THE firm who will be responsible for managing the costs and project for the £20 million expansion of Malvern Theatres has been announced.
Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Theatres Trust Board (MTT) have appointed construction consultancy EDGE to provide the services for the scheme.
The central government funding was granted in 2023 to widen access to the creative arts by extending the leading cultural hub and its community services.
The project consists of over 2,000sqm extension comprising a new studio theatre, flexible workshop spaces, teaching spaces, editing rooms, and commercial events spaces, and will be delivered in partnership with architects Burrell Foley Fischer.
The aim of the project is to deliver a world-class cultural facility increasing footfall by around 135,000 attendees per year, which would in turn boost the local Great Malvern economy by £11 million annually.
Josh Barber, senior project manager at EDGE, said: “We’re really pleased to have been appointed to help bring the new state-of-the-art theatre to life.
“The project is strongly focused on community benefit and social value, and that aligns perfectly to our values at EDGE.”
The newly accessible facility will enable increased participation by physically and mentally disabled people, by improving access to the theatre’s main commercial offer as well as its ‘Take Part’ programme of tailored events.
Malvern Theatres will also be able to accommodate an extra 105 local schools with its new facilities, for theatre performances or specific workshops.
The project is predicted to create 45 jobs and a further 120 indirect employment opportunities, with Malvern Theatres aiming to offer 10% of these to apprentices and work experience opportunities for school children.
Fred Moroni, marketing director at Malvern Theatres, said: “We’re delighted that EDGE has been appointed as a key partner in the delivery of this project.”
The new Malvern Theatres project is planned to be completed in 2026.
Councillor John Gallagher, portfolio holder for resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This is such an exciting time and we can’t wait to see progress being made on this monumental project.”
The director of the Burrell Foley Fischer architectural firm, Helen Grassly, shared her delight and excitement at being given the opportunity to help deliver the project.
