Major step forward for Berwick Barracks project

28 Feb 2025

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-uponTweed, 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.”

Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: "This is a fantastic news both for Berwick and the wider county. 

"We've worked closely with English Heritage and all the other partners over a number of years to transform the Barracks with a substantial financial commitment to ensure it will have a long and prosperous future.
 
"This Lottery funding further cements Berwick's reputation as an exciting hub for arts and culture and we look forward to work getting underway in the very near future." 

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-mainguard/new-vision-for-berwick-barracks/