MALVERN could be put on the "national stage" thanks to a £20 million grant for its theatres.

Malvern Theatres Complex is set to be “transformed” after receiving almost £20 million from the Government.

The ambitious plans include an outdoor theatre and new studio spaces to attract 135,000 visitors annually.

The district council has today found out its bid to the Levelling Up Fund was successful.

Leader of Malvern Hills Council Tom Wells is over the moon with the news and is hoping this development will put the town “on the national stage”.

“I am thoroughly delighted with this allocation of funding to deliver our vision in transforming Malvern Theatres, building on its existing excellent reputation, into a nationally recognised performance centre,” he added.

Councillor Wells received a letter from Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison MP this morning, January 19.

The letter confirms that the council’s application to the second round of the Levelling Up Fund has been successful.

As such, the council will be awarded £19,941,040.

“You submitted a strong application, which performed well against our assessment criteria, and I was pleased to hear about the projects that you plan to deliver with this investment,” the letter read.

“I appreciate the hard work that went into the application and am very keen, as I am sure you are, to get delivery and spend underway quickly.

“Congratulations once again, and I look forward to working closely with you over the coming months, to make sure that your Levelling Up Fund investment is a success.”

Councillor Wells explained that the funding will be used to “transform” the theatre complex.

This will include the creation of new rehearsal spaces and facilities for the Malvern community.

“It seems the government was very impressed with our submission for funding. It’s not everyday that Malvern Hills District Council receives this level of investment,” councillor Wells said.

“It will not only deliver much needed additional capacity for professional performers, but also provide local community groups with far greater access to the facilities.

“It will also provide a real boost for our local economy.”