Redruth’s buildings tell the story of the town, from its mining heyday to the community spaces people used today. Many Council buildings are steeped in history, and the Council is proud to look after them for the benefit of the whole community.
The Civic Centre on Alma Place is home to Redruth Town Council’s offices, but it began life in 1880 as a bank and post office. It was designed by James Hicks, Redruth’s principal architect of the era, and it was part of a striking group of buildings he created on Alma Place, which transformed the area into the town’s new commercial centre.
The building’s granite exterior, which we assume was quarried locally, still reflects its Victorian origins, while the building’s interior was rebuilt in 2000/2001.
Alma Place itself has long been a gathering place for the town, hosting everything from miners’ strikes to wartime send-offs and celebrations over the years.
Redruth’s Clock Tower has watched over Fore Street since the 1700s. The original wooden structure was rebuilt in stone in 1828, and in 1841 its open arches were sealed to serve as police cells. As the surrounding buildings grew taller, the tower was raised in 1904 so that its clock face would still be visible above the rooftops. It remains one of Redruth’s most recognisable landmarks, and is a Grade II listed building.
In 2024, structural issues meant the interior was no longer safe to enter, so the clock can no longer be wound and currently stands still. The Council is exploring funding and repair options, in the hope of restoring the tower to its former glory.
“Walking down Fore Street, you will come to the Clock Tower, towering into the sky. Well worth a look, if you’re in the area.” Redruth resident
The Community Centre on Foundry Row is owned by Redruth Town Council and managed on its behalf by the Redruth Community Association. With four meeting rooms and a large hall, it’s a popular venue for hire, particularly for children’s parties.
The building began life in 1912 as a drill hall, once used as a base for army volunteer units, complete with stores, offices, a canteen and an armoury. During the Second World War, it served the Home Guard, and several similar drill halls can still be found across Cornwall today.
In 2025, the Council secured funding through the Community Levelling Up Partnership, and this will fund a refurbishment of the Centre, improving access, upgrading facilities and expanding its role as a hub for local activities and services.
“A must see if you are looking for an affordable, lovely and professional space to host a meeting or even take advantage of the venue hire.” Redruth resident
Market Way is a Grade II listed building owned by Redruth Town Council, home to a range of retail units let out to small businesses. Alongside it sits the Buttermarket, restored and run by Redruth Revival CIC.
Together, the two buildings host Redruth Town Market on the first Saturday of every month, bringing together locally sourced goods from independent traders.
The market hall dates back to 1825 to 1826, and served the town for well over a century before fire destroyed its meat market section in 1982. It was restored in 2001, giving Redruth the lively marketplace it enjoys today.
“It has a great variety of shops and an amazing market that I love to visit every month!” — Redruth resident
The Chambers, on Penryn Street, was once home to Redruth Town Council’s offices, before the Council moved to the Civic Centre on Alma Place. The building was originally home to Barclays Bank, designed by Penzance architect Oliver Caldwell, with part of its upper floors once used as living space for the bank manager.
Today, Kernow Credit Union occupies the ground floor, while the Council explores future uses for the upper floor as part of its Town Regeneration and Investment Programme, looking for a use that respects the building’s heritage while unlocking its potential.
“It’s a very historic building and I’m interested in seeing what Redruth Town Council does with it in the future.” Redruth resident
