Dewar's Lane
DEWAR'S LANE GRANARY RESTORATION
More than just a building . . . Dewar’s Lane Granary is a six-storey Grade 2 listed building that lies between Bridge Street and the Quayside in Berwick. The Berwick-upon-Tweed Preservation Trust lead a £6.5 million project to restore the building and secure its future as a multi-use facility incorporating
• the only MLA Grade 1 exhibition space between Edinburgh and Newcastle
• heritage interpretation facilities
• seminar/meeting rooms
• a bistro, and
• a youth hostel.
It was officially opened by The Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, The Duchess of Northumberland on 3 June 2011.
The Granary was built in 1769, part of a densely-packed concentration of narrow streets and alleyways within Berwick’s Elizabethan Quay Walls that contained a multitude of granaries, maltings, workshops, smokeries, mills, icehouses, and other premises. Originally known as John Dewar’s Granary, it was badly damaged by fire early in 1815 (from when, in all probability, its lean dates). The building was not insured, the owners could not afford to rebuild so it was propped up with buttresses and put back to ‘work’. It was in use for storing and conditioning grain and, more recently, linseed and grass seed, until 1985 when following a merger of local grain businesses its new corporate owners transferred operations to a more modern and accessible facility on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Berwick. It then lay empty and became increasingly derelict.
The Trust has gained a reputation for ‘getting things done’. For this project, it teamed up with the Youth Hostel Association to restore and develop Dewar’s Lane Granary as a vibrant multi-use facility that will act as a catalyst for the ongoing development and re-invigoration of the lower part of the town.
The ground floor configuration comprises of a reception area, a small retail facility, and a bistro which extends out into a courtyard having direct access to both the Quayside and Sally Port/Bridge Street, thus exploiting the site’s potential ‘permeability’ by encouraging pedestrian circulation. Interpretive material and artefacts from the Granary are on permanent display in the bistro, reception area, and courtyard.
A major element of the restoration work was the installation of a new steel frame for the building, as the existing timber frame – although massive and stable – was not designed to sustain the volume of footfall now envisaged for the building in its new configuration. Parts of the steel frame are left exposed in the ground floor, emphasising the ‘working’ nature of the building. View architectural sketches of the project underneath the photographs.
There are two meeting rooms and seminar facilities on the first floor. The Dewar’s Lane Gallery on the second floor is the only facility of this high standard between Edinburgh and Newcastle, and as such is able to put on exhibitions such as those mounted by the Hayward Gallery in London. It has also held exhibitions showing the significance Berwick has had for notable artists such as Lowry and Turner. There is direct access from the Quay Walls via a footbridge, as well as from the Granary building. The Granary Gallery is run by The Maltings (Berwick) Trust : www.maltingsberwick.co.uk
The Youth Hostel accommodation, with ensuite facilities, occupies the third and fourth floors. There are also separate facilities for disabled guests. The fifth floor comprises of the Youth Hostel lounge, cooking, and dining facilities.
This project was one of the the largest and most exciting restoration project ever undertaken in Berwick, and had the support of the relevant local authorities and government agencies, as well as of public and amenity organisations locally. Dewar’s Lane Granary is more than just a building – the restoration was unique opportunity to preserve and enhance part of Berwick’s rich heritage while at the same time created a vibrant and sustainable facility that adds life to the town centre. The Preservation Trust invite you to become part of it!
Dewar's Lane sketches
Click on the links / sketches below for a detailed description
General Axonometric View
This view shows the granary in the context of its rich urban fabric. The design revitalises the moribund backlands with a new bistro courtyard given definition and enclosure by the new warden/assistant warden building on Sally Port and the stone boundary wall treatment at ground level to the kitchen/plant room and the Indian Restaurant.
Where there are architectural interventions they are treated as contemporary; scaled to relate to the backlands and in the case of the glass and steel entrance pavilions they are provided with a visual quality that relates to the robust, direct construction of the granary, the aim being to add vitality and a sense of connectedness with the new bistro courtyard.
Hitherto a gloomy and impenetrable area, the design seeks to restore public access by incorporating and reviving linkages from Sally Port, from the Quay Walls and Quayside, from Dewar's Lane and the Bridge Street car park - all in a manner that dramatises this important piece of Berwick’s townscape heritage.
General Axonometric View
This view shows the granary in the context of its rich urban fabric. The design revitalises the moribund backlands with a new bistro courtyard given definition and enclosure by the new warden/assistant warden building on Sally Port and the stone boundary wall treatment at ground level to the kitchen/plant room and the Indian Restaurant.
Where there are architectural interventions they are treated as contemporary; scaled to relate to the backlands and in the case of the glass and steel entrance pavilions they are provided with a visual quality that relates to the robust, direct construction of the granary, the aim being to add vitality and a sense of connectedness with the new bistro courtyard.
Hitherto a gloomy and impenetrable area, the design seeks to restore public access by incorporating and reviving linkages from Sally Port, from the Quay Walls and Quayside, from Dewar's Lane and the Bridge Street car park - all in a manner that dramatises this important piece of Berwick’s townscape heritage.
Bistro Interior
This view of the ground floor looking towards the servery shows the low granary ceiling heights relieved by a double volume exposing 2 tiers of windows on the Dewars Lane side. Careful consideration of the detail of the braced steel frame and how it relates to the sloping walls will be required during the detail design. The steel frame is structurally essential so the intention is to make a virtue from this necessity.
The mezzanine interpretation space uses recycled timber joists, timber posts and their capitals, and beams in the first floor balustrade screen. Where possible the vertically hung window shutters are retained. The architectural emphasis is on industrial ruggedness with the length of the building exposed to view.
Bistro Interior
This view of the ground floor looking towards the servery shows the low granary ceiling heights relieved by a double volume exposing 2 tiers of windows on the Dewars Lane side. Careful consideration of the detail of the braced steel frame and how it relates to the sloping walls will be required during the detail design. The steel frame is structurally essential so the intention is to make a virtue from this necessity.
The mezzanine interpretation space uses recycled timber joists, timber posts and their capitals, and beams in the first floor balustrade screen. Where possible the vertically hung window shutters are retained. The architectural emphasis is on industrial ruggedness with the length of the building exposed to view.
View from Quay Walls
An impression of the view to the Bistro courtyard below with the rising townscape and the Guildhall beyond (obtained by the removal or lowering of the wall at the back of Quay Walls).
The design addresses the need to modify the granary building whose openings were designed only for ventilation, there now being a functional requirement for the building to project directly to its external courtyard. Three glass and steel partitions placed at courtyard level serve the functions of entrance, outside servery and stairs to the first floor interpretation. These will provide vitality and sparkle, particularly at night, while their transparency and robust industrial detailing permit views of the granary stone walls behind. These will appear as obvious contemporary additions, their steel structure referring to the new steel structure internally.
Similarly, in a family of elements a glass porch is provided at the south gable to act as a destination for YHA customers approaching via the new bridge from Quay Walls. Combined with this intervention is a set of contemporary stairs to give public access to the Bistro courtyard. Consistency in the handling of the architectural interventions can be achieved by similar robust detailing at the plant room, the flat roofed projections on the warden’s/ assistant warden’s accommodation and the new entrance to the granary from Dewar's Lane.
View From Quay Walls
An impression of the view to the Bistro courtyard below with the rising townscape and the Guildhall beyond (obtained by the removal or lowering of the wall at the back of Quay Walls).
The design addresses the need to modify the granary building whose openings were designed only for ventilation, there now being a functional requirement for the building to project directly to its external courtyard. Three glass and steel partitions placed at courtyard level serve the functions of entrance, outside servery and stairs to the first floor interpretation. These will provide vitality and sparkle, particularly at night, while their transparency and robust industrial detailing permit views of the granary stone walls behind. These will appear as obvious contemporary additions, their steel structure referring to the new steel structure internally.
Similarly, in a family of elements a glass porch is provided at the south gable to act as a destination for YHA customers approaching via the new bridge from Quay Walls. Combined with this intervention is a set of contemporary stairs to give public access to the Bistro courtyard. Consistency in the handling of the architectural interventions can be achieved by similar robust detailing at the plant room, the flat roofed projections on the warden’s/ assistant warden’s accommodation and the new entrance to the granary from Dewar's Lane.
View of Quay Walls from the Courtyard
The narrow end of the glass porch pokes past the end of the gable to signal the YHA entrance and the new stairway and bridge are glimpsed beyond the trellis fence which defines the immediate space in front of Quay Walls, with its 1970’s parapet wall lowered to allow visual connection with the courtyard to encourage customers down off the walls. The pedestrian traffic on Quay Walls is considered an important market for the Bistro.
