Two sites in running for Brains but they’re still secret
BRAINS has whittled down its search for a new multi-million pound brewery, head office and visitor experience development to two sites.
Last year, the family-owned business confirmed it was looking to move from its existing brewery and headquarters behind Cardiff Central railway station so the site could be redeveloped.
The Central Quay development – if the adjoining Network Rail-owned surface car park site and the current site of the BMW car dealership are included – would see up to three million sq ft of new leisure, office and residential development on 14 acres.
As a result, Brains would need to relocate to a new brewery, head office and proposed visitor experience development, which its chief executive Scott Waddington described as a “once in a couple of generations opportunity” for the firm.
SA Brain is being advised on its property search by the Cardiff office of international property advisory firm Cushman & Wakefield.
Mr Waddington confirmed the search has been whittled down to two sites but would not reveal where they are.
However, with the proposed new development also featuring a visitor experience – charting the history of the brewery in the city back to the 19th century and building on one of Wales’ most recognisable brands in Brains – Cardiff Bay could be a frontrunner. There are plenty of development opportunities at the Porth Teigr development close to the BBC Wales drama studios for such a scheme.
Also possibly in contention is land at Hadfield Road close to the city centre in Leckwith.
However, out of the running is an option to redevelop the former National Tennis Centre facility at Ocean Way.
While plans have yet to be finalised, such a development would require around a three to four-acre clear site.
Mr Waddington said master planning on Central Quay was progressing well, but stressed that even if the project is approved, it would be at least two years before a phased move was completed.
The plan would be for Brains to move its current offices into temporary accommodation for about a year to open up its existing offices and company car park for the first phase of Central Quay.
Mr Waddington said: “We are very clear as a board with the vision and see this as a once in a couple of generations opportunity to embody the brand with the proposed new HQ, which is very exciting.
“With the visitor experience we envisage a facility where people can just come to the brewery for a drink and food at a bar. But we also envisage that people can experience the history of Brains through a brewery tour.”
If the existing SA Brain site is redeveloped the 19th century brew house building and the iconic Brains branded chimney would remain central features of Central Quay – with the building potentially becoming home to niche craft and food tenants.