Members of the Trevu action group paraded outside the old Holman's No 3 works in Camborne making it clear they do not want the site converted into high density residential use.
More than 50 people joined a meeting at the gates to the former engineering works, which now falls within the World Heritage Status area, urging planners to create something Camborne can be proud of.
David Biggs, one of the protestors, said had it not been for Jean Charman, of Treswithian, who began the action group two years ago, plans for high density housing would have been approved a long time ago.
Mrs Charman has always wanted to ensure that the site is developed in a way which reflects its historic importance, particularly as it stands at the gateway to Camborne.
"There is no longer a need for the developer to follow government guidelines on density because those regulations were scrapped on April 1 this year," said Mr Biggs.
"More importantly this site should reflect the civic aspirations of the people of Camborne and should be turned into a Heartlands' type of project. This would preserve our mining and engineering past whilst making it accessible and useful to the community. We have a unique chance to create something very special and we must make it happen."
Local resident Stuart Odgers said: "There is a lack of imagination in retaining our history with a need to make modern use of the site. There are examples like Swindon where the history of the railway works have been incorporated in a setting that allows a mix of industrial, retail and leisure."
The tourism bonus that World Heritage Site status had handed Cornwall and West Devon was soon to be discussed to see how it could be exploited in the marketing plan called "Living Heritage."
UNESCO had made it very clear that unsuitable development of heritage sites could lead to the withdrawal of accreditation, said Mr Biggs.
"Any such move would be a major embarrassment to Cornwall county council who are looking to maximise the international recognition."
Camborne town councillor Phil Hill said: "I am concerned that the World Heritage Site status should be more fully recognised and that any development should match the existing buildings in that area. We should protect as much of our history as possible and I support Coun Charman's initiative."
The site comes up for discussion soon at Kerrier council and members of the action group are keen to see the Holman's name kept alive.
A spokesman said it was fully understood that something had to be be built on the site, but it was the size and type of development that mattered.
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