Deliver new creative workspaces in Berwick

We’re delighted to announce that in partnership with Northumberland County Council, we’ve launched a new £510,000 fund to support new workspace capital development projects in Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The new creative workspace fund – which includes £300,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and £210,000 of existing Culture and Creative Zone capital funding from the North East Combined Authority – aims to breathe new life into empty or unused buildings in Berwick upon Tweed; expanding the range of cultural and creative activities in town, including: craft, sculpture, fine art, and multi-disciplinary practice.

Applications open from Friday 09 May and we’re seeking proposals that enable creative sole traders and businesses in the town to build, make and produce artwork for sale; exhibit their works to current and new audiences; and distribute their creative practice across Berwick and beyond.

Create Berwick Manager, Andrea Oliver, said: “Whilst Berwick already has some fantastic spaces that support the growth of cultural and creative sectors, including The Maltings and The Straw Yard at Berwick Barracks, we want to bring some of the town’s unused buildings back into use so they can become new and exciting places where people working in the creative industries can build new audiences and reach new customers.

“Not only will this deliver direct economic benefits across Berwick, it will also encourage tourism to the area and help attract further investment as we improve the built environment across the town.”

Projects applying for funding must be able to start delivery as early as possible after June 2025. Phase one project delivery and spend of up to £300k must be completed by 31st December 2025, with phase 2 project delivery and spend of up to £210k completed by 31st December 2026.

Full details and information on how to apply can be found at northumberland.gov.uk. All submissions must be received by 5pm on Friday 30 May 2025.

Andrea continued: “We want these new creative spaces to shine a light on Berwick’s amazing creative and cultural sectors. By increasingly the visibility of the town’s creative community, we can encourage more people to get involved in arts and culture, and create new opportunities for people to start creative businesses.”

Over the next two years, Create Berwick will continue to regenerate Berwick-upon-Tweed through cultural investment and innovation. Its work includes providing affordable workspace for creative people and businesses, skills development, business support and financial incentives, community and audience engagement, and raising the profile of Berwick as a destination for arts, culture, and creativity.