John Harvey House
24 Foundry Square is one of the most iconic buildings in Hayle, instantly recognisable with its magnificent clock tower. Throughout its 230-year history it has witnessed immeasurable changes, both in Hayle and the wider world.
It has served as the headquarters to Harvey’s Foundry where some of the greatest engineering minds in Britain (and the world) came to discuss ideas, and to test and build them; a place where huge ships were designed, built, and then used to transport goods and people around the world (their customs, skills and values going with them).
Since 2003, this Grade II * Listed building, it has been the home of Harvey’s Foundry Trust, and the base for Hayle Heritage Centre. Unfortunately, the building requires major structural repair work; the Barlow Rail (19th Century railway track repurposed as ceiling beams) which supports the first floor is shifting causing the building to move.
Because of this, the building has now been placed on the Heritage at Risk register, governed by Historic England.
The “at-risk” status means that we can access funding and professional support to correct the structural problems within the building. It also provided an impetus to accelerate our long-term plans for the Heritage Centre.
The Renovation Project
We want to create a facility that enables us to tell the whole of Hayle’s story, and provide more learning space, temporary exhibitions, and events. We envisage the 24 Foundry Square Project representing a vehicle for change and continued regeneration within the Harvey’s Foundry site and the wider town.
The project investigation stage was funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund, a Community Capacity Fund grant via the Levelling up Funds from Cornwall Council, and a Historic England grant.
Thread Architects, Richard Gowan Engineers and Trevor Humphreys joined the team, and details plans have been drawn up.
Above: Sample plans developed by Thread Architects
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Historic England.
The work to the building will take place in phased approach, with the most urgent works being undertaken first, these will look at the Barlow Rail and rectify drainage problems.
Whilst this work is taking place, we will have the close the building to the public, we are developing a community outreach programme so we can continue to connect with residents and visitors to the town whilst we are closed.
We will be updating our social media and the corresponding news section on the Hayle Heritage Centre website as the project progresses.
