BEER could once again be brewed at a city centre site as part of £30m plans for a new hotel.

Developers want to build a 150-bed four star hotel on the corner of Paradise Street and St Thomas’ Street, Oxford, along with a restaurant, deli and new microbrewery.

Part of the site was formerly the Brewery Gate pub and was associated with the old Morrell’s Brewery, most of which has already been redeveloped into flats.

The Cooper Callas building, which has been unused for several years, would be demolished.

In its place Dominvs Group wants to build a new boutique hotel, which would be part of the chain Hotel Indigo.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said a planning application was expected by either September or October.

He added: “It is a very attractive scheme and would also open on to the back of Wareham Stream with a microbrewery, possibly creating a nice place to sit with a drink.

“From the council’s point of view, it will bring more hotel space and will also improve that area, bringing extra trade to the restaurants at the castle.”

Tony Goulding, chairman of the Oxford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: “A new microbrewery would bring that area of Oxford back to life once again, which would be beyond fantastic.

“We fully support the plans and the positive effects it would have on Oxford, particularly given the new Westgate development.”

Oxford Preservation Trust director Debbie Dance said the development was not in character with the area.

She said: “Although the current building is in no way beautiful, this area is a really important part of the city.

“Any decisions regarding the development need to be made with the old monuments and tone of the city in mind.”

Dominvs Group claims that its proposals would provide £30m investment in Oxford, along with 280 jobs during construction and 80 permanent positions.

Preetpal Ahluwalia, hospitality portfolio director, said: “We’re really excited about the possibility of renovating the site because we think it would be an added bonus to an already great city.”

Mr Ahluwalia said that the company would be looking to team up with local colleges and training providers should the plans go ahead.

He said: “On completion we would definitely be looking to partner with somewhere like Oxford Brookes University in order to provide apprenticeships for students across a range of construction and hospitality courses.”

The public can see the plans at an exhibition in the Cooper Callas building between 11am and 3pm today.