The long-awaited scheme to provide new sports facilities, enabling land for future affordable homes and extra care housing in St Ives, has reached a key milestone.
Contractors have been formally appointed to build the new clubhouse and sports pitch at St Ives Rugby Club. Cornish contractors Fox Construction and W R Sandow have been appointed to deliver the first phase.
Planning permission for the scheme was granted earlier this year. Construction is expected to begin towards the end of the summer, with the pitch potentially playable in the autumn of 2026.
The scheme, which is being led by Cornwall Council, has been developed in partnership with St Ives RFC and the RFU, and meets the requirements and standards of Sport England. The project has received £2.9 million from the government’s Town Deal programme, and £2m match funding from Cornwall Council.
As well as relocating the current clubhouse building, to provide a modern facility, the existing training facilities are being moved north of their current site to provide a new sports pitch for use by the rugby club and the local community. There will be better access and improved sightlines of the main pitch from the new clubhouse.
The relocation will free up land needed to provide affordable homes and extra care housing. Outline planning permission for up to 50 dwellings and up to 70 extra care units, with associated open space, was also granted earlier this year.
“I am so pleased we have reached this stage of the plan to improve sporting provision in St Ives and free up land to provide new housing as well,” said Andrew Baragwanath, chair of St Ives Town Deal board. “We would not be here without the town deal and Cornwall Council funding, and I believe completion of the plan will be of great benefit to our community.”
Local Cornwall councillor, Andrew Mitchell, said: “This is fantastic news. I have supported both parts of this scheme — the Rugby Club development and proposed housing. It does seem to have taken an age to get to this point, but breaking ground will make it feel real, and I wish all involved great success.”
Ian Sanders, from St Ives RFC, added: “St Ives Rugby club are very excited that this project is now coming to a head. We look forward to working with Fox Construction and WR Sandow over the coming months.
“This development allows us to grow further on the pitch, whilst continuing to support the local community off it for another 100 years! We also welcome the opportunity to play our part in assisting with the need for housing in our town.”
