In March 2021 the Maltings (Berwick) Trust announced plans to significantly expand the offerings and facilities of the Maltings, following its original creation in 1990.
A multi-million pound investment was agreed with the Government-owned Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, to be topped up by the Northumberland County Council who own the building. A firm of architects, MICA, were instructed and in 2023 extensive plans were announced including a new entrance, expanded auditorium area, a second cinema and a dedicated bar and restaurant amongst other things.
Despite complaints by a number of Ravensdowne residents, work is now well underway to transform a building at the rear of the Parade Ground into a temporary cinema whilst the Maltings is closed.
This construction was formerly known as The Mobilisation Store for military kit, and today a new entrance with toilets is under construction, a car park has been laid out and extensive ventilation shafts are being fitted, (see photographs)
However, in January 2024, voices were raised at Northumberland County Council when it was announced that a further £8 million could well be needed to cover increased building costs. This was on top of c £21m. already committed.
At a Council meeting last March Councillor Georgina Hill pleaded for the the additional funding : “95% roughly of the £21m. has been given by Borderlands i.e. the Holyrood and Westminster governments. This Council is giving a negligible amount which is threatening the viability of the project altogether.”
Whilst in a more recent conversation Coun. Hill tells me that the matter now seems to be going in a more positive direction, it seems that many local residents are now questioning why it was ever put forward in the first place.
The Maltings already has an on-site restaurant and a very attractive, but grossly underused, bar. The theatre is fairly large, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing and it is not obvious that booking demand outweighs supply other than in exceptional circumstances.
Robert Hester, Berwick