THE owner of Malvern's Abbey Hotel is spending up to £800,000 on improvements.

Sarova Hotels has submitted a planning application for extensive work to the Elgar Suite to create a modern and flexible space for conferences, meetings and other events.

Manager Patrick Jones said: "It's a very exciting project. The Elgar Suite is already used for all kinds of functions. It seats 250 guests for dinner and we had the Malvern Girls' College ball there only a few days ago."

Users include local organisations as well as visitors to the town.

The alterations include a new entrance and bar, but the most important feature is a system of movable walls that can sub-divide the space into up to four meeting rooms.

"This will greatly increase the Elgar Suite's flexibility and will make it more attractive for meetings, seminars and other events to a whole range of clients," said Mr Jones.

If planning permission is granted, Mr Jones hopes the work will be carried out in January and February next year, with the revamped Elgar Suite being ready for use in March.

The work to the Elgar Suite is only part of upgrading work at the hotel.

Work is currently being carried out to modernise the bedrooms, which should be completed by the end of the week.

Rooms in the newer part of the hotel have been redecorated in a modern style and throughout the hotel, rooms have been fitted with high-speed internet access.

"This is the sort of thing that business clients are coming to expect, and we are happy to provide it," said Mr Jones.

"This investment is good for the hotel and good for Malvern as well."