West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has celebrated confirmation that Malvern Theatre will get nearly £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support a major expansion project.

The bid win was confirmed today as part of a £2.1 billion national fund to help create jobs and boost the local economy.

The ambitious Malvern plan, which Harriett advised on and supported, will transform the theatre, adding meeting rooms, classrooms, space for events and even an open-air amphitheatre.

Harriett championed the bid when it was first proposed in 2021 and has worked with the bid team to make sure that there was a focus on improving life chances for local people – especially those who would not ordinarily interact with the arts or specifically Malvern Theatre.

Harriett said:

“This is a huge win for Malvern and I am delighted for Nic Lloyd and his team and the Malvern Hills District Council advisers who helped to develop the bid.

“This is an opportunity to create new jobs for Malvern but also to enhance the town’s tourist potential bringing more many more people into the town.

“I’ve watched this bid closely as it was honed and developed and I was pleased to formally support it when the pitch was submitted to the Department last July.

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with Nic to discuss the timeline for bringing this project to fruition and can’t wait to see the difference this will make to Malvern, local businesses and local people.”