Final funds approved for double-cost arts venue

Final funding has been approved for revamping England's most northern arts venue, the price tag for which has doubled since initial plans were conceived.

Conservative-led Northumberland County Council agreed a revised contribution of £7.5m for The Maltings in Berwick-upon-Tweed where work is expected to start at the end of the month.

Previously, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal board agreed an amended grant of £28.5m towards the £36m project on Eastern Lane.

The project was costed at £17.7m in 2021. The local authority claimed the final bill had been impacted by inflation, particularly affecting the price of steel.

It said costs had also risen due to "extensive intrusive investigations" of the building and the decision to provide extra activities at Berwick Barracks while The Maltings was shut.

The finished venue, including a theatre and two cinemas, is now due to open in Spring 2029.

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