‘Exciting moment’ – as theatre’s £20m upgrade begins

Bosses at Malvern Theatre say the stage is now set for a landmark project to turn the venue into a “world-class” creative powerhouse.

Set to begin in January, the £20m scheme will see the main auditorium remodelled into a 240-seat studio theatre, alongside new workshop spaces, and accessibility improvements to the Forum Theatre.

An upgraded entrance will improve access from nearby Priory Park, while a newly created community amphitheatre will provide a smaller, versatile space for local events and performances.  

The project is being led by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Theatres and Malvern-based contractors Speller Metcalfe. Design work has been carried out by the renowned theatre architects Burrell Foley Fischer.

Cllr John Gallagher, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said the start of the project was an “incredibly exciting moment.”

“We will soon see work begin on the ground, and this will make our vision feel tangible. This theatre will be a powerhouse for creativity, learning, and entertainment, and we can’t wait for the community to watch it take shape brick by brick,” he said.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Fred Moroni, Chief Executive Officer at Malvern Theatres, said the scheme would establish the town of Great Malvern as a destination for world-class performing arts.

“This project will be transformative not only for Malvern Theatres but for the entire region,” he said.

“The redevelopment will make our theatre more accessible, and the new venues will expand and enrich our programme to include more community theatre, family entertainment and new writing, as well as increasing opportunities for participation in the arts.”

Work is expected to begin in January 2026, with a projected completion date of late 2027.