BrewDog get the green light
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Ellon headquartered international brewing firm BrewDog are set to create a unique museum in the town after Aberdeenshire Council approved plans to convert an existing building at Balmacassie.
The craft beer firm submitted plans last year for a new bar and museum next to its north-east headquarters which would be created within an existing building.
BrewDog had previously bought over the adjacent former Power Jacks building at the Balmacassie Industrial Estate when the engineering company moved out of the premises.
Having long held plans to create a BrewDog hotel either at the site or in close proximity, the approved application covers the conversion of the front of the office space it into a new on site pub and conference space which includes a museum of brewing.
Aberdeenshire Council planning bosses backed the idea and have now approved the proposals.
With the intention to create a world-class visitor experience, the confirmed plans show both a museum and conference space created along with an on site training room, kitchen and a larger bar space which will replace the popular Dog Tap bar which has served the site for several years.
In the planners report it was stated: “The proposed change of use is acceptable in principle under employment and business land, in that the proposal is appropriate for the site given it will continue the commercial use of a building with an existing business use.
“The proposal is in keeping with the character of the wider area in that it provides functions directly related and ancillary to neighbouring sites.
“It is not deemed to prejudice the strategic employment land requirements nor impact on the vitality or viability of Ellon town centre.”
BrewDog applied for permission to move into the vacant building in December and said a new bar was needed because its current facility was “no longer big enough”.
The announcement is just the latest in string of firsts for the company which has seen it open its first alcohol free bar in London, BrewDog AF on Old Street, its first foray into Ireland with BrewDog Dublin quay and its pet friendly accommodation in Aberdeen, the BrewDog Kennels which are located above its Castlegate premises.
