Axis-RE and Marco Living reveal Brewery Lane masterplan for Lancaster’s Canal Quarter
On behalf of Lanmara Developments Ltd (LDL), Axis-RE and Marco Living have announced the first look at their masterplan for the regeneration of Brewery Lane, a three-acre site within Lancaster’s Canal Quarter.
The scheme has been shaped through ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, cultural partners, and neighbouring landowners, aligning with the Canal Quarter Masterplan SPD and supporting the wider Lancashire Growth Plan.
Located between the city’s main shopping district and canal path, the former brewery has long been recognised as a key regeneration opportunity, and these new plans set out a mixed-use destination that combines new homes, community facilities, and public spaces while preserving the site’s heritage buildings and character.
A masterplan shaped by collaboration
Over the past six months, the team has been in continual discussion with key local stakeholders to bring together a balanced, community-led vision for the site. Designs have been carefully coordinated with neighbouring landowners to ensure each can progress their own developments without compromise.
The result is a masterplan that supports Lancaster’s ambition for a connected, sustainable Canal Quarter, delivering spaces that encourage people to live, work, and spend time in the city centre.
Key features include:
Significant public open space to encourage dwell time and support the area’s cultural and leisure venues
Re-opening of ginnels to enhance connectivity between the city centre and canal
A new 125-key hotel to strengthen Lancaster’s tourism and business visitor economy
A state-of-the-art medical centre aligned with the NHS 10-Year Plan and Neighbourhood Health initiatives
A new mobility hub providing around 260 parking spaces, bicycle storage, delivery collection services, and small-scale retail - enabling LCC to redevelop adjacent land for housing
A 6,500 sq. ft day nursery to support working parents and meet growing city-centre demand
Around 150 affordable purpose-built student beds, improving access to university accommodation
Approximately 60 mixed-tenure residential units
Sensitive restoration of the listed brewery to create a multi-purpose entertainment venue for up to 600 people and flexible office space for local businesses and start-ups
Community and continuity
Russ Worthington, Director and Co-founder of Axis-RE, said:
“Since acquiring the site in May, we’ve been fully focused on maintaining momentum on what we see as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Lancaster. As a local resident, this project means a great deal personally. These designs reflect a genuine wish to enhance what already works while introducing what’s been missing, creating new facilities, spaces and reasons for people to visit and stay.
Our goal is to deliver a scheme that complements Lancaster’s existing offer while supporting the local economy, attracting visitors, and improving daily life for those who call the city home.”
Next steps
The Brewery Lane masterplan represents the next milestone in bringing Lancaster’s Canal Quarter vision to life. Further engagement will continue with the community and local authorities in the months ahead as plans evolve toward delivery.