The Troon site, within the Great Flat Lode landscape, offers an incredible insight into the region’s industrial heritage and its 100 years as a place for training new generations of miners.

Four years ago however, its historic buildings were at risk of being lost forever.

A new chapter

A £1.1million National Lottery grant, plus a lot of hard work and community support, has started to reverse its fortunes. That funding has seen a year of conservation work to 16 Grade II* listed buildings.

The derelict former Assay Office has reopened as a community café while the historic boiler house has been saved and turned into much-needed exhibition space.

Community celebration

On Sunday 30 April, a community open day saw hundreds of people brave the wind and rain to celebrate the reopening of the site by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall.

As well as enjoying crafts and food, families saw the historic Californian Stamps in action and the first performance of a specially commissioned piece of music by composer Gareth Churcher.

Phil Collins, Member of HLF South West Committee, said: “We are delighted to see the tremendous result and the overwhelming public support for all the hard work that has taken place. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are excited to see a new chapter begin for this Grade II* listed site.”

The next chapter

King Edward Mine’s transformation is far from over. There are also plans to refurbish the mill and other core museum buildings to safeguard the mine complex and the historic collections on site.

A programme of community activities and events for all ages will now run until the end of 2018. As well as its mining heritage, the site’s position as a gateway to the Great Flat Lode landscape and trail will also be championed.

Take a look at the King Edward Mine website to discover more about its fascinating history and bright future.