Coopers to splash out $50 million on new visitor facilities

South Australia is to gain a new major tourism attraction with Coopers Brewery to invest $50 million in the construction of a new "world-class" visitor centre, microbrewery and whisky distillery at its Regency Park site.

In its 160th year, Coopers has unveiled plans of a major expansion of Australia’s largest independent family-owned brewery, with domestic and international tourists front of mind.

The expansion will include a restaurant and bar, outdoor plaza dining, a dedicated tasting room, Interactive history display, a microbrewery, a whisky distillery and underground stillage for whisky maturation. 

The curved design of the new two-storey development has been inspired by the iconic Coopers’ label rondel. 

A tree-lined promenade will extend from a new entry from Regency Road to bring visitors to the new facility which will be surrounded by extensive natural landscaping. A window-lined bridge will link the new development to the existing brewery building and will feature the 300m2 interactive history display. 

Coopers managing director Dr Tim Cooper said it was opportune to be making this announcement in the 160th year of the sixth-generation family company, and brings total investment at Regency Park to nearly $400 million since 1999. 

“This is an ambitious project which will showcase Australian beer to the world," he said. "We’re very proud of our story over the past 160 years, arising from humble beginnings to prevail as an Australian-owned and operated brewery despite wars, recessions and takeover offers. 

“This new visitor centre is about celebrating our history and our originality, with an emphasis on what makes Coopers different. We look forward to welcoming local, interstate and international visitors to our brewing home to hear about our past, to learn about the art and science of brewing and to taste our beers. 

“Although we’ve been running brewery tours since 2006, this extensive development will augment and expand the guest experience, creating a lasting impression for new visitors and an ongoing connection for our loyal consumers with new tour and tasting experiences.” 

The microbrewery will be used in the regular creation of new ales and lagers for the visitor centre. 

Louise Cooper, the company’s strategy development manager, said the proposed development was hoped to be completed in time to welcome its first visitors by Christmas next year. 

“As well as appealing to beer aficionados, the visitor centre will offer a welcoming atmosphere for the whole family," she said.

"Both the restaurant and the outdoor plaza will provide the perfect setting to enjoy a meal while taking in the view of the landscaped surrounds." 

Construction is expected to begin around mid-2022 pending council approval. Regency Park is located 6km north of Adelaide city centre.