Town’s archive awarded funding to help with move to historic building
A CHARITY which aims to develop and maintain a local historical archive for the benefit and use of the public is now a step closer to getting a new home.
St Ives Town Council, working in partnership with the St Ives Archive, has secured £275,000 in Community Ownership funding to help the archive relocate to the historic Market House.
An open day at the Market House is taking place today, March 28, between 10am and 3pm.
Plans to bring the archive back to the heart of the town include the renovation of the first floor of the Market House.
Access to the distinctive Grade IIlisted building will be improved and it will be opened to the community for the first time in decades.
Restoration and refurbishment work will also enhance its important historic features, the council says.
The Community Ownership Fund has so far awarded £71.4 million to 257 projects across the UK, and the bid to relocate the archive was submitted to the third round of funding.
The council says by returning to the centre of St Ives the archive, now based at Wesley Methodist Church, Carbis Bay, will be able to share local historic material with more visitors while a landmark building will also be safeguarded for the future.
A council spokesperson said: “The announcement will make the open day more special, as there is now great confidence that the project will become a reality.
“All are welcome to take a look inside Market House, enjoy a celebratory slice of cake and view the exhibition about Bryan Pearce, the renowned St Ives artist, who portrayed Market House in his paintings many times.”
Councillor Tony Harris, chair of the council’s finance and general purposes committee, said: “I’m absolutely delighted at this news.
“The St Ives Archive can realise its long-held dream of moving back into the heart of our community, where it belongs.
“The move to the Market House will help the centre provide archival and local history services for many more local people and visitors alike.
❝❝ The St Ives Archive can realise its long-held dream of moving back into the heart of our community Councillor Tony Harris
This will help further safeguard and promote our local heritage for generations to come.
“Its new home, Market House has its own fascinating history and is a perfect match.
“Funding has made this possible, but it would not have happened without the trustees at the centre and the town council’s own team working tirelessly together.”
Lyn Burchess, chair of the archive, said: “We have been working very closely with the town council for many months on this exciting project, with the aim of moving back into town.
“The Market House is an iconic building, and it’s a perfect fit for the archive, allowing more people to access our wonderful heritage.”
For more information contact enquiries@stives-tc.gov.uk or call 01736 797840.