Greene King, a British pub and brewing company founded in 1799 and part of the Hong Kong-based multinational conglomerate CK Assets since 2019, has announced plans to replace its historic Westgate Brewery in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The company intends to construct a "state-of-the-art" brewery next to its new distribution center on an industrial estate in Bury St Edmunds.
The British brewer, known for beers such as Old Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale, has been brewing cask ales at its Westgate Brewery for over 200 years and plans to invest GBP 40 million (USD 50.2m) in developing the new site. Over the past two years, Greene King has invested in a new multi-million-pound distribution center adjacent to the proposed site for the new brewery in Bury St Edmunds, as well as over GBP 9 million (USD 11.3m) in its historic Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar, demonstrating its commitment to brewing in the UK.
Matt Starbuck, managing director for brewing and brands at Greene King, expressed excitement about the opportunity to invest in innovation and the development of their beer portfolio at the new site.
The brewery aims to reduce water usage in the brewing process by more than 50% per pint at the new site, alongside improvements in energy efficiency. It also targets carbon neutrality by 2040 and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive officer at Greene King, emphasized the significance of brewing in Bury St Edmunds to the company's identity and heritage. He stated that the investment represents a continued commitment to brewing operations in a town with deep historical ties to the business and brewing industry.
Greene King's brewing operation will continue at its Westgate Brewery throughout the construction of the new site, scheduled to begin in 2025 and slated for completion in 2027. The company has not yet disclosed plans for the historic brewing site or whether it will be sold.
