Kate Kniveton, Member of Parliament for Burton, has secured a commitment from both Molson Coors and East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC) to attend a public meeting on Thursday 8th December.
The meeting will take place in the evening at the Town Hall where residents will be able to put their questions to representatives from ESBC and Molson Coors on the future of the National Brewery Centre and on how they intend to ensure Burton’s brewing history is preserved and displayed for future generations.
Last week, the National Brewery Centre closed the doors to its Horninglow Street site following Molson Coors decision to relocate its head office to the buildings occupied by the Centre, a premise the multinational drinks company own.
Over the past month or so, the MP had urged the two parties to hold a public meeting before the centre closed at its existing site, but Molson Coors said they were unable to commit until they had taken the time to prepare the information required for a public meeting.
Numbers will not be able to exceed the capacity of the Town Hall and so for this reason pre-booking for the event on 8th December will be essential.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“I know no one wanted to see the existing site of the National Brewery Centre close and I want to thank all those who have been part of the Centre’s history. From the volunteers and staff, who I know have been most affected by its closure, to the many visitors it has received over the years to learn about brewing and Burton, the brewing capital of Britain.
We do now need to look to the future and ensure that the collection is secure and is put back on public display as soon as possible. That is why I have secured a commitment for a public meeting from Molson Coors and East Staffordshire Borough Council to ensure residents can put their questions directly to them.
“I will chair what I hope can be a productive and informative meeting, concentrating on the future of the exhibits and artefacts that were displayed at the NBC, as well as Molson Coors intentions for their new headquarters site. As a town, if we are ambitious and approach this process with an open mind, I’m confident we can create a new heritage centre as part of the regeneration proposals for the town and waterfront, highlighting the best of Burton’s heritage as an integral part of its future.”
