A RECENTLY renovated Grade II Listed building in the heart of a Worcestershire market town has been nominated for a new award that recognises contributions to the build environment.

Persora in Pershore High Street, which opened its doors last October after more than six months of renovation, has been put forward by Pershore Civic Society for the awards scheme run by Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic movement in England.

Director Aimee Hyde, one of the two sisters who own and run Persora, said: "Throughout the whole process from start to finish, we have been overwhelmed by the support shown to us from Wychavon District Council and their conservation teams, but, most importantly, by Pershore Civic Society which has proved its commitment to local people who want to make a difference to the visual impact of the town and the preservation of local heritage and history.

“We always wanted Persora to be visually exciting and to inspire others to see what is achievable. Many of our towns in Worcestershire have beautiful Listed properties and this can put people off taking them on to renovate due to the stigma attached, but with the support of local groups who are there to help alleviate the pressure the process becomes a whole lot simpler.”

Ian Harvey, executive director at Civic Voice, added: "The Civic Voice Design Awards are not the usual sort of design award, where professionals give an award to the work of other professionals. Instead, the nominations will be made and supported by local communities across the country.

“Clearly Persora is valued by the local community, civic society and town council. We look forward to debating its merits on a national level."

Throughout the process, the panel of specialists look for excellence in terms of quality in design and construction, appropriateness, innovation and sustainability, community participation and engagement, promoting pride of place and preservation or enhancement of the local historic built environment. The winners of the awards and commendations will be revealed later this year.