THESE are artist’s impressions of how Laverstoke Mill, near Overton, will be brought to life as a gin distillery.

The drawings are based on London designer Thomas Heatherwick’s plans to restore the historic site into a distillery and visitor centre for Bombay Sapphire gin.

The multi-millionpound project of the historic buildings – which housed one of England’s most significant banknote papermaking facilities – will see the two-hectare brownfield site restored and expanded. It will be the first home of the English gin.

The highlight of the complex build will be the glasshouse for Bombay Sapphire gin’s ten botanicals, so that visitors can see what goes into making the distinctive beverage.

Mr Heatherwick said about the design: “As the particular flavours of Bombay Sapphire gin are derived from ten botanicals, the centrepiece of the site is a glasshouse, within which visitors will experience the specific horticultural specimens infused in the spirit.

“The glasshouse, influenced by Britain’s rich heritage of glasshouse structures, will be two separate structures providing both a humid environment for spices that originate from the tropics, as well as a dry temperate zone for Mediterranean plants.

“We are thrilled to have the chance to take this historic site, and turn it from its current derelict state into a new industrial facility with national significance.”

John Burke, Bombay Sapphire global category director, added: “It’s a very exciting time for the Bombay Sapphire team, especially now that we’re seeing our plan for Laverstoke Mill come into fruition.”

Planning permission was granted in February 2012 and building work is now under way. It is hoped to open in autumn 2013