Arts centre scoops £15m from cross-border investment scheme 

Proposals for a new home for The Maltings in Berwick upon Tweed have been given the go-ahead.

A new venue is due to be built by 2025, providing a cultural and entertainment complex for the town and surrounding area that crosses the Scottish border. 

Approval for the scheme has followed the announcement of a £15m investment from the Government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, established to unlock the potential for sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the South of Scotland and North of England.

A larger auditorium and a dedicated studio theatre will create the opportunity for a wider range of touring productions and higher profile live performances across theatre, music, comedy, and dance. The building will also provide space for a year-round cinema programme, community activities, workshops, and events for children and young people.

The venue’s current building opened in 1990, but the trust that runs it says the building “lags behind in its facilities, its accessibility and its green credentials”.

A design competition and public consultation on the new building will take place this year, and construction work is scheduled to start in February 2023.

TW: Proposals for a new home for @TheMaltings in Berwick upon Tweed get the go-ahead following a £15m grant pledge from the Government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal