Lion has been granted resource consent for the next stage of its major $29m re-development at the Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin to boost the operating capacity at the historic site.
The first stage of the re-development was completed in May with the re-location of the Maltexo plant from Christchurch but last month’s announcement marks the beginning of a new multi stage project that includes installation of a new 150Hl brew house, a multi-purpose tank farm, upgrades to the boilers and CO2 collection facilities, new sales and operations offices, as well as the relocation of the keg plant from the Canterbury Brewery.
This stage of the re-development is expected to take 18 months to complete with the first major civil works on track beginning last month.
Once completed, the Speight’s Brewery will have a brewing capacity in excess of 24 million litres per year and will continue with the five day a week, 24 hour a day brewing it moved to following the loss of the Canterbury Brewery in February 2011. Employment at the site has more than doubled since before the earthquake and the new facility will be run by 27 permanent brewery people, a significant increase on the original team of 11.
Lion’s managing director, Rory Glass says this is a very complex but exciting project for Lion and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to Dunedin.
“The devastating Canterbury earthquakes have forced us to make some tough decisions in the last 18 months but we are very excited to reconfirm our commitment to the region and the historic home of Speight’s.
“While retro-fitting a development in a historic site like this has its challenges, the re-development gives us a great opportunity to replicate some of the world class manufacturing practices that we have adopted at ‘The Pride’, our brewery in Auckland, and ensure the Speight’s Brewery remains iconic and leading edge,” Mr Glass says.
The site will produce kegs of Speight’s Gold Medal Ale, Speight’s Summit and Mac’s Gold which will supply South Island pubs, clubs and bars. It is already producing the Maltexo (malt extract) range which is used for producing home brew kits that are sold around the world.
In planning for the re-development, significant consideration has been given to the environmental performance of the site, including designs and equipment to reduce energy use and support ongoing collection and recycling of waste materials.
Dunedin locals will also be pleased to know that the re-development will not impact public access to the spring water under the Brewery, which will also continue to be used in brewing at the site.
