Civic Society Award 2006: This annual award is made for a new or renovated building that in the opinion of the Society's Awards Committee makes a significant contribution to the built environment in the Malvern area. This year the award went to the Warwick House scheme on the Wells Road for fifteen apartments and the same number of houses. The award was presented to the developer Richard Webb who, with the encouragement of the late John Ford, devised the plan for high quality flats and houses. that would preserve one of Malvern's most evocative buildings.
Most of the original structure has been kept including the original staircase and chimney at the centre. It was the care with which this had been handled that impressed the Civic Society. The committee reported that they had found the Victorian core of the former Warwick House department store carefully preserved. Inside many original features have been retained and spaces inherited from the former shop have been used imaginatively to create homes with character and individuality.
For those of you who like to have the details, the architects were the international firm of G V A Grimley. The builders were the local firms of Speller-Metcalfe Ltd, based at the Enigma Business Park, who had carried out the refurbishment of the Victorian buildings, while the new building was by Severn Vale Construction Ltd of Graham Road.
Many of you will recall that in its heyday Warwick House had a reputation as the Harrods of the West Midlands. It was founded in 1833 when George Warwick opened as a small linen and drapery store and formed a partnership with Thomas Cox. By 1867 Cox and Painter, as it was then known, had expanded into the handsome new premises called Warwick House. The shop was now selling furniture and bedding, carpets, fabrics and wallpapers, millinery and shoes.
Many of the items were made in the firm's own workshops in attics and basements. In the yard down below carpenters, French polishers and upholsterers were at work. It must have been a hive of activity. There was accommodation on the premises for 25 of the staff to live-in. Customers came from all over the Midlands and beyond.
Towards the end of the 20th century, with virtually no car parking facilities and radical changes in retailing, Warwick House went into decline and eventually closed. Then along came Richard Webb, who was involved with Warwick House in its final retailing years, with the redesigned complex that has won our annual award. It was presented to Richard by our President, George Chesterton on July 21st. John Dixon
(With due acknowledgment to Cora Weaver)
LOCAL VISITS PROGRAMME: Our programme of visits to local churches was introduced in 2006 for the first time. It was intended to cater for those who have an interest in local history and who are prepared to use their own transport. In addition to the scheduled visits we had a most interesting visit to the Convent of the Holy Name in Malvern Link and also to St James's School in West Malvern. Following a good response we are extending the range of visits in 2007
All of these visits are on a Saturday afternoon and last for about 2-3 hours. They will be guided with a 'cuppa' afterwards. The cost is £5.00 (£4.00 is donated to the Church, the residue is to cover administration). The arrangements do vary so for the visits to beautiful Kilpeck, Shobdon, Tewkesbury Abbey and Bredon your information contact is Roger Sutton 01684 565273 and for civil war embattled Church of St Barnabas, Brampton Bryan and Cradley Church & 15thC Village Hall your information contact is John Handley 01886 880549. (To book see the coupon on p 19)