The derelict Wheal Harmony mine at Redruth has sprung back into life with construction underway on a new mixed use development.
Wheal Harmony, to the west of Treleigh Industrial Estate, will build on Treleigh’s success by developing 10.8 acres of brownfield land ready for future development.
Part financed with £1.2 million by the European Regional Development Fund Convergence programme, the Wheal Harmony site has many obstacles to overcome before completion.
Severe mining issues, Japanese Knotweed and contamination currently affect the site. However, Simon Williams, a director of Wheal Harmony Ltd, said: “This land has been a challenge, which I think has only been possible by ERDF investment filling the funding gap between our private investment and the eventual cost of reclaiming the land.
“The land is heavily contaminated and has major historic mining works which need to be capped and made safe, but once the work has been completed Redruth will have another asset for business and community to be proud of.”
Chris Pomfret, chair of the LEP and deputy chair of the Convergence Local Management Committee, which steers the Convergence programme, added: “Viewing the vast mine shafts to be capped by Wheal Harmony Ltd led me to understand the challenges of this site.
“However, I think the eventual outcomes of the site will benefit the area as private and public partnership investment work together to create new opportunities for the local community and Cornish business.”
