Malvern Theatres plan to spend £20m Levelling Up cash

The theatre has put forward designs for workshop spaces and studio theatres, a recording studio and an outdoor amphitheatre.

It is aiming to boost the visitor economy of the town by attracting 135,000 more visitors to the theatre a year and to boost the local economy by £11 million annually.

Plans submitted to Malvern Hills District Council include the creation of a new Studio Two, which is proposed to be flexible space with retractable seating for between 200 and 250 people.

UPGRADE: An artist's impression of the new park entrance to the theatre (Image: Burrell Foley Fischer)

“This medium capacity supports use for community and smaller shows without occupying the much larger Forum or Festival spaces,” planning documents state.

“Additional spaces, Studios Three and Four, will be used for workshops and classes. They need to be flexibly connected but do not require the full technical equipment or dance lift height provided in Studio Two.

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“They can also double up for dressing space for large casts.”

The current “poor quality” dressing room block will be demolished and replaced with wheelchair-friendly facilities that will be able to access the Forum Theatre and the new studios.

LEVELLING UP: Cross-sections show the proposed studios (Image: Burrell Foley Fischer)

Architects Burrell Foley Fischer want to make alterations to the Forum to provide a level access stage and improved seating - and an amphitheatre next to the steps to provide a casual performance space.

A recording studio for four people, office space for additional staff and upgrades to the entrance looking out onto Priory Park are also planned.

These plans, funded by a £20m Levelling Up grant awarded by the Government last year, form the second phase of the refurbishment of Malvern Theatres.

STEPS: Malvern Theatres wants to upgrade its Priory Park entrance (Image: Burrell Foley Fischer)

The first phase of its development was completed in July 2023 following a £2.25m investment by Malvern Theatres Trust and the district council.

It saw the opening of an accessible performance space, a new entrance onto Grange Road and a Changing Places toilet facility.

These are larger, accessible toilets for people with disabilities. The new facility at Malvern Theatres includes a changing bed, shower, hoist, adjustable sink and compliant WC.