The council has confirmed its long-term commitment to Berwick Museum in its current home. 
 

Cabinet members agreed recommendations to retain Berwick museum and art collections as part of multi-million pound Living Barracks initiative, albeit relocated from the Clock block to the eastern wing of the Barracks complex. 
 

The famous museum is home among other items to the Berwick Burrell Collection - over 300 oil paintings, watercolours, and drawings by masters including Degas, Boudin and Daubigny as well as locally-grown talents. 
 

Councillors were told ‘the combined collections provide an unrivalled historical record of Berwick that are fundamental to understanding the town’s past. They are unique, extensive and irreplaceable’. 
 

Alternative proposals put forward by Museums Northumberland for a standalone museum and art gallery for the town were carefully considered, but keeping the collection at the current site is the preferred option. 
 

There had been concerns as to where the collection would be housed pending the creation of a new museum in the early 2030s and whether a town the size of Berwick can sustain two museums. 
 

However members heard that the two options were not necessarily mutually exclusive.  The proposed cultural hub within the Barracks, depending on its success, could subsequently justify the development of a second, linked facility in the town to provide more gallery space.   
 

Over the past two years, good progress has been made in taking forward the culture hub proposals within the Living Barracks with an initial sum of almost £5m secured to meet the total anticipated cost of around £12million.   
 

With the next funding application to be submitted by December 2023, The Berwick Barracks Partnership had requested that, as a matter of urgency, the County Council make a final decision as to whether or not the Berwick collections are to form part of the initiative. 

 

The Cabinet agreed to advise The Berwick Barracks Partnership of their intent to seek the retention of the Berwick collections within the Barracks complex as part of the Living Barracks initiative. 

 

Councillor Jeff Watson, Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for arts, said: “Berwick is a key centre for culture and the arts within Northumberland, with a number of exciting developments underway across the town. 
 

“Berwick Museum is a key attraction and we need to ensure we make the right decisions for its long-term future. We’re pleased to have been able to secure the museum’s future at its current home.” 
 

Andrea Selley, Territory Director North, English Heritage, said: “English Heritage is committed to securing Berwick Barracks’ future as a key cultural and heritage site that celebrates and enhances the rich history of Berwick and its communities.  
 

“We have worked with the County Council and our current partners at the Barracks to develop what we believe to be a transformational vision for the site and are pleased that with this decision we will now be able to move forward to deliver it.   
 

“I look forward to working with all our partners to fully realise our vision for the Barracks over the coming years.”     
 

Berwick North County Councillor Catherine Seymour added: “For the combined collections at the Barracks - which complement each other and have a wide-ranging heritage value - to include the BMAG and remain at the Barracks is the best way forward at this time.  
 

“Taking into account all the options and the necessary funding, there will have to be some compromises. It is essential that all the partners work together to make this new Barracks initiative flourish and thus enable the Berwick Barracks to become an exciting place to be for the benefit of the whole town."