Infirmary built in 1872-4 to designs by J Starforth. It comprised two ranges linked by a corridor, each with a pair of single-storeyed pavilion wards, one flanking a two-storey administration block with attached tower. Numerous additions. The building was assessed for listing in 2010 but failed to meet the require criteria. (1)(2)(3)

An archaeological evaluation was carried out in conjunction with an archaeological desk-based assessment. The evaluation comprised 19 test pits measuring 1m by 1m and 3 trenches measuring 10m by 2m. The evaluation established that there is differential survival of medieval deposits across the site. Several of the test pits revealed an extensive spread of medieval relict soil, a number of medieval post holes and pits and two deposits of stone which may be the remains of former walling. The activity is largely 12th to 13th century in date with a substantial decrease in occupation activity from the 14th century onwards. The results suggest that this area was being used either as `backland' occupation or open space in the medieval period with activities associated with horticultural, agricultural or industrial use taking place within the site. (4)

Berwick Infirmary was constructed in 1874 to plans by the Edinburgh based architect John Starforth. It was a skewed H-plan, with wards to the east and west and a kitchen and corridor between. The first floor of the two-storey section at the front of the infirmary appears to have housed nurses' bedrooms. A separate washhouse was situated to the north. Alterations to the sanitary arrangements are proposed in plans of 1895 which included the insertion of W.C.s and washing facilities within the wards. At some point between the Ordnance Survey map of 1898 and that of 1924 an extra wing was added to the east, as well as small extensions to the kitchen and a glazed veranda to the south dated 1912. Some of these alterations were related to the enlargement and improvement by public subscription in commemoration of the 60th year of Queen Victoria's reign, 1897, with subsequent need for a new operating theatre, X-ray room wards and outpatient department. At some point after 1932 a large extension designed by local architects Gray and Paterson, currently housing the Richardson Ward, was added to the north of the previous extension; this approximately doubled the ward space. During the second half of the 20th century the infirmary was extensively added to with connected wards wrapping around the east and north of the site. The original and early 20th century sections of the building were also extended during this period, with the glazed veranda demolished and replaced with a single-storey infill. The bell tower had four dormer ventilators with finials removed, most probably at this point. The current entrance was also created from two original window openings; the original entrance at the base of the bell tower has now been infilled. Internally the public areas have been updated to modern healthcare standards through various phases of modernisation, including the removal of earlier sanitary provisions, fixtures and fittings, and the replacement of flooring throughout. Modern reception and W.C. facilities have necessitated the insertion of numerous partition walls, while openings have been created to the extended areas.
This Infirmary is of sandstone construction with a mixture of hipped and gabled Blue Welsh slate roofs to the original sections. The main façade facing south-west is of eight bays and is single storey aside from the 2-storey, 3-bay central section housing the main entrance with a 3-storey bell tower to its right. Most windows to this elevation appear as original, double-hung vertical sliding sashes. The Gray and Paterson extension to the north of the original ranges is of two storeys, rendered in concrete with a rusticated sandstone plinth and has a hipped slate roof with tall chimney stacks. This retains most of its one-over-one pane sashes. There is a post-1932 range to the east which appears to date to the 1930s, is single storey, rendered and retains its original casement windows. This originally housed the outpatients department. The extensive late 20th century ranges have been added to the rear of this and are all entirely modern in character; these are not under assessment.
Internally the hospital has been extensively modernised, with partitions, flooring, ceilings, openings and doors inserted throughout. Original or early features are limited to some doors, architraves, cornicing and plain staircases. The entrance hall contains plaques commemorating the enlargement and improvement of the hospital in 1897, memorial funds bequeathed circa 1898 and circa 1938, and a public conscription for the cost of the x-ray chamber in 1913.
The building was assessed for listing in 2010, but failed to meet the criteria for addition to the list for the following reasons:
Plan: the original block was constructed using the pavilion plan which was commonplace during this period.
Alterations: the Infirmary has been extensively extended and altered leading to the loss of original fixtures, fittings and internal arrangements.
Architecture: although retaining some pleasing external decorative elements, these are standard for their date and not of the quality necessary to compensate for the lack of special interest to other areas. (5)