Cornwall Buildings Group

Each year, the Cornish Buildings Group celebrates excellence in architecture, conservation and design across Cornwall, recognising both innovative new developments and the sensitive restoration of historic buildings.

Since 2020, the Cornish Buildings Group (CBG) and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site have worked in partnership to present a special award recognising projects that make an outstanding contribution to the conservation, enhancement and sustainable future of the World Heritage Site. The award acknowledges exemplary schemes that demonstrate how thoughtful design, high-quality craftsmanship and heritage-led regeneration can strengthen the character and significance of this internationally important mining landscape.

Both organisations share a commitment to promoting sustainable development that respects local distinctiveness, whether through the careful conservation and reuse of historic buildings or the creation of high-quality, energy-efficient new structures inspired by our rich mining heritage. Reflecting the geographical extent of the World Heritage Site, the award now recognises eligible projects in West Devon that are within Area A10 – Tamar Valley Mining District with Tavistock.

Previous recipients of the World Heritage Site Award include:

• The Buttermarket, Redruth (Thread Architects for Redruth Revival)
• Tavistock Guildhall, Tavistock (Gillespie Yunnie Architects for Tavistock Town Council and Tavistock Heritage Trust)
• Godolphin Old Chapel, Godolphin Cross (PBWC Architects Ltd for Godolphin Cross Community Association)
• Chi Winder/Chi Vesta, Pool (Trewin Design for Coastline Housing)
• Kresen Kernow, Redruth (Purcell for Cornwall Council)

The award highlights the important contribution that buildings, both old and new, make to the character and significance of the World Heritage Site. By championing projects that successfully balance conservation, sustainability and contemporary needs, it showcases how our internationally important mining landscapes can continue to evolve while safeguarding their Outstanding Universal Value.