The St Ives Guildhall renewal project has received its first grant payment of £308k, as part of the St Ives Town Deal Fund.
The scheme was awarded a total of £3.1 million from the St Ives Town Deal Fund and this first tranche of funding marks an important step in the plans to restore and improve this much-loved building.
“We are delighted to see the Guildhall renewal project moving forward thanks to the Town Deal funding,” said Gareth Jones, vice chair of the St Ives Town Deal board.
“The building has been at the centre of community and cultural activities in the town since 1939 and the regeneration project will ensure that it will continue to do so.”
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet member for economy, added: “This is great news for St Ives, which secured £19.9 million from the Government’s Town Deal to boost the town’s regeneration.
“The Guildhall is one of the key assets in the town that will receive this investment, as it will be transformed into a modern and vibrant cultural venue to enhance a flourishing creative sector.”
Specific plans for the project include:
- Developing the front of the building to provide a warm welcome to all.
- Re-investing in the fabric of the building fit for 21stcentury, bringing in energy efficiency and sound reduction measures, plus a high-quality audio and visual set up.
- Introducing a versatile and comfortable new seating system, that is quick to turn around to make the space more flexible.
- Creating a diverse programme of events and activities.
- Supporting the creative sector locally and nationally.
- Using the venue to provide jobs, training and work experience opportunities for young people.
Heritage architects, Purcell, which was appointed as the design team earlier this year, is currently working on the plans and designs ahead of the submission of the planning application. If approved, work on the project will begin this autumn, with the Guildhall then re-opening in spring 2025.
For more information about the Guildhall renewal project, click here.
