Innis & Gunn have fleshed out plans for a new brewery and research centre at Heriot-Watt University's Riccarton Campus research park, with the submission of detailed plans in conjunction with their joint venture partner.

 

The pairing represents the first commercial tie-up between a brewer and a university in the UK and will combine commercial production with academic teaching as part of the university's International Centre for Brewing and Distilling.

 

Adopting a partnership approach more commonly found in Germany the team have tasked Comprehensive Design Architects with maximising efficiency and minimising build costs while still retaining a strong aesthetic.

 

Combining a brewhouse capable of producing up to 70m pins, packaging plant and warehouse the building will incorporate a standalone energy centre, all clad in slate grey composite cladding extending from walls to roof.

 

In a statement the applicants wrote: "Working with the International Centre of Brewing and Distilling opens up endless opportunities by combining Innis & Gunn’s creative abilities and the talent pool at the University, with a world class brewery. They hope to be able to research new beers and brewing techniques, develop pioneering carbon and water saving technologies and create new products that respond to changing demands from consumers, as well as facilitating in-work learning for students."

 

Future expansion is catered for within the plans which envisage incorporation of an on-site bar, visitor experience and beer school at a later date.