Katoomba's old Civic Video will get a major makeover after council’s local planning panel gave the green light to turn the heritage building into a craft brewpub.
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The brewpub proponents, DJ McCready and his wife Harriet of Mountain Culture Beer Co, said they were thrilled with the decision, having spent 12 months working on the application.
“We had lots of great advice and support from consultants and the council but most importantly - and something we're really grateful for - is that we've had the backing of our awesome community and I think that really went a long way,” said Mr McCready.
Mr McCready spent eight years brewing in the USA before moving to Sydney to be head brewer at Sydney's Modus Operandi where he won multiple awards for his beers.
“It's always been our dream to open a brewpub in the Blue Mountains, but it's taken us a while because we've spent a lot of time researching, going to the best breweries in the world, learning different brewing techniques from master brewers and now we're really looking forward to bringing that home to the Mountains,” he said.
“This is a great win for the Blue Mountains. Mountain Culture’s brewpub will not only revitalise an under-utilised heritage building, but will also bring significant economic benefits to the area – both during the construction phase and once operational.”
The venture was supported by the Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise. CEO Bernard Fehon said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the brewpub come to life and add to the food, beverage and culture offerings we have in the Blue Mountains.”
Reasons for supporting the development application included the project complying with all relevant controls and policies in environmental planning, the project having a positive impact on the built environment thanks to its adaptive reuse and significant refurbishment of a heritage listed building; and the project being considered to have a positive social and economic impact on the local area, benefiting residents, tourists and the local economy.
Follow the progress on Instagram @mountainculturebeerco.
