Studio Nine Architects has been engaged to design a $50 million visitors centre, microbrewery and whisky distillery for Coopers Brewery in Adelaide.
The new development will be an addition to the existing facility in Regency Park. Studio Nine will strive to create a continuous narrative on the site, to “bridge hospitality and industry through history,” the architects said.
The new development will include a restaurant and bar, tasting facilities, outdoor plaza, microbrewery, whisky distillery, and underground stillage for whisky maturation.
A 50-metre glazed bridge will connect the new development with the main brewery facility. The visitor centre will house an interactive history display, telling the story of Australia’s largest independent, family-owned brewery.
A processional, tree-lined promenade will extend from a new entry from Regency Road leading to the new facility.
Image: Studio Nine Architects
“The circular plan is inspired by the vessels of the brewery and the rondel of the famous Coopers label,” said Studio Nine. The distinctive, elevated form will be visible from flightpaths, the architect said.
It will also providing an infrastructure link to the main operations building, leveraging off the efficient water heating and cooling processes of the factory to service the new distillery.
“The idea of connecting the brewing operations with the future of Coopers via a bridge […] became a fundamental driver for the design,” said Studio Nine’s project lead Simon Tothill.
“It quickly developed an essential link to their whole operation; not just transferring people and infrastructure but elevating the whole experience of the brewery.”
The new microbrewery will allow Coopers to develop more craft-style beers to supplement its existing portfolio.
Studio-Gram will oversee the interior design, which will feature a restrained palette of natural and locally sourced materials.
Construction is expected to commence mid-2022 for completion by the end of 2023.
