MALVERN Theatres is hoping to spend about £865,000 on a new extension to house an expanded programme of educational activities.

The theatre already operates a popular educational programme, but provision is limited due to the lack of a dedicated space.

It now believes there is potential to increase the educational work done by the theatre with more classes including music, drama, movement, dance and art.

As well as bringing in money, these activities will attract more people to the theatre and ensure greater use of the building throughout the day.

The proposed new extension is envisaged as a flexible space that will also be available for hire and provide an area for rehearsals.

The theatre has already sought planning advice from Malvern Hills District Council and hopes to put in a planning application later this year.

The theatre has also applied for a grant of £200,000 from the council. In return, the annual revenue grant to the theatre would be reduced from £56,800 to £40,000.

The council's executive committee is due to discuss the grant application at a meeting next Tuesday.

The Arts Council has awarded a grant of £120,000 towards the project and the Kay Trust a £100,000. The theatre will fundraise for the remaining cost

Chef executive Nic Lloyd said: “Malvern Theatres needs a purpose-built education space. Our current classes, which often have to be held in our public spaces such as the bar, are oversubscribed and limited by the performance schedule.

“Our engagement and learning department offers a lifeline to so many and we provide invaluable professional development experience for Malvern’s young people. We hope to expand these opportunities with a new space.

“This proposal is still in its very early stages, but we are excited by the prospect and hope the town will support this worthwhile development. ”

The new space has been designed to be fully accessible, meaning the theatre will be able to offer more workshops for people with learning and physical disabilities.

The proposed extension will have a changing places facility, the first in the district, which will help people who cannot use standard toilets and who require the assistance of a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist.