The brewery has submitted a formal planning application to be considered by Wealden District Council.
The 19th century structure at Uckfield has not used by the railway since the station was moved across the road and the level crossing decommissioned.
The building is owned by Uckfield Town Council who purchased the site because it wanted to secure the landmark’s future.
The brewery said while it does not have any lease agreement in place with the town council, preliminary conversations have started and it has been agreed formal conversations about the lease would begin once planning is granted.
Crowdfunding campaign
“The historic signal box was a taxi office at one time but has laid empty for the past two years and is now looking rather sorry for itself,” said Three Acre Brewery director Chester Broad.
“We feel it would be perfect as a local meeting place, where people could gather over one of our craft ales or a coffee.”
In January 2024, the brewery began crowdfunding for a brewery tap but several potential premises in and around Uckfield proved unsuitable.
“We have now reinvigorated our taproom plans in the hope the old signal box plans are approved,” added Broad.
“We are so excited at the prospect of being able to invest thousands of pounds to revitalise the building, which has been such a landmark in the town for generations.”
Historic character
The brewery plans to redecorate the exterior of the railway box in order to restore it in line with building regulations while preserving its historic character.
Internally, it plans to improve toilet facilities and introduce comfortable seating areas for customers.
A number of local jobs would also be created and profits would be reinvested into the premises for continued maintenance and preservation, the brewery said.
The company said brewery staff would be on hand to talk through their plans at their second Luxford Beer Garden event in Uckfield over the late May bank holiday weekend.
They will be taking their mobile bar to Luxford Fields on Saturday and Sunday 24-25 May, for a pop-up beer garden.
