Introduction
The High Street Project is an element of Burton's successful bid to the Towns Fund programme. The Project will regenerate the riverside area between the High Street and the Washlands, running from the Market Place up to the Burton Bridge. It will create new and exciting ways for people to enjoy this area and improve the linkages between the riverside and the town centre.
The Council alongside key partner organisations such as Sarner International Ltd, Franklin Ellis Architects and the National Brewery Heritage Trust have been developing concept plans for the Reimagined Brewery Centre and the wider High Street project in Burton upon Trent with Council Members and the Town Deal Board.
The Project’s Principles
• Preserve and enhance significant brewing heritage assets, including Bass House, the Water Tower, and Town House
• Create a vibrant, mixed-use destination that celebrates Burton’s brewing, social and town legacy
• Establish a new public plaza as a focal point for community gatherings and events
• Improve connectivity between the town centre, site, and washlands
• Introduce new amenities, including a hotel and visitor attractions
• Enhance public access to and appreciation of historic brewery buildings
Projects
Washlands Enhancement Project
The Washlands is an extensive and unique piece of natural land that follows the river through to the heart of Burton upon Trent and is the first in this exciting line of developments to regenerate the town.
The enhancement project will improve the balance between the regular flooding of the area and the need for public access and recreation, whilst promoting nature conservation and a more environmentally sustainable approach to green space management.
Visitors can expect a welcoming environment, which is healthy, safe and secure, for family and friends to enjoy recreational time together.
The wetland area will be a wildlife haven where nature can thrive, featuring wildflowers, swales and ponds, marginal and aquatic planting.
Enhancements include a flagship play area using natural play principles with timber equipment, in keeping with Burton upon Trent’s status as the capital of the National Forest.
The Washlands Enhancements are currently underway.
Washlands Visitor Centre
To provide a new visitor and education centre that accompanies the enhancements at the Washlands. The visitors centre contains seasonal displays, classrooms, cafe and terrace for residents and visitors to learn and appreciate more about Burton upon Trent’s riverside environment. The Centre has been developed in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
Burton Library
A £1.3 million package of improvements at Burton Library have commenced to transform the space for people of all ages and various community groups. The refurbishment will involve repurposing the ground floor of the library to be more accessible and inclusive – including a flexible creative area for social activity, community learning and a separate quiet space.
More information
Bass House
The former Head Office of the Bass Brewery. Refurbished as a new immersive Brewing Heritage and Social History experience, incorporating the National Brewery Heritage Archive.
The proposed interventions for Bass House represent a careful and considered approach to adapting this significant heritage asset for contemporary use whilst preserving its historic character. The scheme aims to enhance the building’s relationship with the new public plaza and improve its internal functionality, all while respecting its architectural integrity.
We are applying to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, contributing towards the Bass House project with a positive response being received to the Expression of Interest submitted for the funding in early 2024.
Events Plaza
This new community event space is designed to serve as a vibrant focal point, seamlessly connecting the town centre, the historic brewery site, and the natural beauty of the Washlands.
By establishing clear sightlines and pathways, the plaza will reconnect the wider urban area with the washlands, enhancing the town’s relationship with its riverside setting.
The plaza’s high quality design will incorporate appropriate and sustainable features, ensuring that the space can accommodate a range of events, activities and performances throughout the year.
Water Tower
The Water Tower is intended to be regenerated into a prominent visitor attraction as part of the wider brewery heritage experience.
The Water Tower will be revitalized to protect and enhance Burton’s brewing heritage with an aspiration to provide a rooftop viewing point. From the rooftop view you will be able to see over the Washlands to the Peak District.
Carling House
Promoting a sustainable reuse of the existing building, a conversion of Carling House into a branded hotel is being progressed. The design of the building means that it can be repurposed and reconfigured into a modern hotel, supporting the wider visitor experience.
Town House (to be confirmed)
Town House was used for the majority of its history as a home, including for William Bass, Founder of the Bass Brewery, then into accommodation for visitors. The plans for Town House moving forward is dependent upon the asset uses surrounding the building.
Further details will be shared as they come forward through the development of the overall site.
Public Engagement Opportunities
A public forum is being held on Tuesday 12th November 2024 from 18:00 – 20:00 in Burton Town Hall, Main Hall, where the public can hear from East Staffordshire Borough Council and partner organisations, who are progressing delivery of this project, about the overall project proposal.
To book onto the public forum, click here
After all public engagement opportunities have taken place, the information and images used will be housed in the Brewery Heritage Centre, Station Street, Burton upon Trent & a digital copy included on this webpage.
The Brewery Heritage Centre is open from 09:00 to 13:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
A comment box will be located at the Brewery Heritage Centre throughout and after the public engagement period for feedback to be received.
For more information or to comment on the plans, please contact enterprise.team@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk
Information Boards and Videos
The Information Boards below provide images and further details about Burton High Street Project’s full site plans.
The looping animation below provides a panoramic view of the full site plans including floorplans of Bass House’s Brewing Heritage and Social History experience & the Washlands Visitor Centre.
The Information Boards below provide concept drawings for the repurposed Brewing Heritage & Social History Experience in Bass House. Please note the experience is still in the concept stage with updates being provided in the future of the final designs/content for the Brewing Heritage and Social History Experience.