Wheal Peevor is considered to be one of the best preserved metalliferous mines in the Cornwall Mines World Heritage Site and is also an important nature conservation site. The mines and arsenic works in the 55 acre site were all closed by the 1920’s and the buildings were left abandoned and “at risk” until Kerrier District Council acquired the site and applied to HLF in 2003 to redevelop it as a public amenity and as a heritage and education resource.
The scheme completed in 2007 and involved the repair of three Grade II listed engine houses and 2 Brunton arsenic calciners (all scheduled ancient monuments) as well as decontamination work; the capping of 12 mine shafts and landscaping and access works including the laying of trails linking the site with the nearby town of Redruth and with the coastal path. The site has been opened for public access for walking and cycling by local people and visitors as well as for specific educational/ interest visits.
Redruth is one of the most deprived towns in Cornwall. The works to Wheal Peevor were part of a wider regeneration strategy to develop public amenities in the area and to encourage tourism and were part of the Mineral Tramways Project – which is opening up a 60km network of multi-activity trails in Cornwall, mainly following the tramway and railway routes once used to transport ore and vital supplies to and from the area's many tin and copper mines to ports. They offer improved and safer access to schools, places of work, local facilities, historic settlements and visitor attractions, as well as a unique opportunity to access a wide area that is rich in mining heritage.
Moreover, in accordance with sustainable principles, the project directly benefited the local economy by ensuring all services and materials were sourced locally. All of the contracts for project design, management, building conservation and landscape works were awarded to local firms, thereby ensuring that project funding did not leak out of the local economy.
For further information on the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, please log on to: www.cornishmining.org.uk