MEMBERS of the public will have the chance to find out more about a proposed extension to Malvern Theatres next week.

The theatre in Grange Road will be hosting a public consultation about the proposed education centre on Tuesday, July 17, and Friday, July 20.

The architect's model will be on display all day in the Circle Bar, and chief executive Nic Lloyd will be available for questions between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday and 10am and 11am on Friday.

This is the first step of the formal planning process. Pre-planning application conversations between the theatre and Malvern Hills District Council have gone well, and the council has awarded the theatre £200,000 towards the project.

Malvern Theatres has also received a grant of £120,000 from the Arts Council, subject to planning permission, as well as £100,000 generously donated by The Kay Trust.

Mr Lloyd said: “This is an exciting project for Malvern Theatres and for the town.

“We’ve been one of the country’s leading theatres for more than a century and this latest development will ensure we keep this celebrated position and that everyone in our community can engage with the arts in a more meaningful way.”

This new facility will allow the theatre to provide more and better education and wellbeing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, including people with learning and physical disabilities.

The proposed build 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.

It will also be a useful rehearsal space for Malvern Theatres Young Company and it is hoped it will attract visiting professional companies.

The project is thought to be the biggest change since the major rebuilding in 1997/8, which saw refurbishment of the foyer and the theatre, and the creation of the Forum in its present form.