Multi-million-pound Northumberland cultural and entertainment complex takes shape

The design team behind the new multi-million-pound arts venue for Berwick has been appointed. The new Maltings venue will be an “iconic” multi-purpose cultural and entertainment complex when its doors open in 2026. 

Building on the successful track record of the Maltings (Berwick) Trust’s main venue which is located on Eastern Lane in the centre of the town, the project will deliver a “major transformation and expansion” of the current venue and its impact on the town and surrounding area. MICA Architects were selected from a five-strong shortlist.

MICA is an international architectural and Masterplanning practice with a track record in arts, education, and cultural destinations. MICA are “experts” in transforming world class cultural venues including Fairfield Halls in Croydon, Hay Castle in Wales and the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith.

The architectural team is supported by an arts team including theatre consultants Charcoalblue, structural engineers eHRW, building services engineers Max Fordham, Jane Simpson Access and Inclusion Consultant, GrossMax landscape designers and Turner & Townsend as Cost Consultants.

The development of the venue, which is being funded principally from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal supplemented with a contribution from the County Council, is planned to start on site in early 2024.

The Maltings is England’s most northerly 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.

Council Leader Glen Sanderson commented: “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 centrepiece of a wider programme of investments that are strengthening Berwick’s position as an attractive visitor destination and regenerating the town.”

Ros Lamont, CEO of The Maltings (Berwick) Trust, added: “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.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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