Decision details

The facility would be leased to, managed and delivered by Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust (DCLT) using their experience of the management of the Leopard and the Counting House, and other commercial facilities. The demised premises shall be used as a tap selling a range of real ale, craft beer, traditional bitters, wine and local spirits. This will be complimented by hot beverages, speciality blended soft drinks that can all be enjoyed in the tap, out in the court yard or as a take away. Food will also be available as part of a growing visitor offer at the hall and park. Alterations to the overall style of this proposed provision would only be agreement with the Council. Full Planning and listed building applications would be progressed accordingly.

To approve the lease for a Micro-brewery and Tap at Cusworth Hall to DCLT.

Option 1 – Do nothing (not recommended)
Take no action and leave this part of the Cusworth Hall building vacant, unmaintained, and not contributing to the business growth of Heritage Doncaster.

Option 2 – regenerate this part of the venue (This is the recommended option)
This will form part of Heritage Doncaster’s business plan and bring an income to the service. It will widen the appeal of Cusworth Hall and Park as a visitor destination. It will bring a dormant part of the building back to life in a way which is sensitive to the history, heritage and environment of the building.

Option 3 – regenerate this part of the property to an alternative purpose (Not Recommended)
Heritage Doncaster have no other plans, business use or potential partner available to refurbish and commercialise this empty part of the building. To conduct an options appraisal for other functions of the former Brewhouse would not necessarily be in keeping with this part of the building’s heritage, would not necessarily be de-risked by putting all financial and other responsibilities on to the tenant, and would risk the service losing the significant capital outlay which DCLT is prepared to put into the venue to make it fit for the purpose described.