Restoring Heritage. Engineering the Future.
Founded in 1849, Hook Norton Brewery is one of the UK’s last remaining Victorian tower breweries, renowned for its traditional brewing methods and historic character. The site is more than a working brewery. It is a landmark of British industrial heritage rooted in the local community and still operating much as it has for over a century.
That heritage was challenged when a fire broke out within the Stables complex, causing significant damage to part of the estate. Beyond the immediate loss, the this highlighted the vulnerability of historic structures and the importance of rebuilding in a way that protects both the past and the future.
The brief was not simply to reinstate what had been lost. It was an opportunity to strengthen the site. To upgrade infrastructure, improve resilience, and support Hook Norton Brewery’s longer term vision for sustainability and operational independence.
Working alongside Midlands Builders and CBG Consultants, West & West were appointed to deliver a coordinated electrical solution that respected the character of the site while enabling a modern, low-carbon future.
Project Overview
West & West were appointed to deliver a fully coordinated electrical package across multiple buildings within a live, heritage brewery environment. Working alongside Midlands Builders and CBG Consultants, the scope encompassed the complete refurbishment of the Stables complex, bottle store, and tenanted office, alongside upgrades to residential flats and core infrastructure within the main brewery. The project extended beyond reinstatement, incorporating strategic power distribution upgrades, enabling works for large-scale solar integration, and the transition to low carbon heating systems. Delivered in a phased and highly collaborative manner, the works were designed to futureproof the site while maintaining operational continuity throughout.
The Engineering Challenge
- Integration of modern electrical systems within a heritage asset
- Coordination across multiple occupied and operational areas
- Enabling infrastructure for large-scale solar PV integration
- Transition away from legacy fossil fuel heating systems
- Delivering works following fire damage, with evolving site conditions
Sustainability & Futureproofing
This project forms part of Hook Norton Brewery’s wider transition towards sustainable operation.
- Our role was to ensure the infrastructure could support that ambition.
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Designed for renewable-first energy strategy
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Reduced reliance on grid electricity and fossil fuels
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Created scalable capacity for future expansion phases
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Enabled integration of low carbon heating systems
Client Outcome:
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A fully refurbished and re-energised Stables complex following fire damage
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Modern electrical infrastructure supporting a net zero trajectory
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Future-ready power systems capable of supporting full solar operation
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Upgraded residential and commercial spaces aligned with current standards
Our Solution
West & West delivered a fully coordinated electrical package across all project areas.
Infrastructure & Power Distribution
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Installation of a new feeder pillar within the main brewery
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Upgraded distribution network designed to support future load growth
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Enabling works for high-capacity solar PV integration
Main Brewery Upgrade
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Facilitation of panel upgrades to accommodate renewable generation
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Strategic infrastructure design allowing the brewery to operate independently from the grid when solar is fully commissioned
Stables, Bottle Store & Office Refurbishment
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Full electrical reinstallation across all refurbished areas
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Integration of lighting, power, and small power systems
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Coordination and oversight of fire alarm, security, and data systems
Residential Decarbonisation
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Complete electrical upgrade to on-site flats
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Removal of oil-based heating systems
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Enabling works for air source heat pump installation
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Systems aligned with low carbon energy supply
What This Project Demonstrates
This project highlights West & West’s ability to:
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Deliver complex electrical works within heritage environments
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Design infrastructure that supports long-term sustainability goals
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Coordinate across multiple stakeholders and live site constraints
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Provide futureproofed solutions, not just installations
