Work to create Northumberland’s first whisky distillery and visitor centre is under way after it secured a £4.6m funding package.
The multimillion-pound Ad Gefrin development was first unveiled in 2018 by the Ferguson family, owners of a number of businesses across the North East, with a vision to create a new attraction to entice more visitors to the area and create 50 jobs.
Ad Gefrin will showcase Northumberland’s Anglo-Saxon heritage and celebrate its ancient hospitality alongside the arts, crafts and produce the county offers today.
The plans to transform the former Redpath’s Yard in Wooler into the Ad Gefrin distillery experience have been delayed by the pandemic, but construction firm Brims is now on site, after the family confirmed it has received the final piece in the funding puzzle.
Ad Gefrin has received £3m from the Borderlands Growth Deal and has also received £1m from the North East Rural Growth Network and £600,000 through Northumberland County Council.
The project becomes the first in the Borderlands Programme for Northumberland to break ground, working towards a tentative opening date in Autumn 2022.
Eileen Ferguson said: “We have never doubted that we could fulfil our vision to create a world class visitor destination in this beautiful county.
“The people of Glendale haven’t doubted either. Throughout everything we have continued to be overwhelmed by everyone’s good wishes – even when it looked on the surface as if progress was slow to the point of coming to a halt. We can’t thank everyone enough.
Most Read
“We really want to thank all those who have worked so hard to get us to this point. Like everyone it has not been easy and we have all been suffering in the pandemic – and the one thing we have had to learn is patience.”
Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Luke Hall said: “It’s fantastic that work can now begin on a new multimillion pound visitor centre and distillery at Ad Gefrin – a hugely important site showcasing Northumberland’s heritage.”
“The new centre and distillery, backed by £3m investment from the Borderlands Growth Deal, will provide a magnet for tourism as well as an important export boost for the region.”
Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “This is extremely welcome news which will bring more jobs, investment and visitors to this beautiful part of our county. We’ve worked so hard behind the scenes to support this fantastic project and we’re looking forward to seeing construction start imminently and hopefully open for business by the end of next year.”
Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Ad Gefrin is one of the most important economic and tourist developments for many years in North Northumberland and will undoubtedly boost economic activity in Wooler and the wider Glendale community.
“I am delighted that funds from our Local Growth Fund have been invested by the Rural Growth Network into a second iconic development on the fringe of Northumberland National Park, complementing The Sill, on Hadrian’s Wall. The development team are congratulated on their vision and commitment to deliver this unique scheme on this highly visible gateway site into Wooler and The Cheviots.”
Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park, added: “This is exciting news for North Northumberland and for tourism and heritage in the county more generally.
Don’t miss
“To have a new visitor destination which will foster rural economic growth and which reflects the rich heritage of our landscape at a key gateway to Northumberland National Park is a significant boost for the area.
“The Ferguson family’s vision and passion for the landscape and heritage of Glendale will come to life at Ad Gefrin, symbolising the unique qualities of Northumberland in more ways than one. I wish the project every success and we in Northumberland National Park look forward to working closely with Ad Gefrin to showcase the best of this special place.”