Langley City craft beer aficionados will soon have some new local brews to check out.
On March 2, City council approved re-zoning of a property on Logan Avenue, paving the way for its conversion into a microbrewery.
Once renovations are complete, Langley Brewing Company will occupy the existing building at 20084 Logan Ave.
Architect Wai Lui presented plans for the brewery’s design to council on behalf of owner Don Piccolo during a public hearing held ahead of council’s regular meeting.
The existing building, located between two automotive-related business will be renovated to incorporate a modern urban design, both inside and out.
“The main goal is to create a more inviting space — to soften hard elements,” said Lui.
The design incorporates reclaimed wood, planter boxes and lighting fixtures selected to provide character.
The front of the building will be dominated by a pair of windowed garage doors that can be opened during warmer months.
Comparable to a winery, the brewery will include a small tasting room and lounge area where patrons can sample ales and lagers or enjoy a whole pint. They can also fill a growler to take home.
The design also calls for a large brewery/production area, cooler and retail space.
Brewmaster Tony Dewald will work at the rear of the building in the production area which will occupy a large percentage of the building’s floorspace.
Tucked away in a light industrial area of the City, the craft brewery will incorporate a number of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles in its design. These include installation of security locks, cameras, concrete planters and bollards to block vehicles, security film on the glass to prevent it from breaking and use of low shrubs that won’t block sight lines.
Councillor Val van den Broek praised the crime prevention measures incorporated into the design of the brewery, calling it “the perfect CPTED building.”
Other features of the brewery include a plan to offer spent grain to local farmers for use as feed.
Addressing concerns about potential noise and odours, the proponent explained that the smell produced will be only the sweet and floral aromas of grains and hops, while noise and traffic from delivery vehicles and milling of grains will be minimal.
Concerns over lack of parking, which were raised during an advisory planning committee meeting about the brewery, were addressed with the addition of four parking spaces.
Piccolo assured council “there will be tons of parking on weekends,” when neighbouring businesses are closed.
City received one unsigned piece of correspondence opposing the brewery, offering no reason for the objection.
