AWARD NOMINATION: Aimee Hyde, director of Persora in Pershore.
A RECENTLY renovated grade two listed building in Pershore has been nominated for a brand new award.
Persora – a contemporary home-ware, interiors and art gallery in the town’s High Street – is in with a chance of winning the national community design award run by Civic Voice.
It was put forward for the accolade, which recognises buildings that make a significant contribution to their built environment, by Pershore Civic Society.
Aimee Hyde, one of 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 by Wychavon District Council and their conservation teams.
“But most importantly, we’ve been supported by Pershore Civic Society which has proved its commitment to local people that want to make a difference to the visual impact of the town and of course, 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 awards 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.”
Winners will be announced later this year.