The Ladder based in Redruth, sees the neglected Passmore Edwards Library and College buildings transformed into a hub for culture called ‘The Ladder’. In 2020 the Redruth Library was moved to Alma Place leaving three historic buildings surplus to Cornwall Council requirements. The community of Redruth saved it from being turned into flats and it was promised to the community.
Opened in 1895, the building has always represented Passmore Edwards’ commitment to create spaces for social mobility. The Ladder takes its project’s name from Edwards’ quote, “If I can fund the Ladder; the people will climb”, carrying that mission forwards into the 21st Century.
‘Redruth Former Library CIC’ was formed by a group of local arts, training and skills organisations to ensure the purchase, renovation and use of the space for future generations. This will make the space safe and return a curated selection of arts, education and community organisations to the building, as they pilot wider uses of the space including the provision of a cafe, rehearsal, work and performance spaces.
More widely, this project will also restore a sense of civic pride by restoring a heritage asset for the community, giving the people of Redruth, especially children and young people, a place to go to enhance their skills and increase their earnings as well as offering a space to the rest of Cornwall for activities driving visits and footfall to the town more widely.
To find out more, see @theladder_rr on all social media platforms