Long standing brewery plans will 'ensure it remains rooted in town'
THE last remaining independent brewery of its kind in West Yorkshire has revealed plans to increase its brewing capacity.
Timothy Taylor’s brewery in Keighley dates back to the 1850s, and has been based at its current Knowle Spring Brewery site in 1863.
It is famous for its award-winning beers including Landlord and Boltmaker.
The company has now submitted a planning application to Bradford Council to make changes to the brewery site that will allow the installation of new plant and brewing equipment.
The company says the work will support the brewery’s growth and “keep true” to the brewing heritage of Keighley.
In the past year, Timothy Taylor’s has widened its scope, released its first canned beer – Hopical Storm, and taken part in its first brewery collaboration, a partnership with Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell called Artesian.
The application will see the roof of a section of one of the existing buildings removed and replaced, with the building reconfigured to allow the installation of new brewing equipment.
The application says: “The Knowle Spring Brewery opened in 1863 the move allowed for the expansion of the brewery and malting process and the natural spring it was sat over played a key role to the unique flavours in the brewing process.
“In 1894 a deep well was sunk to allow for a constant supply of the pure Pennine spring water and is still used today. The site’s location and access to Spring Water is key to the consistency in the production of beers the company is well known for.
“Timothy Taylor’s ongoing success has resulted in the natural growth of their manufacturing facilities at The Knowle Spring Brewery over time.
“Their aim is to continue to improve the facilities, production line and keep true to the heritage of their brewing process retaining the site in Keighley.
“There has been a growth in the number of staff over time, supporting the continued increase in site capacity and production output.
“There is a business requirement to increase the brewing capacity at Timothy Taylor’s to meet current market demands.
“To cater for this, new plant machinery & brewing equipment is required and Timothy Taylor’s need to locate this at The Knowle Spring Brewery to keep the production line together. The proposal looks to site the new equipment within an underused existing building.
“This proposal will allow Timothy Taylor’s to improve their current production line and output.
“The expansion works will underpin the value of the site and ensure the brewery remains rooted in Keighley. It is hoped that by increasing the longevity of the site it will in turn improve job security and increase employment opportunities for local people.”
A decision on the application is expected early next month.
