Having hit its ‘get over the final hurdle’ crowdfunding target in a matter of days, Skinner’s has now set a stretch target for a special project.
The brewery hit its initial £100,000 target to help it remain operational until the pubs fully re-open in May. Now it has set a target for a further £50,000 to create a new social space for its home city of Truro.
Elaine Skinner, co-owner with husband Steve, who has been the driving force behind post-pandemic recovery, said: “Given the incredible levels of support we received early on, we were nudged to think bigger.
“So, we quickly decided to use the extra funds to kick-start a project we’ve been dreaming of for a while, which also allows us to give something exciting back to our local community.
“We have brought forward our plans to create an outdoor drinking and eating space by the waterside here in Newham, where locals and visitors to the brewery can come and relax, meet, socialise, and party on a regular basis. It will be a game-changer for the brewery, and for Truro.”
A two-minute video outlining the project with computer-generated art
Alongside the re-opening of The Old Ale House, the brewery’s popular pub on Quay Street, this new project promises to breath life back into the city after the pandemic and, if enough is raised, it could be up and running soon.
Elaine added: “There will be pop-up food outlets, our freshest brews on tap, and regular live music events, all within striking distance of the city centre. We want to create jobs and opportunities for others, including Cornwall’s amazing food businesses and the music performers who have struggled throughout the pandemic.”
Märraum, a Penryn-based architects firm, has created an architectural visualisation of the new Skinner’s Brewery Bar, which will have a “casual, working-brewery feel, with repurposed beer barrels, wooden benches, and shipping containers serving street food, softened by lots of green planting (fruit trees and hops of course!) festoon lighting and timber cladding”.
The Crowdfunding Campaign is running until 29th March, and there are many rewards available, including ‘Beer In The Bank’ tokens which can be used at both the Old Ale House and the new Skinner’s Brewery bar, and tickets to the first events taking place at the venue when it launches.
