Theatre access improvements revealed

The work is being funded through a levelling-up grant

A major £20m theatre redevelopment in Malvern will see much improved accessibility, the local council has said.

About 300,000 visitors use Malvern Theatres each year and the latest work will include building a new 240-seat auditorium, outdoor amphitheatre, and workshops.

Funded by a levelling-up grant from the previous government, leaders have previously outlined a number measures to make the site more accessible for the community, but have now revealed more details.

As well as an improved entrance, better lighting and a lift, accessible changing rooms will be built to serve two of the venues and audience wheelchair positions in the Forum theatre will be adapted to improve sightlines.

The Forum stage will also be lowered.

Fred Moroni, executive director at the theatre, has previously said the work would create "one of the largest multi-venue arts centres under a single roof anywhere in Europe".

Works also includes a redesign of the rear steps to make them less steep, to improve access to and from the park.

The new studio theatre, amphitheatre and workshop space will particularly benefit the local community, the council said, allowing the site to host "more events, classes, and community theatre shows".

It said one of its aims was to "create life enriching opportunities for residents from all backgrounds".

Mr Moroni said he was proud of its accessible programme, including signed and audio described shows, touch screen cinema, and relaxed and dementia-friendly performances.

"This major development will help us deliver even more accessible work and help ensure the theatre is more user-friendly for all our visitors," he said.

Work is due to begin in autumn, although the theatre will remain open throughout.

Councillor John Gallagher said he wanted people of all ages and abilities to be able to use the "world-class" facility.

"These new additions will be a step forward in the right direction," he said.