& Scilly Urban Survey

Historic characterisation for regeneration

REDRUTH

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SERVICE

Objective One is part-funded by the European Union

Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey

Historic characterisation for regeneration

REDRUTH

Kate Newe ll

June 2004

HES REPORT NO. 2004R037

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SERVICE Environment and Heritage Service, Planning Transportation and Estates, Cornwall County Council Kennall Building, Old County Hall, Station Road, , Cornwall, TR1 3AY tel (01872) 323603 fax (01872) 323811 E-mail [email protected]

Acknowledgements This report was produced as part of the Cornwall & Scilly Urban Survey project (CSUS), funded by English Heritage, the Objective One Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (European Regional Development Fund) and the South West Regional Development Agency (South West RDA). Peter Beacham (Head of Designation), Graham Fairclough (Head of Characterisation), Roger M Thomas (Head of Urban Archaeology), Jill Guthrie (Designation Team Leader, South West) and Ian Morrison (Ancient Monuments Inspector for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly) liaised with the project team for English Heritage and provided valuable advice, guidance and support. Nick Cahill (The Cahill Partnership) acted as Conservation Advisor to the project, providing support with the characterisation methodology and advice on the interpretation of individual settlements. Georgina McLaren (Cornwall Enterprise) performed an equally significant advisory role on all aspects of economic regeneration. Additional help has been given by Andrew Richards (Conservation Officer, Kerrier District Council). Mike Horrocks (then Community Regeneration Officer Redruth Area, Tin Country Partnership, IAP) and John Dobson (then – Pool – Redruth Principal Regeneration Manager Objective 1, South West RDA) provided valuable information regarding regeneration proposals and initiatives. Sharron Schwartz has given valuable information regarding the history of Redruth and has provided a number of illustrations including the selection reproduced here of international house names seen throughout the town. The Urban Survey team, within Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Service, is: Kate Newell and Stephanie Russell (Urban Survey Officers), Dr Steve Mills (Archaeological GIS Mapper) and Graeme Kirkham (Project Manager). Bryn Perry-Tapper is the GIS/SMBR supervisor for the project and has played an important role in developing the GIS, SMR and internet components of CSUS. Jeanette Ratcliffe was the initial Project Co-ordinator, succeeded by Pete Herring from Spring 2003. This report builds on the work of the Cornwall Industrial Settlements Initiative (CISI), a project with the aim of providing an overview of the history, present character and significance of Cornwall’s industrial settlements. Redruth was studied for CISI by the Cahill Partnership for Cornwall Archaeological Unit in the winter of 2000/2001 (final report March 2002). The CSUS methodology seeks to explore the link between characterisation and identifying heritage-led regeneration opportunities in order to promote sustainable urban regeneration. Maps The maps in this publication are based on Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution and/or civil proceedings. The map data, derived from Ordnance Survey mapping, included within this publication is provided by Cornwall County Council under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfil its public function to publicise local public services. Cornwall County Council Licence No. 100019590, 2004.

Cover illustration Redruth town centre: the principal crossroads of Fore Street, West End, Penryn Street and Chapel Street with the railway viaduct sweeping over the town to the south, 2001. (CCC Historic Environment Section, ACS 5420).

© Cornwall County Council 2004 No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

Contents

Summary 1 1 Introduction 4 Regeneration and the historic towns of Cornwall and Scilly 4 Characterisation and regeneration 4 Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey 5 CSUS reports 5 Cornwall Industrial Settlements Initiative 6 Extent of the study area 6 2 Redruth: the context 7 The regeneration context 7 Landscape and setting 11 Physical topography of the urban area 11 Historic environment designations 12 3 Historic development 13 Early origins 13 ‘The greatest market in the west’ 13 ‘The heart of Cornish mining’ 15 Early 19th century expansion 16 Decline of Cornish mining 18 Late 19th century - civic rebuilding and expansion 19 The 20th century 21 Into the 21st century 22 4 Archaeological potential 23 Indicators of archaeological potential 24 5 Present settlement character 25 Understanding character 25 Overall settlement character 25 The character areas 29 6 Heritage-led regeneration and positive management of the historic environment 44 Character-based principles for regeneration 44 Regeneration and the historic environment: key themes and issues 45 Regeneration opportunities in the different character areas 49 Technical Appendix: GIS metadata information, definitions, explanations and suggestions for use 60 Sources 67

i

Figures (bound at back of report) 1. Location and topography 2. Ordnance Survey 1:2500, 2nd edition (1907) 3. Historical development 4. Historic settlement topography 5a) and b) Surviving historic components 6. Urban archaeological potential 7. Character areas 8. Character area summary sheets 1 – 6

Abbreviations CAU Cornwall Archaeological Unit CCC Cornwall County Council CISI Cornwall Industrial Settlements Initiative CPR Camborne Pool Redruth area Cornish Mining WHS Cornish Mining World Heritage Site Bid CSUS Cornwall & Scilly Urban Survey DCMS Department for Culture, Media and Sport DTLR Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions EH English Heritage ESRI Environmental Systems Research Institute GIS Geographical Information Systems HES Historic Environment Service HERS Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme HLC Historic Landscape Characterisation HLF Heritage Lottery Fund LOTS Living Over The Shop scheme KDC Kerrier District Council South West RDA South West of England Regional Development Agency SMBR Sites, monuments and buildings record UFP Urban Framework Plan URC Urban Regeneration Company

ii Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

factor in the town’s economy from at least Summary the 13th century, with the exploitation of the nearby valleys for tin streaming. With the technical advances of the industrial Cornwall & Scilly Urban Survey revolution mining became more intensive and more profitable. By the first half of the The Cornwall & Scilly Urban Survey is a 18th century the town was surrounded by pioneering initiative aimed at harnessing the extensive mining works. This activity, the quality and distinctive character of the associated processing works located within historic environment to successful and the town, and other industrial uses sustainable regeneration. The Survey is concentrated along the river valley boosted investigating 19 historic towns and creating the economy of the town and led to its rapid for each an information base and character expansion. During the 18th and 19th centuries assessment which will contribute positively the town became the administrative and to regeneration planning. The project is financial hub of the mining industry. Its based within Cornwall County Council’s commercial side continued to evolve creating Historic Environment Service and funded by a bustling main street with extensive English Heritage, Objective 1 and the South department stores. Although much of the West RDA. rapid expansion had been mass housing for Redruth the local industrial workforce, Redruth had a significant managerial, professional and Redruth is an important market and trading class as demonstrated in industrial town in west Cornwall. Together developments such as the better quality with the neighbouring settlements of houses of the Clinton and Albany Roads Camborne and Pool it forms the largest area. urban conurbation in Cornwall. The visible regeneration of the town has begun with the Historic settlement character successful completion of several major Redruth’s history and geographical location heritage-led projects led by Kerrier District has created a town with a strong, locally Council, including the rescue and conversion distinctive character. Major elements of this of a number of significant derelict historic include the following. buildings. An Urban Regeneration Company (URC) has been formed to cover this • Dramatic hillside location with steep conurbation and is set to have a dramatic gradients in many streets, extensive views effect on the area. Currently there are a of the townscape and surrounding area. number of major regeneration proposals targeting important sites within and close to • Settlement form retains much from the Redruth’s historic core, including a number medieval town including the principal of prioritised sites identified by the URC, a cross roads, elements of the burgage proposed Heritage Economic Regeneration strips, and echoes of the surrounding Scheme and a public realm based Town medieval strip field system seen within Centre Improvement Programme. The town the linear form of the 18th and 19th will also play a crucial role in the proposed century terraces. Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. • Built environment dominated by richly th Historical development detailed, late 19 century structures, but also comprising a surprising amount of Redruth originated as a medieval market 18th and early 19th century buildings. A town strategically located at an important wide range of materials and high level of crossroads and river fording point, 1 km architectural enrichment are key factors in from the parish church town. Although the central core with more modest, plain, widely acknowledged as one of the centres of robust forms seen in the surrounding the greatest of all Cornwall’s mining areas its residential areas dominated by terraces principal economic function was as the and rows of industrial housing set close to greatest market town in west Cornwall with the industrial places of work. its first market and fair charters dating to

1333. Metal ore extraction was an important

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Redruth from Carn Brea (Adam Sharpe, HES Cornish mining WHS image)

Character-based principles for Regeneration and the historic regeneration environment: key themes for These principles have been derived directly Redruth from the analysis of the character areas and • Redefining Redruth should underpin all regeneration initiatives in • Asserting Redruth’s historic significance Redruth. • Respecting historic buildings • Recognition of the quality and distinctive • Enhancing the public realm and character of Redruth’s historic built managing the streetscape environment. Commitment to enhancing • Managing traffic and parking and maintaining this resource and to • Enhancing gateways and approaches achieving equally high quality and • Promoting urban green spaces distinctiveness in terms of style, scale and • Positive use of brownfield sites materials, in all future new build and planning for the public realm. • Reviewing conservation management

• Presentation, interpretation and promotion of Redruth as a high-quality Character areas and regeneration historic Cornish town of character and opportunities significance, notable especially for its 19th Six distinct Character Areas have been century mining related prosperity. identified within the historic urban core. • Understanding and respect for the These are differentiated by their varied distinctive contribution which physical historic origins, functions and resultant urban and historic topography and landscape topography, the processes of change which setting make to the townscape. have affected each subsequently and the extent to which these elements and processes • The need to reinstate character and are evident in the current townscape. quality in the built environment and public realm where it has been eroded by These character areas are a means of inappropriate past interventions. understanding the past and the present. In turn, that understanding provides the basis for a positive approach to planning future change which will maintain and reinforce the historic character and individuality of each area – sustainable local distinctiveness.

A summary of the attributes for each character area, with key themes for heritage- led regeneration is presented below.

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1. Fore Street. Fore Street is the town’s principal • Reassert the primacy of Fore Street commercial street, a medieval market street set on a • Define gateways to Fore Street steeply sloping hill, offering spectacular views into and • Increase the perceived vitality of the street out of the town. A unique collection of highly detailed • Improve streetscape and individual buildings jostle for position and tell of the former mining-related wealth of the town and its • Improve integration with the surrounding town commercial glory. and the upper and lower ends of the street 2. Alma Place and the remnant medieval • Reinstate character and quality – reintroduce urban townscape. The back plots of the Fore Street grain into unlandscaped car parks to reintegrate properties have experienced different levels of the area with the rest of the townscape. development. To the north, the former plots have been • Improve connections to Fore Street with amalgamated, historic character and grain lost, with continued ope improvements. inappropriate new development dislocating the • Enhance area as a public transport interchange and commercial centre from the rest of the town. To the arrival point. south, the townscape is more intact, with important features such as the retained open fair ground and the architecturally impressive late 19th century Alma Place development built close to the railway station. 3. 18th and 19th century civic expansion. Until the • Reintegrate with Fore Street. late 19th century the west end of town served as the • Traffic management measures. financial and administrative quarter of Redruth and • Potential brownfield redevelopment site identified formed an important commercial continuation of Fore at the side of the cinema. Street. This former use is still reflected in the • Enhance streets as important approach routes. impressive structures lining the streets, the surviving historic shop fronts and excellent architectural • Reuse of historic buildings. detailing. This quality is currently tempered by heavy • Access to urban green open space could be traffic flows and the high number of vacant properties. improved with the Fair Field developments. Green Lane shares much of this character but has a more dominant residential use. 4. The industrial town. The industrial importance of • Enhance approach routes to raise town profile. the town is still seen in the character of a large area of • Respect and reuse historic buildings Redruth. Sites of former industrial uses and the stone- • Maintain and enhance character of industrial built terraces and rows constructed to house the housing. workforces still form a significant amount of the • Sensitive redevelopment of brownfield sites based townscape. The river valley formed an early focus for on an understanding of their archaeological and industry with the principal roads used as axes for historic value. industrial-related residential expansion. Despite the urban setting a distinctive rural feel is notable in several • Value the natural environment within the urban areas, especially at Plain-an-Gwarry. setting providing links between town and country. 5. Victorian middle class housing. The substantial • Create an urban focal point around St Andrew’s houses, tree-lined streets and general prosperous church to better integrate and utilise the quality of ambiance of these areas continue to contribute an this area as part of the wider town. essential aspect of Redruth’s character. The Clinton and • Enhance the green public open spaces to maximise Albany Road development has a tight grid form, this urban asset. echoing the underlying medieval field system, and • Maintain and enhance the character of the area creating a well ordered townscape. This regularity is through sensitive alterations and maintenance of softened by the architectural diversity and mature historic buildings and property boundaries. planting of the properties. This late 19th century urban quarter also includes a strong civic focus including St Andrews church and the public library, with Victoria Park, set to the east, forming the only municipal formal park of the town. 6. Large houses and extensive grounds. The largest • Counter the threat of subdivision and increased and most opulent residences of the town are set in development by sensitive siting, scale and suburban areas concentrated to the west of the town, landscaping of any new build. but also the upper extent of Green Lane and the east • Enhance the Fair Field by increasing its use as an end of Plain-an-Gwarry. These detached houses, set in important urban green space. sometimes extensive grounds, enjoy a privacy not seen • Sensitive conversion of the former hospital in the rest of the town. The mature trees and planting buildings of the grounds provide an important green backdrop for the town as a whole. The large land plots are also seen in the former Miner’s and Women’s Hospital and 19th century Fair Field set off West End.

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1 Introduction sense of identity and pride of place which in turn creates a positive and confident climate for investment and growth. This synergy between the historic environment and economic regeneration Regeneration and the was recognised and strongly advocated in historic towns of Cornwall the Power of Place review of policies on the and Scilly historic environment carried out by English Heritage in 2000, and its value clearly highlighted in the government’s In July 1999 Cornwall and the Isles of response, The Historic Environment: A Force Scilly were designated as an Objective 1 for the Future (2001). The tool by which area, bringing potential investment from the two may be linked to create a European funds of more than £300m framework for sustainable development over the nine-year spending period. in historic settlements is characterisation. Economic regeneration schemes and development projects within the region’s towns are likely to form a major element of the Objective 1 Programme. Characterisation and Regeneration on this scale offers an regeneration unparalleled opportunity for contemporary contributions in urban ‘The government . . . wants to see more design and architecture to the built regeneration projects, large and small, going environment of Cornwall and Scilly’s forward on the basis of a clear understanding of towns. At the same time, the Objective 1 the existing historic environment, how this has programme emphasises environmental developed over time and how it can be used sustainability (including the historic creatively to meet contemporary needs.’ environment) and regional distinctiveness (DCMS / DTLR, The Historic as key considerations in regeneration Environment: A Force for the Future planning. The process of change (2001), 5.2) launched by current regeneration initiatives could, if not carefully managed, Characterisation is in essence the creation have a negative impact on the historic of a comprehensive knowledge base on environment and the unique character the historic environment. This includes and sense of place of each of these what is known of the settlement’s historic settlements. The pressure to achieve development and the resulting urban rapid change could in itself result in topography - the basic components severe erosion and dilution of their which have contributed to the physical individuality and particular distinctiveness shaping of the historic settlement such as and, at worst, their transformation into market places, church enclosures, ‘anywhere’ towns. turnpike roads, railways, etc. – together with an overview of the surviving historic It is clear from recent research that a fabric, distinctive architectural forms, high-quality historic urban environment materials and treatments and the and the distinctiveness and sense of place significant elements of town and integral to it are themselves primary streetscapes. Characterisation may also assets in promoting regeneration. The provide the basis for assessing the effect may be direct, through heritage potential for buried and standing tourism, for example, but there is a more archaeological remains and their likely powerful and decisive emotional and significance, reducing uncertainty for perceptual impact in prompting a strong regeneration interests by providing an

June 2004 4 1: Introduction Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth indication of potential constraints. which are likely to be the focus for Overall, the process offers a means of regeneration. understanding the diverse range of The ‘target’ settlements are: factors which combine to create ‘distinctiveness’ and ‘sense of place’. Characterisation is also the means St Ives whereby the historic environment can Camborne itself provide an inspirational matrix for regeneration. It both highlights the ‘tears Redruth Falmouth in the urban fabric’ wrought by a lack of Penryn Truro care in the past and offers an indication of appropriate approaches to their repair. It emphasises the historic continuum which provides the context for current Launceston change and into which the regeneration measures of the present must fit if the distinctive and special qualities of each Hugh Town (St Mary’s, Isles of historic town are to be maintained and Scilly). enhanced. Characterisation is not intended to encourage or provide a basis CSUS is a pioneering initiative aimed for imitation or pastiche: rather, it offers directly at cutting across the boundary a sound basis on which the 21st century that traditionally divides conservation can make its own distinct and high- and economic development. Nationally, quality contribution to places of enduring it is the first such project carrying out a value. characterisation-based assessment of the historic urban environment specifically to inform and support a regional economic Cornwall and Scilly Urban regeneration programme. Future regeneration initiatives in other historic Survey settlements, both in Cornwall and further afield, will benefit from the new The Cornwall & Scilly Urban Survey approach developed by the project. (CSUS) was set up – funded by English Heritage, the Objective One Partnership for Cornwall and Scilly (European CSUS reports Regional Development Fund) and the South West Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) – as a key CSUS reports present the major findings contributor to regeneration in the region. and recommendations arising from the The project is investigating 19 historic project’s work on each town. They are towns and creating for each the complemented by digital data recorded information base and character using ArcView Geographical Information assessment which will provide a System (GIS) software, and together the framework for sustainable action within two sources provide comprehensive these historic settlements. information on historic development, urban topography, significant These towns have been identified, in components of the historic environment, consultation with planning, conservation archaeological potential and historic and economic regeneration officers character. within the seven district, borough and unitary authorities in the region, as those Importantly, the reports also identify opportunities for heritage-led

June 2004 5 1: Introduction Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth regeneration and positive management of mapping has been assimilated from CISI the historic environment. However, they produced mapping. The CSUS are not intended to be prescriptive guides methodology provides a more detailed to design and materials for new characterisation of the town and construction. Rather, the understanding additionally identifies opportunities for of character and local distinctiveness heritage-led regeneration. which the reports provide should be used by architects, town planners and regeneration officers to inform future Extent of the study area development and planning strategies. The reports and associated digital The history and historic development of resources are shared with the appropriate Redruth has been investigated and local authorities; economic regeneration, mapped for the whole of the study area planning and conservation officers defined by the CISI report. However, the therefore have immediate access to the detailed characterisation and analysis of detailed information generated by the urban topography that together form the project. Additional information is held in primary elements of this study are closely the Cornwall and Scilly Historic focused on the historic urban extent of the Environment Record, maintained by the settlement. For the purposes of this Historic Environment Service of project this area is defined as that which Cornwall County Council. is recognisably ‘urban’ in character on the Public access to the report and to the second edition Ordnance Survey (OS) associated digital mapping is available via Revision 1:2500 map, c1907. Outlying the project’s website - www.historic- rural settlements that have been cornwall.org.uk - or by appointment at incorporated into the modern urban area the offices of Cornwall County Council’s since 1907 are intentionally excluded. Historic Environment Service, Old A full technical appendix is included County Hall, Truro. providing full definitions, explanations and suggestions for the use of the information provided in the Cornwall Industrial figure sequence bound at the back of Settlements Initiative the report. It also provides metadata information on the GIS mapping used to create the figures. Redruth has previously been studied as part of the Cornwall Industrial Settlements Initiative (CISI). This Conservation Area Partnership between English Heritage (with the Heritage Lottery Fund), Cornwall County Council and the District Councils is intended to assess the character and significance of many of the county’s industrial settlements and provides recommendations for conservation based protection and enhancement. The present report builds on the CISI report for Redruth of March 2002. No additional historical research has been undertaken and much of the GIS based Redruth’s historic core from the south, 2001 (CCC Historic Environment Service, ACS 5420) June 2004 6 1: Introduction Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

2 Redruth: the context

Redruth is an important market and industrial town in west Cornwall. Together with the neighbouring settlements of Camborne and Pool the conurbation is the largest urban area in Cornwall with a population of c45,000. Redruth itself has a population of c12,000. The town is particularly noted for its former industrial status, being one of the metal mining capitals of Britain. This has led to the diverse and inspiring built environment with impressive former department stores in the commercial centre and the surrounding landscape dominated by surviving engine houses and processing works. Redruth is in Kerrier District Council (KDC) and is situated approximately 6 km east of Camborne and 6 km from the north coast at Portreath. The town is well served by good communication links, being on the main road through Cornwall (A30) and on the mainline rail route linking Penzance with London Paddington (Fig. 1).

Redruth from the A30: Major townscape features visible in distant views include Pednandrea Stack, the clock tower and Plain-an-Gwarry chapel The regeneration context it as a strategically important town in Cornwall’s regeneration, defining it as a ‘measure 2.2 employment growth centre’. Redruth is set to see an unprecedented In addition the Secretary of State for level of regeneration investment in the Transport, Local Government and the coming years, driven forward by the Regions identified the town as a Camborne-Pool-Redruth Urban significant part of a ‘Principal Regeneration Company and the Regeneration Area’ in Regional Planning important role the town will play within Guidance for the South West of the proposed Cornish Mining World September 2001 (RPG10). Consequently Heritage Site. the South West Regional Development The Kerrier Local Plan details policies to Agency (South West RDA) considers the promote Redruth as an employment and area as one of only 5 key strategic service centre and also as a focus for locations for support within the region. housing development. The Objective 1 Single Programming Document identifies

June 2004 7 2: Redruth: the context Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

The regeneration challenge here is very real. The area is still suffering from the loss of its traditional economic base and the local economy is weak. Kerrier was the third most deprived area in the south west in the 1998 Index of Local Conditions and its earning levels and household incomes are amongst the lowest in the country. This legacy of decline has resulted in the area’s poor image within Cornwall.

The visible regeneration of the town has West End Stores. Severely damaged by fire and derelict for already begun and a significant amount some years, this building has now been regenerated of positive change has been achieved. In 1992 the Civic Trust was commissioned to produce an Action Plan and this has shaped much of the regeneration to date. Two pioneering heritage-led regeneration programmes have featured in this revival; the Redruth Town Scheme (1988) led by KDC with funding partners including English Heritage and Cornwall County Council and a Conservation Area Partnership (1996-99). A major success of the schemes was their ability to act as a catalyst drawing in additional match St Rumon’s gardens. A tranquil space created from funding. In this way heritage lottery the fire-damaged shell of the Druid’s Hall funds led to the regeneration of three major fire damaged buildings within the town centre.

• West End Stores – converted to social housing, office and retail space. • Druid’s Hall – converted to St Rumons Gardens.

• Alma Place – transformed into the Cornwall Centre and Market Way; a mixed use development of Cornish Studies Library, retail units, market and Young Persons foyer scheme. Alma Place, the Cornwall Centre. New life for the town generated from a heritage-led regeneration project In addition to these targeted sites, European Union funding (Objective 5b) The momentum for change has begun and the South West RDA have funded a but there is still much to achieve. streetscape improvement scheme, replacing surfacing and lighting in many In response to the challenges faced of the narrow passageways (opes) within the Camborne, Pool and Redruth connecting to Fore Street. Other area the Urban Regeneration Company significant historic buildings have been (URC) has been established to drive successfully brought into new uses from forward ambitious £150 million dereliction. investment plans. The URC work in close partnership with the local

June 2004 8 2: Redruth: the context Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth authorities, South West RDA, the centre regeneration proposals, an Prince’s Foundation, English increase in employment accommodation, Partnerships, the Tin Country IAP team an increase in industrial sites and the and the local community. creation of a local logistics hub. To guide this unprecedented regeneration The main features of the proposed town the URC has produced an Urban centre regeneration include: Framework Plan (UFP) and Action Plan. • Although the Camborne, Pool and the renewal and restoration of the Redruth conurbation is being looked at historic built environment, including as a whole, there is an assurance that the shopfront improvements; plan does not seek to merge the • diversification of the town centre, reintroducing housing, employment individual settlements together. Rather 2 the individuality of the places will be and community life, including 2,500m strengthened and the distinctiveness in offices, non-retail uses on new sites between places used to the advantage of and within existing premises. the area – three distinct, interlocking Key sites to be targeted by the proposals places. Concerns have been raised that include the following. the commercial developments planned for the Pool area will further blight the • Town centre improvements – general traditional town centres. A fundamental streetscaping improvments principle of the UFP is to safeguard and • Former Redruth hospital site, West enhance the vitality and viability of the End – to be developed as an urban two existing town centres and it village. specifically states that developments at • Former Redruth School, West End – Pool will focus on uses that do not creative industries development. conflict with the towns. • Fair Field, West End – open space The URC’s plans for Redruth focus on upgrading. its promotion as a centre for cultural and • Former cattlemarket site and creative industries. The success of the surroundings, Station Hill – mixed-use recent heritage-led regeneration projects development. is acknowledged and a key theme of the • British Gas and Old Fire Station, programme is to continue to bring back former chemical works site, Treruffe derelict or under used historic buildings Hill – mixed-use development. into use as part of a comprehensive • Post Office site, Fore Street / Station tourism, arts and cultural strategy. Road – mixed-use development. The UFP’s key economic projects • Flowerpot car park – mixed-use proposed for Redruth include town development.

R1 Redruth hospital urban village R2 Mixed use development, Old School Site R3 Fairfield open space upgrading R4 Carn Brea house conversion / redevelopment R5 Trengweath conversion / redevelopment R6 Mixed-use development, former cattlemarket site and s urrounds R7 Mixed use development, BG depot and Old Fire Station R8 D evelopment site, Treruffe Hill R9 West End streetscape improvements R10 Mixed -use development, Post Office site R23 Flowerpot site Camborne-Pool-Redruth Urban Regeneration Company’s proposals for Redruth Town centre (extract from the Urban Framework Plan, 2001)

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The local Objective 1 community bringing derelict and underused regeneration team for the area is the Tin properties back into economic use. Country Partnership, which will be • working closely with the URC to deliver Repair of quality remaining shopfronts the successful regeneration of the town. and reinstatement of original Objective 5 of its Integrated Area Plan is architectural details. to ‘ensure economic growth and social • Improvements to key areas of the development in the urban areas, public realm that will have an especially by targeting vacant and derelict influence on private sector investment sites for redevelopment’ which will work decisions and public pride. together with objective 7 to ‘protect and enhance the natural and built Traffic has been recognised in the UFP environment to realise economic and as an issue with the potential to restrict social opportunities arising from local the positive impact of regeneration distinctiveness’. A £1,050,000 town within the town centre. As a result a improvement scheme for Redruth has comprehensive transportation study has been secured with funding from the been commissioned from the Halcrow South West RDA and English Group by the URC and CCC. Partnerships. This is designed to build on The future of the town will also be the success of the improvement schemes influenced by the outcome of the implemented by Kerrier DC under the ongoing UNESCO bid for World Objective 5b programme. Works will Heritage Site status for Cornish Mining. include the enhancement of key gateway Just as it was the capital of the richest entrances to the town, car parks, mineral area in the world during the 19th rationalisation and improvement to street century, so too could Redruth play an furniture and will address issues of poor important role in the 21st century in the signage. proposed World Heritage Site. The community of Redruth represented by the Town Council is also very active in working for a better future for the town. The Redruth Vision and Strategy Group continue to play an important role in the process, partners in many of the proposed projects. To continue the positive impact that heritage-led regeneration initiatives have already had upon the town a further

Heritage Economic Regeneration HERS to target underused buildings as one of its priorities Scheme has recently been secured. The total value of this scheme is likely to be in the region of £2 million. This scheme will prioritise the following. • Quality traditional repairs, utilising local materials and building techniques on targeted historic buildings within the town centre conservation area. • Bringing buildings and vacant or underused floor space back into use, providing a long-term solution to

Potential opportunities for Redruth associated with the proposed Cornish Mining World Heritage Site June 2004 10 2: Redruth: the context Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Landscape and setting

The Camborne-Redruth conurbation occupies part of the mineralised ridge running down the spine of the peninsula. The granite uplands of Carnmenellis, Carn Brea and Carn Marth frame the urban area to the south and east. The settlements are sited along the old cross-county road (now the A3047), which was turnpiked in 1839 and has Carn Brea. A dominant feature on the skyline and a now been superseded by the A30 (to the constant element in townscape views north). The surrounding area has been defined in the 1994 Cornwall Historic Landscape

Characterisation (HLC) as predominantly Recently Enclosed Land, with some surviving Anciently Enclosed Land to the east and further from the town. To the south and south-west land rises steeply to the Upland Rough Ground of Carn Marth and Carn Brea. To the south and west is a landscape that retains a Predominantly Industrial character. To Engine houses on the horizon tie the town to its the north the country falls away to a industrial past mixed area of agriculture, woodland and former mine sites. be seen in the wider landscape, reminders Cutting north-south across the relatively of the area’s industrial past. gently sloping landscape are the two deeply incised parallel valleys of Tolskithy and Tolgus/Redruth, running northwards Physical topography of the to the sea at Portreath. The sides of these urban area valleys have been made even steeper by centuries of exploitation for tin streaming Within the historic town centre the and other industrial processes. The underlying physical topography adds a Tolskithy valley provides an important crucially important element to the physical and scenic barrier to the built-up character and interest of the townscape. industrial areas to the west. The medieval The town stands astride the church town of St Euny shelters in this Tolgus/Redruth valley, centred on an valley directly below Carn Brea and this early river crossing point and the location emphasises its separateness from crossroads of two key land routes the town itself. crossing the county (the east-west spinal Views out of town are dominated by the route, formerly the turnpike and now the distinctive shape of Carn Brea to the A3047, and the Falmouth to Portreath south-west. Its medieval castle, the De road, now the A393). This crossroads Dunstanville monument and the ancient forms the junction of Fore Street, West hillfort make it the most prominent End, Penryn Street (before the turnpike landscape feature, visible for miles Cross Street) and Chapel Street. The around. Surviving engine houses can also river, flowing north to the sea at

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Portreath, runs through the town as an Historic environment extensive system of historic leats. At the designations historic crossing point, as in other places, it has been culverted. The current historic environment The majority of the town’s development designations in the historic urban core of lies on the eastern slope of the valley. Redruth are shown on Figure 5 and listed Many streets, including Fore Street, below. Redruth’s principal commercial street, are set on the steep slope, allowing views • There are no Scheduled Monuments across tiered roofscapes and out to the in the study area. Carn Brea castle is surrounding countryside. Equally much the closest scheduled monument. of the ‘set piece’, planned elements of the • 59 Listed Buildings (2 Grade II*: urban development are set along the Murdoch House and Sara’s Foundry; contour. This results in tiers of terraced 57 Grade II structures). development stepping up the valley side, as seen in the Clinton Road and Albany • Two Conservation Areas lie within the Road area. Some artificial terracing has study area, Plain-an-Gwarry also been undertaken in the town (designated 1993) and Redruth Town resulting in the staggered plateaux seen in Centre (designated 1983, extended the extensive car park area to the north 1988 and 1991). Carn Brea is also of Fore Street. Naturally plateaued areas, protected by a Conservation Area such as the Pednandrea complex and designation which also includes the Plain-an-Gwarry, have been targeted for Church Town. Conservation Areas are set-piece developments. proposed for Clinton Road/Albany Road and Rose Row in the Kerrier The Victorian railway responded to this District Local Plan Deposit Draft. valley location with its tunnels and The Redruth and Plain-an-Gwarry cuttings at the top of town in the East CISI report also makes and justifies End area and the dramatic viaduct arches proposals for Conservation Area carrying the track across the valley extensions (shown on Fig 5). bottom over Penryn Street. The sloping terrain provides excellent • The town has one building registered vantage points allowing interesting views on the English Heritage Buildings at across the whole townscape both within Risk register. Sara’s Foundry is the town and beyond it. From the upper classified as being in ‘very bad’ eastern extent of the town long distance condition with an ‘A’ priority for views to the Penwith coastline can be attention. The continuing seen, hence ‘Seaview Terrace’. deterioration of the buildings is noted as is their very vulnerable condition. The Old Fire Station, Falmouth Road is listed on ‘SAVE’s Britain’s Heritage’ Buildings at Risk register which includes grade II listed buildings, unlike the EH register.

June 2004 12 2: Redruth: the context Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

3 Historic development

Redruth has an impressive and important past, reflected in its development and topographical history and surviving historic environment (see Figs. 3 and 4). Although widely considered as one of the centres of the greatest of all Cornwall’s mining areas, its origins can be traced Carn Brea. Cornwall’s largest Iron Age hillfort with further back to the now isolated church evidence of earlier Neolithic settlement town. However, it is the town’s history as a planted medieval market town that led to its principal economic function as the greatest market town in west Cornwall.

Early origins

Evidence of prehistoric settlement is attested in the area in the pattern of known or suspected defended farmsteads (rounds) dating to the late prehistoric and St Euny church town Roman period in the vicinity of the town and mainly in the Anciently Enclosed Land. To the south west the summit of ‘The greatest market in the Carn Brea retains the remains of Cornwall’s largest hillfort (46 acres) with west’ evidence of both Early Neolithic (4th millennium BC) and Iron Age (1st By the early 14th century, Redruth had millennium BC) settlement. There is also been established in the eastern adjacent likely to have been prehistoric (Bronze valley. This new settlement was focused and Iron Age) extraction of mineral ores on the fording point of the , in the area. hence its name – Redruth (incorporating the Cornish elements Rid- meaning ‘ford’ Redruth, like many Cornish planted and ruth meaning ‘red’, a reference to the towns, was established some distance discolouration of the river by tin from the parish church town, now 1 km streaming waste). to the south west of the town centre. The site of St Euny Church, set in its A market town was established at the sheltered coombe, is thought to have crossroads of the main east-west route been an ancient settlement focus from at across the county and the cross-route least the 6th century with the church between the north and south coasts. This enclosure itself a possible early Christian crossroads, now Fore Street, originally lann site. The church town has scarcely Cross Street (later Penryn Street), West expanded beyond its medieval extent of End and Chapel Street, forms the earliest church, rectory, inn (now closed) and focus of the new town. It is likely that the glebe farm. planted town incorporated a smaller area

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Redruth: a planted medieval market town, 2001 (CCC Historic Environment Service, ACS 5421) of organic development already present pattern of development, are traces of the at this crossroads and this may account carefully laid out late medieval town for some irregularity of plan form here. plantation. Buildings along lower Fore The medieval market town of Redruth Street (from the crossroads to Green fits into a county-wide pattern of small Lane) represent the street frontages of towns located at strategic communication long, thin burgage strips that extend and trading points. Nowhere, other than north and south from the street, ending the Lizard or in the heart of Bodmin at back service lanes; Back Lane West Moor was anywhere in the county more survives to the south. This is the core than six or seven miles from a town. extent of the planted medieval market Redruth’s hinterland in this pattern is town. In contrast the plot divisions of marked out by its neighbouring medieval upper Fore Street offer wider street market towns; Truro to the east, Penryn frontages and shorter back plots. They to the south east, Helston to the south are not burgage strips but the consistency west and St Ives to the west. These in boundaries and plot widths suggests towns define the large and busy area that they formed a planned extension of th served by the market town of Redruth. the town’s main street perhaps of the 17 century. Despite being one of Cornwall’s larger Midway along Fore Street are the remains towns Redruth never obtained borough of the former medieval market place, a status. However, its first market and fair widening of the street to accommodate charters date to 1333 and demonstrate stalls, pens and the paraphernalia of a the principal significance of the busy street market. This previously open settlement as a market centre set at a space has been partially infilled by strategic point in the communications encroachment of the street frontage over network. time. The set-back elevations of 20 Fore Surviving within the town’s topography, Street (the former ‘Tattie Court’ and site and still forming the basic structure of its of the King’s Head) and 28 Fore Street urban core and influencing the later (the Oxford Inn) may represent the original build line and indicate the original width of the market place.

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To the immediate south, behind the back town. Norden refers to Uni-Redruth in lane serving the burgage plots, another the 1580’s where there are ‘manie tynn element of the medieval town plan is the workes, both loade and stream works’. fair field. This open area, still known as the Fair Meadow, is retained as an open space, now a car park, having been used ‘The heart of Cornish during the 20th century as a cattle market. mining’ By c1400 the town had its own chapels; St Rumon’s located at the foot of Fore By the first half of the 18th century, Street and St Christopher’s, which may Redruth was tightly surrounded by have been a separate building of extensive mining works and found itself unknown location. St Euny’s continued at the centre of one of the largest and as the parish church and was linked to richest metal mining areas in Britain. the town by the narrow church path Together Redruth and Camborne would which is still in use today. Other early become the acknowledged heart of the references to the town record the Cornish mining industry. The industrial existence of wine and ale taverns (1577), revolution affected the towns differently, frequent features in any busy market leading to the different places seen today. centre. Redruth was already a complex Tightly surrounding this planted town is settlement by the time of the industrial evidence of an extensive strip field revolution, whereas Camborne was little system. Green Lane post dates this field more than a village, until its later 19th system as it cuts through many of the century boom, when its closer location to strips. The long, narrow, slightly sinuous the large tin mines made it the focus of strips have influenced the later the densely packed terraces housing the development of the town, laying the large work force. Redruth, in contrast, set grain for the residential developments of further from the large mine sites, retained industrial terraces in the Rose Rose area much of the character of a rural market and the more prosperous Clinton and town despite its own massive expansion. Albany Roads residential area. Cornwall’s first great copper boom of the A short distance to the north east of the early 18th century stimulated an entirely town centre was the plain-an-gwarry or new scale of investment, speculation and playing place – an ampitheatre where engineering in deep mining. miracle plays were performed. It has Without argument the area focused been suggested that this was a medieval around the two towns (Redruth and reuse of an Iron Age settlement site Camborne), known as the Central Mining (round). No visible remains of this Area, was the most important and feature survive but it is thought to have complex of the Cornish mining districts been sited at the junction of Drump and contained the majority of the most Road and Green Lane. significant mines and key industrial The importance of mineral ore extraction enterprises. At its peak in the 1850s this and processing started well before the central mining area produced two-thirds industrial revolution with tin streaming of the world’s copper. already well established in the medieval The main mines were at some distance period (by the 13th century). The two from the town, with those in and around valleys and their hinterlands were Redruth remaining small, often only extensively exploited. By the 16th century fleetingly in existence, and rarely mineral processing and milling had also profitable. Indeed, the town produced developed as important industries for the some of the greatest loss-making mines

June 2004 15 3: Historic development Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

of the 19th century. The known mine sites rivalled Truro as the business capital of within the urban core are shown on Fig Cornish mining, and was the home and 4, Pednandrea to the east and Wheal workplace of many of the key figures in Sparnon (also known as Wheal Trefusis) the development of mining and allied to the south being perhaps the two best technologies (Watt, Trevithick, known enterprises. Murdoch). This revolution in mining activity led to a Ancillary metal processing industries also period of rapid expansion of the town. expanded within the town and by the mid The sheer number of ventures created 18th century included iron and brass local employment, boosted the market foundries, wire works, stamps, blowing role of the town, and produced huge houses and hammer mills. The 1764 demands for supplies, services and town map makes it clear that these ancillary industries which the town activities were taking place at the very developed to meet. heart of the built-up area, all requiring a Redruth’s central location, good good water supply from a complex communications and traditional market network of adits and leats, some run function made it a natural focus for from the mines but most on the Tolgus financing and managing much of the stream. west Cornwall mining industry. The Other industries and manufactories town grew prosperous on the back of within the town included those ancillary the industry, as recorded by Tonkin in to mining, like crucible, candle and tallow 1739: works, and others like the Redruth This town is of late years grown very Brewery (established 1742, later to considerable, and its market the greatest in the become the largest in the west of Britain), west, especially for corn. It owes its rise to the a tanyard, timberyards, brickworks, and a great confluence of people drawn together by the number of corn mills along the main mines of tin and copper, with which it is stream. surrounded.’ (in Michell 1985, 33). This boost in industrial activity may Tonkin goes on to describe the town as account for the creation of a new consisting ‘chiefly of the large street, near half a settlement to the north of the town mile in length…’. So by the mid 18th centre close to the playing place and century the town’s development was still taking its name - Plain-an-Gwarry. The concentrated along the main road (from main street of Plain-an-Gwarry was West End to Higher Fore Street). almost fully built by 1739 and, as with the Expansion off it was confined to back church town, remained a separate settlement until incorporated into the plot infill and limited spread along the th valley – Penryn Street was only created in town by Redruth’s later 19 century 1763 as part of the turnpike road to expansion. Penryn and Falmouth. The town developed and expanded its Early 19th century expansion service industry: dealing and ‘ticketing’ of ores and mines from 1726 in Tabbs Hotel, Fore Street (demolished in 1968 From the late 18th century the wealth and replaced by a supermarket) and generated by local industry was producing providing banking by 1764 (Copper a high quality townscape, fully appreciated Bank, West End). There were numerous by contemporary commentators. inns and religious and educational ‘In consequence of the immense extension of establishments (Methodist Chapel 1760, working on lodes of copper…the town of Redruth independent schools by 1771). Redruth has grown into a large size, and into considerable

June 2004 16 3: Historic development Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth opulence. The main street is rendered splendid on both sides by continued lines of shops…..’ Davies Gilbert, 1838 (Michell 1985, 114).

Redruth was affected by the economic depression of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, caused by competition from copper mines in Anglesey and the trading difficulties experienced during the French wars. By 1820, however, the local mining industry had recovered and the town revived. The market house was rebuilt in Plain-an-Gwarry developed as an 18th century 1826 and the clock tower in 1828; by the industrial village 1830s the market was again described as the largest in Cornwall after successfully fighting off competition from Camborne and St Day. The arrival of the railways (Redruth and Chacewater 1826, Hayle Railway 1838, Cornwall Railway 1853) stimulated local industry and commerce. Huge coalyards were built at the track terminuses at West End and Pednandrea and the town’s first Falmouth Road – early 19 th century industrial housing passenger station was situated on a short built on tin streaming waste branch in what is now a car park at Coach Lane. Between 1825 and 1840 there was a considerable expansion of the town and intense back-land infill and courtyard development (so that Plain-an-Gwarry became joined to Redruth itself). The population rose by some 40% between 1821 and 1841 (6607 to 9305). Growth was especially marked along Falmouth Road on by then abandoned stream working land, at West End around the Hayle Railway terminus, and at Rose Row Symons Terrace - early 19th century development of a and East End, with the development of a former back plot of a medieval burgage strip concentrated area of worker’s housing associated with developments at quality housing and several large villas set Pednandrea (mine, railway, crucible in substantial grounds on the edge of the works, and brickworks). This expansion town (Symons Terrace, Green Lane, of workers’ housing began to absorb an Chapel Street, with a collection of larger older pattern of smallholdings around the residences to the south west town-edge – town. including Penventon, 1830’s rebuild of Trewirgie, Sparnon House, Parkhenver As well as a large labouring population, and Trengweath). Redruth had a significant managerial, professional and trading class, and this It was largely these professional classes period also saw the spread of better that strengthened both the rise of non- conformism within the town, and the Anglican reaction to it. By 1841 there

June 2004 17 3: Historic development Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

were 7 or 8 chapels and an Anglican chapel of ease (1828, Chapel Street). All

the chapels had attached schools, as well as a British school and a grammar school. The town had a lively intellectual and social life together with a spirit of improvement and self–help. By the mid Victorian period West End had established its status as the centre of Redruth’s banking, financial and administrative functions. Set away from Offices of the Malayan Tin Dregding Company the clamour of the market place demonstrate Redruth’s international mining importance numerous banks were situated in this area. Further status had been given to this part of town by the nearby location of the first passenger railway station.

However, the end of the decade revealed

some serious problems. The parish vestry, which ran the town, was virtually bankrupt by 1840, overbuilding had caused property values to fall, and many of the best local men were emigrating as mining was taking a downturn, all of which was a prelude to the problems of Railway construction through the town required great the following decade, the ‘hungry forties’. engineering accomplishment including dramatic viaducts and cuttings Malayan tin industry was effectively run Decline of Cornish mining from an office in Redruth. The 1850s recovery coincided with the The deep crises of the 1840s form one of extension and development of the the earlier spikes in the overall gradual railway. A limited passenger service had but stepped decline that defined the been offered since 1843 but by 1852 the collapse of Cornish mining in the second line was extended to link Penzance and th half of the 19 century. This steady Truro, and in 1859 connected with running down with occasional general Plymouth and the east. Within the town collapses led to large scale emigration the railway station was relocated to its from the mining areas. There was present site and the viaduct was emigration from Redruth but this was constructed (at first timber, later replaced masked by the increase in population due in stone). This engineering led to the to immigration to the town from the redevelopment of the adjoining streets worst hit parts of the west of Cornwall. (Blee’s Terrace - including the new Town Redruth’s industrial diversification and Hall and Court House - and Bond use as an established service and Street). Land to the south of the new administrative centre cushioned it from station was also developed as a mixed the crash. The town took on a wider role commercial and residential area, with an in countywide, nationwide and ultimately unusual degree of uniformity and control international mining. International offices in design (Treruffle Hill, Bond Street, were established; for example the Basset Street and Heanton Terrace).

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Much of the stone required was quarried in the Falmouth Road area.

Further 1850s rebuilding and some expansion was seen within and around the town. Terraced rows were constructed at East End around Pednandrea (which was reviving and expanding); Higher Fore Street, St Day Road and Trefusis Terrace, and there were further developments at West End around Wheal Union and Blight’s Row at Plain-an-Gwarry. Large houses and villas Alma Place, an 1870’s development designed to were also continuing to be built on the regenerate the town town fringes, along Trewirgie Road, West End and Green Lane. empty houses and the closure of local With the 1850s recovery the market shops. Soup kitchens were required to increased in importance and its banking feed those worst affected. The and service functions continued to population levels peaked in 1861 (11,504) expand. The Druid’s Hall public rooms and were substantially reduced by 1881 were opened in 1859, increasing the (9335). educational and recreational facilities of There followed a short-lived respite the town. But the town lagged behind associated with the 1872 tin boom, but others in terms of public provision of for Redruth a greater recovery seems to services, such as an adequate drainage have been brought about by a public system. It also had social problems; as in building programme. Alma Place was many mining towns prostitution created as a major townscape feature, flourished. designed to improve the financial and The ancillary metal processing industries commercial functioning of the town. It continued to play an important role in was conceived as a new civic centre the town’s economy. By the middle of situated close to the new railway station, the 19th century the town held three and was eventually to shift the town’s relatively large and important foundries – economic focus away from West End. Nichols at West End, William Sara’s at Built partly as a response to the Tolgus and Carnells (or Willoughby resurgence in the economic fortunes of Bros.) at Plain-an-Gwarry. The Redruth the town, caused partly by the further Tin Smelting Company had established decline of rivals such as St Day, it was itself at the southern end of the main leat also a deliberate attempt by public through town and the British and authorities to foster what can be seen as Foreign Safety Fuse Manufacturers was the town’s first regeneration project. sited near the brewery. The scale of redevelopment, the large number of banks and mine offices built in the 1870s, the rebuilding of the market Late 19th century - civic in 1878, and widespread residential developments all show that the town was rebuilding and expansion booming despite the crash of Cornish mining. This spate of late 19th century During the late 1860s a further downturn rebuilding led to the loss of much of the in copper mining and increased remaining pre-18th century fabric of the mechanisation led to unemployment, town, but also saw the construction of local distress, increased emigration, much of what now defines its character.

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But where was the money coming from? Redruth had successfully established itself a niche in the managerial and financial investment side of local and international mining. The connections were also more direct; many local families had relatives working throughout the mining areas of the world. Wealth was being spent in Redruth that had been created from international mining, through share dividends from financial House names demonstrate the town’s international investments, from remittances sent home connections, for example Tacoma named after a west coast from Redruth emigrants, and from smelting centre, USA (Image by S Schwartz) miners returning home after making their fortunes. This successful diversification also included the establishment of an international mail-order trade, whereby drapers in Redruth would make clothes and send them to overseas Cornish customers, who had left their measurements before their departure. The sense of ‘home’ in the Cornish overseas was incredibly strong and it was a source of pride to send funds home and to continue to support their ‘local’ traders. Many house names around the Civic pride and pretension in Clinton Road: the former town reflect this period of emigration Technical College and Passmore Edwards public library and international links (Akankoo Place, already established himself within the Southgate Street, Gold Coast mining town with commissions such as the company; Huasco House, Falmouth redesign and extension of the Trounson Road, port in Chile; Tacoma, Raymond building (1870) and the redesign of Road, west coast smelting centre, USA). Tolvean, Alfred Lanyon’s house at West Far from being an overwhelmingly End. In 1878 one of the most ambitious calamitous event for the town the housing developments seen in Cornwall complexity of the town’s economic base at the time was begun. Masterminded by allowed it to survive the collapse of Hicks and using the quarries of Carn mining. Other activities developed, such Marth that the two had interests in, the as the successful West of England Bacon Clinton and Albany Road development Curing Factory opened in the 1890s and was laid out on Clinton’s land released the diversification of the Cathedral Boot through the closure of Wheal Sparnon. factory; originally manufacturing clogs This programme of works was partly for miners it went on to produce created as an attempt to relieve the high fashionable shoes at affordable prices. unemployment of the period. It included The closure of the town’s mines certainly a combination of both workers and freed-up land for development and this middle class housing and a major group opportunity was recognised and executed of cultural and social buildings (School of by a partnership that was to change the Mines 1882, Science and Art School face of Redruth – Lord Clinton, a major 1882, Passmore Edwards Library 1894, St local landowner, and James Hicks, an Andrews Church 1883; all designed by ambitious local architect. Hicks had Hicks), and a public park (Victoria Park, named for the Queen at her Golden

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Jubilee in 1889). This development continued until c1913 and added in 25 years an urban area greater than that which had taken some 600 years to develop. Further expansion saw the town spreading south west towards the church town and along the West End taking in the former rural farming hamlet of Trevingey.

Another feature of the 1870s was the growing instances of public benefaction The former Trounson’s store, remodelled in 1870, with by some of the great local and absentee subsequent extension landlords in the town – a sign of a changing political situation. This is In 1875 Redruth Rugby Football Club demonstrated in the rebuilding of many was established, with a ground donated of the town’s major structures, including by the Brewery at the western end of most of its chapels and schools. The Plain-an-Gwarry. By the end of the Miner’s Hospital was built largely century the club had moved to the through the support of the Agar- Recreation Ground widely acknowledged Robartes and Buller families. as the spiritual home of Cornish rugby. As early as 13th January 1879 a night During the same period as this building game was played lit by electric light! boom, a large-scale slum clearance was also being undertaken. The unsanitary and substandard back-plot courts were The 20th century cleared improving the living conditions of the town’s population and alleviating continuing social problems such as the Mining close to the town had to all notorious illegal so-called baby farms and intents and purposes finished by the First continued prostitution. Road World War (although some of the town’s improvements were also underway with workforce continued mining at the County Council taking over control surrounding sites such as South Crofty of the main roads in 1891. Trading stalls which continued in operation until 1998). obstructing Fore Street were cleared and Comparatively little building was carried road-widening programs such as at the out during the 20th century. Public foot of West End were instigated, again buildings such as schools, the police necessitating demolitions. station and the cinema were constructed. Although the market was still the largest The only major development was the in Cornwall in 1897, patterns of trading creation of a large new housing estate at were changing. Its pre-eminence was North Close. This was carried out in giving way to the increasing number and 1932/3 by the Urban District Council as growing size of the town’s shops and part of the national programme of house wholesalers, such as Trounson’s, by the building. Clock Tower (1870), the large West End In 1934 the Urban District Council and Stores (1886) and the redeveloped Tower that of neighbouring, but rival, House and Arcade, at the bottom of Fore Camborne merged. This was symbolic of Street (1885). the decline in Redruth’s dominant local position. The construction of the bypass

June 2004 21 3: Historic development Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth in 1939 also reduced the town’s strategic an administrative centre, this role has importance. now largely been taken over by By the 1930s the ancillary metal Camborne. Increased commercial processing industries, foundries and tin competition from Truro is also reducing smelters, had also closed. Following the footfall within the town. Second World War the nature of Of the traditional industrial bases in the industrial activity in the town changed. A town - mining, engineering, clothing and number of clothing companies opened construction – only the last survives on a workshops to take advantage of the relatively large scale. Redruth is still a supply of skilled, but cheap local relatively important industrial centre with machinists. A few established industries continuing development of trading and did continue - for example the Redruth industrial estates, but few of the Clothing Company operated until the traditional strengths of the town are 1970s. Perhaps the most important present. survivor was the brewery, which remains A number of recent and current issues a major landmark in the town. Since the have been recognised and tackled by the 1960s there has been considerable effort local authority and active town forum, to develop new industrial estates around and Redruth has benefited from a the town. Consequently many of relatively high level of investment, policy Cornwall’s newer manufacturing control and grant aid. Its regeneration companies are located here. has visibly started, as detailed in Section The market place continued its decline in 2. However, the town’s problems and relation to the shops. The market house physical decay are such that much is still has recently been regenerated and stalls required. are again common within Fore Street. The town also retains Friday as market day. The town centre was partially pedestrianised in the 1980s, the first such scheme undertaken in Kerrier. However, within recent years many national chain shops have left the town and several long-standing businesses have closed. Fore Street is currently dominated by charity shops, bargain stores, banks and estate agents. It also has a number of empty units. Late twentieth century population growth has been slow compared to other Cornish towns. Redruth’s population grew by only 9% between 1971 and 1996 (11,400), compared to Camborne’s 20% growth (16,000).

Into the 21st century

Although Redruth has traditionally been the principal town serving the wider area, in terms of population, marketing and as

June 2004 22 3: Historic development Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

4 Archaeological historic development and character can be better understood. Archaeology can potential also make a contribution in both cultural and economic terms with remains of the past having a significant potential for Redruth’s archaeology is a largely education, tourism and leisure, as well as unknown resource as very few a role in reinforcing local pride, sense of archaeological interventions (excavations, place and belonging. watching briefs, evaluations, etc) are recorded within the historic core of the It should be emphasised that town (Fig 6): ‘archaeology’ does not refer solely to buried remains. These are of undoubted • Assessment and watching brief importance, but in the urban context mitigation during the capping of examination of the historical sequences three shafts relating to Wheal embodied in standing buildings and other Sparnon structures can also be extremely valuable. • Archaeological and historic building Examination of the built environment is survey of Alma Place during its likely to yield significant new conversion to the Cornish Studies information. Opportunities for Centre investigation and recording should be • Cornwall Industrial Settlements sought when buildings are refurbished or Initiative report, assessing, undergo substantial alteration. Figure 5 characterising and making indicates the survival of historic fabric, conservation based recommendations defined here as standing pre-1907 for the town’s historic environment structures, which may offer potential for Archaeology is a potentially rich asset for fruitful archaeological investigation. the town. The documentary record is Archaeology within the town centre may silent on many aspects of the settlement’s yield evidence of Redruth’s medieval development and archaeological development, of the origins and early investigation may be the only way in development of the town of which little which certain aspects of the town’s is known and much conjectured.

The Pednandrea mining complex. Formerly including engine houses, brick and crucible works. Mine-related waste visible to the south (CCC Historic Environment Service, ACS 5422)

June 2004 23 4: Archaeological potential Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Deposits around the crossroads at the Indicators of archaeological lower end of Fore Street may yield potential information about any pre-urban occupation and investigation of the burgage strips, market place and fair field Figure 6 indicates the potential extent of may provide evidence of the laying out of archaeological remains, although it must the town and its early functioning. The be emphasised that this depiction of location of the Plain-an-Gwarry may be potential is indicative, not definitive, and proved or disproved through only future archaeological investigation observations during excavation work in and research can test and refine its value. the area of the Green Lane and Drump An understanding of the potential is Road junction. broadly derived from the historic extent Redruth is likely to have significant of the settlement itself. In simple terms, industrial archaeological remains that any location within the area developed to may elucidate the development of mining c1907 is regarded as having the potential and related urbanisation. From the for standing or buried archaeological earliest prehistoric exploitation, through features; the earlier settlement core (as medieval tin streaming to deep mining, shown by the 1839 Tithe Map) may have evidence may be available in the town’s more complex and deeply stratified archaeological record. In addition to deposits. mining the town was host to many Figure 6 also identifies a number of sites associated industrial processes and there and areas of known historic significance: are likely remains of these on the known i.e., those where the presence of a sites of smelting works, hammer mills, significant structure or feature can be crucible works etc with their complex leat identified from historic maps or systems supplying the water-power documentary sources but does not now required. Specific sites of industrial survive above ground (for example, the interest can be highlighted within the site of the once numerous industrial sites town such as the brewery site, the such as the foundries, fuseworks, saw complex at Pednandrea, and the outlying mills and corn mills concentrated along Sara’s foundary which has much above- the river valley). Points are used to ground survival. approximately locate features where the Further documentary research is likely to available sources are not adequate to yield valuable data. This area of study, pinpoint a specific location; for example together with participation in a building an antiquarian reference to the location survey of the town, could provide a of the playing place – plain-an-gwarry. challenging and worthwhile avenue for It should be noted that there is also a involvement by local people wishing to proven potential within the area for the investigate aspects of their heritage. survival of archaeological remains that Archaeological remains are an important predate or are unrelated to the and non-renewable resource and as such development of the town. In the absence are protected by national legislation and of specific information such as reports of local planning policy. One component of finds or antiquarian references the future investigation of both buried potential presence of such sites is archaeological remains and standing difficult to predict. buildings could be through more NB. Overviews of the archaeological extensive targeted implementation of potential of the six ‘character areas’ PPG15 and PPG16 as part of the within the town are presented in Section development control process. 5.

June 2004 24 4: Archaeological potential Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

5 Present settlement the town’s central core demonstrate its planted and planned medieval origins; character such as the remains of the burgage plots, ope ways, church path, market place and fair field, tightly surrounded by medieval strip field systems the pattern of which has been fossilised in the plan form by Understanding character the patterns of terraced developments. The river, historically an important draw In addition to assessing the broad for industrial processes, is still marked by elements of settlement character which a partially open leat system. define Redruth as a whole, the CSUS The town’s later expansion of shallow investigation identified six distinct ribbon development, restricted by the character areas within the town’s historic surrounding mining activity, reinforced (pre-1907) urban extent (see below; Fig 7 the dominance of the crossroads and and character area summary sheets 1-6). defined quadrants of land between the These character areas are differentiated roads. This is still seen in the surviving from each other by their varied historic settlement form, such as at East End and origins, functions and resultant urban Drump Road. topography, by the processes of change which have affected each subsequently As mining activity declined parcels of (indicated, for example, by the relative these quadrants were reclaimed and completeness or loss of historic fabric, or developed and demonstrate distinctive significant changes in use and status), and forms. The Clinton and Albany Road the extent to which these elements and development shows its planned form in processes are evident in the current its rectilinear grid form and the dense, townscape. In simple terms, each maze-like quality of the area around Rose character area may be said to have its Row and up to Plain-an-Gwarry recalls own individual ‘biography’ which has the linear east-west grain of the former determined its present character. open field system. Other areas, especially to the south west were used to create Together with the assessment of overall large properties set within extensive settlement character, the six character grounds. Some former mining land close areas offer a means of understanding the to the town centre to the north east has past and the present. In turn, that still not been developed, such as the understanding provides the basis for a playing field behind East End. positive approach to planning future change which will maintain and reinforce The separation of the town from the the historic character and individuality of church town still survives despite each area and the town as a whole – increasing development between the sustainable local distinctiveness. areas. Similarly, Plain-an-Gwarry which developed as a separate settlement parallel to Fore Street is still a discrete area. The later 19th century developments Overall settlement character south of the Fore Street area (Clinton Road / Albany Road) are separated from Settlement form the older core by the railway. The town developed at a strategic crossroads on the principal road through Cornwall and this basic framework is still dominant in its plan form. Elements of

June 2004 25 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Redruth has an outstanding architectural richness and diversity

Standing historic fabric There are also important remains of the town’s industrial past, with major Although well known as a Victorian monuments such as the Pednandrea industrial town, Redruth’s built heritage Stack, the brewery and Sara’s Foundry. stands comparison for quality of design, th th picturesque townscape value, and There is a wide variety of 18 -19 historical interest with not only other century industrial housing together with Cornish towns, but nationally. There is a the chapels that accompanied them. th th Plain-an-Gwarry has perhaps the best surprising amount of 18 and early 19 th century building of high quality in the collection of 18 century miners’ cottages town as well as the later 19th century in the area. But, more surprising is the architecture that provides much of what number and range of middling to grand is iconic and symbolic of the place. houses (often in a highly ornamental Gothic style) for the industrialists and The common building types seen within managerial classes that dominated the the surviving historic fabric demonstrate town. the town’s complex and diverse past as a market and commercial centre, an A building group of especial importance industrial town, a service centre for a within the town is that of educational and wider industrial area, and as a place to institutional structures. These are live. everywhere associated with industrial towns in Cornwall but the range, quality The town centre is dominated by high and impact of those in Redruth is quality commercial structures with highly unrivalled – the Druid’s Hall, Masonic ornate architectural enrichment. This Lodge, the Passmore Edwards Library, grandeur is extended from the town the Arts and Science School and the centre by civic and financial structures board schools. such as the former banks, professional offices in and around West End and Architecture, materials and detail Green Lane. Notable historic shop fronts Redruth’s built environment is survive throughout the centre. characterised by its wide range of

June 2004 26 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth materials and high level of architectural Freestone is seen throughout the town, enrichment, but above all by its high usually for ornamentation, mostly on mid quality in terms of material choice and 19th century buildings and especially on use, architectural design and commercial buildings in Fore Street, but ornamentation. also in Green Lane, Clinton and Albany The dominant historic building materials Roads, where there is a good degree of and finishes in the town are local granite architectural ornament. and killas with slate roofing. However There is a surprising amount of timber- there is also ashlared freestone, brick, stud construction within the town, terracotta, timber framing, stucco, glass generally plain rendered and painted but and cast iron. This mixture of relatively also slate hung, especially surviving to the exotic materials in a Cornish setting side and rear elevations of structures. reflects the range of local industries, the Within the urban core building design function of the town as a railhead has been successfully used to articulate distribution and service centre, and the streetscape. Corner plots are emphasised sheer ability of its wealthy citizens to pay with angled, corner doorways, curving for good quality, or expensively imported elevations and oriel windows and corner materials. turrets topped with conical roofs and Stone is used in a variety of ways; granite occasionally surmounted by flagpoles. ashlar in some of the grander early to mid th The town has a very distinctive skyline 19 century buildings and as quoins and with the numerous turrets, towers, gabled lintels in conjunction with the local killas. parapets and Pednandrea Stack forming

Redruth’s architecture is rich in ornamentation and detailing, its palette of building materials is wide and varied and its roofline punctuated by turrets and cupolas

June 2004 27 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth important elements within it. The sloping topography of the town enables full appreciation of many of these elements.

Streetscape

Redruth’s core has intensely urban streetscapes, with high levels of enclosure, tight grain and good underlying form. Detailed audits of the existing surfaces and street furniture of lower Fore Street were undertaken as Mature trees along the industrial river valley and suburbs part of the HERS action plan (see appendix 13 of that document). Elements beyond provide a green backdrop to the town centre of historic surfacing surviving in places such as the large, rectangular granite slabs in front of the former Trounson building (72 Fore Street) and granite curbs throughout much of the town were noted.

The majority of the town centre’s street furniture dates to the recent pedestrianisation of Fore Street. The audit reflected on the overall ‘Victoriana’ theme of black and gold painted metal work, typically ‘catalogue’ based equipment featured in the town that is ubiquitous around the UK and undermines Redruth’s local distinctiveness. It also, however, noted the original railings and finials at West End which could be used as a reference for future works and make a significant contribution to the area. Impressive approach views into town from West End Despite having very few public open spaces, greenery and soft landscaping plays an important role within the town. within the town provide an important Victoria Park provides a formal civic amenity as ‘green wedges’, visual and recreation and municipal park facility for physical breaks and contrasts to the hard the town. Although its town-wide impact streetscape of the urban core, such as the is limited due to its secluded setting and Fair Field. Some of these elements inward looking nature. A more obvious contain remains of mining activity. effect is provided by mature trees along the industrial river valley and within the Landmarks and views grounds of the larger properties to the The sloping valley side location of the west side of town, which provide a green main street allows impressive views of backdrop to many of the town’s most Fore Street from West End, and vice urban areas. In addition the long, thin versa, that form part of a recognisably front garden plots strongly influence the Cornish urban experience (Helston, character of the Plain-an-Gwarry area. A Penryn, Penzance). Noticeable in these number of informal green open spaces views and throughout the town are the

June 2004 28 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth prominent landmarks of the Clock Tower and Pednandrea Stack. Views out of town are dominated by the green expanse of the Fair Field, with Carn Brea dominating the horizon to the south west. Several engine houses can also be seen in views linking the town with its surrounding environment. Redruth’s built environment contains too many landmark structures to list comprehensively; Plain-an-Gwarry chapel, the Coffee Tavern, Alma Place, the viaduct, the Chapel of Ease, Chapel Street, the library building, Clinton Road and the Brewery complex are just a few notables. The elevated site allows a full appreciation of the unusual roofscape of gabled parapets and turrets. From the The dramatic topography of Fore Street provides views A30 the whole town displays itself in out to the Fair Field beyond tiered development up the sloping terrain. As a result some buildings which having a steeper gradient than upper Fore may have only a localised impact on the Street. immediate street scene become • This topography adds drama to the surprisingly important in medium and streetscene. more distant views. • It augments views, both up hill into town and out across the valley to the The character areas Fair Field and the trees on the horizon and along the valley bottom. • It also makes the buildings flanking 1: Fore Street the street step down the slope, their (Fig 7 and character area summary sheet staggered roofs emphasising the 1) gradient and creating an irregular and dynamic quality. Fore Street is the town’s principal commercial street, a medieval market The slightly sinuous medieval street is street set on a steeply sloping hill, widest along its central length (indicating offering spectacular views into and the remains of the former market place) out of the town. A unique collection and narrows at pinch points at its east of highly detailed and individual and west ends. Buildings tightly line the buildings jostle for position and tell street with north-south permeability of the former mining-related wealth provided by Alma Place and Green Lane, of the town and its commercial glory. but also by the numerous narrow pathways (opes) providing access to the Fore Street, on the eastern slopes of the back plots (Character Area 2). valley is one of the town’s steepest roads • There is a strong sense of enclosure with the pedestrianised element of the within the street. street, below the prominent clock tower,

June 2004 29 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Fore Street boasts a diverse selection of high quality historic architecture

• Routes for pedestrian movement • The variety of building width adds to north and south from Fore Street are the sense of diversity and variety seen numerous although access rights to within the street, eg the former some of the opes is ambiguous. Trounson department store (3 The build line of the street is irregular burgage plots wide) set next to single with buildings variously set forward and plot structures. back from one another, apparently The quality, diversity and rich jostling for position on what used to be architectural detail of Fore Street’s the back of pavement. Encroachment buildings create an outstanding and onto the market place has been organic vibrant streetscape. It is peppered with and several single storey projecting shop many notable, landmark buildings and fronts are attached to earlier set-back features, the most obvious being the buildings. The original strict uniformity clock tower. There is a high level of of the burgage plot widths has been historic survival and although most reduced by the amalgamation of plots. frontages date from the 19th century there are surviving 17th and 18th century • Irregular pockets of space are formed buildings. within the street by set-back properties, such as the forecourt • The architectural range includes formed in front of the Oxford Inn, robust 18th century ashlar coaching the ‘Tattie Court’, a recess mid-way inns, polite ‘strawberry gothic’ town down lower Fore Street formed by a houses, unassuming timber-stud set-back building, the name being a constructed and slate-hung buildings reference to the historic use of this with strong vertical emphasis, lavish area as the potato market and the late 19th century commercial Market Strand, the enclosed approach emporiums and arcades, and the to the market house. 1930’s Regal cinema. • The varying build line adds to the • The variety of materials within the sense of activity, movement and street is as diverse as the building market bustle within the area. styles. Individual buildings of stone (granite and killas ashlar, squared and

coursed rubble, stone dressings),

June 2004 30 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

timber-stud construction (slate-hung Surviving building fabric contains a rich and rendered), or brick (red, yellow, assortment of architectural terracotta, ceramic tiles) are dotted ornamentation. along the street, unified and buffered • by plain rendered, painted structures. Fenestration enrichment includes bay windows, curve glazed oriels, round • Variety in building scale and massing headed arched openings, panelled adds to the diversity. Although doors and even Venetian windows. buildings are generally of three • storeys, the variety of heights is Ostentatious corner turrets are topped marked. Roof and eaves lines vary with copper covered cupolas or constantly along the street (not just surmounted by flag poles. because of the steep topography). • Fore Street’s roof line shows a great Together with the differences in plot variety of form with hipped roofs next width already noted, this leads to to steeply pitched gables. Dutch buildings of all shapes and sizes. gabled dormers and fake pediments Generally buildings tower over the shield other roof lines. street and have a vertical emphasis. Even the large former department • Surviving historic shopfronts are a stores stress vertical lines, with notable feature. Recessed doorways emphasised bay divisions reducing the giving an added sense of depth to dominance of the horizontal. building elevations, tiled pavements (some remembering former shop names), and ground floor and upper floor display windows all make for a unique streetscape.

