Work to build a £40million state-of-the-art brewery for Bury St Edmunds beer giant Greene King is now underway.
Members of the brewery board were joined by local MP Peter Prinsley and West Suffolk Council leaders at the site on Suffolk Business Park to mark the start of works on August 21.
It comes after plans were approved by West Suffolk Council earlier this year, giving the green light for the construction of a 14m high building comprising of a brewhouse, brewing operations facilities and offices.
Matt Starbuck, Managing Director of Brewing & Brands at Greene King, said the new brewery will secure the firm’s commitment to the town – having operated there since its formation in 1799.
He added: “Brewing in Bury St Edmunds is at the heart of Greene King’s heritage, and we’re proud to secure its future for generations to come.
“Our new state-of-the-art brewery not only strengthens our long-term commitment to the town, but also enables us to brew more sustainably, while continuing to innovate and evolve our beers to meet the changing tastes of our customers.”
The new brewery comes less than two years after Greene King invested in a new multi-million-pound distribution centre adjacent to the new brewery site, which opened in 2024.
Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, said: “Greene King is a core part of the fabric of Bury St Edmunds, having been at the heart of our community for more than 200 years.
“The new brewery is a strong vote of confidence in our town’s future, and I’m thrilled to see such a significant investment into our local area.”
Councillor Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council, added: “Brewing has a cherished role in Suffolk’s history, producing fantastic beers that are enjoyed across the country. This brewery marks an exciting step forward, helping to carry that tradition into the future.
“We welcome Greene King’s continued investment and strong commitment to the county.
“I am very pleased that West Suffolk Council is working hand in hand with Greene King to ensure both the local community and the wider district reap the benefits this new brewery brings.”
Construction is hoped to be completed in 2027.