Chance to see proposals for Berwick Barracks new vision

Heritage and cultural organisations in Berwick-upon-Tweed have teamed up to launch a consultation on what is being described as a positive new vision for the future of the town’s 18th Century barrack buildings.
Berwick Barracks.Berwick Barracks.
Berwick Barracks.

The group is seeking the views of residents in the area in relation to how the property can continue to play a central role at the heart of community life in the town.

And this Saturday, residents will be able to visit the barracks to see the proposals and discuss them with the Berwick Barracks Partnership. Members of this partnership have been developing the vision for the future of the site, which includes bringing empty buildings and spaces back into use in a way that supports tourism and the local economy.

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The English Heritage Trust, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Trustees, the Maltings (Berwick) Trust, Northumberland County Council, Museums Northumberland and the Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust have been working together on this over the last five years.

On Saturday, representatives will be leading tours of the site for local residents and stakeholders to discuss the proposals at 10am, 11am and noon.

Andrea Selley, territory director for the North at English Heritage, said: “We believe this vision shows how the barracks can have a positive future as a place for both local residents and visitors to the town to enjoy, and we hope local people will want to work with us to develop that vision to the next stage together.”

As part of the plans, exhibition, gallery and cultural space on the site would be updated and improved, the county council would work to relocate the Berwick Archives to the site – including new research rooms – and studio spaces would be developed for local artists.

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Improvements would also be made to the parade ground to allow it to continue to play an active role in the life of the town, both through existing events such as the Minden Day Parade and local festivals and also through a wider public programme of events.

A café or restaurant would be located within the Officers Mess, and a shop within the Gatehouse, and the West Block and Clock Block would be returned to residential use.

The barracks at Berwick-upon-Tweed – also known as Ravensdowne Barracks – were constructed by the British Government between 1717 and 1721, following the fighting there during the Jacobite rising of 1715.

Northumberland County councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for healthy lives, said: “This proposal aims to breathe new life into the barracks which play a key role in the history of the town, and we look forward to working with English Heritage on it. This is a great opportunity for local people to have their say, and I would encourage residents to come forward with their views.”

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Michael Orde, chair of Museums Northumberland, said: “Museums Northumberland have worked with the Berwick Barracks partners as the proposals have taken shape, and we will continue to do all that we can to support the successful delivery of the vision for the site.”

Sir Philip Mawer, chair of the Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust, said: “I am delighted for Berwick that sustained work by all partners has enabled publication of this vision of a sustainable future for the Barracks in this, their 300th anniversary year.

“I urge all who want to see that vision developed to completion to give their feedback, so that together we can grasp this major opportunity for the town and all who live and visit here.”

Angus Loudon, chair of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association, said: “The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association are delighted to be partners in this exciting vision for The Barracks, which was home to our Regimental Depot for over 80 years, and which has been our Regimental and Association HQ for almost 140 years.

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“Our very close relationship with The Barracks, and the town and its people, can only be strengthened through this development.”

Susan Hallsworth, chair, Maltings (Berwick) Trust, said: “We are delighted that the refurbishment of the Gymnasium Gallery, as part of our Borderlands development, will be the first stage in realising our partnership’s collective ambitions for the site.

“We very much welcome this opportunity to share our ‘Big Picture’ with the people of Berwick, and to play an active role in the Barrack’s exciting future.”

The dedicated email address for feedback is [email protected]