It has been revealed how nearly £20 million will be used to develop Malvern Theatres.
Malvern Hills District Council has confirmed how it intends to use £19,941,040 awarded to it by the Levelling Up Fund.
An outdoor amphitheatre is one of the standout proposals along with plans to upgrade the main theatre to increase capacity.
Nic Lloyd, chief executive of Malvern Theatres, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this award.
“The development promises an outstanding new facility in the heart of town, offering cultural and educational opportunities to the local and wider community.
“It will contribute hugely to the local economy for years to come and will cement the position of Malvern Theatres amongst the most celebrated arts centres in the country”.
READ MORE: Malvern Theatres will ‘transform’ after receiving almost £20 million
Each year Malvern Theatres attracts around 300,000 visitors.
It is hoped that this project will turn it into a “world class” facility and bring in an extra 135,000 attendees each year.
This would in turn boost the local economy by £11m annually.
The council has stated that funding will also be used to “invest in the community” by widening access to the creative arts.
The theatre will be extended to create a dedicated learning space and a further extension has also been proposed, which would create flexible workshop spaces.
An external lift will be installed to improve access to improve accessibility, an idea that the theatre has started exploring.
The venue is already undergoing building works to create a “vibrant” new entrance with disabled access from Grange Road, along with a new ‘Changing Places’ toilet facility.
Councillor Tom Wells, leader of MHDC, received a letter from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison MP this morning which confirmed the council’s bid to the Levelling Up Fund had been successful.
Councillor Wells said: “It is wonderful news to heard we have been successful in our bid to transform Malvern Theatres. The funding will level-up access to arts and culture, provide a space for community-focused activities, create life-changing opportunities for young people from various backgrounds and more”.
READ MORE: MP welcomes £20 million Malvern Theatre expansion plans
Malvern Theatre is operated by the charitable body Malvern Theatres Trust and is on a long-term lease from MHDC.
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