Led by Cornwall Council and funded by St Ives Town Deal, the £4.9m project has been developed in partnership with St Ives Rugby Club and the RFU and meets the requirements and standards of Sport England.  Once complete it will provide a modern clubhouse facility with two full size sports pitches for use by the club and the local community.

As well as relocating the clubhouse building, the scheme involves moving the training facilities to provide a new sports pitch east of its previous site for use by St Ives Rugby Club and the local community, and better access and improved sightlines of the main pitch from the new clubhouse.

Planning permission for the scheme was granted in 2025, with local Cornish contractors Fox Construction and W R Sandow appointed in July 2025.  Work formally began on the first phase of the scheme in September 2025 with the demolition of the existing grandstand and the installation of new underground drainage among the first tasks to be carried out.

Since then, the project team has managed several significant challenges, including prolonged severe weather earlier in the year and the discovery of large blue alvin boulders throughout the site. This required modifications to the intended design, with the boulders salvaged through excavation now incorporated into the final landscaping, supporting the distinctive characteristics of the site.

Following the diversion of all the major utilities earlier this year, the foundations have been laid for the club house building and major progress has been made in the construction of the new sport pitch with completion of drainage that will attenuate surface water to prevent downstream impacts.

This marks a key milestone for the project which is now well into the main build phase.  Material for the ground floor of the building is due to arrive within the next few weeks, with work on the sports pitch due to be completed by Spring 2027.

Kieren Couch, project lead, said: “It has not been the easiest start to this transformational project; however, the commitment and support from everyone involved have helped overcome many challenges and has established a strong foundation for the ongoing delivery phase. We are grateful for the continued collaboration between the Council, the Rugby Club, contractors and wider partners, and remain focused on delivering a facility that will bring lasting benefits for the club and the local community.”

Chair of St Ives Town Deal Board Andrew Baragwanith, added  “This is a very important project both for the Rugby Club and for St Ives.  As well as improving sporting facilities in our town, this project will free up land to provide much needed new housing.  This is a great example of partnership working as the project would not be happening without the support of the Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council.

“As a near neighbour I have been watching the work taking place on the site with great interest and look forward to seeing the project completed and everyone enjoying the new facilities. “

Local Cornwall Councillor and Mayor of St Ives Andrew Mitchell said “It is great to see the progress which has been made with this project over the last few months.  The new facilities will make a huge difference to the Rugby Club and the wider local community and I look forward to enjoying my first drink in the new club house.

The construction of the new clubhouse is due to be completed in Spring 2027.

Although the internal fit out of the new club house was not originally included in the Town Deal project, following further financial support from Town Deal alongside a contribution directly from the Rugby Club, Cornwall Council has agreed that these works will now form part of the project, creating a ready-to-use facility from day one of completion. 

The Rugby Club are currently hard at work raising funds to support their contribution commitment and fitting out of the building.

Ian Sanders, Chairman of the Rugby Committee, said: “This project is about far more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a home for future generations and protecting everything that grassroots rugby gives our community. The support we’ve already received has been incredible, and we’re excited to continue that journey through a range of fundraising events and sponsorship opportunities over the coming months.”

The relocation of the club house and pitch will free up the land needed to provide affordable homes and extra care housing in the future.  Outline planning permission for up to 50 dwellings and up to 70 extra care units with associated open space was also granted in 2025.  These works will be delivered in a next phase of work beyond the initial Town Deal investment.

Ends

Launched in 2022, the scheme has awarded £1,637,342.70 to 67 projects with a combined total value of £2,730,345.17.  Open to all small and medium sized businesses in the St Ives Town Deal area, the grants were available to both existing businesses and start-up businesses to submit bids during each of the three rounds of the scheme.  All projects are now financially complete.

From providing grants for improving shopfronts in the town centre, creating new workspaces and renovating derelict buildings, to helping existing local creative, digital, construction, trade and manufacturing companies to expand or diversify the services they offer, or funding premises for new start-ups, the scheme has played a key role in supporting local businesses and organisations.

In a recent evaluation more than 75% of businesses benefitting from the scheme reported that their grant had resulted in increased patronage at the business, with 77% stating that the grant funding had a very positive or positive impact on making businesses more resilient and diversifying their income streams and 62% of businesses citing a positive or very positive impact on their business profitability. 

