UP TO £220,000 looks set to be pumped into the town’s theatres in a bid to keep the ‘jewel in Malvern’s crown’ fit for purpose.
Malvern Hills District Council’s Executive Committee agreed to inject the funds into the Grange Road site to fund a new LED lighting system at the council-run theatre.
The current lighting system, which was described as inefficient and expensive to maintain, will be replaced to try and create a positive environmental impact by reducing electricity usage.
Coun David Hughes, leader of the district council, said: “There is no doubt in my mind the theatres are a key asset to Malvern.
“We are the landlord, we own the theatres and it is our responsibility to make sure they are fit for purpose as it is an asset of our own and we need to update the facilities to make it fit for the 21st century.
“We are in a position to assist them and upgrade the facilities which will take us through the next decade or two so we should be supporting the the theatres when we can.”
Coun Bronwen Behan added: “We need to be promoting this as a big economic area for us and I for one want to see the theatres thriving and putting investment into this can only bring benefits for us.”
The theatre currently receives £73,000 from the district council and the decision at last Tuesday’s (February 10) meeting was widely praised, however Coun Tom Wells said he believed it was up to the council to make sure it was up to the required standard.
“We would all agree the theatres are the jewel in Malvern’s crown,” he said.
“It is our building, though, so while we are busy patting ourselves on the back we actually have a responsibility to make sure our buildings are fit for purpose and that does require investment.”
Coun Melanie Baker added: “I concur with Coun Wells, this council is the landlord so it is our responsibility to ensure it is fit for purpose. However this is a win, win which will ensure they [the theatres] are a key driver in the economic activity in this area.”
