Following last nights Staffordshire Borough Council planning meeting last night, planning consent was granted for Joule’s to build a Brewery Tap and studio theatre at Crown Wharf Stone.
Joule’s purchased the 1-acre site from the Canal and River Trust in 2017, after planners refused a previous scheme for retirement flats. The Brewery subsequently agreed terms with Staffordshire County Council to acquire the Old Fire Station for use as a Heritage Centre, which will be provided for a peppercorn rent of £1 a year to Stone Town Council. Stone Town Council will be investing in the fit out and running of the Heritage Centre.
Earlier this month the Brewery also announced it had acquired the 0.1-acre Pooles Yard from Suma development.
The proposed site is now 1.2 acres and will have additional pedestrian access to the main Crown Wharf Site via the Old Fire Station.
Steve Nuttall Managing Director of Joule’s Brewery addressed the committee and said:
‘This project means much more to Joule’s than just a new Pub; it is about our heritage. Which is also a part of the story of Stone – the birthplace of the iconic Joule’s beer brand and the famous red cross, the 6th oldest beer trademark in the world.’
‘Stone is fundamental to our identity as Joule’s; it is who and what we are. We have such an intense ambition to return to the home of Joule’s. Not to buy a Pub but to do something much more profound. To embrace the culture and heritage, forming a relationship with the community. Becoming a part of this community today and not just a memory, it is all about being Joule’s.’
Joule’s Managing Director added,
‘Our goal is to build something iconic and respectful, celebrating the brand, as well as creating a new legacy for the future. Stone has welcomed our proposal very warmly and with great affection, we have been overwhelmed by the support from Stone Town Council, the Canal and River Trust, local businesses- especially canal cruising our neighbours and of course the public, among them many employees of the original Brewery.’
‘Over 30 people have taken the time to write and express support to the planning department as well as hundreds more on social media. We want to live up to that expectation.’
‘We ask you today to give us the opportunity to build a new Joule’s building, in the shadow of the where the original Brewery stood and encircled by the previous Brewery footprint, some of the space was even a part of the old Brewery Cooperage. Our site stands adjacent to the previous Joule’s warehouses. We ask for your support to build a new Joule’s Brewery Tap. Along with a studio theatre for the 40-year-old Stone Revellers – a professional and purpose-built space. In addition, a Heritage Centre to be provided free to Stone Town Council and to enable us to the restore Wharfinger’s Cottage, all of this on a 1.2-acre site that is just 50 yards from the high street and to create a suite of canal side buildings that will showcase the canal frontage.’
Rob Kenney Stone Town Councillor, member of the Crown Wharf Steering group and trustee of the new theatre comments,
‘This is a landmark day which means planning can commence building on Crown Wharf. It is a tremendously exciting scheme, which has the potential to lift the high street and the whole town. The three elements that make upon Crown Wharf are starting to fall into place; it is tremendous news. The Heritage Centre is a bonus to the whole scheme.’
Jill Hood County Councillor, member of the Crown Wharf steering group and trustee of the new theatre said.
‘I am thrilled that the scheme is now approved. We have had universal support, other than the conservation officer. Joule’s addressed these concerns in the planning meeting, and I am pleased that colleagues have supported Joule’s and supported Stone Town Council. There is still much to do but the scheme is approved which is brilliant news for our town – I can’t wait.’
Bill Cash MP has supported the proposal throughout.
‘I am delighted that the council have granted planning consent for this important development. Town centres are a challenge, and changing rapidly, this development is a part of the changing nature of our town centres and its right that it has been warmly welcome. I am personally especially hopeful for the Heritage Centre; Stone has a fascinating history that should be shared, this is an opportunity to bring that alive. I wish everyone involved every success and congratulated the steering group for getting to this milestone.’
Leo Capernaros Stone Revellers
‘This is wonderful news, the drawings for the Theatre are exciting; we have worked with Theatre Plan a specialist designer to create the footprint. What makes this special is that this will be a purpose built studio theatre. Most are conversions, often part of other buildings. The Theatre is built as a theatre so it will work much better, I don’t know of anything quite like it. We have the potential to offer broad theatrical scope, and be comfy!’
Joule’s is currently planning the timing of works, to keep up to date with all progress and updates follow Crown Wharf on Facebook and Instagram @joulescrownwharf
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