ST IVES Town Council’s £3.1-million project to restore and improve the historic Guildhall building is taking a major step forward with the news that building firm, Classics Builders, are now onsite. 

The Guildhall Renewal project celebrates the historic building’s rich past, confirming its role as the civic and cultural heart of the town and re-imagined for future generations. Since closing its doors in 2023, there has been plenty going on behind the scenes, including extensive opening up works which informed the final design and budget. 

Councillor Kirsty Arthur, chair of the facilities committee said: “It’s really great to see the building works begin on site. After years of planning, this is the moment that signifies that things are really happening. I can’t wait to see how it progresses, and I know that it will be a great success story for the community when it is finished.”

An important element of this first phase is the temporary relocation of the Barbara Hepworth sculpture, ‘Dual Form’ to Kresen Kernow in Redruth. Barbara Hepworth originally gifted the sculpture to St Ives after being granted the Freedom of the Town in 1968.

Guildhall Renewal.
The renewal team in the Guildhall. Picture: Luke Dimech

To minimise the risk of damage to the sculpture it was decided to temporarily move it while the works are taking place. The Town Council wanted to ensure the sculpture would continue to be on public display during its relocation and not put into storage. This will be achieved by the move to Kresen Kernow which is looking forward to welcoming the sculpture.

Members of Barbara Hepworth’s family and Trustees have been consulted on the plans for the external landscaping redesign and support the temporary relocation of the sculpture to facilitate the works. 

This initial phase will also include removal of the entrance canopy and installation of site boundaries. As with all large-scale capital works projects, there will be increased traffic on Street an Pol as the contractors move onsite. The Town Council will be working closely with Classic Builders and their site team to keep disruption to a minimum.

Guildhall Renewal works start
Guildhall Renewal works start. Picture: Luke Dimech

The Guildhall Renewal Project is one of nine St Ives Town Deal projects. St Ives Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £19.9 million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.

Cornwall Council is the lead authority for Cornwall Town Deals and supports the governance role of the St Ives Town Deal Board and administrates the fund.

To keep up to date with the project, visit stivesguildhall.co.uk, or follow the project on social media @stivesguildhall. Alternatively, members of the public can pop into the Town Council Guildhall reception for the latest information.