Constructed in the 1790’s, the former Redruth Brewery is a building of historical significance for Cornwall, with its iconic red chimney being visible from across the surrounding country side. Having such a strong heritage to the local area, the derelict building seemed like a fitting substructure to accommodate Kresen Kernow – a modern archive and library space housing the world’s largest collection of manuscripts, books, and documents related to Cornwall.
The archive collections are located within a new two-storey concrete extension providing efficient, environmentally-controlled conditions in adherence with PD5454 – the guidance for storage and exhibition of archival materials. As well as securely housing archives, the site will also provide public exhibition spaces for local and national archival material, teaching spaces, and restoration, preservation and conservation facilities, with several of the large public spaces being naturally ventilated.
This thriving and vibrant centre is at the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, and is part of a wider heritage-led regeneration scheme. It is expected to create over 300 jobs and £40million of investment in Redruth.
