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| Reg
Bennets from the Camborne Town Council with the winding handle. |
The
Camborne Clock Complex was designed by William Bond over 160 years
and presented to the Basset family in 1866.
It
was a grand and impressive building, which was centre point of the
town, housing public facilities, such as a market, concert hall,
and a corn exchange.
In
the 1920s, the complex was sold on to a private owner. But in recent
years, the building once hailed as the heart of Camborne has fallen
into disrepair. Locals have expressed their concerns over the appearance
and the use of the complex saying it's giving a 'rundown' image
of the town.
In
September this year, it was announced that the Camborne Clock Tower
Complex had been bought by the Vigus family who also own the L2
nightclub in Truro. One resident and grand daughter of the architect,
Jeannette Merritt took the opportunity to make her concerns heard
at a Camborne Town Council meeting.
"I
think it was very important building in the town and it should be
used for the purpose it was originally intended for" Mrs Merris
is particularly worried about the bell tower, saying that 'the woodwork
could certainly do with a coat of paint!'
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| The
clock workings. |
The
old 'Club Euphoria' sign placed on a flaking wooden board is a reminder
of just part of the buildings history. A cinema, skating rink, nightclub,
bar, shops and restaurants were all housed in area at one stage
and locals hope that with new ownership, the building will provide
something for everyone.
The
new owner, Tim Vigus is in the very early stages of putting planning
proposals together, but says he will tasteful and fully restore
the building to its former glory:
"There
will be a small club, a wine bar/restaurant, which is something
that the town desperately needs. There will be a retail unit, maybe
for a clothes shop on the ground floor."
The
bell tower and clock mechanism is still owned by the Camborne Town
Council and will be maintained. The workings are still in their
original condition and are a fantastic reminder of the work and
precise engineering that was carried out in the late 1800s.
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| Looking
at the clock face from the inside. |
Hear
the clock bells in action and find out more about the plans and
history of the Camborne Clock Tower Complex in the audio report
below
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