Hinch Distillery, Ballynahinch

Ireland’s newest distillery and NI’s latest visitor attraction, Hinch Distillery and Visitor Centre is a feast for the eyes and taste buds…

Corramore can toast a spectacular new addition to their flourishing portfolio with the completion of the unique Hinch Distillery and Visitor Centre project in Ballynahinch.

The job consisted of the construction of a new whiskey and small batch gin distillery, together with a restaurant, bar, function rooms and visitor centre along with all associated site works.

All was carefully designed and spec’d to deliver a successful mix of old and new. The site for the distillery lies to the North of Killaney Lodge – a listed dwelling – so it was important that a period style was retained. Traditional slates roof the ancillary buildings and the distillery is housed within a barrelled vaulted structure. A feature copper ‘Pagoda’ roof draws on the heritage of traditional Irish distilleries.

Corramore Director, JimJo McCullagh said, “The nature of the project was very much traditional in appearance, but there is extensive use of the latest ‘smart’ building management systems operating in the background to give the end user tailor-made control of the entire building.”

“One specific piece of equipment/installation was the unique treatment and filtration system that had to be installed as part of the Hinch Distillery project. Rather than transport the by-product of the manufacturing process offsite by articulated lorry, an innovative treatment system was designed. This treatment facility processed, treated and discharged the distillery’s by-product to existing main line drainage.”

Like most projects in 2020, the Hinch Distillery project was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the site closing for eight weeks. On returning to site, the project team faced a number of additional challenges to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff, subcontractors and visitors.

“The introduction of ‘one-way’ systems, additional welfare facilities, ‘just in time deliveries’ etc were all used to overcome the challenges Covid-19 restrictions placed upon us,” JimJo said.

Landmark building

Corramore was established in Northern Ireland in 1999, and today delivers projects up to the value of £20 million throughout the UK. This project is Ireland’s newest distillery and as such has a remarkable appearance, both in terms of its size and workmanship. Commenting on the completed job, JimJo said, “We at Corramore are enormously proud in the project we have delivered for the client, and it will certainly stand the test of time. It is a unique building in a fantastic location. One of the most satisfying aspects of delivering a project of this nature is bringing life and employment to the local economy where once there was just a green field.”

As the site was next door to the client’s private residence, he was ever present and very much hands on. “This was very beneficial,” explained JimJo, “as client changes and preferences were identified early and instructions were instant. We have developed a very successful working relationship and look working to working with the client in the very near future on more exciting projects.”

JimJo had high praise for the supply chain, “Due to the nature of the project we engaged with a significant number of specialist subcontractors in order to produce the end product, and again built successful relationships with all involved and will no doubt cross paths in the near future.

“All subcontractors involved in this project went above and beyond the call of duty in the most trying of circumstances thrown at us all.

Project Team
Client: Hinch Distillery
Main Contractor: Corramore
Architect: Bowsie Partnership
M&E Consultant: Semple McKillop
Structural Engineer: Stephen J Jordan
Quantity Surveyor: Rainey & Best


Corramore, Unit A1, Workspace, Tobermore Road, Draperstown, BT45 7AG
T: +44 (0)28 7962 8882 – E: info@corramore.com
www.corramore.com

High quality products delivered with expert care and bespoke customer service…

Limavady Roller Doors were asked to supply and fit a series of industrial, insulated roller doors and robust pedestrian steel doors for the Hinch Distillery and Visitors Centre project in Ballynahinch.

Formed in 2008, this family-owned business has grown from a two-man operation into a dynamic team operating from a state-of-the-art, new manufacturing workshop in Limavady.

Limavady Roller Doors offers expert advice and a recently extended range of competitively priced products and accessories.

The firm likes to go above and beyond the normal level of customer service, as Alan Barr, Managing Director said, “We consider all of our quotes individually, whether it’s for a one-off order or a series of high-profile multiple installations. We have the commitment, ability and flexibility within our team to deliver bespoke customer service to all our customers.”

Each member of the team at Limavady Roller Doors has the expertise to tap into their clients’ vision and concerns in order to provide them with a solution that best suits their circumstances.

Commenting on the project, Alan Barr said, “We’d like to thank Corramore once more for the opportunity to work on this project and to continue growing our working relationship. It has been a very well managed and executed project to be part of.

Alan added, “I think it is fair to say Hinch Distillery is working on developing something special here, not just for the locals but on a global scale. We are delighted to play a part in this project and help Hinch deliver a world-class product and service to their patrons. We look forward to visiting!”


Limavady Roller Doors, The Esther Building, 89 Dowland Road,
Limavady Business Park, Limavady BT49 0HR
T: +44 (0) 28777 23667 – E: info@limavadyrollerdoors.com

McCorley Mechanical and Electrical delivers bespoke, full-scale electrical installation…

McCorley Mechanical and Electrical carried out the full electrical installation recent at the £15m Hinch Distillery project.

Previously known for their mechanical works, McCorleys added an electrical division in 2016. Under the guidance of their new Electrical Contracts Manager, Stephen O’Loughlin, the division is growing in size and scope.

