Construction has officially begun on the next phase of Malvern Theatres' redevelopment in Worcestershire, marking the start of a £20 million project set to complete in late 2027.

The investment aims to bolster the Malvern Hills District's cultural offer and enhance its regional appeal.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, joined project partners to mark the ceremonial ground‑breaking. "I was honoured to be asked to dig the ceremonial first turf on the exciting Malvern Theatres expansion project that I have championed for many years. It is great to see work underway and I know we are all looking forward to seeing great new facilities in place in the heart of Malvern to inspire the next generation of performers and theatre staff. It is important that this project is a springboard to reach out to those people who may not already participate in the arts as well as talking to the regular theatre and cinema goers. I can't wait to see how this project evolves."

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Malvern‑based contractor Speller Metcalfe is delivering the build, working with local supply chains and drawing on its experience in low‑carbon construction. The scheme is expected to create hundreds of local construction roles and generate wider social and economic benefits during delivery.

Adrian Speller, Managing Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: "The start of works at Malvern Theatres marks an exciting milestone, and we’re pleased to be working once again with Malvern Hills District Council to deliver the next phase of redevelopment.

"As a Malvern‑based contractor, it's particularly rewarding to return to a project of such importance to the town, having previously delivered the Phase 1 works."

Award‑winning architects Burrell Foley Fischer have designed the redevelopment, bringing specialist cultural expertise to create high‑quality, functional spaces.

Plans include a new 240‑seat studio theatre, upgrades to the forum theatre, dedicated workshop spaces, and a community amphitheatre, alongside a refreshed park‑side entrance to improve access.

The project is backed by the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund (formerly the Levelling Up Fund) and is being led by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Theatres.