Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has granted planning permission for significant improvements at Malvern Theatres, including a new 240-seat auditorium and essential upgrades to the Priory Park entrance, including a new elevator.

The auditorium plans will allow theatre to do new and different types of work, including more community theatre, as well as additional classes and workshops. 

Thanks to the improved park-side entrance, which will feature better spaced stairs, additional handrails, upgraded lighting, and an elevator, accessibility from the park to the theatre will be greatly improved.

The Forum Theatre will also have improvements to make it more user-friendly, particularly for people with movement issues, including better wheelchair positions.

This next phase of work is due to start in summer 2025 and the theatre will remain open throughout the build, with the Festival Theatre, Cinema, and Studio One, all operating as normal.

The project, which is being led by Malvern Hills District Council and funded by central government, follows on from the success of the recently added Studio One, which is already at capacity since opening just over a year ago, and the accompanying Changing Place, a lifeline for people with severe additional needs.

Cllr John Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are so pleased the plans for the new development at Malvern Theatres have been approved. With Phase One of the project completed, we are excited to see that Phase Two will go ahead. This will mean further investment in this wonderful facility which will expand access to the arts, improve wellbeing, increase education and employment opportunities, as well as provide a boost to the tourism and economy within the area.”

Fred Moroni, Executive Director of Malvern Theatres, said: "We are thrilled that MHDC has chosen to progress this ambitious project, it will transform Malvern Theatres into a nationally significant centre of excellence for the arts. We look forward to welcoming even more people for workshops and classes, as well as hosting community theatre in the new purpose-built auditorium.”

The new development, which will be park-side, includes: a modern 240-seat studio theatre to host more community work, flexible workshop spaces, and a small recording studio suitable for content creators. As well as the modernisations already mentioned to improve park access (easier stairs and new lift), there will also be a small amphitheatre for free community use.

There’s £20m of capital development funding ringfenced to pay for this work, money that was allocated following a rigorous nationwide bidding process.