A SPECIAL plaque celebrating an historic Malvern location is to be unveiled this month.

The Malvern Civic Society will unveil a plaque commemorating the town's former Convent of the Holy Name, founded back in 1879.

The unveiling will also signal a new beginning for the site, which has been turned into apartments and housing by Broadway Heritage.

The former St Leonard's House in Gospel Place will be given its plaque as part of a programme of events celebrating this year's national Heritage Open Days, which run from September 11 to 20.

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On September 19, chairman Andrew Huntley and members of the Civic Society will unveil the plaque as a prelude to the sales launch of the new houses.

Michael Hodges, managing director of Broadway Heritage, said the plan was to "celebrate the past while building the future."

He said: "We feel that our new development is truly in line with the Civic Society’s aim of encouraging high standards of planning and design for the enhancement of Great Malvern.

"The mix of spacious properties available in the new development, including homes for young professionals and apartments for those wishing to downsize will complement the fabric of the historic town for many years to come.

"Malvern is arguably one of the most outstanding locations in England surrounded by captivating landscapes with picturesque thriving towns and vibrant villages all offering a huge variety of activities and events."

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Heritage Open Days is an annual event in England taking place over ten days in September that celebrates the country’s history, culture and architecture.

Coordinated by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery it describes itself as a “national local festival” and is the largest celebration of England’s history and culture during the year.

More than 2,000 organisations take part with over 5,500 events and 46,000 volunteers – and all venues are free.

A number of churches around Worcestershire are opening their doors for Heritage Open Days this year.

In Worcester, the city's iconic cathedral is allowing visitors to experience its delights out of hours by candlelight, explore on a torch-light trail, find inspiration through atmospheric music and enjoy a glass of wine in the medieval cloisters. For more information, go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk/