THE restoration of Malvern Link's railway station has won this year's Civic Award from Malvern Civic Society, against stiff competition.

The station last year underwent a complete regeneration, wit the 1970s-vintage ticket office and waiting rooms being replaced by building's more in keeping with Malvern's Victorian heritage.

John Dixon of the civic society said: "It was a very difficult decision but in the end, the attractiveness of the design, the quality of the workmanship and the positive impact it has had on the area, persuaded the committee to give this year’s award to Malvern Link station.

"The whole project has been very well received by the Link community, who make over 300,000 journeys to and from the station each year."

The renovation cost £500,000, which came from Worcestershire County Council, Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust.

The Civic Award is intended to reward new or renovated buildings which add something special to the built environment of the area in terms of design, construction and craftsmanship.

"It was a good year for nominations, all of which were worthy competitors," said Mr Dixon.

Among the runners-up was the Coach House Theatre in Grange Road, which was extended last year and the Lodges in Church Street, two distressed Victorian buildings that have been restored by local development company, GR8Space, headed by Nick Liddell and its architects Ian Guest and Associates.

A new apartment block, the Review in Orchard Road, was described as "a very handsome building, which fits in well with the surrounding Victorian villas, whilst being thoroughly modern in structure and materials", with IE Developments Hereford, BPL Architecture of Tewkesbury and builder C J Bayliss of Hereford being commended.

And Marie and Jason Lynas of the restaurant Terrace on the Hill in Worcester Road, were shortlisted for their work on the Art Deco-style premises in Worcester Road.