Part of a busy Great Malvern road will be closed for much of December.

Grange Road will be partially closed from Monday, December 5 to Wednesday, December 23 while building work takes place at Malvern Theatres.

Malvern Hills District Council said Grange Road car park and public toilets will still be open and there will be access to businesses and frontages.

A 310-square metre extension is being built at the thearte as part of a project costing £2.25 million.

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As well as providing a new main entrance, the extension will enable Malvern Theatres to increase its number of workshop places from around 2,500 to 14,500 per year, including more classes such as music, drama, movement, dance, art and more.

Disabled access to the theatre from the Grange Road entrance will also be improved.

As part of the new development, work has already been completed on creating a new 'Changing Places' toilet facility, making the whole theatre complex accessible for people with severe disabilities for the first time.

It will also enable the theatre to extend its work with Acorns children's hospice and other specialist care providers in the area.

Theatre extension project will make 'significant difference'

The extension project, which got underway in September, is funded jointly by Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Theatres Trust.

Malvern Theatres Trust operates the theatre on a long-term lease from the council.

Speaking as work got underway in September, Cllr Peter Whatley, portfolio holder for resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Malvern Theatres attracts over 300,000 visitors each year and is one of the district's top most popular attractions.

“Our investment will make a significant difference to the popular venue and will allow the theatre to continue with its wonderful community work.”

Work is being carried out by Malvern-based construction firm Speller Metcalfe.

The company’s divisional director Matthew Bailey said: “Working on local projects that have a truly positive impact is at the heart of what we do, and as a Malvern contractor, everyone here knows that the theatre is a hub of our local community.

“Having the opportunity to take on this building project is a fantastic way for us to give back to the people of Malvern.”