Little of quality has been added in the second half of the 20th century.

• Some modern shop fronts are inappropriate to the buildings into which they are set. • Many buildings and surviving Surviving historic shop front details are a notable architectural details are in need of feature of the street repair and maintenance. Fore Street has become segregated from the rest of the town and is divided within its own length. Important gateways at its east and west ends have been downgraded and connections with the rest of the town have been severed.

• Partial pedestrianisation has led to the separation of the upper and lower ends of the street. The quality of buildings and range of shops continues along the length of the street but traffic and parking changes the character between the two parts dramatically.

Mosaic ‘in-go’ pavements make a decorative point of interest June 2004 31 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• The upper eastern junction is dominated by traffic and the impressive Wesleyan Chapel complex is now an isolated island detached from the rest of the town. • To the west an impressive architectural set-piece surrounding the

junction of West End, Fore Street, Penryn Street and Chapel Street is a major focal point of the town. The buildings address the space directly, with the corner turret and flag pole of Tower House and the curved elevation of the building opposite strongly defining this area. • The once strong continuation of commercial activity between West End and Fore Street, documented by

buildings such as West End Drapery, Bespoke planter referencing surrounding mine sites has been substantially weakened. The area is dominated by traffic and the Commercial competition from commercial decline of the town has Camborne and Truro is strong. led to the abandonment of former commercial units along West End. Archaeological potential: The pedestrianisation barrier across • This is the oldest part of the town and the bottom of Fore Street emphasises has potential for important evidence this segregation. concerning the origins and The historic character of Fore Street as development of the town. an open market place has been • Potential for evidence of pre-urban diminished by recent streetscape activity around the principal schemes. crossroads at the western end. • Street trees, bespoke planters featuring • Potential for evidence relating to the the names of the surrounding historic market places of the town and their mines and ‘black and gold’ street encroachment. furniture have been introduced that obscure the street’s dramatic • Potential for information regarding topography and the quality of the the sequence of late medieval and surviving historic fabric, and introduce post-medieval structures, plot clutter to the area. boundaries and general activities. Fore Street still bustles with activity, • The standing built fabric holds especially on Friday, ‘market day’. The potential for surviving fabric relating street offers a range of shops, from to earlier structures, for evidence of grocers, butchers and supermarkets, to sequences of adaptation and lower-range nationals, bargain shops and rebuilding. Potential for the discovery charity shops. However, empty units are of earlier facades and shop fronts built noticeable along the street and there are on earlier street frontages, now set serious concerns over a declining footfall. back within later extensions.

June 2004 32 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

2: Alma Place and the remnant medieval townscape (Fig 7 and character area summary sheet 2)

The back plots of the Fore Street properties have experienced different levels of development. To the north, the former plots have been amalgamated, the historic character and grain lost, with inappropriate new development dislocating the commercial centre from Car park created from amalgamated burgage strips the rest of the town. To the south, the townscape is more intact, with important features such as the retained open medieval fair ground and the architecturally impressive late 19th century Alma Place development built close to the railway station.

The back plots of the former burgage

strips can be divided into two parts; 2a to the north and 2b to the south of Fore Street. Surviving cottage court development in Symons ope In 2a the back plots are now generally in use as unlandscaped car parks. Much of the historic character and grain has been such as Symonds Terrace and Ford’s lost and these undefined spaces now Row. dislocate the commercial centre from the th • The setting of a group of late 18 / rest of the town. th early 19 century infill buildings to the • Many of the north–south boundaries south of Nettell’s Hill has been lost, denoting former burgage strips have leaving them isolated and lacking been cleared, as have 19th century coherence. developments such as residential • Due to a perception of the area as an terraces and the ‘Flowerpot’ ‘empty space’, inappropriate new Methodist Chapel. Some historic development has taken place. St boundary walls survive closer to Fore Piran’s House is uncharacteristic in Street and here there is better survival terms of architectural form, material of a characteristically urban enclosure. specification, scale and massing, and • Important survivals of 19th century plot siting. cottage court developments survive • Some public realm improvements within some of the opes. have been carried out, especially to the • The underlying topography, sloping Flowerpot car park, with town trail downhill from east to west, has been interpretation boards and soft terraced along the historic north-south landscaping incorporating mining grain, creating staggered platforms for related objects. However, these hillside development. features may look incongruous if the underlying problem of the erosion of • The car parks are poorly screened the area’s character is not addressed. from surrounding residential areas,

June 2004 33 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

To the south of Fore Street (2b) urban Some such as the Post Office grain, fabric and function is more intact complex, have high, blank boundary and the area has remained more walls fronting onto Station Road. integrated with the town. In contrast Station Hill’s character is as a Back Lane West, one of the medieval traffic through route. streets, has the character of a rear service • lane with rubble-stone ancillary building It has the grassed embankment of the types lining the road. railway to the south and the high rubble wall of the Fair Meadow car • Some of these structures have recently park to the north. been converted to residences (with Connecting this area of former back plots potential for commercial adaptation if with Fore Street is a network of opeways the economics of the town allow such providing an important means of growth in the future). communication. • The medieval fair ground, Fair Archaeological potential: Meadow, accessed from this medieval street, survives intact as a car park. • Burgage strip boundary divisions. This historically important open space • Potential for evidence of the activities is strongly enclosed by high, rubble- being carried out in the rear of the built walls. Its connection with the plots. This information would add to adjacent market house has been re- the understanding of the changing established with the reopening of the economy of the town; Jack’s Plat in regenerated market building. The two particular has a complex history. are impressively linked via robust granite steps and an archway through • Potential to date and characterise the to the open-air market square. use of the fairground site. Alma Place and Station Road include buildings that would not be out of place in Fore Street (character area 1). Once simply a burgage rear plot, like the northern car parks, this area was deliberately redeveloped as a link between the railway and Fore Street and for office and institutional use. • Impressive structures here include the Coffee Tavern, the former Trounson building and related former warehouse, the granite façade of the Cornwall Centre, and the footbridge Regenerated historic buildings in Back Lane West and ‘down’ platform of the railway station. • Of especial architectural note is an important group of mining-related single-storey, highly ornate structures on the north side of Station Road. • Activity levels are lower at the eastern end of Station Road. Properties here either tend to face onto Fore Street or

have fallen out of commercial use. Alma Place, the temperance Coffee Tavern and Clock Tower June 2004 34 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

3: 18th and 19th civic expansion • The area is less dominated by late 19th century rebuilding than Fore Street (Fig 7 and character area summary sheet 3) and Alma Place. Until the late 19th century the west • Architectural detail is less lavish and end of town served as the financial more controlled, with an emphasis on and administrative quarter of quality and robustness of materials. Redruth and formed an important • Building functions here are varied and commercial continuation of Fore include a number of civic structures Street. This former use is still (such as the old Town Hall, the reflected in the impressive structures former Police and Fire Stations and lining the streets, the surviving the Chapel of Ease), commercial and historic shop fronts and excellent financial buildings (West End Stores, architectural detailing. This quality is Bank House), two set-piece Regency currently tempered by heavy traffic villa groups (Chapel Street, Station flows and the high number of vacant Hill) and some other residential properties. Green Lane shares much properties. Some structures on Chapel of this character but has a more Street recall its former industrial past dominant residential use. and Rose Cottage public house is a survival of an earlier cottage-scale The civic edges and secondary development. commercial areas of the town can be split into two areas; 3a West End, Penryn Structures are generally overtly urban in Street and Chapel Street and 3b the scale, design and direct roadside setting. southern part of Green Lane and Symons • Many buildings have three storeys Terrace. with a strong vertical emphasis. In 3a three of the four principal approach • There is good survival of historic routes to the town centre meet at a details including a number of historic central crossroads at the foot of Fore shopfronts, upper-storey display Street, producing a strong focal point windows, slate-hung timber-stud within the town. construction and first floor oriel • Penryn Street and Chapel Street run windows with distinctive curved along the valley bottom parallel with glazing. the river. West End is set on the As the town’s prosperity has declined, western slope of the valley with the commercial functions have retreated steep descent to the heart of the town from this area and concentrated into providing a strong sense of arrival. Fore Street; pedestrian activity is low. All three approaches provide impressive • Many former shops are now either views of the town. converted for residential and office • Pednandrea stack dominates views use, or are standing vacant. Historic from the west, and the dramatic shopfront survival is under threat as is viaduct spanning the town frames general building upkeep. views from the south. • The historically strong connections Surviving buildings reflect the financial and continuity with Fore Street have and administrative importance of this been weakened by this change of use. part of the town until the late 19th century, as well as its continued commercial use.

June 2004 35 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• Traffic dominates the narrow roads and a sequence of traffic lights exacerbates the feeling of decline and severance from the heart of the town. Although close to the heart of the town urban greenery forms an important element in this area’s character.

• The green backdrop is provided by

the mature gardens of the residential area to the west (character area 6) and The Chapel of Ease, a long-term derelict building threatened the open area of the Fair Field to the with demolition, successfully converted for affordable housing immediate south of West End.

The southern part of Green Lane and Symons Terrace, 3b, share many of the characteristics of these three roads but with some differences.

• Architecture here includes large scale and impressive landmark buildings reminiscent of those in character area 3a, such as the Masonic Hall, the

former Radical Club and Belmont

House (traditionally the house of the Three-storey timber stud, slate-hung structures, town’s doctor). Close to Fore Street, it Falmouth Road also features terraces of secondary commercial premises. More dominant here, however, are the diverse rows of residential houses. Generally of two storeys, coursed and square killas with granite dressings and vertical sashes, the buildings step down the gentle slope. Eaves levels and building widths vary, which together with occasional dramatic architectural

features, such as the classical detailing of the eaves pediment and porch details and the occasional projecting Historic shop fronts are a key feature of the area and are bay, create a dynamic streetscape full under threat due to the commercial shrinkage of the town of eye-catching interest.

• Unifying this variety, as well as the common palette of materials, are the bounded front gardens with low-lying granite walls topped with hedges. Trees and mature planting within the gardens soften the hard landscape and

provide an important character feature of the area.

Traffic dominates West End

June 2004 36 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Archaeological potential: The morphology of development within this broad industrial area is generally • The river valley has numerous linear in form initially following the river industrial sites of archaeological valley and the principal routes in the potential: including mills, foundries, town. Later terraces and rows were built stream works etc. over the surrounding medieval strip fields • Archaeological remains relating to the fossilising their grain in the settlement 14th century St Rumon’s Chapel and form. Large scale public and municipal contemporary urban development. developments of the 20th century in the north east quadrant of the town have • Evidence of pre-urban activity around eroded this traditional linear form. Some the principal crossroads at the western former industrial land in this quadrant is end, particularly the site adjacent to still undeveloped. the cinema. • This ribbon development, 4: The industrial town characteristically only one plot deep, (Fig 7 and character area summary sheet was hemmed in at the time of 4) development, often by mining activity. The industrial importance of the town • Densely packed areas such as Blight’s is still seen in the character of a large Row, Roach’s Row and King Street area of Redruth. Sites of former and the cluster of development industrial uses and the stone-built around Rose Row, demonstrate higher terraces and rows constructed to house density infill of pockets of land that the workforces still form a significant became available for development at a element of the townscape. The river time when the population of the town valley formed an early focus for was expanding. industry with the principal roads used • To the north east quadrant the as axes for industrial-related residential mixture of undeveloped former expansion. Despite the urban setting a agricultural and industrial land and distinctive rural feel is notable in large scale public complexes, such as several areas, especially at Plain-an- the Rugby ground, Cardrew Junior Gwarry. school and the sheltered housing Redruth’s past industrial importance still complex ‘Miners Court’ erode the dominates the character of several areas urban grain of the area and result in a which have distinct identities but share negative townscape value. This overarching character traits and so are contrasts strongly with the terraces of discussed together. the Rose Row area which continued the grain of the underlying medieval • Industrial processes and the housing strip field system; here this pattern has for their workforces were set close to largely been lost. the heart of the medieval town. • The Pednandrea complex forms a • The river valley has formed an cluster of industrial processes set obvious focus for this use. within a pattern of linear industrial housing. • Distinct groups of industrial remains survive such as the Pednandrea • Plain-an-Gwarry forms a distinct area. mining complex, the Brewery and the Historically separate from Redruth, it gas works site and former chemical was only in the early 19th century that factory at Treruffe Hill. further development linked the two settlements. The street retains a

June 2004 37 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• The uniform rhythm of the cottages is occasionally broken by double-fronted structures and workshop units with large windows to the upper floors. • Granite ashlars and lintels form the robust terraces of Blight’s Row; elsewhere irregular Killas rubble is

used, often with granite ashlar dressings. Restrained use of bright colour to the woodwork detailing of Plain-an-Gwarry remains a separate community with a these modest houses adds to the distinctively ‘rural’ character town’s vitality. • Some earlier structures have been absorbed by the ribbon development particularly the farm cottages of several smallholdings which once stood apart from the town. Despite the proximity of much of this character area to the urban core several

areas have a distinctly rural feel to them, such as Plain-an-Gwarry and Trefusis Terrace. Elsewhere the tight rhythm of the terraces and their front garden and Industrial terraces of Basset Street leading to yard boundary walls create a strongly Pednandrea stack urban sense of enclosure. character distinct from the rest of the • Soft landscaping and greenery varies town and remains an exceptional with the occurrence of front gardens survival of an early industrial village or yards. The contrast between the street, with a good proportion of 18th streets on the north and south sides of century buildings. Plain-an-Gwarry illustrates this clearly. Most of the industrial housing, which • Street trees are important in the dominates the character of this area, is character of Falmouth Road, together 19th century. The usual build form is with the dramatic views of the viaduct. either of terraces or rows of adjoining They soften the uniformity of the but individually distinct and ribbon development and add architecturally different cottages. animation to the street. • Terraces and rows of industrial • The undeveloped area of land in the cottages are variously set hard to the north east quadrant, east of the pavement edge, or behind small, railway line is nominally presented as a enclosed yards or behind long, thin playing field. An equipped children’s front gardens. playground is defined in a small area close to east End but the majority of

• Generally of two storeys, often basic the area is left unlandscaped (with 2-up – 2–down units, thought later little added for amenity value). The examples are more generously former field boundaries have been proportioned. Standard elevations are partially removed, with a Cornish two windows to first floor with door hedge stopping dead half way across and single window to ground floor. the area.

June 2004 38 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• A plot opposite this, to the west of the • Views out from Drump Road to the railway line, has the appearance of highly visible Cardrew Business Park waste ground being impenetrably industrial estate underline the covered with brambles. It seems to be industrial nature of this area and the a beneficial resource introducing a town as a whole. wildlife habitat into the town and has Three principal approach routes to value in its own right. Redruth run through this character area Set within this pattern of densely packed, which therefore provides the first linear rows of uniform plot size are the impressions of the town to many visitors. larger plots relating to former industrial East End and Falmouth Road are processes. predominantly residential with the Tolgus Hill and Vauxhall area still dominated by • A number of large-scale industrial large-scale industrial plots and buildings. buildings survive such as the Brewery and the former chemical factory. Archaeological potential: Within the Pednandrea complex • Within this area there are sites of high buildings relating to former brick and industrial archaeological potential and crucible works survive as does the importance. opulent house of the former mine owner and the adjacent terminus of • Evidence for early tin streaming and the Redruth and Chacewater railway. later deep mineral ore extraction is likely. • Other sites have been largely cleared, such as the gas works site, previously a • Numerous sites relate to dressing of foundry, and a further foundry and ores, with sites of blowinghouses, mill site opposite the brewery at smelting works and foundries Vauxhall. identified. • Ancillary industries such as fuse works, crucible works and brick works are also known.

• Mineral tramways and railways serving the town may also have archaeological potential as proved by the surviving granite rail setts at the Redruth and

Chacewater Railway terminus.

• The water power available along the river valley was also intensively used, Remaining undeveloped land in the north east with saw and corn mills documented quadrant of the town along its course.

• Remains of a medieval strip field system. Sectioning of the field boundaries may date the system and provide information about the urban

expansion and setting of the town. This system was partly fossilised by the extensive creation of smallholdings in the 18th and early 19th centuries, the evidence of which is itself of interest.

