Plans to raise artists’ studios from the ashes after they were destroyed by a huge fire in 2021 have been lodged with Cornwall Council.
Krowji creative arts hub studios was devastated by a fire on May 16 which ripped through a building on the Old Redruth Grammar School site in the Blowing House area of Redruth.
Firefighters were called to the hub in West Park in the early hours of the morning after the single storey North Light Building housing artist's studios in the centre of the site caught fire. The fire then spread into the old kiln room.
The blaze destroyed a number of studio spaces, artist's work and equipment. Offices and studios were also water damaged as firefighters tackled the fire. No one was hurt.
The North Light Building was used by painters, ceramicists and jewellery makers.
The studios in the building were destroyed and there was extensive water damage to the adjacent Creative Kernow office spaces. 15 tenants lost their studios while other studio holders experienced smoke and water damage to their spaces.
A GoFundMe appeal raised more than £24,000 to help the artists’ affected.
After a period of fundraising including support from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme and extensive public consultation, Krowji is now looking to replace the building and is looking for public support.
It plans to create 19 Flexible studio units of 6m (20ft) and 12m (40ft) made of shipping containers arranged as a cluster around a communal square with a statement vertical container in the centre representing one of North Cornwall’s most vaulted of images – the engine house with its tall chimney.
It will also include: • A communal unit to house the kitchen and community space.
• Gantry access from the first floor of Percy Williams building.
• Landscaping works to increase accessibility and provide public space for the community.
Posting on Facebook, Krowji said: “We have submitted our planning application to replace the studios lost to the fire in 2021 and with your help we can further demonstrate to Cornwall Council how valuable our Phase 3 project will be, not only to our local community in Redruth, but the wider creative industry in Cornwall.
“Phase 3 will increase the provision of affordable, professional workspace for creative practitioners and businesses and boost job creation and employment within Cornwall’s thriving creative sector.”
They say while the submission marks a significant step forward in the development process, there is still room for flexibility over the design.
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“Throughout the subsequent stages of development, there may be opportunities for refinement and adjustments based on feedback received from stakeholders, authorities, and the evolving needs of the project,” they said.
“We remain committed to maintaining an open and collaborative dialogue throughout the development process. We welcome any feedback, suggestions, or concerns that may arise, and we are dedicated to working together to create a project that positively impacts the community and the broader environment.”
To view the full application and to leave a comment go to the Cornwall Council planning portal https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/online-planning-register/ and search for planning application reference: PA23/10360
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