The stunning new $70 million home of Coopers has been revealed.
One of the most talked about and highly anticipated beer and hospitality builds in Australia was unveiled at an official opening event in Adelaide today (August 6).
Coopers has created the ultimate Australian beer experience for visitors to the Regency Park site while expanding its craft credentials and launching into whisky production for the first time in its 162-year history.
Coopers is Australia’s largest independent, family-owned brewery.
Situated adjacent to the existing brewery, the new world-class facility features:
- A restaurant and three bars
- Expansive outdoor plaza dining and family areas
- Dedicated tasting room
- Microbrewery
- Whisky distillery
- Interactive history display and guided tours
- Underground stillage for 5000 whisky barrels
- Merchandise store
South Australian Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, officiated at today’s event attended by members of the Cooper family, architects, engineers, industry and business leaders.
Doors will be open to the public from August 28.
Managing Director Tim Cooper raises a glass to the company’s new home (Photo: Coopers Brewery)
“This is one of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken in the 162-year history of Coopers Brewery,” Managing Director Dr Tim Cooper said. “Our team has been humbled by the public’s interest, excitement and support as this impressive building has taken shape. We wanted every aspect to be truly world-class and of the highest quality. It’s a significant, long-term investment by our family company and our vote of confidence in the future of Coopers and Australia’s manufacturing industry.”
“Coopers is very proud to have created a highly unique and immersive experience that ultimately celebrates the very best of Australian beer. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Australia and overseas into our new home. At the same time, our brewing and distilling team is focused on the opportunities that will emerge from the on-site microbrewery and whisky distillery.”
Hospitality
Coopers has appointed one of Australia’s most respected hospitality professionals, industry hall of famer Peter Morelli, as venue manager leading a 24-strong team to create an unforgettable experience for guests.
With capacity to hold up to 400 people, the stylish, modern restaurant and bar facilities feature a beer-inspired menu and a range of Coopers beers on tap as well as special release craft beers from the microbrewery.
Tours
The popular Coopers Brewery tours are back and will now incorporate this new facility and the interactive history display with special VIP options available for those wanting to treat themselves to the ultimate experience. As in the past, proceeds from the tours will go towards the charity work of the Coopers Foundation.
Microbrewery
Made in England, the new microbrewery allows Coopers to experiment with craft beer styles which will be made available exclusively to visitors for tasting. The microbrewery will not impact on the operation of the existing modern brewery, which is responsible for the extensive portfolio of commercial beers, producing more than 90 million litres of beer annually.
Whisky
Fabricated in Scotland, the custom-made copper whisky stills and associated equipment allows Coopers to produce whisky for the first time. Coopers already produces its own malt on site which will be used in the whisky process. Given the extended timeline for spirit maturation, it will likely be a few years before Coopers’ first whisky is available for sale, but it will be worth the wait.
Building
Australian construction company Built was chosen from a competitive tender to deliver the two-storey building, with more than 500 on-site local South Australian jobs created during the construction phase. Studio Nine Architects’ unique curved design is inspired by the iconic Coopers roundel label and encompasses a sloping amphitheatre showcasing the Brewery grounds and maltings plant. The interiors, designed by Studio Gram, pay homage to the stainless steel and copper features in the microbrewery and distillery, with timber and concrete elements crafted by local trades.
The new centre will be open to the public from August 28 for tastings, meals and tours. For more information and to book a tour or lunch go to www.coopers.com.au