Redruth Brewery, once the largest in the west

June 2004 39 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• A number of known mines and likely This character area denotes further unknown mines have predominantly residential areas industrial archaeological potential. developed in the late 19th century for the relatively high proportion of Redruth’s • A number of known quarry sites. population that were of the middling 5: Victorian middle class housing classes.

(Fig 7 and character area summary sheet • The 1870s architectural set-piece 5) development of the Clinton and Albany Road area, by James Hicks and The substantial houses, tree-lined Lord Clinton, created a distinct new streets and generally prosperous urban quarter for the town. Clinton ambiance of these areas continue to Road is one of the most important contribute an essential aspect of streets in Cornwall – as symbolic in its Redruth’s character. The Clinton and own way of the late 19th century Albany Road development has a tight wealth of industrial and commercial grid form, echoing the underlying Redruth as Lemon Street in Truro, or medieval field system, and creating a Chapel Street in Penzance are of well ordered townscape. This regularity different eras and economies. is softened by the architectural diversity and mature planting of the • Other developments of the time share properties. This late 19th century urban similar characteristics and are also quarter also includes a strong civic included within this character area: focus including St Andrews church and Claremont Road, Coach Lane and the public library, with Victoria Park, Penventon Terrace. set to the east, forming the only The new urban quarter was a planned municipal formal park of the town. development on land reclaimed from mining and agricultural use.

Planned residential quarter, Clinton and Albany Road area (CCC Historic Environment Service, ACS 5418)

June 2004 40 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• Clinton Road and Albany Roads were laid out on the alignment and spacing of a medieval strip field system.

• The development imposed a grid over the steeply sloping site, creating a very ordered feel to the townscape. • These streets contrast with others in the town, being relatively wide and straight.

• The development steps up the slope Clinton Road, salubrious tree-lined streets in defined terraces. Some buildings have split levels, such as those on the west side of Clinton Road which have three floors on the west side and two on the east. • A number of earlier buildings were incorporated into the development, including a group relating to Wheal Sparnon and some of the former smallholdings. The size and quality of the houses, the feeling of spaciousness and Good quality housing salubriousness, and the overtly planned form of the developments are defining characteristics of the area.

• Good quality, stone-built houses set

behind well planted and enclosed front gardens. Often the houses are set above road level providing further privacy from the pavement.

• Good use of quality materials and relatively high levels of architectural ornamentation. Common use of reddish killas with granite dressings Group of civic buildings at the north end of Clinton Road and grey slate roofs unify the diverse style of buildings. Individually designed groups feature projecting, rendered bay windows, corner turrets, ornate barge boards, some mock timber-framing detailing, arched doorways with stained glass over lights all emphasis the degree of ostentatious display so important in this area of town.

An important group of large public buildings located at the crossroads, where Municipal gardens, Victoria Park

June 2004 41 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Bond Street meets Clinton Road include • To the south-east the unlandscaped St Andrews church, the Passmore playing fields laid out on reclaimed Edwards library, the former YMCA ground stand as reminders of the large building, the former Redruth School of areas of mining activity that formerly Mines and ‘Penarth’, opposite the office dominated this quarter of the town. and home of James Hicks. Archaeological potential: The long vistas along Clinton and Albany Roads are amongst the most pleasant in • Although reclaimed land there any town in Cornwall. Soft landscaping remains potential for evidence relating and greenery plays an important role in to the extensive mining activity in this defining the area’s character. character area, especially relating to Wheal Sparnon. • Mature trees lining the roads and set within the gardens add a lushness that • The earlier mine related buildings hold emphasises prosperity. significant archaeological evidence regarding the history of the town. • Victoria Park is the only formal green public open space within the town. With its main entrance on Park Road, 6: Large houses and extensive it is overlooked by Adelaide Road to grounds the east and back lanes to the west and north. It contains amenities such (Fig 7 and character area summary sheet as a bowling green with active club 6) and tennis courts, together with a more formal planted area with pubic The largest and most opulent benches, band stand and the war residences of the town are set in memorial. suburban areas concentrated to the west of the town, but also the upper extent of Green Lane and the east end of Plain-an-Gwarry. These detached houses, set in sometimes extensive grounds, enjoy a privacy not seen in the rest of the town. The mature trees and planting of the grounds provide an important green backdrop for the town as a whole. The large land plots are also seen in the former Miner’s and

Women’s Hospital and 19th century Fair Field set off West End. Glimpsed views of impressive architecture The area to the west of the town and the upper part of Green Lane has an affluent, suburban or even semi-rural character. Here are Redruth’s largest and most opulent residential properties, set in private grounds in leafy, winding lanes. Development of these was more organic than the formally planned development of the Clinton and Albany Road area (Character area 5).

Tolvean, once a family home and now an NHS centre

June 2004 42 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• Detached houses are hidden or This area is the town’s ‘green lung’. shielded from the road by strongly • The trees and shrubs of the mature defined enclosing boundary walls. gardens of this area form an important Gateways, gateposts and timber and green backdrop to the rest of the town iron gates are prominent features from and are highly visible in many of the the road and the diverse designs important views in and out of the enrich the streetscape. Mature planting town. and curving drives reinforce the strong element of privacy within the • Allotment gardens and the area. undeveloped 19th century Fair Field are important urban amenities, • Glimpses of substantial houses are providing open space and a natural caught through the greenery. Painted element within the town. render over rubble is common although dressed stone is also used as • Through this greenery run the links a symbol of prestige. Classical derived between the town and church town: architectural features including the important narrow pathways of moulded pilasters, architraves with Church Lane and Lover’s Lane may consoles and brackets are coupled be medieval in origin. with vertical sashes, moulded panelled Archaeological potential: doors and deep eaves, defining this area as the most exclusive in town. • The site of the Plain-an-Gwarry is unknown but the junction of Drump • As well as residential uses this area Road and Green Lane is its suggested also saw institutional development, location. including the former miner’s and women’s hospital off West End, • This area contains industrial together with the convent and former archaeological potential relating to grammar school opposite. known mining activity. • The Elms on Green Lane has potential for remains of a former fuse and lead pipe factory.

Former hospital site and 19th century Fair Field, dense tree cover of this area, and river valley (CCC Historic Environment Service, ACS 5417) June 2004 43 5: Present settlement character Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

6 Heritage-led regeneration and positive management of the historic environment Character-based principles for regeneration Characterising Redruth’s historic environment has produced a valuable understanding of the historic fabric, The following principles have been archaeological potential and urban derived directly from analysis of the character of the town. character areas and should underpin all regeneration initiatives in Redruth. Most importantly, characterisation reveals the essential dynamic factors • Recognition of the quality and underpinning Redruth’s character. distinctive character of Redruth’s Regeneration planning which is informed historic built environment. and inspired by these elements can take a Commitment to enhancing and much more sure-footed and proactive maintaining this resource and to approach to creating beneficial change, achieving equally high quality and both reinforcing and enhancing existing distinctiveness in terms of style, scale character and ensuring that new and materials, in all future new build developments are better integrated into and planning for the public realm. the existing urban framework, are more • Presentation, interpretation and focused, and are ultimately more promotion of Redruth as a high- successful. quality historic Cornish town of Characterisation can be used in the character and significance, notable following ways. especially for its 19th century mining related prosperity. • As a source of inspiration for well- designed and appropriate • Understanding and respect for the redevelopments, along the lines of the distinctive contribution which physical several suggestions made below. and historic topography and landscape setting make to the townscape. • As a yardstick against which to measure new development and policy • The need to reinstate character and proposals. quality in the built environment and public realm where it has been eroded • As the basis of well founded by inappropriate past interventions. conservation management, restoration and enhancement schemes and policies. • As a tool to define constraints in conventional conservation and planning.

June 2004 44 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Regeneration and the historic environment: key themes and issues

Characterisation has highlighted regeneration and conservation opportunities both for the historic area of Redruth as a whole and for specific sites. These opportunities can be grouped into the following themes.

Redefining Redruth

It is suggested that Redruth has considerable potential to redefine itself and improve its cultural image, building on its rich history for the benefit of its existing community as much for visitors. Strong commercial competition from th Camborne and Truro and concern over The town’s late 19 century architecture displays the pride and confidence of the period the town’s draw and footfall need to be addressed to ensure Redruth’s long term commercial viability.

Redruth should be encouraged to rekindle the pride and confidence so clearly visible in its Victorian fabric. Any image redefinition needs to be effectively communicated to raise the profile of the town. Measures as diverse as an effective marketing and branding strategy for the town and a co-ordinated approach to the town’s management can Town trail signage helps present and promote the all contribute to this renaissance. town’s historic significance Redruth has much to offer. Its surviving historic environment is one of its main central mining area, building on the assets (as demonstrated in the successful success of the Centre for Cornish Studies heritage-led regeneration projects already in Alma Place. Whatever its new role the completed around the town). The town has much that can be celebrated as opportunity exists to reclaim the senses part of its ongoing regeneration. of quality, pride and prosperity of the town’s past and use them to shape its Asserting Redruth’s historic successful future. significance The vision that has been suggested by the Redruth’s historic significance, its unique URC is of Redruth as a centre for arts, historic environment; its quality, craft and culture. The town also has the completeness and interest have potential potential to play an essential role in the for use as a positive asset within the proposed Cornish Mining World town’s regeneration. Not only would Heritage Site bid. The town could successful marketing along these lines function as an eastern gateway to the attract additional visitors to the town,

June 2004 45 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

information bureau close to the town centre. The Centre for Cornish Studies is providing a draw for the town with its historical collections and the Tregellas Tapestries. This role could be developed in conjunction with the town’s role in the proposed Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. The town museum, currently housed in the Town Council

‘Medieval Prosperity’. One of 58 panels of the Tregellas offices also has potential in such an Tapestry housed at the Cornish Studies Centre endeavour, to reinforce Redruth’s historic importance and its role as a centre for historic study. Presentation of the town’s historic significance could take many forms, its signage from the A30 with a brown heritage sign simply describing the town as ‘historic’ could be a simple initial step. Respecting historic buildings There are opportunities throughout the town to recognise the quality and

importance of the surviving historic structures making up the built environment. Redruth has many buildings to be proud of, some of which have already proved effective catalysts to regeneration. They can be presented together to strengthen an attractive, unique, high quality historic industrial and commercial identity for the town. Plain-an-Gwarry chapel, a significant building at risk New development within the urban area should attempt to be sensitive to the allowing Redruth to tap into the tourism surrounding historic built environment in all around it, it could also help to instil a terms of scale, siting, form, detailing and sense of unique identity and pride in the materials. However, at the same time new town and attract new investment. build should seize the opportunity to add Successful marketing of the town’s architecture of distinction and quality of historic importance has much to draw the 21st century to the townscape. It is on, such as connections with famous this fusion of old and new which adds a industrial figures – Murdoch, Trevithick synergy to the sense of place. and Watt. Key sites could be submitted There are several prominent derelict and for acknowledgement by the blue plaque underused buildings. As elsewhere, public scheme, such as Murdoch House, the buildings, religious structures, peripheral first building in the world to be lit by gas. secondary commercial units and Redruth already benefits from an commercial upper floors are especially attractive town trail with a number of vulnerable. interpretation boards around the town. Potential could be explored for a tourist

June 2004 46 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Fore Street and its surrounding streets have an impressive survival of historic shopfronts. Many require maintenance and repair, while others could be enhanced through reinstating lost architectural details, such as the distinctive curved glazing seen in a number of oriel windows around the town centre.

The presentation and retention of historic shopfronts in buildings that have been converted to office and residential use is an issue for the town. Sensitivity in presentation is required with solutions such as internal shutters and displays that address the street preferable to vertical blinds or complete loss of the window.

Kerrier District Council has a guidance document on good design and best practice for shopfronts and signs. This should help to ensure that new shop Street art. Portrait of William Murdoch, Cross Street windows within the town are sensitive and appropriate to the building and designed signage strategy, a designated surrounding historic environment in palette of materials, and a town centre which they are being set. design strategy for street furniture would Repairs carried out with local and minimise clutter and unify the town. traditional materials are to be Streetscape and public realm recommended, but it is recognised that enhancements can play an important part these are often significantly more in improving Redruth’s image. Public art expensive. Because of this important and interpretation can be used sparingly details and characteristics of the town are to enliven and inform. being lost. Managing traffic and parking The HERS will directly address many of these issues and will significantly benefit Traffic levels and movement patterns are the regeneration of the town. detrimental to a number of important focal points within the town, especially at Enhancing the public realm and the two ends of Fore Street. In some managing the streetscape areas, such as West End, the narrow, A first wave of townscape enhancement steep roads exacerbate problems. (in the 1980s) successfully improved A Transportation and Accessibility several areas of the town but there is Strategy Study is currently being potential for further improvement. undertaken by the Halcrow Group Ltd to Significant benefits could be very inform the URC. This will examine efficiently achieved through rationalising accessibility by different transportation the existing street furniture and signage. modes. The County Council is also working towards plans for improved A strong streetscape management policy traffic management. Key objectives of would ensure a co-ordinated public the Local Transport Plan are the realm. Measures such as a carefully reduction of vehicle / pedestrian conflict

June 2004 47 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth and enhanced cycle and pedestrian routes, including links to the Mineral Tramways and national cycle network. Significant improvements along West End have been proposed by the URC linking the town with the Urban Village. Proposals for a green route between the two, via the Fair Field have also been suggested. CCC have indicated the potential for the pedestrianisation of Alma Place to provide safe pedestrian links from the transport interchange at ‘The Murdoch Flyer’. Gateway feature on roundabout at the railway station to the town centre. Tolgus The Halcrow study is also charged with assessing car park management in relation to town centre access. Many of the town’s car parks have been identified as potential development sites. It is essential for economic sustainability that the town retains an appropriate level of parking in convenient locations. A study of pedestrian movement and use patterns may also be beneficial in making strategic decisions, such as informing Regeneration of the Fair Field presents an exciting signage and interpretation material opportunity to create a vibrant green space at the heart location and the opening of opes and of the town other paths. grain, possibly echoing the former Enhancing gateways and burgage strips that many of the car parks approaches are created from. Soft landscaping could be used for this and to better screen the Enhancement of gateways, principal car parks from surrounding residential approaches and arrival points to the town areas. will be significant in changing perceptions of Redruth. With attention to The network of opeways running from places that provide people with their first the town centre to the back plot car impressions, the town can be presented parks are a crucial part of the as a vibrant, historic town of quality. permeability and connection within the town. Their enhancement has already The roads meeting at the historic begun with plans for further crossroads continue to form the main improvement as part of a second phase approach routes to the town and should of townscape improvements. be seen as priorities for enhancement. Important gateway points to the town Promoting urban greenspaces centre include the road junctions at either Redruth benefits from substantial tree end of Fore Street and the public cover in the western half of the town transport interchange at Station Road / which provides an attractive green Alma Place. The town’s car parks are also backdrop to the townscape. A number of important arrival points. Several would surviving undeveloped open spaces and benefit from improvements including an urban park are also good amenity reintegration with the surrounding spaces. This urban greenery could be townscape by providing a tighter urban

June 2004 48 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth used as an important element of the • The creation of a list of locally regeneration of the town and its significant buildings. contribution to a redefined positive image for Redruth should be • Use of Article 4 Directions to control acknowledged and developed. Central to the demolition and alterations to this are the ambitious plans for the Fair buildings and loss of walls and Field, an important site within the town. hedges. Further opportunities exist such as with elements of the undeveloped land to the north-east of the town which may have Regeneration opportunities potential to be appropriately managed in the different character urban wildlife areas. areas Positive use of brownfield sites A number of sites in the town have been 1: Fore Street identified by the URC as brownfield development opportunities. Many of • Reassert the primacy of Fore Street these either lack or have suffered a loss within the urban hierarchy and use its of urban grain, whether through quality to promote a positive image demolition or non-development. of the town. Sensitive redevelopment of such areas or • Enhance gateways to Fore Street to more limited intervention can announce its primacy within the successfully create or reinstate character town. and reintegrate these areas into the town. • Increase the perceived vitality of the However, not all undeveloped land street through building repair, should simply be viewed as potential maintenance and increased activity development sites. Open land also has an levels. amenity value and can be important to • Reveal and maximise the quality of the setting of the town. Redruth has the street through streetscape several areas of derelict land containing improvements and strong future the remains of mining activity including a management of the public realm. number of shaft sites and waste dumps. The historical and archaeological • Strengthen the connection between importance of these remains should be upper and lower Fore Street to understood and respected. Similarly the ensure the town maximises its fair meadows should be respected as principal street. important historic and open spaces • Improve integration of Fore Street within the townscape. with the surrounding town to Reviewing conservation increase economic vitality and management reinforce a town wide identity.

The CISI report has made Reassert the primacy of Fore Street comprehensive recommendations for a within the urban hierarchy. review of the conservation management of the town. These include: • This street more than any other defines Redruth and its surviving • Extension of the conservation areas historic quality should be (see Fig 5). reemphasised to help promote a • A review of the Listing coverage of positive image of the town. A number the town. of measures outlined below have the potential to make explicit the

June 2004 49 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

impressively complete survival of high quality historic buildings and the

dramatic underlying topography and urban morphology of the street. Enhancing gateways to Fore Street • Enhance the west and east ends of Fore Street to promote and announce its primacy within the town.

