The Maltings Theatre

MICA led the redevelopment of The Maltings, securing planning permission for the transformation of England's most northerly theatre into a contemporary cultural destination. Building on the success of an established and much-loved venue, the proposals reinforced The Maltings' role as the cultural heart of Berwick-upon-Tweed and a vital community asset serving Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The approved scheme established a vision for the theatre's next chapter, enabling it to expand its artistic programme, strengthen community engagement and act as a catalyst for the town's wider programme of culture-led regeneration.

Expanding Creative Capacity Through Flexible Design

The approved scheme carefully adapted and extended the existing theatre to create a new flexible performance venue, two cinemas, rehearsal and education spaces, a café and enhanced backstage facilities. The design increased operational flexibility, improved accessibility and created a more adaptable building capable of supporting an expanded programme of theatre, cinema, festivals, learning and community activity.

Heritage-Led Architecture in a Landmark Setting

Situated on the banks of the River Tweed overlooking Berwick Bridge and the historic town, the proposals responded sensitively to their exceptional setting. The nineteenth-century industrial character of the existing buildings was retained and celebrated through the careful reuse of historic fabric alongside contemporary additions employing locally sourced Doddington stone and high-performance materials. A stepped roofline reflected the scale and rhythm of Berwick's historic skyline while establishing a confident new civic presence.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Future Resilience

Accessibility, sustainability and long-term resilience informed the design throughout. The approved proposals introduced a new public entrance linking Bridge Street with the Quayside, improving arrival, wayfinding and inclusive access across the site. A fabric-first approach, combined with an all-electric servicing strategy, significantly reduced operational carbon while preparing the venue for a low-carbon future.

Designing Around the Audience Experience

Developed in close collaboration with theatre consultants Charcoalblue and The Maltings Trust, the design placed the relationship between performers and audiences at its heart, creating intimate, flexible spaces that balanced artistic ambition with operational efficiency while supporting the theatre's longstanding role as a welcoming place for creativity, learning and community life.

Strengthening Cultural Assets Through Thoughtful Adaptation

The project demonstrates MICA's ability to build on the success of established cultural institutions, using thoughtful adaptation and contemporary design to strengthen civic identity, broaden participation and secure the long-term future of important community assets.

Project Team

Lead Consultant, Architect, Landscape & Principal Designer: MICA Architects
Theatre & Acoustic Consultants: Charcoalblue
Planning Consultant: North Planning and Development
Civils & Structural Engineer: engineers HRW
MEP Engineer: Max Fordham & Partners
Cost Consultant: Turner & Townsend
Heritage Consultant: Simpson & Brown Architects
Archaeology Consultant: ECUS Ltd
Access Consultant: Jane Simpson Access Ltd
Ecological Consultant: EcoNorth Ltd
Transport Consultant: Steer Group
Fire Consultant: Aura
Principal Designer BSA: Moxon Cole

"The new development sits well within the built landscape and skyline."

"The massing... gives the theatre a distinct presence and identity in the townscape and skyline."

"It will provide a more flexible venue with expanded facilities which is better able to programme different content concurrently and optimise its value as a community and cultural asset."

– Comments from Theatres Trust

"The architects have thoughtfully and sensitively shaped a dramatic addition to views that tell Berwick’s continuing story: not just of a rich and eventful past, but of an optimistic and energetic future."

– Scott Sherrard, Chair of The Maltings (Berwick) Trust