Brewery deal falls flat

By Dion Teasdale
THE Beechworth Bakery in Healesville will go ahead despite the construction of the adjoining brewery being terminated, the developer said last week.
The brewery, which was to be constructed next to the Giant Steps winery on Maroondah Highway, Healesville, is off the drawing board after the tenant pulled out of the deal.
A small independent brewing company had signed on to take up residence in the proposed brewery building but officially withdrew from the project last week.
National Development Solutions director Ian Braham, one of the men behind the brewery and bakery projects, said he was frustrated and disappointed by the collapse of the deal.
“The brewery not going ahead is a bit of a setback, but sometimes things just don’t work out and you have to find another way forward,” he said.
Mr Braham said National Development Solutions would now explore avenues for other possible uses of the proposed brewery site and work to attract new tenants.
“We hope to proceed with alternative users or businesses for that site,” he said. “If another brewery came to us tomorrow it could be back on, but otherwise we’re looking at other options.”
Mr Braham said the site, which had a current development permit from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, was suitable for manufacturing and sales businesses.
“Our preference if for a food or wine industry tenant, but we’re open to new ideas,” he said. “We’re looking for exciting local or international tenants or businesses.”
While the brewery is not going ahead, Mr Braham said the Beechworth Bakery project, to be situated adjacent to the Grace Burn, was progressing well.
“We hope to commence construction of the bakery early next year, and will proceed with the construction of the car park,” he said.
Mr Braham said construction of the bakery, which was due to commence in September, had been delayed by the sidelining of the brewery.
“Now we know where we stand with the brewery we can move forward and work towards the best outcomes,” he said.