Planning Permission Granted for Transformational Maltings Redevelopment in Berwick-upon-Tweed
The redevelopment of The Maltings has reached an exciting milestone, with full planning permission now granted for the transformational project set to redefine the cultural heart of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Part-funded by the Government’s Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and Northumberland County Council, the redevelopment will create a dynamic, year-round destination that anchors Berwick’s culture-led regeneration and brings lasting economic, social, and artistic benefits to the region.
Designed by MICA a leading architectural team in collaboration with theatre consultants Charcoalblue, engineersHRW and Max Fordham, and The Maltings’ operational leadership, the approved scheme delivers a bold new vision—preserving Berwick’s distinctive heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability.
“Securing planning permission marks a pivotal moment for the cultural venue in Berwick,” said Paul Mullin, Project Lead. “The Maltings Theatre is a heritage-led retrofit that balanced respect for the building’s historic character with the need for modern performance and community spaces. We worked within a compact site at the heart of a historic town, enhancing the theatre’s visibility and connection to the high street. The new Maltings will be a catalyst for regeneration, creativity, and community pride.”
A Cultural Landmark for the Future
As lead architects for The Maltings redevelopment, MICA placed public engagement and community consultation at the heart of the design process, ensuring the project reflects the aspirations and needs of Berwick’s diverse communities. Through a series of workshops, drop-in sessions, and collaborative design reviews, MICA has actively engaged local residents, artists, cultural partners, and accessibility groups to shape a shared vision for the future of The Maltings. This inclusive approach has helped identify key priorities—such as improved access, flexible creative spaces, and preserving the town’s unique heritage—which have been directly embedded into the design.
With planning now approved, the redevelopment will proceed to the next phase, bringing to life a series of key features designed to elevate The Maltings as a regional and national cultural landmark:
– A new flexible theatre with enhanced acoustics and performance capabilities
– Two new cinemas integrated into the existing building
– A modern rehearsal studio and vibrant café space
– Improved backstage and support facilities
– Enhanced accessibility and integration with Berwick’s historic townscape
– A new entrance seamlessly connecting Bridge Street and the Quayside
The architectural design respects the iconic 19th-century stone industrial heritage of the site, incorporating locally sourced Doddington stone, high-performance materials, and a stepped roofline that complements the historic skyline.
Driving Sustainability and Inclusion
At the heart of the redevelopment is a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The project adopts a fabric-first approach, featuring high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and a transition to a fully electric venue, targeting 90% clean energy use within the next decade, and 99% thereafter.
Accessibility is also central to the design. Welcoming, light-filled spaces and improved connectivity will ensure that The Maltings is open and inclusive to all—from local residents and visitors to artists, students, and community groups.
With planning permission secured, the project moves forward with construction planning, and procurement, ahead of work commencing on site.
To read more from Building Design follow this link
