WORK has started in creating a brand new heritage trail for Malvern showcasing the town’s rich history and all of its uniqueness.
A sod cutting ceremony was held earlier today (Wednesday, September 7) to mark the start of work on the Great Malvern: Route to the Hills trail which will soon see several new features promoting the town.
Organisers of the project hope it will boost Malvern’s tourism numbers and show more for what the town has to offer.
Over several months a series of specially designed features will be installed to create a trail running from Great Malvern Railway Station, through the town and on to the hills.
This includes gateway and welcome signs, map and information panels, wall and floor plaques.
Some creative pieces have also been commissioned from leading outdoor setting designers Outside Studios, which has its work in high profile sites such as Kew Gardens in London and the Thinktank in Birmingham.
Each part of the route will highlight a specific part of Malvern’s heritage including the importance of spring water in shooting the town to fame in Victorian times and the influence the hills has had on writers such as Chronicles of Narnia author CS Lewis.
The project is being led by Malvern Hills District Council and nine other organisations.
Coun David Watkins, chairman of the Great Malvern: Route to the Hills Partnership Board, said: “The Route to the Hills will offer a new way to explore Great Malvern.
“The area has an exceptional range and quality of stories to tell and this scheme, will for the first time ensure this stunning heritage, in all its breadth and depth, is enjoyed by all.”
The project is mainly funded by a £482,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is overseen by ten key organisations, led by Malvern Hills District Council.
It also includes a three year scheme to educate and engage people in Malvern’s history – which has already begun. A number of volunteers have also been recruited to help with research, photography and promotion related to the project.
Malvern Mayor, Cynthia Palmer added: “I’m delighted to see work starting on the installation of the Route to the Hills. This will allow both visitors and residents to experience all Great Malvern has to offer while learning more about the area’s fascinating heritage.”
