‘AMBITIOUS’ plans to boost jobs and provide more homes for rent across Malvern have been unveiled.
The proposals are part of Malvern Hills District Council’s revamped ‘five year plan’ which includes more than 30 schemes to further improve the district up until 2021.
Plans to redesign Malvern’s Priory Park, bring the district’s communities closer together and drive tourism to the area are included in the scheme which was approved at a full council meeting.
The council will also work with different organisations to produce a range of resources to help promote life skills to young people and consider plans to relocate Malvern Rugby Club as well as future uses for the current site on Spring Lane.
There will also be a new reception building created on Avenue Road which will allow the council to bring its telephone and face-to-face customer services back in-house.
Both services are operated by private firm Civica through the Worcestershire Hub and Malvern Library in Graham Road, however, demand for both has steadily dropped in recent years.
The new building will cost about £450,000 and will be situated between the main Council House and Priory Lodge and could be ready by the end of the year, subject to planning permission being granted.
It is estimated the move will save the council about £100,000 and improve contact with residents by allowing them to access the Council House again and call departments to speak to officers directly rather than using a switchboard.
Coun David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “On top of what we’re already delivering we’ve now set out an ambitious plan to further improve the district and invest in those areas residents tell us are priorities for them.”
The council needs to save £1.45million by 2021 due to cuts to Government funding of which £950,000 is still left to find.
More than £4million has already been saved from the authority’s budget since 2010.
