AN EXCITING project to recreate Great Malvern railway station’s famous clock tower has been boosted after thousands of pounds worth of donations were sent to organisers in recent weeks.
The Observer reported in February of Malvern Civic Society’s plans to reconstruct a new version of the old landmark when the group launched its public appeal.
Creating a new clock tower will need donations worth a total of £384,000 before the vision can be turned into reality.
According to the civic society, the picturesque Victorian clock tower was a major part of the railway station until the 1950s before it was taken down on safety grounds and then destroyed. It was originally built in the 1870s.
When launching the public appeal, the civic society said recreating the clock tower would be a welcome way of improving the station’s appearance and to benefit the town’s economy by attracting more visitors to the town.
A sum of £100,000 was already offered at the time of the launch appeal but since then more than £3,000 has been donated – marking what organisers have labelled a great start to the appeal.
Peter Clement, chairman of the Friends of Malvern’s Railway Group told the Observer he was overwhelmed by the support shown since our front page report on February 10 but insisted it was still early days and no decision had yet been made whether to go ahead with building works.
“I have been very pleased and to be honest surprised by how many donations I’ve had since we launched the appeal,” he said.
“We’ve had many donations. We’re getting donations of £200 here, £300 there and even a donation £1,000 has been sent to us by an individual.
“Donations are coming in but it is still very early days as far as the project is concerned.
“I am hopeful if we can continue to keep it in the limelight and get donations trickling in here and there and that fund-raising will raise up and up.”
Mr Clement added he had recently written to several businesses in Malvern in a bid to secure more donations.
It is hoped work could start by 2018 or possibly earlier depending on whether enough funds have been donated.
The group has issued a list of components required for the project. If the civic society opt not to go through with the plans, any funds donated will be refunded.
A donation form is next to this article and are also available by visiting www.malverncivicsociety.org.uk.
