County Council stresses its commitment to redevelopment of Berwick arts venue amid concerns over £8m funding gap
Last updated 25th Jan 2024
Northumberland County Council (NCC) says it remains "fully committed" to plans to redevelop the Maltings Theatre in Berwick.
It follows concerns the project may have been put on hold due to a funding shortage.
The local authority has allocated more than £23 million to create what's being described as "an iconic multi-purpose cultural and entertainment complex".
No start date has been announced for the main works, as design options are drawn up for a major transformation and expansion of the arts venue.
But NCC today (Thursday) revealed it's due to open its doors in 2027 - a year later than planned.
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Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We remain fully committed to this new multi-million pound investment, which will bring extra visitors and spending to the town and deliver a significant boost to the local economy.
“The project, which has already seen significant design and preparatory work, includes significant improvement works to the main theatre building at Eastern Lane as well as the Mob Store at Berwick Barracks, where construction of a temporary cinema is almost complete. "
According to the Maltings website, the redeveloped arts venue will boast a new theatre with extra seats and a bigger stage; a destination restaurant and bar; two cinema spaces; and technical facilities for sound recording, filming and streaming.
Councillor Sanderson said: “The Maltings work is the latest in a number of major investments in the town over recent years – from a new £23m leisure centre, a £4.2million project to create a thriving cultural hub at Berwick Barracks and a new Culture and Creative Zone, further raising Berwick’s profile as a centre for creative activity in the northeast.
"We’re doing everything we can to support and invest in Berwick and both the County Council and the Maltings continue to work on options to deliver a transformational building that will provide real benefits to the town.”
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Today's statement from NCC comes in response to concerns raised by Berwick Town Council that an additional £8million may have to be found before work can start.
In a letter to the council leader, Berwick Mayor John Robertson said: “The Maltings project is central to the regeneration of the town centre and the wider area. We have to know what’s going on.
"If more pressure is needed to find the funds from government to deliver on this promise, then we need to know so we can add our voice to the demand for the money to finish the job.”
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