Wadworth has exchanged contracts with Backhouse to buy a large part of the iconic Wadworth brewery site in Devizes.

As previously communicated, after brewing for 147 years in the centre of the town, the family-run business is moving to a new brewery off London Road in Devizes in 2023.

In partnership, Backhouse and Wadworth & Co have revealed exciting plans to regenerate this flagship site (excluding the Grade ll listed brewery tower) which, if planning is granted, will include around 100 new homes, public open spaces, pedestrian connectivity and a retail unit. Both companies are fully committed to creating a legacy for the town which will encourage further inward investment and commercial opportunities.

In addition, to reinforce its distinctive local identity, Backhouse plans to integrate into landmarks around the site including the iconic Brewery tower. Key views will also be preserved and enhanced from different locations around the site.

The proposed scheme will boast a number of environmental features including air source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers and high energy performing buildings and homes.

Toby Bartholomew, managing director at Wadworth & Co, commented: “This is a significant moment in Wadworth’s history, as well as our move to a new brewery in the town in 2023.  After working hard to find a developer who has the same aspirations to unlock the potential of the current Northgate site, we’re delighted that we have exchanged contracts with Backhouse who have shown it understands the significance and importance of the development to Devizes. We will continue to retain the listed buildings and will develop our plans for these important buildings once we have completed.”

Ian Jones, managing director at Backhouse, said: “This is excellent news for the company and is one of a number of exciting land opportunities we have in the pipeline which we will be announcing over the coming months.”

Stuart Walter, Land and Planning Manager at Backhouse, commented: “We are delighted to exchange contracts with Wadworth & Co on part of this iconic site which will be one of the most significant housing projects in the town for years. It is our ambition to create an exemplar mixed use development and build much needed homes for local people.”

NOTES

Once this exchange completes on the large section of the Northgate site, the company’s attention can then turn to the plans for the brewery tower.  As the building is Grade II listed, regardless of future interior plans, the exterior architectural features cannot be removed and as such the visual impact of the brewery tower will remain a key feature of the Devizes landscape.