A REMODELLED theatre at Malvern College has been named the winner of this year's civic society award.

The award is made each year by Malvern Civic Society to a new or refurbished building that adds something special to the town.

The award scheme was founded 25 years ago by the society's then-chairman, now its president, Dr John Harcup OBE.

The Rogers Theatre, off Thirlstane Road, was originally built in the early 20th century.

It has now been transformed by the architectural firm, Squires Brown, with advice from theatrical consultants Charcoal Blue, into a state-of the-art theatre. Attached to the front of the building is an ultra-modern foyer which, like the theatre, is fitted out for total flexibility.

Highly commended certificates were awarded to Falconrest in Victoria Road, which provides eight one-and two-bedroomed apartments in a modern structure designed by Worcester architects Glazzards and built by property developer Ben Roberts, and to a garden gazebo in Croft Bank, West Malvern, designed by homeowner Andy Adams and built by Andy White of Shucknall Hill.

There were also an honourable mentions for Kandersteg, Park Road, West Malvern, built in 1935 in Art Deco style, and transformed by Chris and Rebecca Hollier and architects, Glazzards.

And the Audley Ellerslie retirement village, Abbey Road, by architectural firm Francis of Cardiff and construction companies Zenith and Waites, was praised for its "very positive impact on this corner of Malvern", with the development of 101 apartments in all. on the former Ellerslie school site.