Work to transform the Maltings venue in Berwick is set to start before the end of the year.

Construction on the project in Eastern Lane is due to get underway in November, subject to Northumberland County Council approving a revised funding package at a full council meeting.

Last week, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal board agreed a revised grant of £28.5million, with the total cost going up to £33.4million.

The extra funding from the county council would increase its total contribution of £7.5million. This also includes investment in facilities at the Barracks in the town to provide temporary accommodation for Maltings activities and support the wider Living Barracks initiative.

placeholder image — The Maltings site in Berwick.

So adding this element brings the total for the overall programme up to £36million.

The council’s cabinet are now being asked to agree to recommend the revised allocation to the full council.

Since the approval of the original budget, the project has progressed through detailed design development and extensive intrusive investigations of the Eastern Lane building.

These activities have provided a significantly greater understanding of the existing building and the construction strategy, which have informed the construction cost and programme.

The works will see the current venue on Eastern Lane transformed, bringing the main theatre, cafe bar and dining spaces together on the same floor, improving accessibility and maximising views across the River Tweed.

On the level above there will be further public spaces, rehearsal space and a meeting room.

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.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “Subject to all approvals, we’re looking forward to spades going in the ground in the near future on this great cultural venue, which will bring in thousands of visitors and boost the wider economic fortunes of this area.

“Getting to this stage has brought us some challenges, but I am confident the construction of this amazing new building will be underway this year.

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved and supported the county council’s ambitions for Berwick and I look forward to the new building taking shape over the coming months and years.”