Construction work continues at new 30,000sq ft building

Construction work continues at new 30,000sq ft building

15 July 2020

WORK is progressing at pace on a new £15m distillery outside Ballynahinch.

The new 30,000 sq ft Hinch distillery is situated on the Killaney estate, near Temple, and produced the craft Hinch Irish Whiskey and Ninth Wave Gin brands. 

When the two-storey building opens for business, there will also be an interactive visitor centre, coffee shop, retail area, outside courtyard space and multi-purpose events spaces.

As work progresses, it has been confirmed Marcon has been awarded the contract to fit-out the eagerly awaited new distillery which will create an estimated 42 jobs over a five-year period.

The Belfast firm will work in partnership with world-renowned design company Drinksology to deliver Dr Terry Cross’ vision to create this unique and first of its kind facility in Northern Ireland.

Fully trained guides will bring visitors on an interactive and informative journey that will include a history of Irish whiskey and its unique distilling process, tutored tasting sessions, a specific gin tour and the opportunity to produce and bottle their own gins. 

And the purpose-built visitor centre will be able to accommodate more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Dr Cross, Hinch Distillery chairman,  said it was being launched to provide visitors with a highly differentiated product and experience that coupled the production of quality spirits with a story and heritage.  

“We hope it will become an attraction in its own right and offer guests a real understanding of the skills and methods needed to produce our spirits,” he said.

The distillery produces a premium whiskey collection of varying maturities and profiles, all originally sourced from some of the most reputable whiskey producers in Ireland.

The company’s premium gin brand, Ninth Wave, which takes its name from Celtic mythology, is “other worldly” and, alongside the Hinch Time Collection, has been making noise across the globe, while Hinch Distillery has secured listings in 25 countries globally.

Marcon will be responsible for delivering the full fit-out of the new distillery which will include all specialist joinery items, such as feature bars, bespoke wall panelling, fixed furniture and floor and ceiling finishes.

Marcon Fit-Out director Mark O’Connor, said the company was “really proud” to have been awarded  what he described as a “prestigious project”.

He continued: “Given the ambition of the facility to be a leading visitor attraction, the fit-out will be of the highest standard.  

“All of the specialist joinery items will be produced in our manufacturing facility, giving us the opportunity to showcase Marcon’s quality finish. It will be really exciting to see the completed distillery when it opens this year.” 

Sustainability lies at the heart of the new distillery and the same applies for the fit-out phase of the build. 

Since the project’s inception, the team at Hinch Distillery has worked closely with the Woodland Trust to plant 12,500 trees throughout the estate, with Marcon making a major contribution to the project’s environmental, social and economic sustainability targets. 

The company has ensured that all timber products are procured from sustainable sources and are FSC accredited and it is also dedicated to producing zero waste to landfill during the project. 

In addition, Marcon has confirmed that it is committed to using local companies within its project team, providing employment opportunities within the local economy.

The company has also ensured that trade apprentices get the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the project, both in its specialist joinery workshop and within its supply chain.