Maltings overhaul sails through committee
In the works for four years, the £28m redevelopment of the Berwick-upon-Tweed theatre into a flagship destination has been backed by Northumberland councillors.
The verdict came at the end of a near four-hour planning committee meeting on 5 August, with just one abstention, and several councillors speaking warmly of the plans – Cllr Caroline Ball declaring “get it built, for the people of Berwick!”
A RIBA design competition was announced in December 2021 for the redevelopment of the Maltings venue, with MICA Architects being declared victorious in March 2023. Plans were then submitted this March.
As set out in the planning officer report for committee members, the application proposed the part demolition, alterations and extension of the existing theatre venue and other ancillary works.
The main auditorium currently has a capacity of around 300, with a secondary studio accommodating 120 people. The building also contains a café/bar and hosts a varied programme of live performances, film, exhibitions, workshops, talks and youth arts.
Officers said the building is in need of significant improvements, for which funding has been secured from the Borderlands Initiative and Northumberland County Council.
These proposals include a more flexible main theatre space, improved front and back of house facilities, a new rehearsal studio, the addition of two cinema screens and further community/cultural spaces.
Under the MICA plans, the main auditorium is to be refurbished and beefed up, with more capacity and an extended balcony level. The main entrance level would be rearranged with an enhanced café/bar offer and a main cinema screen.
The new rehearsal studio is to be located on the top floor alongside improved office space, a meeting room, a foyer and an external terrace overlooking the river to the south.
To the lower ground floor there is proposed to be a secondary cinema screen, a space that could also be used as a small-scale performance or events space.
A secondary entrance and foyer from Shoe Lane, would improve access to the building from the south and it is proposed that this area could be closed off from the rest of the building, adding flexibility for use as a private hire space.
General modernisation elements re also included, such as improved level access to facilities.
The meeting was not without dissent. Dr Julian Smart spoke in opposition, declaring that “in a way, this could be Berwick’s Sycamore Gap moment,” and asking for a deferral so a “more inclusive design” might emerge. Two councillors also spoke against the project.
In favour of the project, however, was the Berwick-upon-Tweed Civic Society, represented in the chamber by retired surveyor Brian Gowthorpe. He said the society commended the decision to keep the venue in the town centre, adding that “the project needs to go ahead now, to help address the severe decline of the town centre registered in our Society’s latest health check”.
Ros Lamont, chief executive of the Berwick Maltings Trust, said: “I want to reiterate that this will be a transformational project, it matches exactly the aims of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. It’s about form and function, excellent facilities, new opportunities for our young people and providing a social community hub.”
Among the councillors’ comments, Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said “this is a fabulous investment in cultural regeneration in Berwick”.
Documents relating to the scheme can be viewed on Northumberland’s planning portal with the reference 25/00792/CCD.
Two Councillors (Robertson and Brooke) spoke in favour of it !
By Anonymous