Member Article

Development plans unfold for The Maltings Theatre & Cinema in Berwick

Representatives of The Maltings Trust have welcomed the announcement of plans to develop the venue, as part of a blueprint for access to ‘modern, efficient and joint-up services’ across all towns in Northumberland.

Northumberland County Council announced last week that it is in discussions with partners in Berwick, including the Maltings Trust, and during the next two years The Maltings Theatre and Cinema could be redesigned and refurbished.

The council is looking to incorporate a new wedding venue and a new cultural venue to attract visitors and tell the story of the town, including the Berwick Burrell Collection, access to the border archives and the links to LS Lowry.

Part of the plans include remodelling of The Maltings venue, and chief executive and artistic director, Matthew Rooke, has spoken positively about the plans, he said: “We are extremely pleased to be going from strength to strength here at The Maltings – with 60,000 paying customers last year, the largest number in our history.

“We have always been the focal point for many community activities for residents of Berwick and surrounding areas, so it makes sense that further services can be provided from here

“While the details are still to be worked through, and further feasibility work done, the proposed developments being considered seem a natural extension of our work here.

“Weddings for example are superb for the local economy as a whole as they not only benefit the venue which is used, but all of the ancillary services required such as florists all help to sustain local businesses.

“I look forward to helping to develop these plans.”

Maurice Ward, chair of The Maltings Trust added: “We are very grateful for the ongoing support from Northumberland County Council, which has already allowed us to make significant improvements and expansion to what we offer here in Berwick.

“We are very pleased about the future potential investment in the facility and look forward to continued partnership working in the future so that we can build on the opportunities that these proposals present.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .