NEWS: Council approves consultation for proposals on two busy streets in Great Malvern
A consultation will take place on proposals to make two busy streets in Great Malvern safer for pedestrians.
At a meeting last night (Tuesday), Malvern Hills District Council’s (MHDC) Executive Committee gave the go-ahead for a consultation on proposals for new traffic crossings and improvements to Church Street and Edith Walk.
The aim of the plans is to provide a more pedestrian-friendly environment encouraging more people to spend time in the town centre.
On Church Street, draft plans include a reduced speed limit of 20mph, widening pavements, providing loading bays, removing on-street parking where required, and providing a raised crossing.
On Edith Walk, proposals could include a pedestrian crossing from Church Walk towards Waitrose, as well as pavements from the car park and enhancements to the surrounding verges.
The proposals form part of the Council Plan’s priority to deliver a public realm improvement scheme for the two streets in partnership with Worcestershire County Council. The priority emerged from the Great Malvern Town Plan, which was created in 2022 following a town-wide consultation.
The consultation will be undertaken this summer to engage with residents and stakeholders, such as Great Malvern traders, Malvern Town Council, Malvern Civic Society, and others on the final design and specifications.
The Executive Committee also agreed to up to £40,000 in UK Shared Prosperity Funding to develop the detailed plans and up to £100,000 in Section 106 funding has been earmarked to contribute to the delivery of the schemes
Cllr Beverley Nielsen, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism at MHDC, said: “The development of Church Street is long overdue. Schemes have been put forward over the past decade and more with the intention of slowing traffic and making it a more pleasant and safer experience to visit Church Street. But these have never been implemented. Safety is our paramount concern but there have been growing calls for a more pedestrianised approach to Church Street whilst retaining accessibility.”
Cllr Cynthia Palmer, Ward Member for Great Malvern, said: “Edith Walk is a much-overlooked area of growing importance with the redevelopment of units on Edith Walk, the revival of the Theatre of Small Convenience and our refurbishment of public toilets. As well as this, the continuing importance of Waitrose, its car park and the link provided by Church Walk between these locations, plus the anticipated development on Edith Walk, all increases the area’s prominence.”
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/town-centres for more information about the council’s town plans
Date published: 18 June 2025