Introduction to Redruth

Redruth is an old mining town, close to Camborne and the two are joined now by a merging of villages to make CPR, Camborne Pool Redruth.  Camborne and Redruth still retain very distinct identities though.

Redruth is perhaps a little unfortunate in that it's main shopping street goes straight up a hill that is relatively steep.  I am sure it puts some people off shopping there, I know it does put me off sometimes.

The town has retained a lot of good things though and there has been some really good redevelopment over recent years.  I think one of the biggest things is that its theatre / cinema was not demolished, as so many were.  Luckily, Redruth never warranted a modern multiplex.  This theatre is such a boon with local theatre groups and national tours using it alike.

One of my favourite places is St Rumon's Gardens.  In 1859, St Rumon's Hall was built on a site which has religious use going back to the 1400s, though the collection of buildings there has fallen in to disrepair and disuse.  The new hall used some stone from the medieval chapel in it's foundations but was envisioned as a multi-use space.  It hosted everything from exhibitions, auctions, concerts, balls and lectures.  By 1908 it became a cinema.  It eventually became rundown again but was brought and transformed in to a bingo hall.

In 1984, there was a huge fire that decimated the building and it was later decided it could not be rebuilt as some of the walls were wobbly and higher floors had to be removed.  It was purchased by the council and transformed in to a lovely garden contained with the remaining ruins of the building.

Krowji is another such redevelopment where the old grammar school has been transformed into a creative hub with a cafe.  Many artists rent studio space there.  As a hub, they are regular open studio events there and Krowji shares updates on the artists in it's community.  It is also the home of Bill's Attic which is home to many objects owned by Bill Mitchell who was Creative Director for Wildworks and Kneehigh theatres before his death in 2017.  It's a quirky space that can be hired and is intended as an inspiring place for artists residencies.

The old brewery in Redruth was a dilapidated historical site very close to the town centre.  It was decided to redevelop it as a new home for the different historical document collections held by the Cornwall Record Office, Cornish Studies Library and others.  The ruins have been transformed into a beautiful building that takes the old ruins and elevated them into a stunning multi use building, now known as Kresen Kernow.  As well as climate controlled archives, there is a cafe, meeting spaces and an exhibition area.  It's an important resource for anyone researching family or local history as well as a lovely place for a visit.

When the Cornish Studies Library was relocated from Alma Place, Redruth Library moved in to the vacant building.  This meant the lovely historic Redruth Library building was left vacant.  It is now The Ladder and is a mixed arts venue with rehearsal spaces, studios and a co-working space.  It now hosts a wide range of classes, workshops and events.

The Buttermarket is another redevelopment of a historic collection of buildings that was recently visited by Prince Edward.  There is a lovely courtyard which has become home to a food court where you can buy a very wide selection of foods from six street food kitchens.  It has become an events venue with regular music and markets.  Miracle Theatre are even taking their tour of Peer Gynt there this summer.  It connects to the pannier market and other spaces such as St Piran cycling shop and the Auction House, a small arts venue.  There is a lot going on there and it's a well loved place.

Redruth is still an up and coming town that has some issues, as most such places do, unless they are very well off, but it's increasing alliance to the arts has really started to pay off and there is  a great alternative and art community in Redruth.

It is easy to get to by road as it is just off the A30.  It is on the mainline train route through Cornwall, which means you can get trains direct to London.  The main bus stop is opposite the train station and from there you can get buses to Helston and Falmouth as well as the route from Penzance to St Ives, Camborne, Redruth and then Truro.  The station has a good sized car park and is only one street over from the main shopping street, Fore Street.  On the other side of Fore Street, there is the Flowerpot car park at the top of the hill and the New Cut car park about half way up.  The New Cut car park connects to Fore Street by an ally and is close to the cinema.

There are also a number of heritage and arts things to see around Redruth.  Marc Craig recently completed a lovely mural highlighting the red squirrel as and endangered species.  Local artist Cosmic also has a few pieces around town I think and there are also the infamous wellington boot dogs.  I hope to put together a walk at some point.