Charles Wells Brewery and Visitor Centre Plans Announced Amongst Exciting Features of New Development Site

Bedford Borough Council and Charles Wells Ltd have submitted a planning application for an exciting new employment and leisure development at Fairhill, adjacent to the Great Ouse Way (the newest section of the Bedford Western Bypass), on the north side of Bedford off the Clapham/A6 roundabout.

A detailed application by Charles Wells has been submitted for a new four-acre brewery and visitor centre which forms part of a wider development of the land by Bedford Borough Council. Meanwhile, The Council is in negotiations with David Lloyd to take the 5 acres for his new multi-activity centre, Adrenalin World, in conjunction with his funding partners, UK Adventure Parks Ltd and Burleigh Estates Ltd, subject to planning.

As part of this outline permission is being sought for:

• A hotel
• 5 acres of leisure use
• 2.83 acres of B1, B2, B8 employment

An additional 1.61 acres of land has also been identified for future development, subject to planning.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said:"Both of these exciting developments will create lots of new jobs as well as giving people even more reasons to visit and enjoy Bedford. Charles Wells is synonymous with Bedford, and the new brewery and visitor centre will allow local residents and visitors alike to celebrate its ongoing relationship with the town. Meanwhile, Adrenalin World promises to be a major new leisure attraction, bringing new jobs, new opportunities and new visitors. It represents another vote of confidence in Bedford and in this important site."

Commercial Director at Charles Wells, Peter Wells said: "We are very excited to reach this milestone in the future direction of Charles Wells as a brewery and pub company. This application shows we remain committed to Bedford, our home for over 140 years, and will continue to be a brewing family for many more years to come. The new Charles Wells brewery will be a jewel in Bedford's crown, offering pride in local industry, entertainment & leisure, jobs, and a destination for visitors from out of town.

"As with any planning application we have lots to do to get the project off the ground, but I've been delighted with the support and encouragement we have received from the Mayor and look forward to providing Bedford with a brewing experience we can all be proud of."

The Eagle Brewery in Queens Park continues in operation, following Marston's purchase of the Wells and Young's brewery last year.

David Lloyd, of Adrenalin World, said:

"This is a fantastic concept creating jobs all over the country in addition to bringing local tourism to each of the Boroughs that will have an Adrenalin World. Bedford will benefit from potentially being the first Borough from where we launch our Adrenalin World. I have personally seen the site and believe it is a great location which will boost the local economy for Bedford and provide a healthy, fit and fun environment for people of all ages to participate in lots of indoor and outdoor activities. Adrenalin World is designed to accommodate both families and individuals providing great choice and good value for money."