Wadworth has officially opened its new multi-million pound brewery as the company transitions away from its historic home.

The state-of-the-art Folly Road Brewhouse, just minutes away from the iconic Northgate Street site, was officially opened in Devizes on Thursday, September 8.

This marked the completion of a three-year long project which saw the brewers invest just under £10 million.

Wadworth, who have been brewing in the town since 1875, are now transitioning to their recently completed home, which they say is much more compact and efficient than their former premises.

Speaking at the brewhouse’s opening, managing director Toby Bartholomew told this paper the benefits of the move will secure the long-term future of the business.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Folly Road BrewhouseFolly Road Brewhouse (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “It’s a huge day, this has been a project three years in the making and it has all gone to plan so it’s been momentous.

“It’s very sad to leave the old brewery but we needed to leave and we have a bright future now.

“We’re really excited about everything that’s going on, it’s a big sum of money for us but an investment that is definitely worth it’s while for the future.”

While the new brewery’s equipment has been commissioned, a transition period will see some operations continue on Northgate Street for several months.

Chief engineer Stuart Sinden previously explained the benefits of the new streamlined operation which will take place at a much smaller site and boats bespoke machinery.

He said: “The new site is much smaller in size which makes it more flexible. It means we can scale up or down as we need to.

“It’s a game changer which makes us significantly more energy efficient.

“Energy efficiency is important to us, not just because of the cost of living crisis, but because that journey to net zero is important”.

Mr Bartholomew believes the ability to scale down and trial new products will give Wadworth and their pubs an edge moving forward.

He added: “What it gives us is the ability to do new projects, smaller runs, different beers, more keg projects and lagers.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Folly Road BrewhouseFolly Road Brewhouse (Image: Newsquest)

“We were constrained but now we can brew whatever we want so it’s exciting and hopefully a new portfolio of beers will come out next year.

“People want that range of different beers on the bar when they walk into a pub, they want to see changes rather than the same old products all the time.”

The brewhouse is not open to the public but Wadworth hope to run tours from next year.