Cornwall Centre, Redruth

GII Listed – Civic Centre

Built as the former Redruth District Bank and post office in 1880 for Messrs. Bain, Field and Co, the building was originally designed by Redruth’s principal Architect of the time, James Hicks and opened to high acclaim – ‘fine specimen of a cut granite building’ with excellent accommodation”.

Alma Place forms an important part of Redruth’s historic townscape and is linked to the Cornwall Centre complex. Following a devastating fire, much of the building was destroyed, leaving this significant Grade II listed building at risk. Fortunately, the significant granite-faced external walls survived largely intact, preserving the building’s presence within the street scene and providing the framework for its restoration.

The project involved the detailed rebuilding of the interior and roof structure, alongside the introduction of an additional floor level within the Alma Palace buildings. A new building was also constructed on the site of the former meat market, carefully integrated with the historic fabric and the surrounding town centre context. The design retained the historic character and significance of the surviving building while creating accommodation that considers its users’ needs and requirements.

Delivered in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Housing Association, the completed scheme successfully combined heritage conservation with community regeneration. The restored building now accommodates a shopping arcade, the Redruth Foyer and the Cornish Studies Centre, bringing new life and activity to a historic asset while safeguarding its special architectural and historic interest.

The project received widespread recognition for its conservation-led approach, including the CPRE/RIBA Cornwall Architecture Award for Restoration in 2002, the Cornish Buildings Group Award for Restoration and Conversion, and a commendation in the Civic Trust Awards. The scheme remains an example of how historic buildings can be successfully repaired, adapted and brought back into sustainable use for the benefit of the wider community.

This sensitive rebuilding and restoration project was sensitively handled by Roger Hocking, founding Director of CAD Architects, and demonstrates a good example of our extensive collective experience in working with historic and listed buildings across the CAD brands – this resulted in the establishment of our dedicated Heritage division.