An award-winning WA distillery has unveiled designs for a $30 million “Cathedral of Gin” it hopes will become a world-class tourism magnet for the state’s Swan Valley wine region, on the outskirts of Perth.
Old Young’s new base in Henley Brook will be situated on a 45,000 sqm block by the Swan River and feature a state-of-the-art distillery, immersive gin experiences, multiple levels for food offerings, dining and tasting spaces, and multiple bars.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Old Young’s reveals plans for major new venue in Swan Valley.
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Designed by Hobart architects Cumulus Studio, the venue will cater to up to 500 customers every day and includes 10 luxury accommodation suites and event spaces for weddings and markets.
James Young, who founded Old Young’s in a tiny tin shed just eight years ago, hopes his project will rival South Australia’s multi-use d’Arenberg Cube and the success it had boosting tourism in the food and wine region of McLaren Vale.
“The Swan Valley has a special place in my heart. It’s authentic and family-owned,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.
“I’m a relative newcomer being here for eight years but the chance to create something iconic — that will attract visitors not only to Young’s, but the wineries, breweries, for the chocolate, the nougat — is awesome.”
His expansive new plans have been described as “an artistic tribute” to his former base that “unfurls like a lemon peel twisting toward the sky”.
Young said he had essentially “speed-dated” a dozen architectural firms before ultimately partnering with the Australian firm.
“We’ve designed Old Young’s new distillery to be an architectural triumph that inspires gin lovers to make pilgrimages from around the world,” he said.
“Building history means being ambitious and dare we say, audacious. So we went out to some of the world’s best architects, from Hamburg to Hobart and the design from Cumulus just took our breath away.
“This otherworldly structure is a twisting tribute to our origins and the creativity we constantly strive for.”
Cumulus Studio director and principal architect Peter Walker said the design balanced functionality and an immersive visitor experience.
“Central to the design is a working distillery, which is surrounded by visitor spaces that offer a front-row seat to the fascinating process of distilling Old Young’s world-class gin,” he said.
“The visitor experience of the building is curated around a sequence of curated moments from the moment of entry through to the point of departure, including exceptional food and beverage, tours, and accommodation,” he said.
The project will not come cheap, and Old Young’s has launched a share offer crowdfunding campaign aiming to secure upwards of $3 million to help bring it to life.
Australian equity crowdfunding platform Birchal is taking expressions of interest until November 18.
All things going to plan, Young hopes to be serving his first drinks at the new venue by late 2027.