View of Quay Walls from the Courtyard
The narrow end of the glass porch pokes past the end of the gable to signal the YHA entrance and the new stairway and bridge are glimpsed beyond the trellis fence which defines the immediate space in front of Quay Walls, with its 1970’s parapet wall lowered to allow visual connection with the courtyard to encourage customers down off the walls. The pedestrian traffic on Quay Walls is considered an important market for the Bistro.
Long Distance View
The long distance view of the Quay Walls gap from the south side of the Tweed reveals the granary in its familiar set back relationship with Quay Walls. This recessed view and the relative level of the parapet wall reduces the impact of the architectural interventions including the conical roof of the plantroom, the swept dormers replacing the originals and the new glass entrance porch.
The reinstated passage through Quay Walls connects the granary enclave with the Quayside and offers direct access to the little dock, the departure point for Tweed boat trips, which will compliment the YHA interpretation and educational facilities within the granary.
Long Distance View
The long distance view of the Quay Walls gap from the south side of the Tweed reveals the granary in its familiar set back relationship with Quay Walls. This recessed view and the relative level of the parapet wall reduces the impact of the architectural interventions including the conical roof of the plantroom, the swept dormers replacing the originals and the new glass entrance porch.
The reinstated passage through Quay Walls connects the granary enclave with the Quayside and offers direct access to the little dock, the departure point for Tweed boat trips, which will compliment the YHA interpretation and educational facilities within the granary.
Pedestrian Linkage
This shows the pedestrian linkage between the modified layout of the Bridge Street car park through the gap site to the new Dewar's Lane entrance.
Three openings in the boundary wall provide pedestrian and fire fighting access.
If need be, a part of the gap site can still accommodate a small building.
Pedestrian Linkage
This shows the pedestrian linkage between the modified layout of the Bridge Street car park through the gap site to the new Dewar's Lane entrance.
Three openings in the boundary wall provide pedestrian and fire fighting access.
If need be, a part of the gap site can still accommodate a small building.
Bridge Street Car Park Elevation
Because of the condition of the stonework this elevation may have to be rendered.
A direct access from the car park is important for viability of the project and this is formed through the gap site alongside Dewar's Lane where the stone walls are modified to provide a visual cue to the route while still retaining the historic burgage plot pattern.
A line of new trees reinforces the plot pattern, filters views from the car park, and provides some softening to the gash in the original urban fabric that is the Bridge Street car park.
Bridge Street Car Park Elevation
Because of the condition of the stonework this elevation may have to be rendered.
A direct access from the car park is important for viability of the project and this is formed through the gap site alongside Dewar's Lane where the stone walls are modified to provide a visual cue to the route while still retaining the historic burgage plot pattern.
A line of new trees reinforces the plot pattern, filters views from the car park, and provides some softening to the gash in the original urban fabric that is the Bridge Street car park.
Dewar's Lane
Here the aim is to provide the linkage with the gap site and the Bridge Street car park, so necessary for the viability of the project - without destroying the character of the celebrated view down Dewar's Lane.
The intention is to retain the continuity of the stone wall but introduce two further openings, one of which will provide level access across the cobbles to the new entrance, positioned where the new ground floor level coincides with the slope of the lane.
Dewar's Lane
Here the aim is to provide the linkage with the gap site and the Bridge Street car park, so necessary for the viability of the project - without destroying the character of the celebrated view down Dewar's Lane.
The intention is to retain the continuity of the stone wall but introduce two further openings, one of which will provide level access across the cobbles to the new entrance, positioned where the new ground floor level coincides with the slope of the lane.
Courtyard Axonometric Sketch
Here the aim is to provide an external space of agreeable scale appropriate to the small scale backlands, for bistro activities to overflow into.
The new warden’s assistant warden’s flat and the north boundary of the courtyard formed by the kitchen/ plant room help define the space which is given connectedness by linkages to the circulation routes of Dewar's Lane, Sally Port, the Quayside and Quay Walls.
The new surfacing will be direct and simple as befits an industrial area with natural stone paving and resin bonded granular surfacing. Some planting including a specimen tree is included to provide some contrasting softening.
Courtyard Axonometric Sketch
Here the aim is to provide an external space of agreeable scale appropriate to the small scale backlands, for bistro activities to overflow into.
The new warden’s assistant warden’s flat and the north boundary of the courtyard formed by the kitchen/ plant room help define the space which is given connectedness by linkages to the circulation routes of Dewar's Lane, Sally Port, the Quayside and Quay Walls.
The new surfacing will be direct and simple as befits an industrial area with natural stone paving and resin bonded granular surfacing. Some planting including a specimen tree is included to provide some contrasting softening.
