Stafford Borough Council has granted Joule’s Brewery full planning consent for a brewery tap and studio theatre at Crown Wharf, Stone.
Joule’s has purchased the one-acre site from the Canal and Rivers Trust. The brewery has subsequently agreed terms with Staffordshire County Council to acquire the Old Fire Station for use as a heritage centre, which will be provided for £1 a year to Stone Town Council.
Stone Town Council will be investing in the fit-out and running of the heritage centre. This month, the brewery also announced it had acquired the tenth-of-an-acre Pooles Yard.
Addressing the planning committee, Steve Nuttall, managing director of Joule’s Brewery, said: “This project means much more to Joule’s than just a new pub; it is about our heritage. Which is also a part of the story of Stone — the birthplace of the iconic Joule’s beer brand and the famous red cross, the sixth oldest beer trademark in the world.
“Stone is fundamental to our identity as Joule’s; it is who and what we are. We have such an intense ambition to return to the home of Joule’s. Not to buy a pub, but to do something much more profound.
“To embrace the culture and heritage, forming a relationship with the community. Becoming a part of this community today and not just a memory. It is all about being Joule’s.”
Stone town councillor, Rob Kenney, a member of the Crown Wharf steering group and trustee of the new theatre, said: “This is a landmark day, which means planning can commence building on Crown Wharf. It is a
tremendously exciting scheme, which has the potential to lift the High Street and the whole town.
“The three elements that make up Crown Wharf are starting to fall into place; it is tremendous news. The heritage centre is a bonus to the whole scheme.”
Among the supporters of the scheme has been well-known local MP, Bill Cash. He said: “Town centres are a challenge, and changing rapidly. This development is a part of the changing nature of our town centres and it’s right that it has been warmly welcomed.
“I am personally especially hopeful for the heritage centre. Stone has a fascinating history that should be shared — this is an opportunity to bring that alive.”
