Plans for £40m Greene King brewery approved

Plans for a new £40m Greene King brewery have been approved by the local authority.

The firm submitted plans last July for a "state-of-the-art" brewery that would replace its current site in Bury St Edmunds, where it has had a town centre presence since 1799.

It plans to build the new brewery next to its distribution centre at Suffolk Park in the Moreton Hall area of the town.

West Suffolk Council's development control committee unanimously granted planning permission for the scheme, which Greene King said was an "important milestone".

"We are excited to get started on building our new state-of-the-art site – which we believe will bring benefits to the local community, economy and our customers – and we will continue to work closely with local stakeholders throughout the process," said Matt Starbuck, managing director for brewing and group supply chain at Greene King.

Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for growth at the council, said he looked forward to working with Greene King.

"Their investment and eagerness to stay in Bury St Edmunds not only ensures the retainment of jobs and a skilled workforce, but also demonstrates West Suffolk is the location for businesses to grow and evolve," he said.

Greene King expects work to begin in the middle of this year.

In the planning documents, the firm said it aimed to have the new brewery constructed and operational by 2027.

As the project commences, it said it planned to continue brewing at its Westgate site in the town before moving to the other side of the A14, which bisects the town.

Councillors also commended Greene King for their efforts to ensure the community and council were involved in the plans.

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