“Our aim was to support and broaden the economic base of the town and create a really vibrant and active economy which supports all year-round businesses and provides all year-round employment” said Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of the St Ives Town Deal Board.  

 “We know that small and medium sized businesses make up a large proportion of our enterprises. By helping them to become more productive and plan for the future, we have made a real difference to our economy and the lives of everyone who lives and works here”.

Helping businesses to grow.

Among the local businesses receiving a grant is Mine Brewery Limited. Launched in 2019 when Elise, her husband and her parents invested in a shipping container and a 100-litre brewing kit, and met keen home brewer Andre, the brewery is now a successful business which is bridging the gap between the big, hoppy beers of the US, and traditional ales.  

“It was started on a bit of a whim, but once we’d started we knew we wanted to scale up and create a viable business from what started as a hobby “ said Elise. “We named our business Mine Brewery Company, and found a bigger, second­hand kit. We needed somewhere to house it, so we put in an application for a grant to convert an old building owned by my dad.”

The Enterprise Grant Scheme funded a timber frame build inside the existing building. The new location sits on top of St Ives’ consolidated mine network, which not only inspired the name of the brewery, but also the three beer it produces.

Now established in its new location, Mine Brewing Co. brews off a 2500 litre kit, selling direct to local retailers and hospitality venues, delivered by an electric van also supported through the Enterprise Grant Scheme.

 “Thanks to the Enterprise Grant Scheme, we’re now in a position where we can approach businesses outside of St Ives – off licenses, pubs and bars. We have the stock to be able to deliver to a much wider audience “ said Elise.  “We’re also getting to a point where we will have to start thinking about employing people – this is a side hustle for the five directors, but it’s becoming a mega side hustle! We would love to offer employment to local people, that would be a fantastic development.”

You can watch a short video about the business here :

Space to grow – supporting St Ives next generation of fishermen

After taking up the opportunity of being a full-time skipper on the town’s second-largest fishing boat last year, St Ives fisherman Aiden found himself with nowhere to store his fishing gear.

“I’ve always had to be very organised and stick to routine, allocating time to bring everything down, take it back up again, and repair nets elsewhere. It takes up a lot of my day and means I can’t be flexible” he said.

Many of the town’s fishermen operate out of net lofts in the old pilchard cellars on Porthmeor. Here, they can store their fishing gear all year round, and there’s enough space to repair nets.

 “With all the pens occupied, I have never had the option of taking one on, but I did make it known that this would be something I would be very interested in, should the opportunity arise. I knew it would just make life so much easier day to day.”

One of the cellars had been left vacant to allow visitors to view an original pilchard cellar, complete with cobbled stone floor. When the Enterprise Grant Scheme fund launched in St Ives, Chris Hibbert, Manager, Borlase Smart John Wells Trust, saw an opportunity.

“We’ve known for a while that there was demand for more workspace from our fishermen, but space in St Ives is in very short supply. Converting the old pilchard cellar was the obvious next step to support the next generation of fishermen, but it wasn’t commercially viable enough for us to fund it. When the Enterprise Grant Scheme was introduced to the town, we saw it as a fantastic opportunity to support this particular young fisherman.”

Aiden is delighted with his new workspace. “Now, I’ve got a workspace and storage space to make nets, maintain my gear, and store it all. It means that everything I need is under one roof, right where I need it to be. I can pop down, repair a few nets, and come and go as I please. Most importantly – it’s dry and warm!”

You can watch a video about this project here

Edward Hain – a thriving community hub

When the NHS left the Edward Hain building, the wards were left almost untouched; sinks, curtains, signage, and even the iconic NHS green paint remained in place. Purchased by the community for £1.2 million, the building carried a large mortgage, leaving little for renovation.

 “It was very overwhelming – there was a lot of work that needed doing to bring things up to scratch” said Centre Manager Sharron Goldingay. “ The lift needed a major part, and the fire exit wasn’t wide enough to comply with the latest regulations. Those things needed remedying before we could open the top floor.”

Support from the Enterprise Grant Scheme provided the vital funds to refurbish the ground floor, bringing it up to standard. This enabled the Centre to host clinics, counselling sessions, and a wide range of community activities.

