£20 million redevelopment of Malvern Theatres set to start in January
Major cultural project to enhance theatre access and facilities
Last updated 24th Dec 2025
Work on the £20 million redevelopment of Malvern Theatres will begin in January, marking the start of a major cultural initiative in the Malvern Hills District.
The project, funded by the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund (formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund), is led by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Theatres and local contractors Speller Metcalfe. Design work has been completed by theatre architects Burrell Foley Fischer.
A state-of-the-art redevelopment will see the addition of a modern 240-seat studio theatre, new workshop spaces, and enhancements to the Forum Theatre, improving accessibility and audience comfort. The park-side entrance will also be revamped with better-spaced stairs, additional handrails, improved lighting, and a new lift. A community amphitheatre will be introduced as part of the plans, offering a versatile space for local events and performances.
Scheduled for completion in late 2027, the upgrades promise to expand Malvern Theatres’ offering, including more community theatre programmes, family entertainment, and workshops. Officials also anticipate significant economic benefits, with the generation of construction jobs and the positioning of Malvern as a destination for world-class performing arts.
“This is 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,” Cllr John Gallagher, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said.
Fred Moroni, Chief Executive Officer at Malvern Theatres, said, “This project will be transformative not only for Malvern Theatres but for the entire region. 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.”
To facilitate the redevelopment work, Grange Road North Car Park will remain closed for the duration of the project. The schedule will also include traffic management updates, community engagement events, and behind-the-scenes opportunities. Updates will be shared via the theatre’s website.