The electrical works amounted to 75% of the Hinch Distillery scope carried out by McCorleys. Stephen said, “This was a highly bespoke job involving specialist process control, ATEX and LEL compliant equipment along with bespoke architectural lighting. As well as the full domestic installation of general power and lighting, low voltage switchgear, fire alarms, intruder alarm, CCTV, door access control and so on.”

McCorley’s mechanical team was tasked with installing 3 x 20 ton Calor BioLPG tanks and laying and connecting the mains pipe work to the building. Calor BioLPG was specified by the architect to reduce carbon emissions and increase the distillery and visitor centre’s environmental performance.

The air conditioning and ventilation system had to be fire-rated and ATEX compliant also because of the highly flammable and potentially explosive environment within the still area. Working with Titan Air Conditioning, McCorley sourced the fire-resistant and explosive proof equipment, including fire-rated fan motors.

Further works included putting in the main water pipe and delivering a substantial fire ring to the building.

Commenting on the successful job, John McCorley, Director praised the working relationship with the main contractor, “It was a real pleasure to work with the Corramore Construction team.”


T: +44 (0)28 7965 0823
E: info@mccorley.me
Fb: McCorley Mechanical & Electrical

Chartered Structural Engineer, Stephen Jordan’s, role, while working on the Hinch Distillery project, was to provide full design of all structural elements including foundations, masonry, steelwork and floors.

The most innovative part of the design was the multi-bay barrel-vaulted roof. “This was a challenging part of the project, but the results were well worth all the hard work,” said Stephen.

With more than 30 years of experience working in design offices, Stephen took the decision to start his own consulting business in 2009.

“A lot of people come to me simply because I’ve been recommended by others,” said Stephen. “I offer a very quick turnaround time with competitive rates for the smallest jobs right through to multi-million pound schemes.”

Commenting on the completed project, Stephen said, “A close working relationship with Corramore Contracts on the Hinch Distillery facilitated the successful completion of this stunning building, and it’s a project I’m proud to have been part of.”


T: +44 (0)28 9070 1422
T: +44 (0)7788 700 435

Specialist roofing contractor, Mid Ulster Joinery, slated the prestigious Hinch Distillery and Visitors Centre at Ballynahinch.

The roofing contract involved the installation of 29,000 natural slates as well as felt, lathes, and specialist lead work.

A prominent feature of the building is the complex ‘pagoda’ shaped roof, which was expertly slated by Mid Ulster Joinery. This pagoda roof is believed to be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Ideally situated in the heart of Mid Ulster, the company provides roofing, joinery and upvc services. In recent years, Mid Ulster Joinery has been recognised as the go-to company for decorative wall panelling.

“We are proud to have provided roofing on another landmark scheme in Northern Ireland,” said Conor O’Kane of Mid Ulster Joinery. “The unique pagoda shaped roof undoubtedly makes the project stand out in our portfolio.”

He added, “Mid Ulster Joinery is delighted to be the subcontractor of choice for specialist roofing contracts for Corramore construction.”


T: +44 (0)79345 19558
E: midulsterjoinery@gmail.com
www.midulsterjoinery.com

Having been previously involved in other distilleries and breweries, Hinch Distillery invited the Bowsie Partnership to design their new distillery and visitors’ centre.

The complex also includes function rooms, supporting bars and kitchens and a gin still – a later request from the client.

“Conceptually, the distillery has been designed as a number of interconnected buildings,” explained Ken Bowsie. “Single storey facing the main access point, stepping up to two-storey towards the rear reflecting the landscape. The feature copper ‘Pagoda’ roof draws on the heritage of traditional Irish distilleries.”

Commenting on the finished building, Ken said, “Hinch Distillery used local materials and artisan craftsmen to ensure the completed project and was a celebration of the best that can be produced in Northern Ireland.

“We refer particularly to the main contractor, Corramore, who were represented on site by an exceptional team who provided top quality support and workmanship throughout the project. We look forward to working with them on future projects.”


T: +44 (0)28 9754 3301

Hinch Distillery installed Calor BioLPG, the first widely available renewable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for homes and businesses, as a main energy source in a bid to reduce carbon emissions and increase its environmental performance. Calor BioLPG will power the steam boiler and catering equipment for Hinch Distillery.

Made from a mix of sustainably sourced renewable vegetable oils and waste materials, BioLPG works in the same way as conventional LPG with no impact on performance. It is delivered and stored in the same way and can be used in existing LPG-powered appliances and applications.

Calor BioLPG, which is available throughout Ireland, allows customers to switch to a clean renewable alternative and offers carbon reductions of at least 50% and up to 90%. BioLPG has been approved by the UK government as a sustainable renewable fuel and also by the Irish Government, which means that it is exempt from Carbon Tax.

Commenting on the project, Mark McClements, Sales Manager, Calor said, “Calor was delighted to be selected as an energy partner to supply our renewable energy – BioLPG – to Hinch Distillery. The team at Hinch have demonstrated clearly their sustainability principles, respecting and reflecting their surroundings throughout the development of the facility.

We are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious company with ambitious sustainability goals and a superb product range and brand.”


To speak to a Calor energy advisor
call: 028 9045 5588 (NI) or 1850 812 450 (ROI)
or visit: www.calorgas.ie