 “We refurbished the bay windows at the front of the building so we could let in fresh air, and we carried out works on the roof. The grant gave us the crucial funds needed to welcome people through the doors. It meant we could start generating income and begin moving towards self-sufficiency.”

Today, the Centre welcomes almost 1,000 visitors each month. Its programme includes pilates, chair yoga, knitting clubs, and more. It also offers rooms for hire, and long-term rentals for health and wellbeing businesses. In 2024, the Centre offered St Ives Food Bank permanent residency.

“Thanks to the Enterprise Grant Scheme, we were able to open our doors and spread the word about this fantastic new resource” said Sharon. “We now provide several rooms at no cost to community organisations that offer free activities, this cost is offset by renting rooms to small businesses. This grant has made a direct and lasting difference. It really was the key cog that got everything moving.

You can watch a video about this project here

Building a sustainable St Ives

Will Besant has worked in St Ives’ hospitality for many years. He has seen how extreme seasonality affects the town’s young people. Combining his love of fashion with his passion for the place he calls home, he has created a business that benefits both the community and the environment.

Will takes raw food waste – such as peelings and stalks – from St Ives’ hospitality businesses and turns it into clothing dyes. Working with high-quality, plain white organic cotton garments Will creates sustainable, high-end pieces. The company partners with local hospitality businesses like chefs, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, giving them boxes for their food waste. That waste is collected on E-bikes, so we have a zero-carbon delivery system.

“One in four people in St Ives work in hospitality, many of whom will have zero-hour contracts. Quiet winter months can greatly affect people’s lives. For our youth, long-term job options in town are very limited. When you have an economy that is based on tourism, you create a lot of waste. I wanted to start a business that tackles tourism’s environmental impact. It should also offer year-round jobs with fair wages for the town’s youth. My plan was to create a model whereby employees can invest in the company and enjoy a share in the profits.”

The Enterprise Grant Scheme, which funded everything for the dyeing establishment, has enabled Will to quickly scale his operations.  He now has plans to expand the business further by creating furniture from the town’s plastic waste and is keen to take a leading role in identifying ways to make coastal, tourism-driven economies more sustainable.

“As we grow, we really want Pandemonium Projects to become a legacy company for St Ives, run by young people in the community” he said.

“ The plan for the brand as a whole is to address the issue that affects coastal communities, which rely heavily on tourism and generate significant waste. That problem exists, not only nationally, but internationally.”

You can watch a video about the project here

The project has also played a key role in securing the future of three heritage buildings in the town which have been successfully renovated. One of these is the former HSBC building which is now providing a new chapter in St Ives thriving arts scene.

After lying empty since the pandemic, eighteen months ago Cornish Masters moved in and redeveloped the ground floor, creating a vibrant art gallery that showcases the town’s rich history of art.

“We specialise in historic art “ said Mark Wilson, Director of Cornish Masters.  “We wanted to create a gallery more akin to the model seen in London, where galleries tend to specialise in a period – late Victorian or 20th Century Modern British, for example. But Cornish Masters isn’t defined by a single period of art history; instead, we concentrate on a geography. One of the wonderful things about Cornwall is that it has been at the cutting edge of the British art scene at least twice.

“We’re trying to emulate a London gallery, but based in St Ives and Cornwall, where the schools of art that we specialise in were born and evolved.” The Enterprise Grant Scheme helped Cornish Masters with the second development stage.

This stage aims to make the 115-year-old building more sustainable for the future.

 “It’s an old building, so there was significant water ingress into the basement that required an engineered solution to the problem. The grant has enabled the development of the building to create storage and events space, which enables the gallery to host talks by artists and historians. It also covered new storage for paintings, WCs, and a small kitchen from which event catering can be provided.  The work we’re carrying out with the support of the scheme will enable us to confidently employ two more people.

“To me, one of the main benefits is that the building will remain good for another 100 years or so. It is a beautiful Cornish granite landmark building on St Ives’ High Street. Without the investment and renovation, it would have continued to deteriorate.”

A full list of projects supported can be found here  

,

Plans to enhance the centre of St Ives and improve the pedestrian environment, including changes to the road surface, upgraded crossing points and new street features at Royal Square, Library Corner and Tregenna Place, have been published for statutory consultation.

