Morrells put its historic city centre brewery on the market today, signalling an end to centuries of tradition.

The former Lion Brewery in St Thomas' Street, with its famous Victorian gates, is one of the city's most enduring landmarks. It is expected to fetch at least £7m.

The building is expected to be renovated into a series of workshops, apartments or student flats.

The brewery sale follows the announcement last year by Morrells to sell off its 132 pubs, valued at between £100,000 and £200,000 each. A majority of its shareholders decided the company was under-performing and opted to sell their assets.

Former board member Margie Eld was against the sale. She said: "It is a great shame. They have been brewing beer there for centuries. But from the family viewpoint there is nothing we can do about it."

Morrells established its city brewery in 1782. It is certain, however, that the monks of Osney were brewing there more than 500 years ago. Morrells now brews its famous beer in Dorset, at the Thomas Hardy brewery.

Morrells commercial director Peter Large said: "We have been in close consultation with the city planners in a bid to ensure that any future development should be sympathetic to the heritage of the site."

The prime site, which borders the Wareham Stream and includes the Estate Yard on the north side of St Thomas' Street, covers an area of about 1.2 acres, with existing buildings totalling about 80,000 sq ft.

Mrs Sally Harrison, assistant secretary of the Oxford Preservation Trust, said: "We would like to see as much of the historic building kept and re-used as possible, and keep features like the splendid gates.

Story date: Friday 14 May

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