THE face of Malvern’s town centre is set to change after plans for a major new development including a 60-room hotel were revealed this week.

Investment company Allied Investment Partners (AIP) wants to develop a mix of retail, restaurants, the hotel and residential units on land off Edith Walk, and has already signed an agreement with budget hotel chain Travelodge.

And in a separate development, home and garden superstore chain Wilkinson will be opening up in the property now occupied by Co-op, also in Edith Walk.

AIP is currently at the early stage of discussions with planning officers at Malvern Hills District Council.

Project director John Knight said: "We understand that any designs put forward would have to be consistent with the character and heritage of Malvern in order to become an integrated part of the town centre.

"A team of expert consultants has been appointed to work with the local authority to ensure that the proposals being put forward are appropriate."

*See this week's Malvern Gazette for the full story.