A MUCH-loved arts college in Malvern could be finally saved after campaigners were given the funds to rescue it.

Councillors met in Malvern last night to discuss a request for £400,000 to help fund a new Malvern Hills Art and Community College (MHACC).

This follows Worcestershire County Council already agreeing to pay the same amount last week, with similar funding also coming from the Bransford Trust.

With funding secured, the future of the college looks brighter, with WCG having originally announced its decision to close it in November 2020.

READ MORE: WCG announces Malvern Hills College will close down

The grant will be secured as a charge on the property.

Cllr Tom Wells, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We are delighted to approve the grant for MHACC to help purchase the Malvern Hills College site.

"This decision moves MHACC a step closer to providing a community led hub for creative arts and education within the district, rewarding their fantastic efforts to date.

"It also supports our council priorities of supporting our communities and our economy."

A number of councillors spoke at the meeting supporting the bid, with members of the public giving a round of applause as the unanimous decision was reached.

READ MORE: Protest outside Malvern Hills College over closure

With funding secured, MHACC will now have to formally make its offer to buy the site, with members of the group warning there is still "a long road" before it is fully saved.

Gemma Wiseman and Virginia McKay, from the group, said: "This is a hugely positive step, and WCG are aware of our intent to make an offer, however, there is still a long road ahead in our bid to get the deal done and the college open."

If all goes to plan, MHACC hopes the college will be able to re-open to students from Autumn next year.

Malvern Hills College was closed by the current owners WCG last summer after a shock announcement in November 2020.

READ MORE: Barnsford Trust reveals it is part of bid to save college

Since then, a group called Save Malvern Hills College was established by staff and students to campaign against the closure, with an SOS task group also set up for the same purpose.

From within the task group, a new non-profit company was set up, Malvern Hills Arts and Community College (MHACC) in April 2021.

In May this year, MHACC asked the district council for £400,000 of grant funding so it could buy the vacant college building in Albert Road North.

A similar request was also made to Worcestershire County Council and the Bransford Trust has also been asked for funding.

A covenant had been put in place by MHDC to ensure the college remained a place of education regardless of its closure.

READ MORE: Council agrees to fulfil covenant to keep college

In November last year, the council voted to honour the covenant, paving the way for it to remain a further education college.

Cllr Beverley Nielsen, who chairs the SOS task group, said: "The SOS task group has worked tirelessly for the past 18 months looking to progress options and possible ways forward.

"The decisions by both councils over the past week allow MHACC to move to the next stage in seeking to secure the site.

"So many residents have approached me about the College and no one wants to see this wonderful facility closed for good.

"It has been hugely missed over the past year and everyone wants the College to reopen for the benefit of our residents – young, old and returners looking to reskill."

The news has been welcomed by Malvern-based charity ARCOS, the Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills.

READ MORE: MPs offer of mediation rejected by college group

Clinical director Kay Coombes said: “The college is a vital part of the local community. Now, more than ever, our young adults, as well as older people, need education in the arts for their mental health and wellbeing.”

A spokesperson for WCG said: "We announced our intention to cease operations and sell the site in November 2020.

"Since then we have been involved in very lengthy discussions with a number of stakeholders including MHACC Ltd, Malvern Hills District Council, Worcestershire County Council and The Bransford Trust but no agreement has been reached about the future of the site.

"We will consider any offers that are made to purchase the site thoroughly and following due process.

"There are currently no offers for the site."