Cornwall Buildings Preservation Trust (CBPT) is to carry out a new project at Old Duchy Palace, in the centre of Lostwithiel. The Trust will carefully adapt the Grade 1 Listed Building to reduce its carbon footprint, whilst improving its resilience to storms and the flooding that periodically affects Quay Street. This work will be complemented by a new online virtual tour.
Built in 1292, Old Duchy Palace was part of the headquarters of the Duchy of Cornwall. For nearly six hundred years, it housed various official functions including the Stannary Parliament and County Assizes. Then, from 1879 to 2008 it was a Masonic Hall. Today it is the only complete building remaining from the 2-acre medieval complex that once extended along the quay. In 2013, following restoration by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, it was taken over by CBPT on a long repairing lease and is sub-let to an antiques business.
CBPT was established in 1973. It’s a small local charity run by volunteers dedicated to rescuing historic buildings that are disused or derelict. The Trust wants to develop its capacity to take on more projects across Cornwall and will be recruiting additional Trustees with community backgrounds and business skills. A business development consultant and a digital specialist will support the Board of Trustees.
The climate change adaptations at Old Duchy Palace will include replacing the old gas fired boiler with a bespoke low carbon heating system, improved ventilation, and overhauling the flood defences in the undercroft – all helping to improve the useability of the building for business and visitors. The Trust hopes that its project will be an exemplar of good environmental practice, using locally based consultants and contractors, especially those offering training and volunteering opportunities.
Preparations are already under way, with works planned to begin on site during winter 2023-24.
Visit the CBPT website for more information about Old Duchy Palace.