independent Cornish news and comment

Kerrier: Redruth Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme

The Redruth Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) has been a key factor in the transformation of many of Redruth’s historic buildings within the town’s Conservation Area since it was launched in June 2004. The Scheme which aims to bring back into use vacant or underused buildings of historic or architectural significance already has five completed projects under its belt, six currently in progress and a number due to commence in the spring.


HERS grants enable owners and leaseholders to carry out traditional repairs and the reinstatement of architectural details where possible, to their historic buildings using local materials and traditional methods. Work is being carried by local contractors and is overseen at every stage by the Redruth HERS Team and Kerrier District Council’s Conservation Officer, Andrew Richards.

Councillor Mark Kaczmarek, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Regeneration said: ‘There is a lot happening in Redruth at the moment, all of which will help with the economic growth of the town. The HERS project has seen buildings renovated to an incredibly high standard, and the latest round of Public Realm improvements is improving public areas for everyone. Redruth is a town on the up.’

Councillor Graeme Hicks, Portfolio Holder for the Environment added: ‘It's great to see some positive results in Redruth as these buildings are brought back to their former glory. There is no doubt that these improvements will dramatically improve the look of the town and I am positive that this will be followed with economic benefits as confidence in Redruth grows.’

The first building to receive the HERS treatment was 36 Fore Street, previously a butchers shop now a hearing aid centre, has benefited from repairs to the roof, walls and the reinstatement of joinery and rainwater goods. Grant aided works have also been completed at 2 – 4 Bond Street and the former Abbot and Wicket and Malayan Tin Buildings (now jointly called Sebastian House) on Station Road.

Caius, Project Manager for the Redruth HERS said: ‘I’m pleased that the scheme has been used to bring life back to some superb buildings in Redruth town centre and add character to the area.’

Work has recently commenced at 2 – 4 Falmouth Road, 10 & 11 Penryn Street, 59 – 60 West End, 83 Fore Street, Clinton Passage and The Old Coach House on Fore Street.

Cllr John Hayward, Mayor of Redruth said: ‘I am delighted to see a key element of Redruth’s regeneration coming to fruition. We have some superb architecture in Redruth and this scheme is vital to its preservation and restoration.’

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of CPR Regeneration agreed: ‘The recent award of World Heritage Site status to parts of West Cornwall shows the important role that heritage can play in wealth creation. We want to see Redruth benefit fully from its distinctive character and the Redruth HERS is a part of that process.’

The HERS is administered by Kerrier District Council and is a partnership between English Heritage, Objective One (European Regional Development Fund), Kerrier District Council, Cornwall County Council, Redruth Town Council and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, working closely with the CPR Urban Regeneration Company and the Redruth Regeneration Group.

Further details about the Redruth HERS is available from Caius Simmons, Project Manager on 01209 614094.