Redruth Revival: Community breathes new life into Redruth’s historic buildings and town centre

In an uplifting turn for Redruth, community efforts and significant funding have injected new life into the town’s heritage sites, transforming the local economy and civic pride through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme.

A Four-Year Transformation

The programme, concluding this March after a dynamic four-year run, was spearheaded by Cornwall Council in partnership with local organizations and funded by Historic England along with additional support from local stakeholders. A substantial £1.6 million grant from Historic England was supplemented by a further £4.4 million from Cornwall Council and partners, focusing on rejuvenating Redruth’s historic core.

Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for economy, Louis Gardner, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “The investment and hard work of the community have acted as a catalyst for heritage-led regeneration, which has significantly uplifted the prosperity of the town centre.”

High Returns on Community Investment

An independent evaluation by Rose Regeneration highlighted the scheme’s financial effectiveness, revealing a social return on investment of £2.68 for every £1 spent and a Benefit Cost Ratio of 3.78. This indicates a high value for money, far surpassing government benchmarks. The report also noted increased public appreciation for Redruth’s heritage, with significant improvements to landmark buildings and a surge in cultural activities receiving warm reception from locals.

Revitalising Key Historic Sites

The HSHAZ initiative has successfully revitalised five pivotal sites in Redruth:

• The London Inn (Nos.33 & 34 Fore Street) has been brought back into use offering affordable commercial units at street level and town centre residential accommodation above and behind.
• The Buttermarket cluster of historic buildings are being refurbished with completion anticipated in July 2024, creating a vibrant space for independent businesses including an innovative food offer to boost the nighttime economy, as well as providing a venue for regular markets and wide-ranging events programmes.
• The Ladder is a new creative and community hub in the former Passmore Edwards Library, which was listed at Grade II as part of the HSHAZ. The building is being conserved and refurbished by a new Community Interest Company, securing the long-term future of the former library for the community.
• 81 Fore Street the former HSBC Bank which had been empty for a number of years was purchased by Redruth Revival CIC using HSHAZ funding as a new location for Mining Exchange Studios – a collective of artists and makers.
• Redruth Civic Centre & Library and Information Service moved to new premises on Alma Place with the important community service devolved to Redruth Town Council

Additional initiatives have included repair and improvement grants for priority buildings and enhanced town centre accessibility through new maps and signage.

Cultural Catalysts and Community Unity

The project also extended beyond physical renovations. Historic England granted an additional £80,000 to fund ‘Redruth Unlimited’, a cultural programme that drew in 168 artists and over 32,000 attendees, galvanised by 1,148 volunteers. This initiative not only increased footfall but also strengthened community ties with Redruth’s historical roots.

Barbara Ellenbroek, town and Cornwall councillor for Redruth South, reflected on the project’s success, “It’s been an honour to chair the board during the scheme and witness the extraordinary outcomes achieved through community collaboration.”

A Model for National Revival

This local success story forms part of the broader High Streets Heritage Action Zone initiative funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, along with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme aims to replicate Redruth’s success nationally, proving that strategic investment in heritage can be a catalyst for economic growth and community revival.

Historic England’s Rebecca Barrett and Arts & Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson have both praised the programme’s success in revitalising England’s high streets and sustaining their vital role within communities.

As Redruth looks forward, the foundations laid by the HSHAZ programme promise continued growth and a rejuvenated sense of place, setting a precedent for heritage-led urban renewal across England.