PLANS for a new brewery and visitor centre in Blaenavon have been approved, bringing 19 new jobs to the area.

At a planning meeting yesterday the council heard Rhymney Brewery’s plans had been approved under delegated powers.

The plans are for a new brewery building incorporating a first-floor visitor centre at Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate in Blaenavon.

Rhymney Brewery owner Andrew Thomas was unavailable for comment due to flight disruptions, but he previously explained Blaenavon’s strong mining heritage and Big Pit make it the perfect location for a new brewery.

“With Big Pit being located there, drinking and the coal workers went hand in hand so we want to bring the link back,” he said.

Mr Thomas, who runs the brewery together with his father-in-law and brother-in-law Steve and Marc Evans, explained the proposed development is an exciting move for the company, “We are looking at expansion due to customer demand,” he added.

The company currently employs 18 people and Mr Thomas said more jobs will be created now the scheme has been given the go ahead.

Leader of Torfaen Council, Councillor Bob Wellington said: “We are pleased to welcome Rhymney Brewery to Torfaen. They offer a modern brewery and visitor centre which will generate tourism and enhance the heritage site.

“They’re also bringing 19 jobs to the area which is always good news in these difficult times."

Rhymney Brewery is based in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, and has been making ales in South Wales for 140 years.

It is hoped the new brewery and visitor could become another tourist attraction in the town.

The Council approved the sale of 1.2 acres of land at Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate to the Merthyr-based Rhymney Brewery in February.

The family firm has ambitious plans to create what it hopes will become a major visitor attraction for the town.