Czech Connections - Malvern and Mariánské Lázně
Malvern has been developing economic and cultural partnership links with the town of Marienbad in the Czech Republic.
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| Malvern Hills Beacon |
The towns have exchanged visits to explore future cultural and economic opportunities. They both share a rich spa heritage, as each were involved in the early watercure treatments that started in the 19th century. Malvern was a World leader in these treatments developed by doctors Gully and Watson, and often attracted the rich and famous such as Charles Darwin and Florance Nightingale.
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| Malvinha Fountain - Malvern |
Sadly, the watercure popularity declined in Malvern, leaving only its wells and superb architecture as a reminder of its once prominent position. Today Malvern, still famous for its water and fantastic scenery, is considered a major UK centre for the communication and surveillance technology industries. Quite a leap from spa to spying!
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| Singende Fountain - Marienbad |
Although wellness and spa therapy is still the main income generator for the town of Marienbad; It has suffered cutbacks in government subsidy for water cure treatments in recent years. This is mainly due to the European wide recession. These realities have forced the town to review its economic base and research other income streams to support its main economy.
Marienbad identified the need to develop a business park to support SME’s and nurture other businesses. Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire Chamber have provided business advice and support to Marienbad and also provided introductions to key UK companies such as QinetiQ and Morgan Cars.
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| Morgan Cars |
