boundary to the site. The first of the brewery's impressive direct-fired coppers were installed in the same year. 1892 Several buildings on the site were reconstructed following designs by Edinburgh architect Robert Hamilton Paterson – including the new brewery and maltings buildings. Although the brewery sold its beers and stouts all over Scotland, its most popular beer was Lorimer's Best Scotch which was sold predominantly in the north-east of England. 1919 The popularity of Lorimer's Best Scotch in northern England leads to the brewery being sold to Sunderland-based Vaux Breweries following the retirement and death of George Lorimer (Clark having died in 1874.) 1986 Vaux cease brewing in Edinburgh and transfers its operations to its base in Sunderland, placing the Caledonian Brewery under threat of closure. 1987 The brewery is saved by a management buy-out led by Head Brewer Russell Sharp and the Caledonian Brewing Company is formed. 1994 & 1998 The brewery's maltings buildings is destroyed by fire in 1994 whilst another fire in October 1998 destroys one of the three original coppers. A local company comes to the rescue and hand-builds an exact replacement to the original plans. As part of the repairs, a new yeast room, cask-racking system and new settling tanks for keg beers are added, together with a kegging plant. 1999 When Vaux ceases brewing operations altogether, Caledonian buys back the rights to the Lorimer & Clark name. 2004 The brewery site and production facilities are bought by Scottish & Newcastle (S&N) following their closure of the McEwan's Brewery in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh. Production of McEwan's ales is subsequently transferred to the Caledonian Brewery. A new Caledonian Brewing Company (CBC) is formed by several former shareholders and directors of the pre-2004 business. CBC owns the Caledonian brands and operates the brewery site on behalf of the owners. Whilst S&N takes a 30% share in this business, CBC operates on an independent basis. 2008 S&N buys the remaining shares in CBC to take full control of the company. Heineken then acquires the UK assets of Scottish and Newcastle which includes the Caledonian Brewery. 2022 In May, Heineken announces the proposed closure of the Caledonian Brewery with an agreement in principle for Belhaven Brewery to brew its Scottish brands. In October, the site is placed on the market. 2023 In December, Artisan Real Estate announces that it has purchased the site from Heineken with a consultation set to start in February 2024 for a sustainable community of around 170 new homes to be developed on the site. Like this: Like Related
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Developers move closer to building 168 flats on Caledonian brewery site
Planning officers are recommending councillors approve a proposal for 168 new homes on the site of the historic Caledonian Brewery in brewery closed in 2022 after 153 years, with the loss of 30 jobs. It was the last major brewery in the Real Estate announced its takeover of the 1.9-acre site in December development proposal includes plans to repurpose the old brewery buildings and roll-out a mix of sustainable flats and houses across the site. David Westwater, Artisan's managing director for Scotland, said: "Artisan is committed to delivering this new, sustainable residential neighbourhood in a complex and historically important city centre site, providing a healthy mix of new homes and affordable housing in line with the council's policy to help tackle the city's housing emergency."Building high-quality, sustainable homes in sensitive and unique urban sites such as the brewery site is a lengthy, complex and expensive process - but we are confident that our comprehensive proposals will set new standards for the homes-led regeneration for this historically important city centre site." The Caledonian was founded in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark. Most of the listed buildings on the site date from the late 19th to early 20th existing brewhouse and maltings were built in 1892 following designs by Edinburgh architect Robert Hamilton Paterson, who also designed the Royal Scots War Memorial in the city's St Giles took over the operation of the brewery in 2008 after acquiring Scottish & the company later said modernising the site was not financially the closure in 2022, the drinks giant struck a deal to continue making the Caledonian Brewery's main brands - Deuchars, Coast to Coast and Maltsmiths - at the Belhaven brewery in Dunbar.