• At East End redefine the road

junction as a focal place. Emphasise East End gateway, potential for a more welcoming this entry point to Fore Street; gateway to the town core reconnect the Methodist Chapel complex with the core of the town; and optimise the interest provided by the urban form of the forked junction and the mature tree of the chapel. Sensitive lighting, surfacing, improved pedestrian provision, building maintenance and shop front improvements could all contribute to enhancing the sense of place here. • The central crossroads at the west end of the street now marks a much greater contrast in use and character than formerly. It could be reinstated as a focal point by targeted upgrading of surrounding buildings, surfacing and lighting treatments. The ongoing reviews of transport strategies may lead to further improvements.

Increase the perceived vitality of the Recent streetscape improvements have tended to fill the street generous width of the former medieval market area A significant amount of loss of architectural detail has been absorbed evening activity levels, vitality and within the street, however the natural surveillance, it will also incremental effect is now such that very improve the viability of the historic much more would threaten the character properties and encourage ongoing of this central area. maintenance. • Building maintenance, repair and Streetscape improvements upkeep issues need to be addressed. • A rationalisation of the existing street • Shopfront treatments - repair, furniture and strong future enhancement and replacement - management of any further public would significantly improve the street. realm schemes are required to enable the public realm to complement and • Increased use of upper storeys within not compete with the strong qualities the town centre will not only increase of the street form, topography and its unique historic built environment. By

June 2004 50 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

of identity and character that it provides. • Reintegration with the former secondary commercial area at West End would be beneficial. Review the pedestrianisation barrier design to less graphically cut Fore Street off.

• Continue improvements to the ope

network to provide high levels of legible, safe and attractive permeability Opportunity to reconnect elements of the town to the back plot car parks and back lanes.

reducing levels of clutter the impressively wide former market 2: Alma Place and the remnant place, quality of the buildings and medieval townscape spectacular views will be better • Reinstate character and quality – appreciated. reintroduce urban grain into • There is potential to improve the unlandscaped car parks to reintegrate Market Strand as an attractive the area with the rest of the approach to the regenerated market. townscape. The area has good potential as a • Improve connections to Fore Street sheltered public open space, with with continued ope improvements. outside café and restaurant opportunities. Public realm • Enhance area as a public transport enhancements, sensitive elevation interchange and arrival point. improvements and creation of further commercial units in the buildings to Reinstate character and quality the east side have all been proposed in Car parks - The New Cut and Flowerpot the HERS. car parks have an uncharacteristic lack of Reintegrate Upper and Lower Fore urban grain caused by removal of Street burgage plot boundaries and demolition of former dwellings and the eponymous • Strengthen the sense of continuation chapel. This has caused the area to be between the upper and lower parts of perceived as an ‘empty space’, severed the street to ensure maximum positive the commercial core from the rest of the gain for the town from its principal town, and encouraged inappropriate street. For example through development to take place. To reverse comparable maintenance of buildings these negative aspects the following are and shop fronts and the use of similar suggested. public realm treatments. The ongoing reviews of transport strategies may • Reinstate grain and character and lead to a reduction in the impact of reintegrate into the town by echoing differential traffic management here. the former burgage plot boundaries in car park bay divisions through hedge Improve integration of Fore Street planting. with the surrounding town • Carefully designed redevelopment or • Reconnect the centre with the soft landscaping re-enclosure would surrounding town to spread the sense also reinstate character.

June 2004 51 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• Boundary planting to the edges of • In addition to public realm those car parks that open directly onto improvements, some opes retain residential areas would be beneficial. elements of former court developments, often with windows • If these sites are redeveloped (as and doors blocked up. Reopening proposed for the Flowerpot), these features would give the potential permeability to Fore Street should not to introduce a greater degree of be blocked. activity within these linking routes. In contrast to the car parks north of Fore The Post Office site (‘Jack’s Plat) is Street, Fair Meadow car park to the south identified in the UFP as a potential retains its historic character as a well mixed-use development site. enclosed open space. Mixed use development is proposed in the UFP. • Its redevelopment could provide a strong gateway link from the public • Such development is better suited to transport interchange direct to Fore the other car parks, with retention of Street. this area as an important open urban space. • Redevelopment should retain and strengthen the build line of Station • There is limited potential for Road and present an active frontage. development around the high rubble boundary walls. Public transport interchange and arrival point enhancements Improve connections to Fore Street Station Road has the potential to be Ope improvements to better link back developed as a welcoming arrival point plot areas to Fore Street have been for those using public transport. outlined above. • Improved facilities for the public

transport interchange such as better information levels, access to public telephones and sheltered seating areas could be accommodated in this area without detriment to the surrounding impressive historic environment. Careful design of street furniture design and siting would be required.

• Clear and welcoming signage to Fore Street and the principal attractions of Fair Meadow car park, well enclosed space remembering the town are required at this arrival the medieval fair ground point. Cornwall County Council is currently investigating the possibility of the pedestrianisation of Alma Place which would provide a good route through to Fore Street. • Rationalisation and reordering of signage and surveillance equipment would improve the setting of one of

the most impressive architectural groups in the town.

Jack’s Platt. Potential for redevelopment to provide an important link from the railway station and public transport interchange to Fore Street June 2004 52 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• Several distinctive and historically Reintegrate with Fore Street important single storey structures here Connection with Fore Street needs to be are currently vacant. Although small, re-asserted. sensitive adaptive reuse of these buildings could include office space or • The crossroads should be enhanced to kiosk use, such as tourist information form a focal point defining a sense of bureau or takeaway coffee bar. place. The surrounding buildings here could be targeted for sensitive repair • The successful railway station and enhancement. enhancements carried out to the down platform waiting room could be • The barrier at the bottom of Fore continued to take in the ornate GWR Street could be removed. footbridge crossing the track and the Traffic management 20th century up platform station building and surrounding railings. Traffic levels are a major cause of dislocation between this character area and Fore Street. Traffic management 3: 18th and 19th civic expansion measures should seek to reduce vehicle levels and increase pedestrian use and so • Reintegrate with Fore Street to improve commercial possibilities. encourage commercial continuation Pedestrian flow is expected to increase and pedestrian flow between the along West End with the construction of town areas. the urban village in the former hospital site. • Traffic management measures required to reduce dominance of Potential brownfield redevelopment vehicles and increase pedestrian site priority. A potential development site has been • Potential brownfield redevelopment identified in the UFP in Chapel Street to site identified at the side of the the west of the cinema where a former cinema. building was demolished for road widening. • Enhance streets as historically important approach routes. • Although high quality public realm • Reuse of historic buildings could improvements have enhanced the area provide exciting potential for an it still forms a void within the urban additional specialist shopping area. grain, with the cinema’s side elevation very dominant in the streetscape. • Access to urban green open space could be improved with the Fair • Redevelopment here would reinstate Field developments. the characteristic density of development and enclosure to this This area has been the most affected by important gateway to the urban core the commercial decline of Redruth. and re-establish the build line of the Surviving substantial commercial road. buildings, featuring high quality historic shop fronts, such as West End Stores, • This provides the exciting opportunity st clearly demonstrate the former for a 21 century building of high continuation of shopping from Fore quality. Street. The area has much to offer Redruth’s regeneration, but traffic is a major issue and urgently needs addressing.

June 2004 53 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• Inspiration for the scale, massing, materials should come from surrounding buildings, ensuring that the new build respects its setting and integrates well into the townscape. Enhance historic approach routes West End, Chapel Street and Penryn Street should be recognised as important approaches to the central core of Redruth and seen as priorities for Brownfield development potential, enhancement. This involves recognising

Chapel Street key features and enhancing them.

• For example the group of three villa residences and the Army Forces Career centre on Chapel Street have excellent potential and could be enhanced by increased soft landscaping of their former front garden plots, now car parks.

Reuse of historic buildings

This area has a high proportion of

Redruth’s listed buildings. The surviving Removal of redundant garage forecourt would architectural quality shows its historic enhance interesting views into town importance as the early financial and

administrative centre of the town.

• Buildings (many underused or vacant) have the potential to provide an important commercial role for the area once more. It could provide Redruth with a unique specialist shopping quarter – a positive asset for the town to market.

• Much important architectural detailing

survives, with many historic shop fronts remaining intact. However, many need remedial works and the conversion of former shops to alternative uses could, if undertaken without sensitivity, threaten the continued survival of these features.

• Additional advice could be provided giving owners and occupiers guidance on how to live with redundant shop

windows. Issues such as appropriate

Opportunities to maintain, re-display and celebrate the screening and interactive displays remarkable collection of historic shop fronts surviving within the town could be recommended.

June 2004 54 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• The Old Fire Station has been derelict Redruth. There is potential to enhance for some years and is a grade II listed these routes to raise the town’s profile building featured on SAVE’s and provide an attractive introduction Buildings at Risk Register. It is seen as and welcome. a regeneration priority site by the • For example, the approach from URC. Falmouth Road is marred only by the Access to urban green open space forecourt cover of a former garage. If Urban greenery, provided by the large this was removed, the impressive residences to the west of the town, is a views along the tree lined street to the strong feature of the character of this viaduct and the town beyond would area. be opened up. • • The UFP’s proposed green link from The approach from the north west the town to the Fair Field would would benefit from enhancement of strengthen this aspect of the area’s the brewery complex as a gateway character. point to the town. The boundaries of the other industrial complexes • The existing gateway to the Fair Field flanking the road could also be from West End should also be improved. repaired and reopened allowing an • Although traffic levels on these key immediate transition between the two areas. approaches are high, resist increasing traffic signage and management • Such an attraction would increase features to prevent them dominating pedestrian use of West End, re- the streets (as is now the case in Plain- enlivening the street and improving its an-Gwarry). commercial viability. Maintain and enhance character of 4: The industrial town industrial housing The historic character of industrial • Enhance approach routes to raise town profile. terraces is being threatened by insensitive replacement of windows and doors, poor • Maintain and enhance character of repointing and surface works, and loss of industrial housing. boundary walls to accommodate off road • Sensitive redevelopment of parking. This is particularly noticeable on brownfield sites based on an key approach routes such as East End, understanding of their archaeological Falmouth Road and Foundry Row, and historic value. Chapel Street. • Respect and reuse historic buildings • Although much of the area is outside to retain Redruth’s unique character the current conservation area the and maximise the potential of the enlarged area as recommended in the town. CISI report would ensure control. Grant-aid would possibly be available • Value the natural environment within to reduce loss of character. the urban setting providing links between town and country. • Encourage the use of sensitive repairs, and appropriate designs. Enhance approach routes

This area contains three of the main approach routes into town which help form a visitor’s first impressions of

June 2004 55 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Sensitive redevelopment of brownfield so at risk. Efforts should be made to sites and respect and reuse of historic constructively reuse them in ways that buildings ensure their survival and continued Within this character area there are a maintenance. number of potential redevelopment • Such buildings include Sara’s Foundry opportunities including the former gas - a grade II* Building at Risk, and the works, former factory and chemical Cathedral boot works. works sites on Treruffe Hill, the St John’s Hospital site, Sea View Terrace and the Value the natural environment within former Redruth and Chacewater Railway the urban setting terminus complex on Wesley Street. Proposals for future development of the open land surviving in the north east • Many of these sites contain buildings quadrant of the town should recognise and features of historic interest and the amenity value of undeveloped, importance. In addition this area has a natural pieces of land within town high potential for surviving industrial settings and should identify areas for archaeological remains. Developments continued open land use. here should be informed by historical and archaeological investigation. • Open, wild land has an amenity value of its own in urban settings. A simple • In some developments it will be way of enhancing such land and beneficial and possible to incorporate enabling a more positive use is by important archaeological features into cutting wide pathways and providing the new development, with potential benches that enable the areas to be for interpretation. This would apply to appreciated as part of an urban sites such as the terminus complex of wildlife sanctuary. the Redruth and Chacewater Railway where the setts from the former rail line survive on what is now a road to a series of garages. Such features should be retained and incorporated into future proposals and so retain both historic character and a physical link to the important industrial past of the town and the site itself, as well as wider initiatives such as the Mineral Tramways Project. Another example is the historic Redruth Brewery which has been identified in the The Brewery is an important landmark site on a key approach route to the town UFP as a site with regeneration potential. Several buildings here are of great historical interest and there is significant potential for archaeological remains relating to the former fuseworks and saw mill. Any development plans should include a detailed desk-based archaeological assessment of the site and its surviving historic buildings in order to better inform proposals. Several important historic buildings are underused or derelict within the area and Areas of undeveloped land can have an amenity value of their own, potential for enhancement with limited management regimes June 2004 56 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

• The area of mine shafts running along the east of the railway could therefore be enhanced, interpreted and form part of a semi-wild urban park area. • There is also a small pocket of land to the west of the line which is currently covered by brambles that could be

enhanced by facilitating pathways.

• A leat walk could be developed along the urban river valley potentially linking with rural walks beyond and the Cornish Way which runs through the town. 5: Victorian middle class housing

• Create an urban focal point around St Andrew’s church to better integrate Potential to enhance civic group as an urban focal point and utilise the quality of this area as part of the wider town. • Enhance the green public open spaces to maximise this urban asset. • Maintain and enhance the character of the area through sensitive alterations and maintenance of historic buildings and property boundaries.

Create an urban focal point

Potential to enliven and better promote Victoria Park • The road junction by St Andrew’s church has potential to form an urban public open space. Such a focal point would better integrate the Clinton Road area with the urban core, enabling the architecturally important group of public buildings to be better appreciated and used to define a key

aspect of Redruth.

Enhance the green public open spaces

• As Redruth’s only formal municipal Unsympathetic boundary treatments threaten the park, Victoria Park has potential for character of the area increased use and enhancement. This important amenity should be better enhanced. An interpretation view signed from the heart of the town. point could take advantage of the The playing fields to the south, off spectacular panoramas of the historic Trefusis Road, could also be landscape seen from here.

June 2004 57 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Maintain and enhance the character planting of the original grounds of the of the area main house has been incorporated The historic character of area is being into the new development and so threatened by insensitive replacement maintains the important green windows and doors, poor repointing and backdrop function for the rest of the surface works, and inappropriate town and gives the development an air boundary treatments. of permanence and age, helping it to blend into the area more successfully. • An enlarged conservation area as Sustainable management of private recommended in the CISI report and public green spaces would ensure control. Grant-aid would possibly be available to assist in A joint management and enhancement reducing this loss of character. programme for the open spaces and large private grounds using a public / private • Encourage the use of sensitive repairs partnership approach should be and more appropriate designs. investigated to ensure that this important 6: Large houses and extensive character element is retained and grounds enhanced. The undeveloped Fair Field is clearly an • Counter the threat of subdivision and important site in the further regeneration increased development by sensitive of the town. This important open area is siting, scale and landscaping of any a highly visible element within the new build. townscape and forms a valuable • Sustainable management of private opportunity for the town to develop its and public green spaces. open, green spaces. • Enhance the Fair Field by increasing • Although the site is currently the its use as an important urban green subject of a planning appeal for total space. development for housing, the UFP • Sensitive conversion of the former and the Vision and Strategy group hospital buildings. have put forward proposals for the area which involve limited Counter the threat of subdivision and development with the majority of the increased development space maintained as open land. There is a general threat of insensitive • Public art enhancement and a subdivision and additional development potential ‘Gwennap Pit’ style within the large plots that characterise auditorium for open air events have this area. been suggested. Maintaining strong • Such development can be achieved connections to the urban core through without the loss of important the field to West End, and to the character features of the area or south by Church Lane and the bridge compromising the settings of the over the railway line are important to

original houses. the success of the area. • • For example, this has been relatively Visual impact on urban and distant successful at The Elms, off Green views of the proposed development Lane. Here the high boundary walls should also be analysed, particularly in enclose the site and the new the light of some recent developments development of low lying bungalows along Falmouth Road which are cannot be seen from the surrounding inappropriately intrusive within the

streets. In addition the mature wider historic setting.

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Respect and reuse of historic scheme for Plain-an-Gwarry chapel could buildings be sought. Demolition of the ‘flowerpot’ Several important historic buildings have chapel in the heart of Redruth was a been derelict for some years and as such significant loss to the town’s architecture. have been targets for vandalism and even The loss of another imposing chapel arson. Efforts should be made to secure should be avoided. them from further damage and The site of the former West Cornwall constructively reuse them in ways that Miner’s and Women’s Hospital off West ensure their survival and continued End is currently being developed as an maintenance. urban village with the involvement of the Prince’s Foundation. • The former Bible Christian chapel at Plain-an-Gwarry is an architecturally • Surviving historic hospital buildings important building and also a are to be converted for mixed significant streetscape and roofscape development use including office and landmark feature within the community use. A sensitive conservation area. Although recently conversion will ensure that this listed this building still requires an interesting element of the town’s built economic use to survive. It should be environment can continue to play a targeted for reuse and restoration. NB positive role in the town’s future. The Chapel of Ease on Chapel Street • has recently been successfully This development, coupled with that converted by a Housing Association of the Grammar School opposite, will and a similar conversion raise the vitality of the West End area.

