Joule’s Brewery Acquires Poole’s Yard in Stone Town Centre

We are pleased to announce today that we have acquired Poole’s Yard in Stone, just off Crown Street, which will form part of our ‘Crown Wharf’ development.

The site was originally owned by Joule’s Brewery, dating from around 1840, where it was used as an overflow for its cooperage before the Brewery closed. After being bought by then rivals Bass, the land was sold to a local builder Horace Poole and ever since then it has been known locally as ‘Poole’s Yard’. We would like to thank Suma for agreeing to sell to us, Suma have been very active in Stone, and they have been most supportive of our ambition for Crown Wharf.

The plan shows the parcels of land that we have pieced together, Poole’s Yard is the land shaded pink. The main site was bought from Canal & River Trust back in 2017, and we have now submitted plans which are being considered [fingers crossed].

Since then we have also agreed terms with Staffordshire County Council to buy the area in Green, this is the Old Fire Station. This building is earmarked to be a heritage centre to be run by Stone Town Council.

Vicky Shirley, Brand & Communications Manager for Joule’s Brewery comments

‘We have been working for months to secure this piece of land and it’s a great relief, the site now sits at 1.2 acres – if planning allows it is the last piece of the puzzle for us. We now have the space to create something special to honour the rich heritage of Stone and Joule’s Brewery, and of course, create a fantastic Brewery Tap for Stone Town.’

This new parcel is only 0.1 acre, but its very key to the scheme. We will be able to make better use of the whole space. The new area will be additional car parking, which is very handy, but it also means we will be able to landscape the plot as one and rebuild the railings. We were very anxious about having to build round what could have been an unsightly unused space. Along with the Old Fire Station, this new space also allows us to better present the new heritage centre and create more impact.

Finally, it also means we can ensure nothing is built in this space, this way the sight of the new Taphouse will be much more prominent and open up the site to make it more accessible. So, all in all, we are very pleased indeed to have been able to add Poole’s Yard into our scheme.

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