A NEW £345,538 community learning centre has officially been opened in St Ives.
The CORE St Ives Community Orchard and Wildlife Reserve community learning centre on Penbeagle Hill will deliver environmental education, workshops, skills training, nature-based training and community events to individuals, local groups and schools.
Once the final works have been completed, activities will include daily workshops and training all year round on subjects such as gardening, beekeeping, willow weaving, herbal remedies, natural dyes, brewing and grafting; all using materials grown and produced on site in an expanded community garden and orchard.
The project will also create new jobs and provide opportunities for local self-employed trainers to share their knowledge and skills as well as a space for meetings, community activities and a repair cafe.
The Community Orchard team received the funds from the Town Deal fund to construct the inspiring dodecahedral timber environmentally sustainable facility within the 30-acre site overlooking the town.
St Ives mayor Cllr Johnnie Wells cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new building on Friday, April 19.
Guests were given the opportunity to look around the new community facility and enjoy live music from Global Jamming as well as refreshments, including cider and apple juice made by the Community Orchard.
Libby Buckley, the vice chair of St Ives Town Deal Board, said: “The Community Orchard was the first St Ives project to be given a grant from the Town Deal in 2023 and it is fantastic to be able to attend the official opening event and see what has been achieved.”
Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, added: “The CORE is a fantastic addition to the Community Orchard and the local community.
“The team’s work to support residents to learn new skills; boost the local economy by creating jobs and improve health and wellbeing is a great example of what the Town Deal funding is designed to achieve.”
The Community Orchard is led by directors Phoebe Sampson, Elise Langley, Rupert Manley, Josh Quick, and Elise Worrall.
Although there is still a small amount of work to be completed, the directors wanted to provide an opportunity for the local community to “come together to enjoy the beautiful architecture and skilled craftsmanship that has brought this new community building to life.”
Among those involved in the project are local architect, sculptor and rammed earth builder Paul Connell, who drew up the original design; Carbis Bay company Post & Beam Cornwall, Penzance timber frame specialists Norsk Carpentry and Building Ltd, and Truro based company Marnick Roofing who were all involved in the construction of the building and St Ives electrician Dean Mackay.