A long-underused three-acre site within Lancaster City Centre is set to be transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood, bringing the historic brewery back into use and helping to deliver the regeneration of the wider Canal Quarter.
Plans have been submitted for the major regeneration of Brewery Lane, one of the key development sites within Lancaster’s Canal Quarter.
Lanmara Developments’ proposals have an anticipated gross development value of approximately £85 million and will deliver:
· new healthcare facilities;
· new homes;
· the restoration and productive reuse of the listed brewery buildings;
· new jobs and business space;
· hotel accommodation supporting the wider visitor economy;
· improved sustainable transport infrastructure; and
· significant new public spaces
The c.300,000 sq ft scheme will be delivered in phases. The first phase is expected to comprise a 132-bedroom hotel, 253-space multi-storey car park incorporating 95 e-scooter/cycle parking, 4,500 sq ft convenience store and 1,200 sq ft bar/café. It will also bring the historic brewery buildings back into use through a new c.7,000 sq ft food hall/music venue and approximately 7,500 sq ft office workspace.
Later phases of the masterplan provide for a 30,000 sq ft Neighbourhood Health Centre, new residential development together with approximately 1.45 acres of new public realm across the wider site.
The hybrid application provides flexibility for part of the site to accommodate either 125 affordable homes or 150-bed purpose-built student accommodation alongside approximately 30,000 sq ft of education space.
The construction phase is expected to support approximately 1,200 construction related employment and generate around £36 million in gross value added nationally. Of this, approximately 300 jobs and £20 million in gross value added are expected to be supported within the regional economy. Once operational, the completed development is expected to support approximately 135 jobs and generate around £5 million in gross value added each year.
Russ Worthington of Axis RE said: “This is an important moment for Brewery Lane and for the wider Canal Quarter. Our ambition is to turn a long-underused part of the city into a vibrant new neighbourhood that brings together homes, healthcare, employment, hospitality, culture and high-quality public spaces, while giving the historic brewery buildings a sustainable long-term future.
“Since acquiring the site in May 2025, we have worked closely with Lancaster City Council and our partners to prepare the site for regeneration. We believe Brewery Lane can become a catalyst for further investment across the Canal Quarter and create a development that delivers lasting benefits for everyone in Lancaster.”
Tahir Ahmed of Marco Living said: “From the outset, our approach has been to work collaboratively with the councils, Lancaster BID and local business, cultural and community stakeholders to shape a scheme that responds to Lancaster.
“The proposals are about much more than developing buildings. They are about creating new reasons to live, work, visit and invest in this part of the city, supporting local employment and businesses while creating new facilities and public spaces for the wider community.”
Subject to the Council’s determination timetable, it is anticipated that the planning application could be considered by the Planning Committee in February 2027, with the first phase capable of commencing in summer 2027.