Residents and visitors will be able to have their say on the exciting £20million redevelopment of Malvern Theatres at a consultation next week.
The public consultation, ‘Transforming Malvern’, will be launched on Tuesday, 9 April at an event at Malvern Theatres.
People are invited to come along from 12.30pm to 6.30pm to look at the plans and take part in a survey.
Presentations will be held at 1.30pm and 6.30pm, along with a Q&A session. The information displays with the plans will be available until Tuesday, 16 April.
The ambitious project, which has received funding of £20million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, will aim to deliver a world-class cultural facility within the Malvern Hills District.
Phase one of the theatre’s redevelopment is already complete, with a vibrant new entrance, disabled access to the theatre from Grange Road and a new ‘Changing Places’ toilet facility.
There is also a new studio, Studio One, hosting 21 classes a week (with more planned), as well as youth drama productions and international cinema.
Subject to consultation and planning, phase two will see further investment in the site, expanding access to the arts, improving health and wellbeing for the community, increasing education and employment opportunities, and an economic uplift for the region.
The development may include a new amphitheatre, a modern 200+ seat studio theatre to host community work, flexible workshop spaces, a recording studio to give a platform to aspiring musicians, an external lift, and more.
The redevelopment is being led by Malvern Hills District Council.
Cllr John Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for residents, theatre-goers, and visitors to have their say and to see the plans that will aim to transform Malvern Theatres. The theatre is an invaluable asset to our community, and we hope the new development will enable more people to access the plethora of theatre shows, film screening, workshops, activities, and events that this wonderful facility has to offer. Our ambition is to grow the Malvern Theatres complex in range and scope, engaging and supporting our communities”.
Fred Moroni, Executive Director of Malvern Theatres, said: “Studio One has already been a fantastic addition to Malvern Theatres, with our weekly classes, community theatre, and smaller-scale cinema screenings proving to be incredibly popular and successful in reaching wider audiences. Any redevelopment of the theatre must be driven by our community, as well as the wider needs of Malvern, and we look forward to hearing feedback on these ambitious plans.”
The deadline for comments is 19 April 2024.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/theatre-project for more information about the project and to take part in the consultation.
