One of nine local projects due to be delivered as part of the multi-million pound St Ives Town Deal has taken a major step forward after members of St Ives RFC agreed at their recent EGM to proposals to relocate the current clubhouse and second team pitch.
The land currently used by the rugby club is now available for the potential delivery of much needed extra care homes, which incorporate design features and support services to enable self-care and independent living, and affordable housing for local people.
It also means that the project to reposition and refurbish the rugby club facilities is ready to move forward to the planning application stage. The proposals seek to create a modern clubhouse facility with two full size sports pitches for use by the club and the local community.
The current indicative plans will now be developed into a hybrid planning application to potentially secure detailed consent for the new sports facilities, and an outline consent for the housing on the released land. The plans propose for the new sports facility to remain on the same site but be relocated further North to free space for new affordable housing.
Russell Baragwanath, Chairman of St Ives RFC said: "The Rugby Club is delighted that our members supported this exciting proposal, which will see updated sports facilities for the club and much needed housing for the town."
“We are delighted to be supporting this exciting project to provide much needed local housing and extra care facilities in St Ives, as well as delivering new high-quality sports facilities for the local community” said Gareth Jones, Vice Chair of St Ives Town Deal Board. “This is an important milestone for the project, and we look forward to working with partners to take it to the next stage".
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy said: “It is great news that the Rugby Club is supporting the proposal which means that we can move into the planning phase. This project aims to be a game changer for St Ives. The funding from the Town Deal will help to make best use of the current site for the benefit of the wider community. We look forward to continuing working with the Rugby Club and the Town Deal board and we are determined to help provide facilities and homes to benefit St Ives residents of all ages”. St Ives Town Deal Story posted 17 January 2023