UPDATE

MAJOR STEP FORWARD FOR BERWICK BARRACKS PROJECT

-The National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £4.5m towards Living Barracks Project-

-Planning permission granted-

A £4.5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded to English Heritage on behalf of the Berwick Barracks Partnership. This represents a significant milestone in the long-term project to transform the 18th-century Berwick Barracks into a thriving cultural hub for the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, bringing empty buildings and spaces back into use in a way which supports the local economy and ensures the survival of an historic landmark.  In a further boost, planning permission has been secured, with the project receiving positive support from the local community

The Living Barracks project will see the existing exhibitions, gallery and cultural space updated, the relocation of the Berwick Archives to the Barracks, and the provision of studio spaces for local artists and makers. The Parade Ground will be improved and – in a later phase – the remaining empty barracks blocks will be returned to accommodation. Work has already started with the refurbishment of the old Mobilisation (Mob) Store to create a temporary cinema; the creation of new studio spaces and the move of the KOSB Association, and its collection, across the Parade Ground to a temporary new home while the transformation of the East Block  takes place.

The Heritage Fund grant goes towards a ground-breaking partnership project that includes conservation and refurbishment of the East Barracks Block, where the existing KOSB museum sits, and conversion of a former storage space into an environmentally controlled store for all of Berwick’s archives.  New gallery spaces will be created to house Berwick’s important Burrell Collection, the KOSB Museum and other town collections. The museum’s design and interpretation will be guided by innovative co-curation and engagement with the local community to create an offer that attracts new visitors and captures the true spirit of Berwick.

The funding will also support a programme of community outreach, collections care, and organisational resilience to integrate the Barracks with the town and secure its long-term viability as a visitor destination and community resource.

Andrea Selley, Territory Director for the North at English Heritage said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.  The Living Barracks project presents an exciting opportunity for English Heritage and our partners to breathe new life into Berwick Barracks and to make a significant contribution to the town.  With planning permission now granted we look forward to bringing all parts of the property back into use and creating a vibrant place where heritage, arts and culture can thrive.

English Heritage became an independent charity in 2015 and now relies more and more on the generosity of organisations like The National Lottery Heritage Fund, our members, visitors, and each of our property’s local community to support our work.”

Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund commented: “The Living Barracks project is a wonderful example of how The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone can be realised. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to be able to award this grant which will ensure that Berwick Barracks continues to play a vital and important role in the town, contributing towards its vibrancy by enhancing the visitor economy through this transformation and revitalisation.”

The Berwick Barracks Partnership was formed by organisations with a shared vision to transform the Barracks. Chaired by English Heritage, the group includes Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, Northumberland County Council and the Maltings (Berwick) Trust.  The grant from the Heritage Fund takes the project a large step closer towards the fundraising target and further potential donors who are interested in being part of revitalising this special historic place are welcomed.

Work is expected to start in the summer and the  project is set to run until December 2028; for more information visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berwick-upon-tweed-barracks-and-main-guard/new-vision-for-berwick-barracks/

About The Berwick Barracks and Living Barracks Partnership

The Berwick Barracks Partnership is made up of:

• The King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB)
• Northumberland County Council
• The Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust
• The Maltings (Berwick) Trust
• English Heritage

By bringing all the empty buildings and spaces on the site back into use, we will boost the town’s economy and profile while ensuring the survival of this historic landmark.

Providing a striking new home for the town’s archives and collections, contemporary visual art and The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum on a single landmark site is central to our vision – updating and improving the exhibition areas, storage facilities, physical access and related services so that we can significantly enhance their presentation and ensure the Barracks are open all year round.

Northumberland County Council is working to relocate the Berwick Archives to the Barracks, which will sit alongside new research rooms for people using the archives and those of The King’s Own Scottish Borderers.

There will also be studio / office spaces and new opportunities for local artists and makers and the wider creative industries.

The Parade Ground and wider site will continue to play an important part in the life of the town, still being used for the Minden Day Parade and local festivals, but also being further animated through a wider public programme including music, theatre and cinema, site specific work, creative and educational activities, heritage events, new lighting and sound displays.

To help secure the site’s future, the West Block and Clock Block will be returned to residential use.

There will be a café / restaurant within the Officers Mess and a space for a shop in the Gatehouse.

If we can realise this vision, it will be a major step forward in revitalising a much-loved local asset as well as repositioning Berwick as a town with a diverse and distinctive year-round cultural offer. This will benefit local residents whilst also broadening the town’s appeal for visitors – encouraging them to stay longer and support the town’s wider economy.

You can download further details about the project here. The site plan is also available for download here.