Building works on the exciting new development at Malvern Theatres have started.
The £2.25 million project, designed by Malvern Theatres and Glazzards Architects, will see a 310 square metre extension built creating a new vibrant and inviting entrance to the theatre, as well as more space for educational and community use.
The works started on 12 September and will be carried out by Malvern based construction company Speller Metcalfe.
As well as providing a welcoming and vibrant new main entrance the new extension will enable the theatre to increase its number of workshop places from around 2,500 to 14,500 per year, including more classes such as music, drama, movement, dance, art and more.
Disabled access to the theatre from the Grange Road entrance will also be greatly improved.
As part of the new development, work has already completed on creating a new ‘Changing Places’ toilet facility, making the whole theatre complex accessible for people with severe disabilities for the first time.
It will also enable the theatre to extend its work with Acorns children’s hospice and other specialist care providers in the area.
The extension project is funded jointly by Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Theatres Trust with donations and fund raising they secured. Malvern Theatres Trust successfully operates the theatre on a long-term lease from the council.
Cllr Peter Whatley, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Malvern Theatres attracts over 300,000 visitors each year and is one of the district’s top most popular attractions. Our investment will make a significant difference to the popular venue and will allow the theatre to continue with its wonderful community work.”
Nic Lloyd, Chief Executive at Malvern Theatres, said: “I’m delighted that Malvern Hills District Council is so generously investing in this important project, which promises to be of huge benefit to the area. The new studio space will allow Malvern Theatres to produce more live theatre as well as to improve and expand its Education and Creative Learning programme, providing life-changing participation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities in our community.”
Matthew Bailey, Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “For Speller Metcalfe, working on local projects that have a truly positive impact is at the heart of what we do, and as a Malvern contractor, everyone here knows that the Theatre is a hub of our local community. Having the opportunity to take on this building project is a fantastic way for us to give back to the people of Malvern, alongside the creation of a number of employment opportunities for local people throughout the construction programme.”
Claire Thomas, Project Architect at Glazzards Architects said: “Glazzard Architects are pleased to see their design for the new studio space, along with a new entrance for the Theatre, starting on site. We look forward to the local community benefitting from this flexible, light filled, contemporary space”.
During the works, visitors will need to access Malvern Theatres through the Priory Park entrance. As well as this, Grange Road North Car Park will be closed from 12 September to aid the building works.
Visit the Malvern Theatres website below for more information on theatre productions, cinema showings and more.
Pictured: Matthew Bailey, Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, Nic Lloyd, Chief Executive at Malvern Theatres, Cllr Peter Whatley, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, and Claire Thomas, Project Architect at Glazzards Architects.
