Construction of Coopers Brewery’s $50 million brand home development is now underway with ground broken on the site today.

The official sod-turning event marked the start of the construction phase that will see a new world-class visitor centre, microbrewery and whisky distillery unveiled at the home of Australia’s largest independent family-owned brewery in Regency Park.

Following a competitive tender process, Coopers has appointed Australian construction company Built to deliver the new development.

Coopers Brewery Managing Director Dr Tim Cooper said there has been an overwhelmingly positive public response to the development since plans were announced in April this year.

“This is an exciting expansion for Coopers, and represents a significant investment for the company, with an emphasis on maximising Australian input throughout the process,” Dr Cooper said.

“As a proud Australian company, we hope to create a welcoming experience for local, national, and international visitors, while positioning our brewery for the future.

“The feedback we’ve received from Coopers fans near and far is gratifying and their vote of confidence in this major investment is much appreciated.

“Today marks a major milestone and our team is excited to see our vision start to become a reality.

“We look forward to working with Built and all our project partners to deliver a highly unique and immersive facility.”

Australian-owned and operated since 1998, Built is a national diversified general contractor, and one of Australia’s largest private construction groups.

Built General Manager, SA, Chris Bate said Built was proud to be the delivery partner for this iconic project in Adelaide for Coopers.

Studio Nine Architects’ unique curved design of the two-storey development has been inspired by the iconic Coopers’ roundel label. The curved structure encompasses a sloping amphitheatre that will showcase the brewery grounds and maltings. Studio Gram, who have a wealth of experience in the hospitality field, have been appointed to design the internal fit-out as shown in the concept renders.

Construction is expected to be completed by May 2024.

Meanwhile, another capital works project is currently underway at the brewery with a 5500 square metre expansion of the site’s warehousing facilities beginning to take shape. This $15 million project, led by Australian family-owned construction company Ahrens, will boost beer storage capacity at the brewery by almost 50%.