Heatherwick Studio to restore historic site into distillery and visitor centre for gin brand
In February 2012, planning permission to restore Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire, was granted and the build process is now underway. It is predicted that the distillery will open its doors in autumn 2013. The multi-million-pound project will be located on a five-acre lot which once housed one of England's most important bank note paper-making facilities.
The design has been created by London designer Thomas Heatherwick and his team at Heatherwick Studio. The site will be completely renovated from a derelict mill into a state of the art premium gin distillery and visitor centre with the architects encompassing the highest standards in design, functionality and sustainability. Thomas Heatherwick has said: "As the particular flavours of Bombay Sapphire gin are derived from 10 botanicals, the centrepiece of the site is a glass house, within which visitors will experience the specific horticultural specimens infused in the spirit."
Bombay Sapphire intends to restore the buildings and grounds with the new glass structure as a showcase of the Bombay Sapphire brand. It will become a symbol of the brand's careful, skilful and imaginative approach to gin making. The idea is influenced by Britain's rich heritage of glass house structures. There will be two separate structures providing both a humid environment for spices that originate from the tropics, as well as a dry temperate zone for Mediterranean plants.
Bombay Sapphire global category director, John Burke, added: "It's a very exciting time for the Bombay Sapphire team, especially now that we're seeing our plan for Laverstoke Mill come into fruition. With tradition, quality and craftsmanship at the heart of the site's heritage, we can finally look forward to opening our doors to consumers worldwide."
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