Stone town councillors have met Joule’s Brewery representatives to sign terms for the town’s Old Fire Station.
The building is adjacent to Crown Wharf, which Joule’s also owns. The brewer has submitted plans to build a brewery taphouse and studio theatre.
Town councillor, Jill Hood, said: “The development of Crown Wharf and the return of Joule’s Brewery to Stone is one of the most exciting projects I have seen in recent years.
“The return of Joule’s to Stone with great style is very welcome. The brewery’s sponsorship of our established amateur theatre company has wonderful community spirit. The fully professional studio theatre will be a great cultural asset and a very worthy successor to St Michael’s Hall.”
Iconic building
Crown Wharf sits alongside the Joule’s warehouse building, an iconic building in the town, and is in the shadow of the old brewery site. The original brewery cooperage was over the road at the back of the Crown and Anchor, so the location is very much in the locality of the old Joule’s Brewery.
Joule’s Vicky Shirley said: “Stone is the home of Joule’s. We have been looking to create a brewery tap in Stone for over ten years. We have received great encouragement locally that Joule’s should have a flagship pub in Stone.
“Over the years, we have looked at many opportunities. Pretty much every rumour was true, and we have been close to several deals. Of all these opportunities, the brewery’s connection to Crown Wharf and the location by the canal meant it was perfect.
“It has certainly been worth the wait. Now we have started works on site, it is all coming together quickly. We are now posting weekly updates on our website and Crown Wharf Facebook page, so that folk can enjoy the project’s progress alongside us.”
