Theatre to get £20m transformation

Plans include a new 240-seat auditorium for Malvern Theatres

A theatre will get a £20m revamp after councillors approved plans for its transformation.

Malvern Theatres, in Malvern, will get a new 240-seat auditorium and elevator at the Priory Park entrance, plus improvements to stairs and lighting.

Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) granted planning permission at a meeting on Wednesday.

The work is due to begin next summer and the theatre will stay open throughout construction.

Its chief executive Fred Moroni said the auditorium plans would allow them to host more community theatre and provide additional classes and workshops.

The Forum Theatre will also be improved to make it more user-friendly for wheelchair users and people with disabilities.

'Wonderful facility'

The first phase of the theatre's revamp saw the opening of the Studio One auditorium last year.

Councillor John Gallagher said he was excited to see the second stage of the plans 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."

Once completed, the development will contain flexible workshop spaces, a recording studio and a small amphitheatre for free community use.

Mr Moroni 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."