Plain-an-Gwary Chapel, important building at risk

June 2004 59 6: Heritage-led regeneration Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Technical Appendix: GIS metadata information, definitions, explanations and suggestions for use

This section comprises a technical appendix providing metadata, full definitions, explanations and suggestions for use of the geographic information collated, created and provided as the base for the figure sequence bound at the back of the report. Five GIS- based datasets have been created for the study. These comprise: • Extent of the study area: defines the c1907 settlement boundary. • Historic development: defines the geographical growth of the settlement as mapped from available cartographic sources. • Historic topography: details the historic ‘building blocks’ that have shaped the development and evolution of the settlement. • Surviving historic components: depicts survival patterns and statutory designation coverage of the settlement’s surviving historic buildings and features. • Archaeological potential: indicates the potential for urban archaeological remains. • Character areas: illustrates the character areas distinguished within the town as defined in chapter 5. The datasets (known as shapefiles) have been created using ESRI’s ArcView GIS. Each shapefile comprises a number of polygons (areas), and/or lines and/or points depicting the spatial extent of the various areas, sites and monuments of interest identified during the study. These features are attributed with two types of information; the first describes the nature and form of the site, area or monument itself (eg. name, date etc) whilst the second describes the context of the dataset’s creation (eg. creator, date created, original source, capture scale). Attribution of these shapefiles has been guided by the project’s requirements and as far as possible the attribute values adhere to current CCC HER heritage information standards.

Extent of the study area (Figure 1)

This dataset forms the basis for Figure 1. The detailed characterisation and analysis of urban topography and historic survival that together form the primary elements of this study are closely focused on the historic urban extent of the settlement. For the purposes of this project this area is defined as that which is recognisably ‘urban’ in character on the second edition Ordnance Survey (OS) Revision 1:2500 map, c1907. Outlying rural settlements that have been incorporated into the modern urban area since c1907 are intentionally excluded. The study area GIS shapefile dataset is attributed with the following values: Shapefile primitive: polygon (area) Shapefile attribute properties: Attribute Name Field type Width Description example Study_area Field Character 25 Settlement Name Redruth Description Field Character 250 Brief description. Urban extent c1907

June 2004 60 Technical Appendix Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Capture_scale Field Character 20 GIS digitisation scale 1:2500 Creation_date Field Character 25 Creation date (ddmmyyyy) 20082001 User Field Character 25 Creator initials KSN Project_code Field Numeric 25 CSUS Project Code 2001013 Source Field Character 250 Information source 1907 2nd Edition OS Revision

Ordnance Survey 1:2500 2nd edition (1907) (Figure 2)

This figure overlays the primary study area on the second edition Ordnance Survey map 1:25 000 of c1907.

Historic development (Figure 3)

This dataset forms the basis for Figure 3. Phased historic development mapping was created by carrying out a traditional map regression and comparison with the geographical extent of the settlement mapped from a series of available historic map and aerial photograph sources. Generally only overtly urban features have been mapped therefore outlying sites (eg. industrial complexes) may not be featured on the mapping until the site/working has stopped, and the land was reclaimed and re-developed as part of the expanding town. For Redruth the historic map and photographic sequence included: • 1809 Ordnance Survey’s 2-inch drawings for the 1813 Ordnance Survey first edition 1” to the mile map • 1841 Tithe Map of Redruth parish • c1880 1st Edition Revision Ordnance Survey 1:2500 (1877) • c1907 2nd Edition Revision Ordnance Survey 1:2500 (1908) • 1946 RAF air photographs • 2002 Ordnance Survey Landline 1:2500 This mapping illustrates the original focal points of the settlement and its subsequent evolution. It highlights areas likely to have the oldest surviving remains and archaeological potential. The historic development GIS shapefile dataset is attributed with the following values: Shapefile primitive: polygon (area) Shapefile attribute properties Attribute Name Field type Width Description example Study_area, Field Character 25 Settlement Name Redruth Historic_phase Field Character 25 Period of settlement growth c1840 – c1880 Source, Field Character 250 Original data source 1880 1st Edition OS Revision Creation_date, Field Character 20 Creation date (ddmmyyyy) 20082001 Capture_scale, Field Character 20 GIS digitisation scale 1:2500 User, Field Character 25 Creator initials KSN Project_code Field Numeric 25 CSUS Project Code 2001013

June 2004 61 Technical Appendix Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Historic settlement topography (Figure 4)

This dataset forms the basis for Figure 4. This mapping seeks to define the ‘building blocks’ that have shaped the development and evolution of the settlement. Historic settlement topography includes plan-form and relief, hydrology, blocks of particular types of housing or building (eg. industry, ecclesiastical etc), burgage plots and other well defined land allotment patterns, historic road routes and streets, railways etc. The historic settlement topography GIS shapefile dataset is attributed with the following values:

Shapefile primitive: polygon/polyline/points Shapefile attribute properties Attribute Name Field type Width Description example Study_area, Field Character 25 Event Record Redruth Topo_descrip Field Character 250 Topographic description Medieval burgage plot boundaries Period Field Character 25 Epoch or period Medieval Creation_date, Field Character 20 Date of creation of dataset 20082001 Capture_scale, Field Character 20 Digitisation Scale of dataset 1:1250 User Field Character 25 Person responsible for data capture KSN Project_code Field Numeric 25 CSUS Project Code 2001013

Surviving historic components (Figure 5)

This dataset forms the basis for Figure 5. It seeks to illustrate the survival patterns and statutory designation coverage of the settlement’s surviving historic features. Generally these features are standing buildings, but some other historic features, such as boundary walls, leat systems, gateways and stone crosses, are also included. Scheduled Monuments (red features). 'Scheduling' is shorthand for the process through which nationally important sites and monuments are given legal protection by being placed on a list, or 'schedule'. English Heritage takes the lead in identifying sites in England which should be placed on the schedule by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. A schedule has been kept since 1882 of monuments whose preservation is given priority over other land uses. The current legislation, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, supports a formal system of Scheduled Monument Consent for any work to a designated monument. Scheduling is the only legal protection specifically for archaeological sites. The Scheduled Monument data has been derived from GIS datasets maintained by Technical Services, Cornwall County Council. The mapping was last updated on 05/12/2003 and mapping is therefore accurate to that date. Contact the Historic Environment Record team, HES, Cornwall County Council or English Heritage for potential updated changes to this designation coverage. Listed Buildings (yellow features) identify those buildings of special architectural or historic interest as defined by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Under this legislation the government maintains a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, and operates a Listed Building Consent process to control works which affect them. The Listed Building GIS data has been derived from GIS datasets provided by Kerrier District Council on 03/07/2002 and mapping is therefore

June 2004 62 Technical Appendix Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth accurate to that date. Contact Kerrier District Council’s Conservation Officer for potential updated changes to this designation coverage. Conservation Areas and proposed Conservation Areas (red outline and dashed red outline) identify areas of historical or architectural interest as defined by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. This is mostly used in urban areas, although as with Carn Brea can be used in more rural settings. The legislation places a duty on local planning authorities to identify the special qualities and formulate proposals for the conservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas, known as Conservation Area Statements or Appraisals. The proposed conservation area depicted was originally proposed in the Redruth CISI report. Any subsequent designation resulting from this recommendation would be driven by Kerrier District Council’s Conservation Officer and would go through the usual public enquiry procedures. Contact Kerrier District Council’s Conservation Officer for potential updated changes to this designation coverage. Registered Historic Park and Gardens (green features) have been added from a national record of England's historic parks and gardens, maintained by English Heritage, since the 1980s. It records gardens of special historic interest ranging from town gardens and public parks to great country estates. Parks and Gardens included within this national register are not subject to additional statutory controls. However PPG15 guides planning authorities to take account of the need to protect registered parks and gardens when preparing development plans and in determining planning applications.

Historic buildings (dark blue features) are also illustrated. This category does not convey a statutory designation, although it could form a useful basis for creating a list of locally important buildings. Buildings shown here are surviving structures that pre-date c1907 (ie they are shown on the c1907 OS 2nd edition). In addition to this definition some buildings post dating c1907 are also included if they are part of the same development as buildings shown on the c1907 OS 2nd edition (ie part of a street clearly under construction at the time of mapping, or a later extension to an historic building), or if they post date this nominal cut off date but are of significant townscape quality or are important historic features of the town. This coverage is generated first by a desk-based comparison of current OS Landline and OS MasterMap mapping and historic mapping, with the identified buildings then checked on a site visit. Historic plots (light blue features) identify plots (often gardens) that remain unaltered from the c1907 OS 2nd edition map. Plot size and shape and uniformity or irregularity of plots within different parts of the settlement are key factors in grain and historic character and therefore this information also feeds in to character analysis, survival levels and patterns and identifying areas of loss of townscape grain and character. Historic plots are identified through modern and historic OS map comparison followed by corroboration in the field. This dataset is effectively a scaled down GIS version of the CCC HER/SMBR database and the attribute fields represent the minimum data information requirements for inclusion in the CCC HER. The surviving historic components GIS shapefile dataset is attributed with the following values: Shapefile primitive: polygon/polyline/points Shapefile attribute properties Attribute Name Field type Width Description example Name Field Character 250 Name Redruth, Clinton Road Site_type Field Character 250 Site Type Church Broad_term Field Character 25 Broad site type term Place of Worship

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Class Field Character 100 Site type class Religious, Ritual & Funerary Site_id Field Numeric 10.5 Unique PRN HER/SMR database Form Field Character 50 Condition of site type Extant Start Field Character 10 Start date of feature -specific 1882 End Field Character 25 End date of feature –specific Period Field Character 25 Epoch / century of feature 19 [C19] Sam_no Field Character 25 Scheduled Monument number (if applicable) Grade Field Character 25 Listed building number SW 74 SW 11/258 Short_desc Field Character 250 Max 250 characters description Church Bibliography Field Character 250 Source material used to identify feature Parish Field Character 100 Local Authority District Kerrier Project_code Field Character 10 CSUS Project Code 2000013 Feat_code Field Numeric 3 Code to distinguish legends for features 3 Capture_scale Field Numeric 10 Capture Scale of digitisation 1:2500 User Field Character 25 Creator initials KSN

Archaeological potential (Figure 6)

This dataset forms the basis for Figure 6. It indicates the potential for urban archaeological remains, although it must be emphasised that this depiction of potential is indicative, not definitive, and only future archaeological investigation and research can test and refine its value. An understanding of the potential is broadly derived from the historic extent of the settlement itself. In simple terms, any location within the area developed to c1907 is regarded as having the potential for standing or buried archaeological features; the earlier settlement core (as shown by the 1840 Tithe map) may have more complex and deeply stratified deposits. The figure also identifies a number of sites and areas of known historic significance: ie those where the presence of a significant structure or feature can be identified from historic maps or documentary sources but does not now survive above ground. Points are used to approximately locate features where the available sources are not adequate to map as a polygon specific location. It should be noted that there is also a proven potential within the area for the survival of archaeological remains that predate or are unrelated to the development of the town, particularly prehistoric and/or early medieval sites. In the absence of specific information such as reports of finds or antiquarian references the potential presence of such sites is difficult to predict. This dataset is effectively a scaled down GIS version of the CCC HER/SMR database and the attribute fields represent the minimum data information requirements for inclusion in the CCC HER. The archaeological potential GIS shapefile dataset is attributed with the following values: Shapefile primitive: polygon/polyline/points Shapefile attribute properties Attribute Name Field type Width Description example Name Field Character 250 Name Redruth, Foundry Row Site_type Field Character 250 Site Type Corn Mill

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Broad_term Field Character 25 Broad site type term Class Field Character 100 Site type class Site_id Field Numeric 10.5 Unique PRN HER/SMR database 18052 Form Field Character 50 Condition of site type Site Of Start Field Character 10 Start date of feature -specific 1698 End Field Character 25 End date of feature -specific Period Field Character 25 Epoch / century of feature PM Sam_no Field Character 25 N/A Grade Field Character 25 N/A Short_desc Field Character 250 Max 250 characters description A grist mill working at this site in 1698... Bibliography Field Character 250 Source material used to identify feature Jenkin, AKH, 1962, Mines and miners.. Parish Field Character 100 Local Authority District Kerrier Project_code Field Character 10 CSUS Project Code PR1013 Feat_code Field Numeric 3 Code to distinguish legends for features 2 Capture_scale Field Numeric 10 Capture Scale of digitisation 1:2500 User Field Character 25 Creator initials KSN

Character areas (Figure 7)

This dataset forms the basis for Figure 7 and the Character Area summary sheets. The CSUS investigation, in addition to identifying the broad elements of settlement character that define Redruth as a whole, identified six distinct Character Areas within the town’s historic (pre-1907) urban extent (see Section 5; Fig 7 and Character Area summary sheets 1-6). Character area 1: Fore Street Character area 2: Alma Place and the remnant medieval townscape Character area 3: 18th and 19th century civic expansion Character area 4: The industrial town Character area 5: Victorian middle class housing Character area 6: Large houses and extensive grounds

These Character Areas are differentiated from each other by their varied historic origins, functions and resultant urban topography, by the processes of change which have affected each subsequently (indicated, for example, by the relative completeness of historic fabric, or significant changes in use and status), and the extent to which these elements and processes are evident in the current townscape. In simple terms, each Character Area may be said to have its own individual ‘biography’ which has determined its present character. Taken with the assessment of overall settlement character, the six Character Areas offer a means of understanding the past and the present. In turn, that understanding provides the basis for a positive approach to planning future change which will maintain and reinforce the historic character and individuality of each area and the town as a whole - sustainable local distinctiveness. The character areas GIS shapefile dataset is attributed with the following values:

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Shapefile primitive: polygon Shapefile attribute properties Attribute Name Field type Width Description example Study_area, Field Character 25 Event Record Redruth Char_Area_Name Field Character 250 Character Area name The industrial town Creation_date, Field Character 20 Date of creation of dataset 20082001 Capture_scale, Field Character 20 Digitisation Scale of dataset 1:2500 User, Field Character 25 Person responsible for data capture KSN Project_code Field Numeric 25 CSUS Project Code 2001013

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Sources

Published Sources and Documents: Acton, R, 1996. Exploring Cornwall’s Tramway Trails, 1, Landfall Publications Barton R M, 1974. Life in Cornwall at the end of the nineteenth century, D Bradford Barton Ltd, Truro Biscoe J, Tangye M, Knight T, Tangye M, Pascoe L, Billingham R & Watton J, 2000. Redruth town trail, Discovery leaflet series, Redruth Regeneration Group Bradley, P, 1995. The Archive Photograph Series, Redruth, Chalford Publishing Bradley, P, 1983. A Pictorial History of Redruth, 1, P.Bradley Bradley, P, 1985. A Pictorial History of Redruth, 2, P.Bradley Johns, C, 2000. Alma Place, Redruth, Archaeological Report, CAU Hamilton-Jenkin, A K, 1979. Mines and Miners of Cornwall, 3, Truro Bookshop Michell, F, 1985. Annals of an Ancient Cornish Town, Dyllansow Truran Morrison,T A, 1983. Cornwall’s Central Mines, The Southern District, 1810-1895, Alison Hodge Perry, R & Schwartz, S, 2001, James Hicks, Architect of regeneration in Victorian Redruth, Journal of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, 24, 64-77. Redruth Town Guide 1992 Tangye, M, 1988. Redruth and its People, Michael Tangye Tangye, M, 2001. Victorian Redruth, Michael Tangye Tangye M, Biscoe J, Tangye M, Knight T, Buchanan J, Billingham R, 2002, Redruth Plain-an- Gwarry trail, Discovery leaflet series

Strategic, policy and programme documents: Civic Trust Regeneration Unit, 1992. Redruth, A Town Centre Strategy Cornwall County Council, 1997. Cornwall Structure Plan Cornwall County Council, Local Transport Plan 2001- 2006 Kerrier District Council, 1999. Kerrier District Local Plan Deposit Draft Kerrier District Council, 2001. Shopfronts and signs. A guide to good design and best practice Kerrier District Council, 2003. Redruth Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme Action Plan Llewelyn-Davies, in association with Atlantic Consultants, Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick, CSMA Consultants, 2001. Camborne – Pool – Redruth, Urban Framework Plan The Objective One Partnership for Cornwall and Scilly, 2000. Objective one programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 2000-2006, Single programming document

June 2004 67 Sources Cornwall and Scilly Urban Survey Redruth

Historic maps: 1764 Town Map of Redruth – RIC/MMP/109 Plan of the Manor of Treruffe, Trefusis estate lands. Good detail of fields in the south of the study area, southern side of Fore Street is the only part of town shown – individual town plots highlighted where lands were held. 1809 OS 2-inch drawings 1819 Thomas – RIC/HJ/8/195-7 Plan of the Manor of Tolgus. Map of area mainly north west of study area, fields and industrial activity shown. 1825 Thomas, map of Wheal Sparnon sett 1841 Tithe Map of Redruth parish 1877 OS 25 inch map 1908 OS 25 inch map

Websites: Prince’s Foundation – www.princes-foundation.org Redruth Online – Local information and business directory. www.redruth.org Camborne – Pool – Redruth Regeneration - www.cprregeneration.co.uk Cornish mining World Heritage Site bid - www.cornish-mining.org.uk

Cornwall County Council historic environment record: Sites and Monuments Record 1946 RAF air photographs

June 2004 68 Sources