Malvern’s MP is celebrating the town’s successful bid to expand its theatre.

Malvern Theatres will get nearly £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

This funding is expected to transform the venue by creating meeting rooms, classrooms, event space and an open-air amphitheatre.

Mrs Baldwin said: “This is a huge win for Malvern and I am delighted for Nic Lloyd (chief executive of Malvern Theatres) and his team and the Malvern Hills District Council advisers who helped to develop the bid.

“This is an opportunity to create new jobs for Malvern but also to enhance the town’s tourist potential bringing more many more people into the town.

“I’ve watched this bid closely as it was honed and developed and I was pleased to formally support it when the pitch was submitted to the Department last July.

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with Nic to discuss the timeline for bringing this project to fruition and can’t wait to see the difference this will make to Malvern, local businesses and local people.”

READ MORE: Malvern Theatres will ‘transform’ after receiving almost £20 million

Malvern Gazette: Harriett Baldwin MP reviewing the plans with Malvern Theatres' chief executive Nic LloydHarriett Baldwin MP reviewing the plans with Malvern Theatres' chief executive Nic Lloyd (Image: Harriett Baldwin)

The bid was first proposed in 2021 and was confirmed today as part of a £2.1 billion national fund designed to create jobs and boost local economies.

Malvern Hills District Council leader Tom Wells received a letter from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison MP this morning, January 19.

The letter confirms that the council’s application to the second round of the Levelling Up Fund has been successful.

As such, the council will be awarded £19,941,040.

It is hoped the expansion will attract 135,000 visitors annually.

“I am thoroughly delighted with this allocation of funding to deliver our vision in transforming Malvern Theatres, building on its existing excellent reputation, into a nationally recognised performance centre,” said councillor Wells.

“It seems the government was very impressed with our submission for funding. It’s not everyday that Malvern Hills District Council receives this level of investment.

“It will not only deliver much needed additional capacity for professional performers, but also provide local community groups with far greater access to the facilities.

“It will also provide a real boost for our local economy.”