Community involvement and the revitalisation of five historic sites has breathed new life into Redruth, according to a new independent report.
Rose Regeneration produced an evaluation of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme (HSHAZ) that ended in March, which has positively impacted the town centre.
The successful application in 2019 for HSHAZ status resulted in Redruth receiving more than £1.6 million in support from Historic England, with an additional £4.4 million secured via Cornwall Council and local partners.
The Redruth HSHAZ has shown a social return of £2.68 for each £1 invested, highlighting a favourable Benefit Cost Ratio of 3.78 - a sign of high value for money by comparing the project's cost against outcomes per government standards.
Increased awareness and respect for Redruth's heritage were among the notable achievements.
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, stated: "The investment and hard work of the community has acted as a catalyst for heritage-led regeneration to improve the prosperity of the town centre.
"The Redruth HSHAZ scheme has had a far-reaching positive social and economic impact."
Redruth HSHAZ has regenerated five significant locations in the town centre.
These include The London Inn which now hosts commercial units and residential accommodation, the Buttermarket being transformed into a hub for independent businesses, the Ladder, a new community and creative centre, 81 Fore Street, converted into studios for artists and the relocation of Redruth Civic Centre & Library.
In addition, the programme used repair grants for several key historic buildings and improved facilities for public accessibility.
It also aided local businesses in recovering from the pandemic impact by organising creative community events.
Barbara Ellenbroek, town and Cornwall councillor, chair of the Redruth HSHAZ board, said: "By combining investment in buildings with community engagement and cultural events, the programme has really helped to boost people’s pride in Redruth, reanimate the high street, reconnect communities with the town’s remarkable past and drive economic growth."
Redruth Unlimited, part of the four-year heritage endeavour, involved 168 artists and 1,148 volunteers, gained additional match funding and engaged the community attracting over 32,000 in audience numbers.
Redruth Revival CIC chair Judy Davidson added: "The HSHAZ scheme has been the fundamental catalyst in getting our regeneration scheme started.
"The Buttermarket project, together with other HSHAZ funded projects such as The London Inn, have not only restored heritage buildings but given them a new purpose to ensure their sustainability into the future."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here