A FORMER Cumbrian brewery will go on the market next week - with auctioneers describing the lot as a 'landmark site' on the market for three quarters of a million pounds.

The former Castlegate Brewery, which was owned by brewers Jennings and latterly Calsberg Marstons, was active in the town of Cockermouth for over 200 years.

It was announced in September 2022 that the brewery would close its doors, with owners Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company moving their operations to Staffordshire in the same month.

At the time of its closure, many people in Cockermouth were saddened to see the iconic brewery leave the town.

Times and Star: An aerial site of the Castlegate Brewery in Cockermouth.An aerial site of the Castlegate Brewery in Cockermouth. (Image: SDL Property Auctions)

Andrew Marshall, chairman of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade at the time described the closure of the brewery as a 'sad day' for Cockermouth.

He said: "This is a sad day for the loyal Jennings team, a sad day for an iconic business, and a sad day for Cockermouth.

"Jennings has been part of the fabric of this area for nearly 200 years. Much has always been made of how the water to make the beer was drawn from the brewery's own well and the taste is unique."

The Castlegate Brewery will go to auction next Wednesday, March 27 with a guide price of £750,000 plus fees. It is being sold by SDL Property Auctions live-streamed auction.

Auctioneers SDL Property Auctions describe the site as 'a unique waterfront opportunity comprising of a former brewery and maltings site with a rich historical brewery tradition'.

Times and Star: A drone spot of the area on sale at the auction.A drone spot of the area on sale at the auction. (Image: SDL Property Auctions)

The brewery complex extends over a total site area of 1.73 acres and offers over 63,000 sq. ft. of buildings.

The site is intersected by Brewery Lane, with the principal brewery operation undertaken on the south side of Brewery Lane with the former Maltings on the north side of the roadway.

There are a range of buildings arranged over varying levels with more modern buildings providing storage and warehouse accommodation set around the principal courtyard entrance.

The Maltings comprise an impressive five-storey Grade-II listed building being of
traditional brick construction.

The site will be part let on a six-month licence from completion to Carlsberg/Marstons at £2,500 per calendar month/£30,000 per annum.

To find out more about the sale you can visit here.