Part of the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy which aims to reduce the impact of vehicles on St Ives and introduce measures that encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport, the proposed Library Corner Streetscape Enhancement scheme is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the St Ives Town Deal Board.

The aim of the scheme is to create a more pedestrian friendly environment and visually discourage drivers from unnecessarily travelling further into the town centre by enhancing the streetscape in the area around Royal Square, Library Corner and Tregenna Place. 

While there is a relationship with the ongoing Experimental Traffic Regulation Order scheme, these proposals are independent to the ETRO and, subject to the results of this consultation, these proposed works would be installed regardless of the outcome of the ETRO. 

The proposed scheme includes:

• New surfacing and landscaping works at Royal Square, Library Corner and Tregenna Place. This will include the use of imprint surfacing with the appearance of block paving, as has been used at the hill by the Harbour Hotel.  This material provides an effective, hard wearing and attractive surface in areas where it is not possible to instal regular block paving in the road.
•  New crossing points will be introduced, featuring tactile paving, lowered kerbs and a contrasting surface finish to support accessibility and ease of movement.
• Providing a new granite planter on the island in the centre of Royal Square with planting.
• Resurfacing and / or cleaning several existing surfaces and footways

The statutory consultation, which will formally begin on Friday, 3 July, is being led by Cormac in partnership with the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy project team. Feedback will be used to inform the final designs. 

For details of the plans, including maps and drawings, and to take part in the consultation by filling in a feedback form, please visit  https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/st-ives-town-deal-lte

Responses can also be provided via email at traffic@cormacltd.co.uk or by post to Infrastructure Design Group, Cormac Consultancy, Radnor Road, Scorrier, Redruth, TR16 5EH. When emailing or responding by post, please quote the following scheme reference   Infra24-170.

The deadline for responses is 23 July 2026.

Subject to the results of the consultation, work on implementing the changes is currently scheduled to begin in October.

Information about the consultation, and the wider St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy, is also available on the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy Let’s Talk Cornwall site .

For information about the ETRO scheme and to take part in the ongoing consultation which is due to end in November please visit  https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/st-ives-town-deal-etro

Following the successful completion of the Town Deal funded projects at St Ives Community Orchard and Penbeagle Wildlife Reserve and St Ives Theatre, the last few months have seen significant progress being made with a number of our remaining projects.

Work is continuing on the first phase of the scheme to provide new high-quality sports facilities for the local community on the Rugby Club site.

Work is also progressing well at the Leach Pottery, with the first phase – the construction of the new Learning and Production Centre – due to be completed in April.

The trial of the new road layout at Tregenna Hill and Library Corner, introduced in November, is continuing and work is progressing on the final phase of the works at the Malakoff.

Other highlights have included the construction of a new bike shed at St Ives Junior School, funded by the Low Carbon Transport Strategy, and some fantastic projects supporting the town’s young people led by the Town Council’s Youth Engagement and Projects team.  

The Enterprise Grant Scheme, which has seen more than £1.8 million of grant funding distributed to local projects, has now concluded, with work also continuing to deliver LiveWest’s retrofit housing programme.

Updates on these projects are available in our newsletter – you can read it here

The first phase of the Malakoff open space scheme was also successfully completed during 2025, with work now taking place to deliver the second phase .

The work at Malakoff includes the construction of a new bespoke bus shelter, together with new granite paving, bespoke granite planters and benches, new street furniture, a new millwheel feature and lighting.  The second phase is due to be finished before the Summer.

Once these works have been completed, the iconic Epidauros II Dame Barbara Hepworth sculpture, currently on display at a temporary home at the Penwith Gallery, will be returned and both the footway and the carriageway will be resurfaced.

You can find out more about the Malakoff scheme here

Works to provide new signs and landscaping around Tempest Roundabout near Lelant began in January 2026. While the impact of the storms created some delays, the scheme is due to be completed within the next few weeks.

The designs for Higher Stennack, Stennack, Royal Square and the Low Travel Environment are well developed, however some aspects need to await the results of the ETRO before being finalised.

Due to the seasonal restrictions on roadworks in St Ives, Cornwall Council with CORMAC are currently considering the priority with a focus likely around Royal Square and Tregenna Place for Autumn 2026.  

