The investment is part of HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which funds the regeneration of historic areas with serious social and economic needs. The money will help restore a number of significant historic buildings located at both ends of West Street and Eastern Lane, along with a number of other buildings in West Street. 

Protecting and enhancing the town’s built heritage underpins the Berwick’s Future Regeneration Strategy and the delivery of the THI scheme is a great way of using heritage as a springboard for regeneration and investment. 

The THI is part of a number of regeneration initiatives being jointly funded in the area by HLF, English Heritage and One North East. Two complementary Conservation Area Partnership Schemes recently started in Bridge Street and Castlegate. The historic area schemes centred in the lower part of the town also complement the £4.7m restoration of Dewar’s Lane Granary supported by HLF, English Heritage and One North East which is due for completion early next year.

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the North East, Ivor Crowther, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund is proud to be playing a key role in helping to revitalise and regenerate this once thriving town. The benefits are far reaching. This THI investment will help support the transformation of Berwick-upon-Tweed, making essential improvements and repairs that will encourage local business stability and growth, and bring visitors back into this historically vibrant area.”

Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith, MP for Berwick upon Tweed, said: “I very much welcome this important and continued investment in Berwick which will make a real difference to the appearance of the town.”

The project conservation officer appointed to oversee the heritage schemes, Annette Reeves, said: “This is great news and the final piece of the funding package which means over the next few years we will see a significant repair of a critical mass of historic buildings in Berwick.”

Berwick-Upon-Tweed has a rich architectural and social history. It is a unique place that is important to local people and visitors alike. The heritage projects will be take place over the next 4 years and will involve local people in recording the projects; buildings and changing face of retail in a historic market town; as well providing the much-needed boost to economic regeneration.

The delivery of these initiatives through the Berwick’s Futures Partnership shows the benefits of securing the historic fabric of the town. Such investment can really help turn local economies around, not only by improving how run-down towns look and feel but also prompting business start-ups and creating new jobs.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK with £209 million in the North East alone.

HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) encourages partnerships of local organisations to carry out repairs and other works to a number of historic buildings, structures or spaces. Grants range from £500,000 to £2m. To date, HLF has invested almost £200m regenerating towns that have suffered serious social and economic decline.

At the Cross Roads is part of a larger project The Berwick Historic Area Improvement Scheme. The larger project incorporates the two English Heritage Area Partnership schemes on Bridge Street and Castlegate and the At the Cross Roads scheme supported by THI. The combined project as secured over £1.9million of grant funding. The significant funders are HLF £608,700, English Heritage £358,566 and One North East £966,722. With investment from property owners it is anticipated that circa £2.3million will be spent improving the historic fabric of the town.

Further information

Laura Bates, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6027 or lbates@hlf.org.uk  

Annette Reeves, Northumberland County Council on 01289 301884 or annette.reeves@northumberland.gov.uk