Shepherd Neame has unveiled plans to invest £15m in a modern, smaller brewery on its town centre site in Faversham.
The new brewing operation will be located within the existing Bottling Hall which will close in mid-2027. The build phase will take two years from commencement, with completion targeted by the end of 2029. During this period, brewing operations will continue in their present location.
The brewery investment is expected to be self-funded through the sale of non-core property. The company intends to reduce its town centre footprint to the Heritage Core, on the ‘island’ of buildings behind Court Street. Shepherd Neame will bring forward a 10-year development vision for the retained site comprising offices, retail, a pub, events and hospitality space, an enhanced visitor experience, and a new large open space Brewery Square.
Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “This plan is a great opportunity to modernise and evolve our operations, and to create a unique brand home, with brewing at its heart. The new brewery, which will be self-funded, will be adapted to the needs of tomorrow and will be efficient and cost-effective. Combined with sustained investment in our pub business, it will enable us to drive higher returns for the business and its shareholders.
“These steps represent a major commitment to brewing, to Faversham and to our heritage in beer and our belief in an exciting future for the company, in the next phase of its development.”