Changes to road layout at Tregenna Hill and Park Avenue

The trial of the new road layout was introduced in November 2025.

The changes mean that only buses, cyclists and emergency services (including lifeboat crews on active duty) are permitted to drive northbound down Tregenna Hill from The Terrace. All traffic can still drive southbound up Tregenna Hill.

The aim of the new layout, which has been implemented via an ‘Experimental Traffic Regulation Order’ (ETRO), is to improve general traffic flow resulting in a safer space for all users in and around Library Corner.

The general removal of northbound traffic down Tregenna Hill is helping to reduce delays, impact and congestion created by vehicles having to navigate past each other in a highly constrained space.  The changes have also made it easier for buses, lorries and other large vehicles to get around the narrow points and corners along the route. 

Other measures introduced as part of this trial include making Albert Road one-way inbound, improving the flow of traffic and reducing traffic congestion and delays, introducing an entry restriction on the western end of Dove Street and a mandatory left turn at Street-an-pol.  There is also no right turn at the bottom of Bedford Road.

The direction of the existing one-way at Park Avenue has also been reversed, allowing inbound traffic only towards Bullans Lane and the Doctors surgery.  This is helping to keep traffic moving along this route, reducing the numbers of queuing stationary vehicles.

New signs were installed at key roads and junctions informing drivers of the changes and new restrictions and providing details of alternative routes into and out of St Ives.

The use of an ETRO means that Cornwall Council as Highways Authority can make modifications throughout the trial period, responding agilely to specific issues or concerns that are observed.  Since the introduction of the trial concerns from the public over signage and illegally parked cars have been addressed with additional signs and road markings and enforcement action where appropriate.

The project team will be monitoring the highway network during the Easter period to identify any further issues which need to be addressed ahead of the summer period.

The trial will continue until at least November 2026 but could be extended for up to a further six months before a final decision is made.

A specific Tregenna Hill ETRO webpage has been set up on Let’s Talk Cornwall to provide information about the trial and enable people to raise feedback throughout the trial period.   

You can find out more about the ETRO trial here : https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/st-ives-town-deal-etro 

You can view a short film about how the trial has been working here https://youtu.be/uqUKzLMBSWM

Car Parks

The prioritisation of the ETRO scheme has altered the original programme, moving any plans for change to the town’s car parks to at least April 2027. The amended proposals for the car parks are expected to be shared with existing permit holders later this year.

Regular updates on the progress of the Transport Strategy project are available on the St Ives Low Carbon Strategy page on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/st-ives-town-deal-low-carbon-transport 

Following improvements to the Park and Ride at St Erth, the existing signage at the Tempest Roundabout has become outdated. 

The scheme, which is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the St Ives Town Deal Board, includes the renewal of existing road markings and removal of the outdated signs.

These are being replaced by new signs directing drivers to St Ives via the B3311 and towards St Erth Park and Ride instead of Lelant Saltings Station. These changes will support the wider traffic management strategy which is being developed for the town and help ease the pressure on the wider local road network at peak times.

New plants are also being added to the flowerbeds and grassy areas around the roundabout.

The scheme, which is being carried out by Cormac, is due to be completed by Friday, 30 January.

Whilst the majority of the works will be carried out without impacting traffic flow, temporary multi way traffic lights will be used on a small number of occasions to ensure the safety of the work force when working at the harder to reach areas.  These will be kept a minimum, with the lights manually controlled to aid traffic flow.

The scheme is being funded by the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy which aims to reduce the impact of vehicles on St Ives and includes a range of measures that encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport. 

Ends

It has been really positive to see the vast majority of drivers abide by the restrictions on driving down Tregenna Hill from The Terrace.  The marshals have done a great job in reminding people that only buses, cyclists and emergency services are now legally able to drive down the hill since the scheme was introduced and we hope that the local community will continue to support us by following the new changes over the coming weeks.

Drivers have also been getting used to the reversal of the one way at Park Avenue and we would particularly like to thank the residents for the way in which they have dealt with this change.

We will continue to monitor the flow of traffic through the town centre and the level of compliance with all the measures so we can make any changes if needed.

