NEWS: Plans will aim to improve community access to Malvern Theatres
More people will be able to access everything that Malvern Theatres has to offer when improvements are made as part of the upcoming redevelopment.
As part of the £20 million project, which will start this autumn, there will be a number of changes which will aim to improve the theatre’s accessibility.
The additions will include a new lift and a redesign of the rear steps to make them less steep, this will improve access to and from the park.
New accessible changing rooms will be built to serve both the Forum Theatre and a new studio.
As well as this, the Forum's wheelchair spaces will be moved to have better sight lines, and the Forum stage will be lowered.
The new development, which will also see a modern 240-seat studio theatre, workshop space, and amphitheatre built, will allow the theatre to host more events, classes, and community theatre shows.
2023 saw the addition of a new studio and a ‘Changing Places’ toilet facility, which made the theatre even more accessible. The studio has proved so popular that it's timetable is already at capacity.
One of Malvern Hills District Council’s priorities is to create a vibrant culture and arts community that delivers social, economic, and health benefits to residents.
This includes delivering the Malvern Theatres project to ‘create life enriching opportunities for residents from all backgrounds.’
Fred Moroni, Chief Executive of Malvern Theatres, said: “Malvern Theatres is proud of its accessible programme, which is a lifeline for many of our visitors. Our programme includes signed and audio described shows, as well as touch tours, touch screen cinema, and relaxed and dementia-friendly performances, dance classes for young people with additional needs, and art events. This major development will help us deliver even more accessible work and help ensure the theatre is more user-friendly for all our visitors"
Cllr John Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We want people of all ages and abilities to be able to use this world-class facility, and these new additions will be a step forward in the right direction. In celebration of Changing Places Awareness Day on 19 July, we are reminded about the need for improved accessibility and Changing Places facilities in our public spaces and the difference they make to people’s lives”.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/about-your-council/malvern-theatres-20m-project for more information.
Published 8 July 2025