Cains plan for Liverpool Brewery Village backed Published duration 11 April 2013

image caption The Brewery Village scheme would create 800 jobs, a Cains spokesman said

A Liverpool brewery could be transformed into a major tourist venue, creating 800 jobs, in a £50m project backed by senior political figures.

Under the plans to be submitted in July, Cains would offer tours of its restored Grade II listed brewery.

A Brewery Village would be built housing a hotel, cinema, apartments, parking, artisan food market and spa.

City mayor Joe Anderson said the "exciting" plans were an indication of confidence in the city.

Liverpool Riverside MP Louise Ellman also backed the scheme, which is predicted to attract 500,000 visitors each year.

'Nothing quite like it'

Adam Hall, of architects Falconer Chester Hall, said: "The plans will mean restoring the historic brewery building to glories not seen for 100 years.

"There will be nothing quite like it in the north west of England so we are confident it will quickly become a new reason for tourists to come to Liverpool."

The brewery would house a rooftop bar with views over the city, and the existing Brewery Tap pub would also be restored.

Sudarghara Dusanj, managing director of Cains, added: "Cities like Manchester and Newcastle have been unable to save their traditional breweries but we know this scheme will ensure Liverpool has a thriving and traditional brewery for future generations.

"We anticipate increasing production of traditional ales by as much as 300% as a result of the scheme."