You can watch a short video about how the scheme has been working here https://youtu.be/uqUKzLMBSWM

Providing feedback:

Thank you to everyone who has already filled in the survey on the specific Tregenna Hill ETRO webpage which has been set up on Let’s Talk Cornwall to provide information about the trial and enable people to raise feedback throughout the trial period. 

We need as many people as possible to provide their feedback (both positive and negative) on the trial so that all views can be taken into account when a decision is made on a permanent scheme at the end of next year.

The survey will remain open throughout the whole duration of the trial.

You can access the page here

Signage

We are aware of concerns over some of the initial signage and are working with the Council’s highways team to address this by increasing the size of some of the signs and adding additional ones where required. New temporary signs will be installed in key areas over the next few weeks.

Pedestrian and Cycle Zone

We are also aware of some confusion over the operation of the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone on Tregenna Place.

The introduction of the Zone means that the only vehicles permitted to drive on Tregenna Place between 10am and 4pm are those who reasonably cannot avoid such access. 

People who need to access their home or business, including holiday accommodation, CAN still do so between 10 am and 4 pm provided they are driving directly to the premises.  This includes being able to pick up or drop off passengers or luggage if this reasonably cannot be done in any other way.

Reasonable access also extends to those with a recognised disability and are holders of a blue badge.

People are NOT PERMITTED to drive through the Zone to generally access on the road parking during the restricted period.

You do not need a licence or permit to drive on Tregenna Place to access your property or business, but you will be expected to drive directly to your destination and to be considerate of other road users, particularly pedestrians.

This restriction is not intended to materially affect access for those in the community that need it, however we would ask you consider wherever possible avoiding such access between the restricted hours.

The aim is to make this busy area of the town centre safer for pedestrians and cyclists by reducing the number of vehicles using this stretch of road.

Please note that the previous restriction on Chapel Street, which prohibits general vehicles from using the road apart from access remains in place. This means that only vehicles accessing properties on, or only reasonably accessible from, Chapel Street, should use this road.

Quick reminder about other measures in the scheme :

Other changes which are now in operation include:

• Changing Albert Road from two way to one way towards Park Avenue
• No right turn at the bottom of Bedford Road 

The trial does not affect any of the private or public car parks in the town.  This means people can still part at:

• Trenwith Car Park (next to St Ives leisure centre) – this car park has the largest capacity, with a shuttle bus in operation between Royal Square and the car park at seasonal times.  To leave the car park and exit the town to Carbis Bay you need to head straight ahead on the Burrows to the mini-roundabout junction with Higher Stennack. Turn right towards The Stennack and follow the signs to Carbis Bay.
• Park Avenue Car Park (on Park Avenue). 
• The Station Car Park (accessible from The Terrace),

Both the car park on Tregenna Hill and the car park on Skidden Hill remain accessible from The Terrace.  However it not possible to reach the town centre when exiting from these.

The disabled parking bays on Gabriel Street remain in place.

Further information on the ETRO scheme, including copies of key documents, is available at https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/st-ives-town-deal-etro 

Ends

You can view the video here

The trial scheme was introduced on Monday, 17 November. A specific Tregenna Hill ETRO webpage has been set up on Let’s Talk Cornwall to provide information about the trial and enable people to raise feedback throughout the trial period. You can visit the page here : https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/st-ives-town-deal-etro

If you have any further questions please email traffic@cormacltd.co.uk

Why is the trial scheme being introduced

The current traffic movements on Tregenna Hill result in numerous daily conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, impacting on everyone’s safety and user experience. The aim of the trial is to improve general traffic flow, resulting in a safer space for all users in and around Library Corner.  The changes will also support the broader aims of the Town Deal Transport Strategy and the creation of a Low Traffic Environment in the town centre.

What is being proposed?

• Tregenna Hill – No Entry from The Terrace – except for buses, cyclists and emergency services (including lifeboat crews on active duty). All traffic will still be able to drive southbound upTregenna Hill.
• Changing Albert Road from two way to one way towards Park Avenue, improving the flow of traffic and reducing traffic congestion and delays
• Reversing the current one-way at Park Avenue, allowing inbound traffic only towards Bullans Lane and the Doctors surgery
• Tregenna Place – introduction of Pedestrian and Cycle Zone with authorised vehicles only between 10 am and 4 pm  
• No right turn at the bottom of Bedford Road

What are the benefits of the scheme ?

