PLANS for a youth hostel to be opened in Malvern for the first time since 2006 have taken a major step forward.
A working party from High Street Malvern has been set up to drive the project after the previous hostel on Peachfield Road was shut nine years ago.
Proposals may include ecologically sustainable cabins on land behind The Cube on Albert Road North. Solar power and ground source heat pumps could also be used as part of the scheme.
Mark Young, director of Malvern for All, said: “The project would fit well with the ethos of The Cube as a community venture and increased use of the site could lead to greater patronage of facilities including the on-site community run café.
“There are also important advantages to be had for the entire area in its quest to become a long-stay visitor destination, and would fill a gap in the market for budget priced accommodation.”
About 50 beds would be included in 12 sleeping cabins with a further cabin used as a toilet and shower block. A kitchen would also be provided.
Malvern Youth and Community Trust have been invited by the group to be part of the working party and said the development would be a good move for the area.
A Malvern Youth and Community Trust spokeswoman added: “The trust think this would be a very positive development for Malvern and that a youth hostel would be an asset as a neighbour to The Cube with the potential of benefit to both organisations.”
The proposed hotel would be on land which is currently owned and controlled by Worcestershire County Council.
