National Brewery Centre to Open in Burton

Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, UK – 24th November 2009 - Planning Solutions Ltd, a British company specialising in the operation of visitor attractions, has today announced that it will be opening a brewing visitor centre and museum in Burton on Trent. This will be based at the Horninglow Road site of the Coors Visitor Centre and Museum of Brewing (formerly the Bass Museum) which closed last year. Called The National Brewery Centre, it will retain key elements of the existing facilities, updating and reorganising the site to create a unique visitor attraction that will ensure its success well into the 21st Century. “Burton has a proud position in not only the UK’s brewing industry, but throughout the world” said John Lowther, chief executive of Planning Solutions. “We are delighted to be opening The National Brewery Centre here in Burton and celebrating the vital contribution that the town has made to our brewing industry and heritage. “I know from our many discussions with local people that this will be widely welcomed and it will provide a much-needed boost for tourism and local employment. “It is important to recognise the commitment that Molson Coors UK is making in contributing towards the site’s success. Not only are they providing the buildings and artefacts at a peppercorn rent, they are donating £200,000 in matched funding to get the project off the ground and a further £100,000 annually for the maintenance of the buildings for the duration of a 25-year lease.” John Polglass, director of business and property services, Molson Coors, said “Molson Coors has always been committed to finding an organisation that can provide a long term future for a Brewing Museum in Burton. Planning Solutions has a great track record in running visitor attractions and we are delighted to support their exciting plans to put Burton on the UK tourist map.” The Local Action Group formed in January 2009 by Janet Dean and chaired by former college principal Keith Norris has tirelessly campaigned for the reopening of the centre is celebrating today’s announcement. The group’s chairman Keith Norris commented: “The Group is very pleased to give our unanimous support to the proposals. We are confident that the plan will not only secure the reopening of the Museum but also offers exciting opportunities for it to become a truly national visitor attraction.” “We will continue to work in partnership with Planning Solutions and Molson Coors to ensure the success of the project and preserve Burton on Trent's heritage as the UK’s capital of brewing. “I would like to thank the members of the Focus Group and volunteers for their hard work and dedication that facilitated these developments. “We are also grateful for the ongoing support of Molson Coors in ensuring that the exhibits and archives have been preserved in first class condition and for maintaining their commitment to providing financial support for the reopening of the site.” Member of Parliament for Burton on Trent, Janet Dean, said: "I am delighted that we will again be able to celebrate the heritage of Burton and the brewing industry with the opening of the National Brewery Centre.” “I welcome the agreement between Molson Coors and Planning Solutions Ltd. I would also like to thank the volunteers who have helped to preserve the exhibits during the period of closure, and Keith Norris and fellow members of the local action group for all their hard work and support since January. “We look forward to continuing to work with Planning Solutions Ltd and Molson Coors". Andy O'Brien, chief executive of East Staffordshire Borough Council said: "ESBC are delighted to hear the news of the reopening of the Visitor Centre because of its importance to local heritage and tourism to the area.” “We look forward to working with Planning Solutions and Molson Coors to help the new venture succeed" Roger Protz, editor of the Good Beer Guide, who has campaigned for the museum to be re-opened, said: "This is exciting news and an historic day for Burton-on-Trent. Burton changed the face of brewing in the 19th century with India Pale Ale and then Pale Ale for the domestic market -- the first pale beers brewed anywhere in the world. Brewers came to Burton from Austria, Bavaria and Bohemia to see how pale beer was made and used the knowledge to fashion the first golden lagers. “The museum will celebrate this rich heritage but it will also be a truly national centre that will celebrate beer styles from all over country. “Britain remains a major brewing country and the importance of beer -- its past, present and future -- will be promoted by the museum. All beer lovers should raise a glass in celebration.” The new operator has big plans for the centre, including the introduction of animatronics and ‘live’ actors to help entertain and inform visitors in full historical character. “The public’s expectation is ever-greater and we will make sure that all of the exhibits fully-engage with people of all ages.” John Lowther continued. “Having live actors fulfil roles previously held by plastic dummies, the visitor experience will be completely transformed. “It will be a lot more interactive and immerse visitors into an historical setting.” Bars and restaurants will be incorporated in the plans for the new centre and these will be open to the general public and available for private bookings and live performances. More information will be announced shortly and details will be added to the website www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk ENDS Further Press Information For further Press information, please contact: Tim Ward - Parker Ward Limited Telephone +44 (0)1743 851 015 Mobile +44 (0)7966 022 532 Email tim@parker-ward.com

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