Expansion of landmark Holden's Brewery is delayed for the second time
A £200,000 project to expand a Black Country brewery has hit further delays with work now due for completion in July or August – months later than originally planned.
Construction of the three-storey extension at Holden's Brewery, in Woodsetton, started in October to allow an increase in production from 50,000 pints to 75,000 pints per week.
Work was originally expected to finish in December but this was put back until the end of March after plans were changed from a two-storey to a three-storey development.
And bosses at the family-run firm today revealed the completion date had now been delayed a second time with the project now set to finish in July or August.
They admitted the scheme had taken "more time than first thought" but stressed it would be well worth it once completed.
New storage tanks are being created as part of the work, including one which will hold 70,000 pints.
These will begin operating soon after work on the extension has been completed.
Spokesman for the firm, Lucie Holden, who runs the company with her brother Jonothan and sister Abi, said work was continuing at the present time.
"It has taken a little longer than we originally planned," she said.
"Our team working on the project have to carry out repairs and maintenance at other sites as well and this has held things up.
"We are now expecting the project to be finished by July or August. This is still acceptable within the timescales set out."
The firm was given permission to build a three-storey extension at its premises in George Street in July 2012.
Alongside the storage tank, two fermenting vessels have also been included in the project.
Bosses decided to create the extension following a rise in demand for ale.
The brewery's expansion plans include exporting one beer, the Golden Special, to Japan. Further building work is expected to take place at the site over the coming years with plans in the pipeline for a new visitors centre and brewery tours.
The firm is one of the oldest in the area and was founded in 1915. Other developments that have been completed include a new bottle store, which is open for visitors to buy beers and merchandise, and new offices.