Bistro Courtyard
An impression of the west elevation facing the new Bistro Courtyard.
The design of the space draws from the original backlands configuration and remains orthogonal and defined by high stone walls. The new steel and glass pavilions are simple transitional enclosures sufficiently neutral and transparent to allow the continued expression of the stone walls behind, their steelwork referring to the new steel structure internally.
The surfacing, consisting of stone paving extending into the Bistro, and resin bonded granular coating is simple and robust – recalling the original industrial use, and the specimen tree and some restricted planting provide some contrasting softening.
Bistro Courtyard
An impression of the west elevation facing the new Bistro Courtyard.
The design of the space draws from the original backlands configuration and remains orthogonal and defined by high stone walls. The new steel and glass pavilions are simple transitional enclosures sufficiently neutral and transparent to allow the continued expression of the stone walls behind, their steelwork referring to the new steel structure internally.
The surfacing, consisting of stone paving extending into the Bistro, and resin bonded granular coating is simple and robust – recalling the original industrial use, and the specimen tree and some restricted planting provide some contrasting softening.
Sally Port
The view towards the Sally Port steps to the Quay Walls and tunnel to the Quayside once incorporated a building on the left so it is proposed to repair this gap in the fabric with a two storey flatted building for the YHA warden and assistant warden incorporating an open pend with just enough openness for the route to the Bistro courtyard to be tempting.
Sally Port
The view towards the Sally Port steps to the Quay Walls and tunnel to the Quayside once incorporated a building on the left so it is proposed to repair this gap in the fabric with a two storey flatted building for the YHA warden and assistant warden incorporating an open pend with just enough openness for the route to the Bistro courtyard to be tempting.
Sally Port Entrance
The new warden/ assistant warden’s flatted building is layered to incorporate an outer stone wall to define Sally Port, allowing a contemporary expression for the new building which is supported on slender columns over a pend through which there are views of the Bistro courtyard.
The new parking area for the Indian Restaurant with its low boundary wall increases the visual contact with the courtyard and converts the message from “private” to “public”.
Sally Port Entrance
The new warden/ assistant warden’s flatted building is layered to incorporate an outer stone wall to define Sally Port, allowing a contemporary expression for the new building which is supported on slender columns over a pend through which there are views of the Bistro courtyard.
The new parking area for the Indian Restaurant with its low boundary wall increases the visual contact with the courtyard and converts the message from “private” to “public”.
Quay's Walk Passage - 1
For full disabled access between the granary courtyard and Quayside it is proposed to lower the level of the paving. This will involve the loss of some historic masonry particularly at the front, but the bonus is greater access to a significant part of the town’s heritage for a wider range of the public.
The existing concrete surfacing could be replaced with stone paving, the door and the old trolley rails reinstated.
Quay's Walk Passage - 1
For full disabled access between the granary courtyard and Quayside it is proposed to lower the level of the paving. This will involve the loss of some historic masonry particularly at the front, but the bonus is greater access to a significant part of the town’s heritage for a wider range of the public.
The existing concrete surfacing could be replaced with stone paving, the door and the old trolley rails reinstated.
Quay's Walk Passage - 2
The project offers a chance to dramatise the thickness and strength of the Edwardian walls, which is rarely ever exposed on its inner face and where the bright prospect of the Quayside and river can be glimpsed through the dark maw creating a sense of here and there.
Quay's Walk Passage - 2
The project offers a chance to dramatise the thickness and strength of the Edwardian walls, which is rarely ever exposed on its inner face and where the bright prospect of the Quayside and river can be glimpsed through the dark maw creating a sense of here and there.
Dewar's Lane Awards
The Berwick Preservation Trust have received several awards recognising the renovation of The Dewar’s Lane Granary, including:
The English Heritage Angel Awards 2012
Recognising the time effort and determination of Berwick-upon-Tweed Preservation Trust for the rescue of Dewar's Lane Granary. Shortlisted for the best rescue of a historic industrial building.
RIBA − the Royal Institute of British Architects
Northern Network Award 2011− Client of the Year
Northern Network Award 2011− Silver Award to Bain Swan Architects (Berwick-upon-Tweed)
NCAONB − Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Award for Excellence 2011: Award winner − Building Design
RICS − the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
2012 RICS Awards − North East Renaissance. Highly Commended in category of Regeneration.
Civic Trust Awards
Regional Finalist (North East) 2012
Berwick-upon-Tweed Civic Society Award 2011