We will build a world-class facility that attracts increased visitor numbers, boosting the local economy by £11m annually.

The new development, which will be park-side, includes: a modern 240-seat studio theatre to host more community work, a workshop space, and improvements to the Forum Theatre, making it more accessible and more comfortable. 

As well as the modernisations to improve park access (easier stairs and new lift), there will also be a small amphitheatre for community use.

The auditorium plans will allow the theatre to do new and different types of work, including more community theatre, as well as additional classes and workshops.

Thanks to the improved park-side entrance, which will feature better spaced stairs, additional handrails, upgraded lighting, and an elevator, also, access to the theatre from the park will be greatly improved.

The Forum Theatre will also have improvements to make it more user-friendly, particularly for people with movement issues, including better wheelchair positions.

Malvern Theatres is operated by the charitable body Malvern Theatres Trust with the building on a long-term lease from Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC).

The project is being led by MHDC and funded by central government. The designs have been done by renowned theatre architect Burrell Foley Fischer and the main contractors are the Malvern based Speller Metcalfe.

Yes. Phase one of the theatre’s redevelopment saw the creation of a new entrance on the theatre’s west side, improving access from Grange Road.

Completed in July 2023, this phase saw the addition of a ‘Changing Places’ facility and the creation of a new studio theatre, Studio One. This hosts a regular programme of classes and workshops (20+ each week) as well as live performances, film screenings and rehearsals. More than 23,000 people have already used Studio One.

The project will take approximately 21 months and is scheduled to open in late 2027.

The state-of-the-art development will feature a modern 240-seat studio theatre, new workshop spaces, and significant improvements to the Forum Theatre, enhancing both accessibility and audience comfort.

An upgraded park-side entrance will further improve access from the park, incorporating better-spaced stairs, additional handrails, improved lighting, and a new lift. In addition, a small community amphitheatre will be added, providing a versatile space for local events and performances.

The redesigned auditorium will allow us to present new types of work, including more community theatre programmes, as well as additional classes and workshops. The development is projected to generate hundreds of construction jobs, boost the local economy, and establish Malvern as a destination for world-class performing arts, serving audiences for generations to come

The project is backed by £20 million from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, formerly the Levelling Up Fund.

The money was allocated following a rigorous nationwide bidding process and has been ringfenced by the Government specifically for use in the theatre redevelopment.

If the funding isn’t spent on this project it will have to be handed back to Government.

Grange Road North Car Park will be closed until October 2027 to provide site welfare, compound and parking for the contractors.

This is a loss of 18 spaces, there are still 274 spaces available in Malvern town centre car parks, available to use. Please see the next question for more information.

There are ten other council-owned car parks available to use in Great Malvern, please see the MHDC Car Park webpage for more information. There is also on-street parking available.

The closest car parks to Malvern Theatres are:

• Grange Road South Car Park (Long-Stay)
• Priory Road North and South Car Parks (Long-Stay)
• Victoria Road Car Park (Long-Stay)
• Waitrose Car Park is available from 6.30pm onwards without charge

Clear signage and redirections will be in place to ensure visitors can access the building safely.

Entry will be via the main door at the front of the theatre on Grange Road with an alternative entrance to the side which will be clearly marked from Priory Park

As is the case now, wheelchair users and those with access requirements are best coming into the theatre through the Grange Road entrance, where there is a drop-off lay-by and a ramp. 

Find out more about how to access the theatre.

The modern 240-seat studio theatre, new workshop spaces, and improvements to the Forum Theatre, will aim to enhance both accessibility and audience comfort.

The upgraded park-side entrance will further improve access from the park, incorporating better-spaced stairs, additional handrails, improved lighting, and a new lift.

In addition, a small community amphitheatre will be added, providing a versatile space for local events and performances.

Yes. The Festival Theatre, Cinema and Studio One will remain fully operational throughout the works. The Forum Theatre will be closed but many of the events that usually happened there will take place in the Festival Theatre instead.

Some construction noise is unavoidable. However, working hours are restricted to Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, and Saturday, 8am–1pm. The contractor will install monitoring stations to measure noise, vibration and dust, ensuring levels remain within agreed limits.

Areas of the park closest to the Theatre will be closed throughout the contract period. A large proportion of the park, including the play area, will remain open, with clearly signposted alternative access routes.

No. The play area will remain open at all times, with clearly marked alternative access routes where needed.

It has been necessary to remove a small number of trees but these will be replaced by additional new trees. The majority of the development will take place within the theatre’s existing footprint. The new studio and workshop spaces will extend into the shrub area adjacent to the Forum promenade, which is considered to have low ecological value.

We have no indication that any wildlife will be affected however an ecologist will keep a watching brief during the demolition period.

Yes. Sustainability is a key part of the design. The building will use cross-laminated timber in its construction, with heating and hot water provided by electric systems. It will exceed current Building Regulations environmental standards and incorporate natural ventilation where possible, along with solar shading to reduce overheating. The project will also deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain.

Two public consultation events were held to gather responses. The public was encouraged to send in comments and questions via a survey link, as well as an email address.

The plans were approved at a South Worcestershire Planning Meeting on 20 November 2024.

If you have any questions about the project, you can get in touch via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.