Young Henrys Faces Relocation as Newtown Brewery Site Set for Redevelopment

Young Henrys Faces Relocation as Newtown Brewery Site Set for Redevelopment

By Tahney Fosdike

More on Newtown

Once a Newtown institution, always a Newtown institution - Young Henrys might need to relocate, but the iconic brewery remains committed to the local community.

At the end of May, Sydney-based Loucas Architects lodged a development application (DA) with the Inner West Council to demolish Young Henrys’ existing site at Wilford Street and replace it with a six-storey, 40-apartment block.

With the $20.9 million development now likely incoming, the popular Inner-West brewery is officially on the hunt for a new home. 

Fellow owners Richard Adamson and Dan Hampton always knew the day was coming when they’d need to move. The writing was on the wall: it’s an old building in a desirable high-density area. Plus, they support the need for more housing in the area they know and love and understand their landlord’s desire to redevelop.

You Can Still Enjoy Young Henry's Original Space

For now, the brewery is sticking around while the DA is under review, using the time to carefully consider the best course of action, especially given the significant costs of moving a fully operational brewery.

“The best-case scenario is we find a very suitable, cost-effective alternate site, and the timing aligns perfectly between Young Henrys and our landlord. Everyone wins,” says Hampton. “Worst case would be we can't find somewhere, and we're stuck in limbo for too long.”

It’s bittersweet to move on from the warehouse they’ve occupied since 2012. But they’re determined to keep the good times going wherever they end up. 

And while the brewery has some major tenancy logistics to figure out, they don’t want their relationship with the community to fracture, even for a moment. Remaining a fixture of the local hospitality scene is a top priority – they aren’t planning to leave the Inner West, just find a new home, hopefully within it.

Plus, with or without their landmark warehouse, their trademark Newtowner pale ale will continue to symbolise their passion for the 2042 postcode. 

A Pillar Of The Inner West

“We are already deeply rooted in our local community through pubs, bars, bottle shops, live music venues, art galleries, and charities we support. That will not stop,” says Hampton.

“As the first brewery to be built in the Inner West (of which there are now 17 as of last count), we're proud to have kicked off a really positive trend that has turned into a cultural hub," he adds. "We've made a commitment to find a new location in the area so that our community can continue to support us, and we can supply them with good beer and fun times.” 

Likewise, the community can stand by the brewery during this transitional period, even if that’s just coming down for a pint while the Wilford Street space is still operating. 

“A lot of breweries, and a lot of businesses full stop, are doing it tough. The market really hasn't recovered since COVID, which feels crazy as it was so long ago, but we've been a country that's a bit ‘down in the dumps’ since then,” Hampton shares. 

“The best way for the community to support us, and any of our indie brothers and sisters, is to get into the tasting bars, try something new, savour the regular brews, eat from the food trucks, buy some merch, then go and have a few more at the local pubs and bars,” Hampton encourages, expressing that he’s grateful for the support they’ve received and hopeful for the next phase of the brewery’s journey.

“We'll make the most of whatever the situation, and we'll always ensure a steady supply of tasty Young Henrys’ beers, ciders, and ginger beers!” Hampton promises.