Construction has officially commenced on the new Grafton Brewing Co. at the historic Grafton Brewing and Tooheys Brewery building.

After extensive discussions with the Clarence Valley Council and diligently working through a long list of development conditions, the construction certificate has been granted and progress on the build is underway.

Brewhouse Group CEO, Rick Firth, said reviving the iconic site has been no small feat.

“Navigating the complexities of regulatory approvals, heritage considerations, and modern development requirements has taken considerable effort,” he said.

“However, our commitment to bringing a locally brewed, community-focused establishment back to Grafton has never wavered

“The support and patience of our community, local stakeholders, and partners have been instrumental in us reaching this pivotal milestone.”

The vision for Grafton Brewing Co. is to honour the rich brewing legacy of the region by focusing on brewing traditional heritage-style beers that celebrate time-honoured brewing methods.

“The new facility will serve as both a production brewery and a welcoming venue where locals and visitors can gather, share a drink, and experience the authentic taste of heritage brewing,” Mr Firth said.

“Our goal is not just to revive a historic brewery but to create jobs, attract tourists, and establish a new hub for the area.

“By bringing new life to this landmark, we hope to contribute to the economic growth of the area while providing a space that locals can be proud of, and visitors will want to return to time and time again.”

The development of this precinct as a brewery hub is further strengthened by the approval of a new distillery, which will complement the offerings and enhance the destination’s appeal.

The Grafton Brewing Co. is expected to open by the third quarter of this year.