Tin, copper and china clay mining was a major part of the Cornish economy, which dates back as far as the middle ages; hence why mining culture is synonymous with Cornwall’s heritage. Even the Cornish flag of Saint Piran with its white cross against a black background is said to represent molten tin spilling out from the black ore in Saint Piran’s fire. Mines covered many areas of the Cornish landscape, figure below shows a map of Devon and Cornwall’s mining districts that make up Cornwall’s World Heritage site:
The importance of the beam engine to the mining industry is witnessed today by the ruins of the buildings that once housed them; the Cornish Engine House, please see figure below for an example:
The far reaching and prosperous mining industry has ensured that engine houses are strewn across the Cornish landscape, with more beam engines built in Cornwall than any other mining region of the world. An important aspect of engine houses was that they weren’t simply a structure, but were in fact the frame of the engine. If one were to remove the structure, the engine would collapse. The structure was also designed to help with the engine’s construction. The strength built into the engine house is a factor in its inherently long life. These structures represent an important record both of past mining activities and of the engines they once housed. Many of these buildings are now ruinous; this history is now in danger of being lost.
Until a few years ago, mine buildings were regularly destroyed for their building materials such as stone. In 2006 selected mining landscapes across Cornwall and west Devon were inscribed as a World Heritage Site, which identifies it as an area of outstanding natural beauty, which means that they are of exceptional cultural significance and must be protected and conserved for present and future generations. For this project I have chosen two locations for my hypothetical developments, one of which I believe to be more realistic location for an actual development of an engine house, although the engine houses are regarded as part of a World Heritage Site and many of the engine houses are deemed as monuments and listed buildings, this is not to say it cannot be argued that this type of development with help preserve the buildings against further decay. Wheal Kitty deemed to be a Grade II listed building is an example of an engine house that has been successfully redeveloped into offices, please see photographs below:
Until a few years ago, mine buildings were regularly destroyed for their building materials such as stone. In 2006 selected mining landscapes across Cornwall and west Devon were inscribed as a World Heritage Site, which identifies it as an area of outstanding natural beauty, which means that they are of exceptional cultural significance and must be protected and conserved for present and future generations. For this project I have chosen two locations for my hypothetical developments, one of which I believe to be more realistic location for an actual development of an engine house, although the engine houses are regarded as part of a World Heritage Site and many of the engine houses are deemed as monuments and listed buildings, this is not to say it cannot be argued that this type of development with help preserve the buildings against further decay. Wheal Kitty deemed to be a Grade II listed building is an example of an engine house that has been successfully redeveloped into offices, please see photographs below:
LOCATION: St Agnes is an attractive village on the north coast of Cornwall, approximately 8 miles north of Truro. The village is an extremely popular place to live and the village centre offers a wide range of facilities including a modern junior/primary school, convenience store, chemist, hairdressers, estate agent and a good selection of local shops. The village is very popular as a holiday resort and the surrounding beaches attract large visitor numbers during the summer.
SITUATION: The subject property lies within the Wheal Kitty Workshops, a short distance from the village centre and the popular Trevaunance Cove beach. Nearby occupiers include Atlantic FM, Finisterre and Surfers Against Sewage.Quoted from Charterwood Website
DESCRIPTION: The ground and first floor offices are situated within the shared accommodation of Wheal Kitty Studios, owned by TEE Ltd. The building has benefited from a total refurbishment to provide quality office premises. The ground floor offices benefit from being self contained and are able to be interlinked if required. The accommodation has a mix of painted rendered walls and exposed stonework, the character of which is enhanced by excellent natural lighting. The premises are DDA compliant, with a lift providing access to the first floor offices and kitchenette. Male, female and disabled toilet facilities are situated on the ground floor. Security systems for the interior and exterior of the building, including CCTV, exist. Parking is available.
ACCOMMODATION: (All dimensions and areas are approximate and measured in accordance with the
RICS code of measuring practice)
Ground Floor
Self Contained Office 1 - 25.58m² (275 ft²)
Self Contained Office 2 - 23.83m² (256 ft²)
Male, female and disabled toilet facilities
First Floor
Office 24.00m² (258 ft²)
Kitchenette
SERVICES:
The property is connected to mains electricity, water and drainage. The offices have separate electricity meters, which are invoiced on a monthly basis."
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