The £4.7m Dewar’s Lane Granary project in Berwick has been given the go ahead, thanks to a funding boost from the Northumberland Strategic Partnership (NSP).
The additional £600,000 - part of a £2 million investment from NSP via One North East - means that work can now begin to convert the grade II listed building into an exciting cultural and visitor attraction. Work is expected to start within the next month and is due for completion by late 2010.
Built in 1769, the six floor granary was used to store grain, linseed and grass seeds until 1985 and has stood derelict and decaying since then. Plans drawn up by the Berwick Preservation Trust will see the building transformed into a multi-use facility, including a bistro (which will include outside courtyard seating), arts and exhibition space, meeting rooms and a 42-bed youth hostel.
Finance for the conversion has come from the Northumberland Strategic Partnership via One North East, the Government’s Sea Change programme, Berwick Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Northern Rock Foundation, the Youth Hostel Association, English Heritage, Northumberland County Council and a host of donations from trusts and individuals.
Janice Rose, acting executive director with NSP, said: “We are pleased to be a part of this exciting project which is an important phase in Berwick’s regeneration strategy, creating new jobs and attracting visitors to the town and the region.”
Jamie Andrew, chairman of the Berwick Preservation Trust, said: “We're absolutely delighted at this news. Dewar's Lane Granary has been an eyesore for a long time and the Preservation Trust is really glad to be promoting its rehabilitation at a time when there is increased focus on the local regeneration strategy.
“This is a complex project with a complex funding structure, which has taken a long time to put together, so it's great to be at the stage now of making it all happen."
Neil Graham, interim head of capital programmes at One North East, said: “The Dewar’s Lane conversion is an exciting project which will encourage investment and attract visitors to Berwick. It is also one of the first projects in the region to attract Sea Change funding and that is credit to the partners leading it.
“The town has massive potential which One North East and our partners want to unlock and the Berwick’s Future project, of which Dewar’s Lane is a major element, will help us achieve this.”
The granary is one of the key strategic projects in the Berwick’s Future regeneration plan - a blueprint for economic and social revival in the borough developed after extensive engagement with local people.
