Work on the long-awaited £26 million transformation of the Maltings Theatre in Berwick is finally set to begin this autumn, following years of planning and consultation. The major redevelopment will bring the theatre, café, and dining spaces together on the same floor, with public spaces, rehearsal space, and a meeting room on the level above. The lower floors will be repurposed to create one large main cinema and a smaller boutique cinema, accessed directly from Shoe Lane and via a lift or stairs from the car park level.
Local Councillors Express Excitement and Relief
Coun Nicole Brooke, who represents the Berwick North ward, said: "I can't wait for it to get going. We just need to get it started so we can get it done. I just want to get it finished, it will be so good for Berwick. As somebody with a family with two kids, we need the theatre to be that centre point for the town."
Coun Georgina Hill, representing the Berwick East ward, added: "I'm delighted that it is finally commencing. It has been incredibly frustrating, and at one point the project looked at risk which is always something that happens with delays - the cost is always going to go up. I hope it proceeds as quickly as possible, but also that there's proper regard in the construction process for the neighbours."
Long History and Funding
The theatre's revamp was first brought forward as part of the Borderlands Deal in 2018. Plans were finally submitted last year after fears the project would be abandoned due to rising costs. The project is part funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, as well as Northumberland County Council.
Construction Details and Disruption
Ahead of the main construction works starting, Eastern Lane car park will be closed to the public from late summer to create a contractors’ compound. Pedestrian access will still be available from Eastern Lane to Hide Hill. Alternative parking will be available at Walkergate/Coxon Lane car park from September for the duration of the works. Temporary traffic lights will operate in Marygate from late summer, but only when large construction vehicles need to leave site.
A spokesman for the council said: "The lights will allow this construction traffic to travel northbound up West Street, against the one-way system, and onto Marygate. All other construction traffic will leave Eastern Wynd, down West Street via the one-way system as usual. There will be peaks and flows over the following months, but the lights are only required to stop traffic from turning down West Street while large vehicles are leaving site. Outside of this, the lights will not be in use."
Deliveries will be arranged via an electronic booking system with managed timeslots. Prior to deliveries commencing, a section of footpath on the corner of Marygate and West Street and the corners of West Street and Easter Wynd will be removed and safely stored, later reinstated once construction is complete.
Council Leader's Statement
Council leader Glen Sanderson said: "Final preparations are being put in place prior to work starting later in the year on this world-class cultural venue, which will boost the wider economic fortunes of this wonderful town and north Northumberland. There’s currently a lot of work happening behind the scenes to get ready for the main works, and teams are doing everything they can to minimise disruption. The venue’s location does bring some logistical challenges, and we’ll continue to liaise with businesses and residents ahead of, and throughout the construction."
