I WOULD like to start by offering a very warm welcome to the Malvern Observer. It’s fantastic news that another newspaper group is expanding and seeing the potential in Malvern. Local papers are much appreciated in Malvern and it’s a vital way for me to communicate with residents about the things that are happening in the town. I am sure that a new local paper can thrive in the town and I look forward to working with the Observer’s editorial team to share news and views.
It’s all go in Malvern at the moment. Last week, I was at the unveiling of the foundation stone of Clarence Park Village, Festival Housing’s new extended care homes. It’s a £20 million project supported partly by a Government grant and partly by bank finance to help people live for longer independently. There will be 101 apartments, with an on-site restaurant, bar, gym and wellness centre, plus a hairdresser, a library, IT suite and more. I’m not surprised they are selling so well.
Last week, I formally opened the Elgar Lodge by Churchill Retirement Living, which is a private sector development with a similar age restriction. There must be something in the water in Malvern which ensures our residents have such longevity.
Last Saturday, I also celebrated the opening of the newly upgraded Malvern Link Post Office which has been modified to provide a more efficient service to customers. In January, I’ll be opening the refurbished Malvern Link train station, where £500,000 of improvement works will provide new waiting and ticket areas, better parking facilities and easier access.
Finally, we will all welcome the new Malvern Link Fire Station next year – an improved, modern building that will see running costs and carbon footprint reduced.
By my count, that’s almost £30 million of direct investment in Malvern Link in a twelve month period. Coming on top of our wonderful £18 million Malvern Community Hospital, I’m really grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to improve our facilities.
