WORK is well under way at Thwaites’ new Ribble Valley home as company bosses say they are ahead of schedule.

The brewery, which has been based in Blackburn for 210 years, plans to move into the £8million development at Sykes Holt on the A59 near Mellor Brook next summer.

The land for the site was bought two years ago but work on the site only started in April this year.

Since the start of the development work on the new 20,000 square feet two-storey head office, 5,000 square feet brewery and more than 400-year-old stable is ‘taking shape’.

Thwaites staff were taken on a guided tour around the new complex and caught a glimpse of the main structures of the brewery and office building.

The office block, which will cater for 75 workers, is a two-storey building which will include a reception area, a board room, a canteen and meeting rooms.

Estate manager Chris Wright, who visits the site very week, said: “The first time I came led one of these tours the roof wasn’t even on.

“The floor was not down and you could not get upstairs. Every time I’ve been to visit since then it’s just so different.

“This is the first time I have been able to go up to the second floor and take a look around. I’m amazed by how quick it’s going. It’s incredible.”

Haslingden resident Lauren Myers, 33, who has worked for the company for three years, said: “I came in the summer for an initial visit but my goodness how its changed.

“I’m surprised how quickly it has taken to get to this stage, not just the exterior but the interior as well.

“The main structure does not take that long but the interior equipment such as the wiring and the vents can take far longer to put in. I’m pleasantly surprised.”

Derek Procter, 64, who has worked at Thwaites for two years, said: “The building is really taking shape. I have seen it a few times from the outside but this is the first time I have seen the inside.

“I did not realise it would be as big as it is but I’m glad progress is going well.”