Conversion of Redundant Building
The project completed a freehold purchase to restore and convert a Grade II Listed building in Lerryn into a multi-use community facility. Parish Councils, St Veep and St Winnow will deliver the project in partnership (with St Veep acting as applicant for external funding), with support provided by the South East Cornwall Regeneration Project (SECRP), Caradon District Council and other funders.
The Red Store was built in about 1870 as a storehouse for goods such as fertiliser and corn that were shipped up and down the river Lerryn until the early 20th Century. During the Second World War it was used to store salvage to help the war effort and in the 1950s the top floor was used as a youth club.
During 2002, agents acting on behalf of the current owners, who wished to sell, approached St Veep Parish Council. They would like to see the prominent riverside building become an asset for the community, rather than a private dwelling or another holiday home. St Veep PC discussed this with the neighbouring Parish of St Winnow and it was decided to hold a consultation event in order to gauge public opinion on the future of the building.
In September 2002 a two-day exhibition was staged in the community hall at Lerryn. Over 130 members of the community attended the event where feedback was obtained on various proposals and possible layouts for the building. Support for the Parish Councils to purchase and convert the building was overwhelming and numerous ideas for its end use were suggested. The most frequently requested use being craft workshops, with other ideas ranging from the village museum/archive to exhibition space and venue for local produce market.
Due to the demonstrated level of public support, the Parish Councils have resolved to proceed with a scheme. Following on from the consultation event, the Councils have spent some time considering the results and have come up with a proposal for the re-use of the building. This involves the top floor providing two craft workshops (32.77m2), and the lower floor (33.35m2) providing a flexible multi-use area with uses including the following:
- Village Museum
- Venue for local art group and short break painting holidays
- Information point for local people and visitors
- Local produce market
- Exhibition space
- Tea room/cafe
This project is now complete
