Certificates of Excellence will be awarded by Malvern Civic Society for two very different buildings this year.
A new, fairly small house, 366 Pickersleigh Road, built by Steve and Lee Bone, was praised for its pleasing design, its high standard of workmanship and its thoughtful eco-friendly and low -maintenance features.
Another certificate will be awarded to ‘Copper Beeches’, a fine Edwardian house in Albert Road South. Richard Southall, the owner since 2004, has brought the house back to life whilst preserving its authentic period detail and atmosphere. In this Conservation Year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Civic Amenities Act which created Conservation Areas, the Award Sub-Committee thought it was appropriate to give Richard a Special Award for Excellence in Conservation.
There were four other nominations. One was the new shop, Rhubarb Home, opened by Nigel and Sara Morris on the corner of the Exchange, in Church Street. The Sub-Committee praised what had been done, particularly the preservation of ‘Fishy’ Davis’s ceramic pictures inside, and considered that it had had an uplifting effect on that whole area of the town.
Three other projects saved important Malvern buildings from near dereliction. Local property developer Steve Hickman converted the old Town Club in Worcester Road into six modern apartments. They are different in size and character but all are energy-efficient and well sound-proofed and insulated. The elegant Grade ll listed façade of the building now looks very handsome.
Another local property company, Crystalight Ltd., has rescued ‘Ivydene’ in Albert Road North, a fine old Victorian mansion, formerly occupied by the Girls’ College. Great ingenuity was shown in planning 17 modern apartments, with very high-quality fittings and wonderful views. The building has regained its former grandeur.
‘Ivycrest’, at 33 Worcester Road, is a semi-detached Regency villa built in 1820, which makes it one of the earliest buildings in the fledgling spa town. When Lizzie Mepsted first saw it in 2014 it had stood empty for 15 years and had been severely vandalised. She set to with her builder, Sean Andrews of Pershore, and completely renovated it and has created an elegant, comfortable family home with an attractive terraced garden.
The Award Sub-Committee praised all the nominees for what they had achieved. The town as a whole is the beneficiary. The Certificates will be presented to the winners at a Society meeting later in the year.