Trustland on-site with Liverpool brewery

Work has begun in the city’s Baltic Triangle for a new brewery whose brands will include historic Liverpool name Higson’s.

The brewery, on Bridgewater Street, has been designed by Liverpool architect Condy Lofthouse and will include a brewing and distilling hall, a bar with a food offering and a tasting room.

Project architect Pete Williamson said: “There were no shortage of volunteers to work on this job. 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 11,000 sq ft development incorporates two former rubber manufacturing warehouses and is being refurbished by Wirral-based contractor Trustland following Condy Lofthouse’s securing of full planning permission in May last year.

Work is expected to be completed in the autumn before handover to the brewery. At the head of this venture is Stephen Crawley, an industry veteran with 20 years experience as managing director of Deuchars brewer Caledonian to his name.

Crawley headed the influential industry voice The Cask Report between 2008 nd 2012, and was a non-executive director of craft brewer Meantime for two years.

In February last year, Crawley, who has relocated to Merseyside, acquired Liverpool Craft Beer Co as part of his move into the city. He is listed as one of four directors of Higsons 1780 Ltd, referencing the founding date of the original brewer.

Williamson continued: “It’s a fascinating project that respects the urban grain and which will bring additional life to an area that is regenerating rapidly. 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.