Burton’s Member of Parliament, Kate Kniveton, has hosted a significant public meeting on the future of the National Brewery Collection yesterday evening (8th December 2022). The local MP organised the meeting to ensure residents had the opportunity to ask questions about the National Brewery Collection following the closure of the Horninglow site in October.
Held at the Town Hall, representatives from Molson Coors Beverage Company, East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC) and the National Brewery Heritage Trust (NBHT) were on hand to field residents’ questions and to give details about how they intend to ensure Burton’s brewing history is preserved and displayed for future generations.
At the meeting, ESBC Leader, Cllr George Allen outlined the Council’s vision for a new National Museum of Brewing and Burton upon Trent Heritage Centre in a fully refurbished Old Bass House and Town House. Being just off the High Street, the Council Leader expressed how the proposals could be a cornerstone of the town centre regeneration programme and could successfully bring more people into the centre of Burton.
Commitments were given from Phil Whitehead, Managing Director at Molson Coors that they would continue to preserve and care for the Collection until its new home is established.
Chairman of the National Brewery Heritage Trust, Harry White, stated how the Trust were looking to the future and were keen to secure a prominent presence for Burton’s heritage as part of the town’s future investment plans.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“I am pleased to have hosted last night’s public meeting, giving Burtonians an important opportunity to have their say on the future of our town’s heritage and the National Brewing Collection.
“I want to thank those that have taken part from ESBC, NBHT and Molson Coors, and I hope those that attended found the meeting useful and constructive. Whilst I know no one wanted to see the National Brewery Centre on Horninglow Road close, we must look forward now which is why last night’s meeting was so important.
“As I have said previously, if we are ambitious and approach this process with an open mind, I’m confident we can turn this situation into a hugely positive opportunity for Burton and create a fitting tribute to our town’s proud brewing history.”
East Staffordshire Borough Council Leader, Cllr George Allen, added:
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to talk about my proposals to use Old Bass House to create a new museum that showcases Burton's brewing heritage and the Council will continue to work hard to achieve the agreed vision the Heritage Working Group have set out.
“The Council will shortly be opening a new centre on Station Street that will be used as an engagement hub explaining what we are planning to do in the Town Centre with regular project updates and activities. More importantly, in partnership with the National Brewery Heritage Trust, we will be opening a dedicated, climate-controlled viewing area for the prized archives.”
Phil Whitehead, Managing Director at Molson Coors, said:
“We were happy to answer questions from residents on how we will continue to care for the important heritage collection with advice and support from the National Brewery Heritage Trust, including ensuring volunteer groups can access the collection and have the facilities and space to continue their important work. It was also a good opportunity to share the plans for our new head office, showing how preserving the historic character of the building is central to our plans.
“We believe the plans for our existing head office site are really positive for the town and look forward to working with the Council, the NBHT and others to help create a great new home for the important brewery heritage collection.”
National Brewery Heritage Trust Chair, Harry White, commented:
“Like the Burton townspeople who attended the meeting, we understand how unique and precious this collection is and we are fully focussed on protecting and preserving it during this short-term transition period and, of course, for future generations to enjoy.
“We have been heartened by the commitment of MCBC and the ambition of ESBC. We see the new Heritage Centre as a great opportunity to modernise how the collection is stored and displayed, shining a new light on the town and it’s important brewing history.”
