It’s ale over for historic Kent Brewery after Council approves demolition without debate

Former Kent Brewery building on Ann Street. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)

On Tuesday, City Council granted permission to demolish the former Kent Brewery and Brewmaster’s house on Ann Street—with conditions.

The lengthy heritage fight ended with a whimper when Council members chose not to speak prior to the 11 to three vote.

Before demolishing the buildings, York Developments will be required to carefully remove some historic architectural elements and prioritize their reuse in the redevelopment of the site.

York Developments intends to construct a craft brewery within the 23-storey student-oriented residential building to commemorate the brewing history on the property.

In 2022, City Council voted to grant heritage designations to the brewery building (1859) and adjacent house (1893).

However, the designations had subsequently been under appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.