The general removal of northbound traffic down Tregenna Hill is expected to reduce the delays, impact and congestion caused in the current situation, whereby vehicles are having to navigate past each other in a highly constrained space.

This situation regularly leads to unavoidable vehicle manoeuvres that impact on safety such as awkward reversing movements and driving upon the footways. The changes will also make it easier for buses, lorries and other large vehicles to get around the narrow points and corners along the route.

The reversal of traffic flow along Park Avenue will help to reduce a potential network pressure up over the Burrows to the Stennack, past Trenwith Car Park and Leisure Centre.  By providing a route for local traffic, the reversal will help maintain a balance of vehicles on the road network in this part of the town.

Will the changes reduce the level of traffic at Library Corner

Although supported by the wider transport strategy measures, this trial alone is unlikely to reduce the overall amount of traffic at Library Corner. However, the imposed restrictions on Tregenna Hill, mean that general traffic will only be flowing in one direction, reducing the opportunity for conflict to occur, creating a more controlled environment. 

How long will the trial last 

The trial will remain in place for at least six months but is likely to be extended up to 12 months to include the summer season before a final decision is made.

How will you ensure drivers understand the changes?

New signs are being installed at key roads and junctions informing drivers of the changes and new restrictions, providing details of alternative routes into and out of St Ives. During at least the first week of the trial, traffic marshals will also be in place at key locations to help support drivers who may be unaware or unsure of the change.

Can I access my holiday accommodation through the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone (on Tregenna Place)?

Yes, you may access rented premises – including to pick up or drop off passengers or luggage. You are encouraged to be considerate of other road users, including pedestrians, during busy times.

Can I drive through the Pedestrian and Cycle zone (on Tregenna Place) to access on the road parking and go shopping?

No, only the conveyance of persons, goods or merchandise (if these can’t be reasonably conveyed other than by vehicle) directly to or from premises is permitted. Please note that the Island area of St Ives is also a restricted parking zone.

Can I, or my visitors, access my residential property through the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone (on Tregenna Place)?

Yes, residential and visitor access directly to premises is still permitted.

Can I use Chapel Street to access the town centre (bypass the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone)?

No, there is an existing Prohibition of Motor Vehicles (except for access) restriction on Chapel Street, which will still be in effect during the trial. Therefore, only vehicles accessing properties on, or only reasonably accessible from, Chapel Street, should use this road.

Are there alternative travel options into the town?

There is a Park & Ride service from St Erth train station, and regular buses services from other nearby towns. You can find information on available bus services at: www.transportforcornwall.co.uk/services

What will happen to the disabled parking bays on Gabriel Street?

The disabled parking bays on Gabriel Street will be maintained.

I’m visiting St Ives, where can I park?

Any of the currently available private or public car parks – this trial does not affect their use.

 The main car parks are: The Station Car Park (accessible from The Terrace), Trenwith Car Park (next to St Ives leisure centre) and Park Avenue Car Park (on Park Avenue).

Please note that Trenwith Car Park has the largest capacity, and a shuttle bus service between Trenwith Car Park and the Town Centre (Royal Square) is available at seasonal times.

From Trenwith Car Park, how can I exit St Ives to Carbis Bay?

From Trenwith Car Park, head straight ahead on the Burrows to the mini-roundabout junction with Higher Stennack. Turn right towards The Stennack and follow the signs to Carbis Bay.

Why were traffic lights not used at Library Corner?

The use of traffic lights was fully considered; however, these were not proceeded with due to technical challenges and potential to cause greater level of traffic congestion within the town.

Can I access the THCP Ltd Car Park on Tregenna Hill, or the Car Park on Skidden Hill from The Terrace?

Yes, These car parks remain accessible from The Terrace. However, it will not be possible to reach the town centre when exiting  from these.

What is the ETRO process?

The use of an ETRO means that Cornwall Council as Highways Authority can make modifications throughout the trial period, responding agilely to specific issues or concerns that are observed.

This will provide greater chance for success, with both community feedback and engineer analysis shaping the ultimate decision making as to whether the trialled changes are made permanent or not.

Pupils from St Ives Junior School have welcomed the arrival of their brand-new bike shed which has been provided with funding from the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy, part of St Ives Town Deal.

