We have awarded £100,000 to English Heritage for the transformation of Berwick Barracks – part of The Living Barracks project – a multi-million-pound, multi-partnership initiative to revitalise one of England’s most significant early 18th century barracks.
Work started on the now Grade I-listed complex in 1717. Not long after, a full regiment of infantry – 600 soldiers and 36 officers – were welcomed into the Barracks they would call home. For nearly 250 years, the Barracks were busy, vibrant and social, filled with soldiers preparing to be deployed throughout the British Empire.
Decommissioned in 1963 and transformed into three museums, the Barracks struggled with rising maintenance needs, limited accessibility and declining visitor numbers.
An internal view of the proposed Atrium, Berwick Barracks, English Heritage.
The Living Barracks Partnership project, which will see the building work to the Barracks complete in 2027 and the site fully open in 2028, is a chance to bring underused historic buildings back into meaningful public use, creating a sustainable, year‑round destination that fosters local pride and supports regeneration.
It will showcase all of Berwick’s rich collections – bringing together the Town Collection, the Burrell Collection of fine and decorative art, and the King’s Own Scottish Borderers regimental artefacts into a coherent visitor experience across three floors.
To find out more about the Living Barracks project, visit Living Barracks Project Updates | English Heritage. You can read more about our funding to heritage here.
Top image: Berwick Barracks, Northumberland (English Heritage).
