A 150-year-old signal box in Uckfield, which is falling into disrepair, could be transformed into a micropub for the Three Acre Brewery. A planning application has been submitted to Uckfield District Council.
Sketches showing how the micropub would look
The 19th-century structure, not used by the railway since the station was moved across the road and the level crossing decommissioned, was purchased by Uckfield Town Council, who wanted to secure the landmark’s future. Now the brewery, started by three school friends, feels it could be the perfect site for a taproom.
“The historic signal box was a taxi office at one time, but has lain empty for the past two years and is now looking rather sorry for itself,” said Three Acre’s Chester Broad. “We feel it would be perfect as a local meeting place, where people could gather over one of our craft ales or a coffee.”
In January 2024, the brewery began crowdfunding for a brewery tap, but several potential premises in and around Uckfield proved unsuitable for one reason or another.
“We have now reinvigorated our taproom plans in the hope the old signal box plans are approved,” sais Chester. “We are so excited at the prospect of being able to invest thousands of pounds to revitalise the building, which has been such a landmark in the town for generations.”
The signal box as it is now
Exterior redecoration would restore the signal box to its former glory, in line with building regulations and preserving its historic character. Internally, plans are for some tasteful modernisation to include better toilet facilities as well as comfortable seating areas. A number of local jobs would be created and profits would be reinvested into the premises for continued maintenance and preservation.
Brewery staff will be on hand to talk through their plans at their second Luxford Beer Garden event in Uckfield over the late May bank holiday weekend. They will be taking their mobile bar to Luxford Fields on Saturday and Sunday, 24th and 25th May, for a pop-up beer garden.
“We have plans to build on the huge success of last year’s inaugural event,” said head brewer Jamie Newton. “We’ll be serving pints of our locally-brewed beers, with live music, street food, and other local producers. All we need now is good weather and customers.”