Prior to the installation of the shed, from the Cornwall Shed Company, around 5 to 6 pupils were regularly cycling to school.  This number has now risen to more than 20 pupils either cycling, scooting or skateboarding and everyone involved with the project is delighted with the positive results.

The idea for a bike shed came after a survey carried out with the Walk wheel Cycle Trust (formerly known as Sustrans) last year showed that only a small number of children were cycling to school.  Following the survey an Active Travel Group comprising pupils from all year groups was created to promote cycling and other forms of active travel.

“We want to encourage as many of our children as possible to walk, cycle, scoot or skate to school rather than travelling by car“ said teacher Jenny Rehaag. “As well as benefiting their physical health and mental health while they are at school, developing a positive habit of using these ways of getting around rather than just jumping in a car will provide a great foundation for when they are older.”

Although there was already an area for pupils to leave their bikes on the school site, this only had enough space for up to five bikes.  The new shed provides a safe, secure and covered space for up to 30 bikes as well as scooters and skateboards.

“After discovering that lack of a secure, sheltered place to store bikes during the school day was one of the main reasons some were choosing not to cycle, we decided to do something to address this” said Jenny. .

When initial bids for grant funding for a new bike shed proved unsuccessful, the group discovered that the Town Council were promoting cycling around St Ives and decided to ask them for support.

“We wrote a letter to the Council explaining that we needed a place for our bikes” said nine year old Hazel, one of the members of the Active Travel Group.

The letter was read by St Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells, who is also Chair of the Low Carbon Transport Strategy subgroup for the Town Deal programme.

“One of the things the Council has been doing is to promote cycling within the town” said Johnnie Wells.  “As the Low Carbon Transport Strategy is also focusing on ways to reduce the impact of vehicles on St Ives by encouraging walking, cycling and the use of public transport, we decided to work together to see how we could support this request from the school”.

“We know that the best way to promote cycling is to encourage pupils to cycle to school and so were keen to find a way in which we could increase the numbers cycling to the junior school on a regular basis “ said St Ives Town Deal Chairman Andrew Baraganath.  

“Although most local people are aware of the big projects which are being supported by the Town Deal Fund, such as the Leach Pottery, St Ives Theatre, the Guildhall and the Community Orchard and Nature Reserve, not everyone knows that we are also supporting small community projects.  Following discussions with the school and the Town Council, it was agreed to provide up to £15,000 from the Low Carbon Transport Strategy budget to install a new shed large enough to store up to 30 bikes.”

“One of our main objectives is to reduce congestion around the school gate to make it more accessible for children to walk and wheel and cycle “ said Dave Davies, project officer for the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

“Studies have shown that if children are a bit more active, whether that is by walking, wheeling or cycling to school, then they arrive more ready to learn.   It is also a great way for them to meet with their friends on their journey to school and also for their parents to catch up as well.”

“The new bike shed has already encouraged more children to cycle, scoot or skate to school and the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust would like to thank the Mayor, Town Council and the Town Deal Board for working with the school to make it happen”.

So what do pupils think about their new bike shed?

Hazel is very clear about its benefits. “I think it’s really good” she said. “Loads more people are using their bikes, and I think there’s a lot more of space for people to use.”

11 year old Jake has been riding his bike to school since he was in Year 4 and is also very clear about the positives of cycling and the new shed. ”It is really good for exercise and I am not polluting the planet by going in a car every day” he said. “I think everyone should ride a bike to school if they can”.

 “The new shed is really good as there are more spaces for more people to leave their bikes.  Before all our bikes were leaning on each other – this is much better.  “

Rugby player nine year old Piran agrees that riding a bike to school is good exercise, but also says that it is fun and enables him to spend more time outside with his friends.  “The new shed is really great and has loads more space” he said. 

Piran especially likes the wooden panels on the walls of the shed where the pupils can hang their cycle helmets. The panels were hand painted by the pupils themselves and then erected on the walls by Dave Davies.  “We were given a piece of wood by Dave and were able to come up with our own designs which was fun “ said Piran.

10 year old Ed has only been riding his bike to school for a few weeks and also says as well as being fun, he is aware that it is better for the environment.  “The new shed is really cool and is definitely encouraging more people to cycle to school. “