More details have been released ahead of works starting to transform the Maltings venue in Berwick.

The £26million project will see the current venue on Eastern Lane transformed from autumn 2026 – 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 meeting rooms.

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.

An updated design image for the new Maltings venue.

placeholder image — An updated design image for the new Maltings venue.

Ahead of the main construction works starting, the Eastern Lane car park will be closed to the public from the end of August to create a contractors’ compound. Pedestrian access will still be available from Eastern Lane to Hide Hill and to the hairdressers.

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. However, they will only operate when large construction vehicles need to leave the site.

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.

Deliveries will be arranged via electronic booking system, with managed timeslots.

Prior to deliveries for the construction works starting, 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 and will be temporary surfaced – and later reinstated once the construction works are completed.

Northumberland County 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.

“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.”

The project is part funded by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, as well as the county council.