Multi-million pound redevelopment of Maltings theatre in Berwick reaches new milestone
A design team has been appointed to lead a major revamp of the Maltings Theatre in Berwick.
Work's expected to start early next year on the multi-million pound project, which includes plans for a bigger auditorium, two cinemas, a new entrance, restaurant and bar.
London-based MICA Architects have been involved in the transformation of a number of world-class venues, including Fairfield Halls in Croydon, Hay Castle in Wales and the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith.
Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We're delighted to have reached this milestone – it's a crucial stage in this ambitious project.
“Despite the Maltings’ strong reputation and significant impact on the town and its local economy, its potential to grow audiences and draw more visitors to Berwick is constrained by the current facilities.
“This project will become the centerpiece of a wider programme of investments that are strengthening Berwick’s position as an attractive visitor destination and regenerating the town.”
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The Maltings is England's most northerly arts venue, with panoramic views across the 17th century old Berwick Bridge and the Tweed estuary. It was built in the ruins of an early 19th-century Maltings and was opened in 1990.
Every year it hosts more than 600 live events, workshops and digital cinema screenings, selling almost 60,000 tickets and serving as a key cultural hub for North Northumberland and the eastern Scottish Borders.
The new venue, which is being funded principally from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal supplemented with a contribution from the County Council, is due to open its doors in 2026.
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Ros Lamont, CEO of The Maltings (Berwick) Trust said: ”Appointing a design team is an exciting and significant moment for the Maltings and our partners, marking the start of detailed work and consultation in order to finalise the design of the new building and ensure we all deliver the best possible outcome for Berwick.
“Our firm intention is that our new venue serves as a beacon for culture and creativity across our region - exceeding audiences’ and artists’ expectations of an accessible 21st century public space, providing a year-round events calendar which complements our on-going visual arts programme, and guaranteeing a wealth of new opportunities for everyone to enjoy.”
Paul Mullin, Associate Director of MICA, added: “There are so many exciting opportunities for new spaces to come together with the existing to create a vibrant cultural campus. Within this inspiring context we would like to offer The Maltings new ways of engaging with its audiences.”
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