St Ives Town Council, working in close partnership with St Ives’ Archive, has helped secure it a permanent home, relocating this precious resource to more suitable premises. Plans involve the renovation of the first floor of Market House to bring the Archive back to the heart of the town. The distinctive Grade II Listed building will have an improved access and be opened up to the community for the first time in decades. The plans have been sensitively designed due to the historic nature of the building and its previous use – it still has many period features including the original judges chair and cell doors from the assizes court. Poor access on the first floor will be resolved through a new staircase and accessible lift. Listed building consent has been secured and you can view the plans HERE
Following a series of funding bids, the Council has now secured a Community Ownership funding grant of £275,000 and a Town Deal Enterprise grant of £150,000 to make the relocation happen in 2025. The Council has resolved to give the Archive an initial lease of 15 years at a peppercorn rent and made available one of the retail units to provide a new access and entrance way.
The current project status is that it is fully funded and subject to finalising the design and specification, the Council will shortly be advertising a building contract, to be let in the next few months.
Key documents to support the project can be accessed below.
Heritage Impact Assessment of the Proposals
