Arts venue's revamp price tag doubles

The price to revamp an arts venue using public funding has doubled since initial plans were drawn up.

Work is expected to start on The Maltings in Berwick-upon-Tweed in November, subject to Northumberland County Council agreeing to pay £7.5m towards it.

When plans were drawn up for a complete rebuild of the site in 2021, it was expected to cost £17.7m. That initially rose to £28m, with the price tag now reaching £36m. The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, funded by the UK and Scottish governments, has agreed to pay £28.5m towards it.

The Conservative-led council said costs were impacted by inflation and conflicts, which had driven up costs, including for the price of steel needed for the work.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said the venue, which includes a theatre and two cinemas, would bring in thousands of visitors and "boost the wider economic fortunes of this area".

He said: "Getting to this stage has brought us some challenges but I am confident the construction of this amazing new building will be under way this year."

The council said the overall cost had also risen after detailed design work was agreed, with "extensive intrusive investigations" of the Eastern Lane building.

It also included funding to provide extra activities at Berwick Barracks while The Maltings work is under way.

The work would see the main theatre, bar and dining spaces brought together on the same floor to improve accessibility and provide views over the River Tweed.

Rehearsal space and meeting rooms would be provided on the upper levels, while the lower floors would be repurposed to create a main cinema and a smaller boutique cinema.

The council's cabinet is expected to agree the £7.5m funding at a meeting next week. The decision would then have to be confirmed by the full council at a meeting in November.

The authority said it was expecting the venue to open in spring 2029.

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