Plans to transform the historic former Wadworth brewery site in Devizes have received official approval from Wiltshire Council, marking a significant step in repurposing the town's iconic industrial heritage.
Transforming Victorian Heritage
Wiltshire Council has granted planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment of the vacant listed buildings at the former Northgate Brewery. The scheme, designed by architecture practice Nash Partnership on behalf of property developer Trevor Osborne, will see the conversion of the Victorian brewery complex and the former White Lion pub into 22 new homes alongside commercial space.
The residential offering will include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, while the historic White Lion pub building will be converted into a single four-bedroom house. Additionally, the plans include constructing a new two-storey mixed-use building with parking facilities and a new-build apartment positioned above commercial units in the centre of the site.
Preserving Brewing History
A key element of the approved proposal is a detailed strategy for handling the site's industrial artefacts. According to Nash Partnership, specific items including copper vessels, tanks, engines, and original brewery machinery will be carefully retained, reclaimed, or relocated.
Some of this historic equipment will be moved to the new micro-brewery planned for the site, while other pieces will be repurposed within the internal designs of the new development, ensuring the brewing heritage remains a visible part of the complex.
Creating New Public Spaces
The project will open up previously inaccessible areas of the substantial site to the public. A central feature will be the creation of a new 'brewery courtyard' that will serve as a pedestrian thoroughfare, improving connectivity and providing a new walking route through to the nearby canal.
Robert Locke, a partner at Nash Partnership, commented on the project's significance: "This complex but fascinating project has presented many opportunities as well as challenges. With a strong vision for this part of the site, our client can now go ahead with the conversion of these important historic assets."
Locke added, "With the planning and listed building consent now secured, we're looking forward to continuing to play a part in this exciting new chapter of the town's history."
This approval follows separate plans for the northern section of the brewery site by local developer Backhouse, which were approved earlier this year. Furthermore, the derelict grade-II listed Assize Court on the western edge of the site is set to become the new home for Wiltshire Museum.
The original Wadworth Northgate Brewery was established during the reign of Queen Victoria by Henry Wadworth and his brother-in-law, John Smith Bartholomew. After 135 years of operation, the site became vacant in 2023 when the renowned 6X beer maker relocated to a new, modern facility on Folly Road. The brewery company has previously expressed its support for the redevelopment of its former home.
