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The project will create twenty-six modern homes for older people; replacing the twenty apartments at Meadow Flats which have stood overlooking Porthmeor beach since the 1950s.It will also enable Tate St Ives to develop its complementary plans to extend and improve the gallery.
All traces of the former flats have disappeared and guests were able to get a closer look at the demolition site where construction company Leadbitter Group is currently drilling into Blue Elvin rock in order to prepare for the foundations of the new development. They hope to start laying the foundations and begin building in earnest before the end of November.
Guests at the event, organised by Penwith Housing Association (PHA), part of Devon & Cornwall Housing group (DCH), included returning PHA residents; Cornwall Council representatives including Chair Pat Harvey; Mayor Ron Tully; St Ives Town Councillors; representatives from Tate St Ives and Leadbitter and pupils from St IA Primary School in Carbis Bay.
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The total costs for the scheme are scheduled to be £4.9million.The scheme is being funded by PHA/DCH by the sale of surplus land and its private borrowing facilities with investment from Cornwall Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Gail Hunt, Chair of PHA’s Board, welcomed the guests and spoke of her pleasure at the development of the project following the decision to go ahead some years ago and thanked all those who had contributed.
Andy Moore, Chief Executive of PHA said: “It was very much a day of celebration for PHA, Devon & Cornwall Housing and the many who had played a part.”He continued that it had not been without its challenges and pitfalls and he particularly thanked the residents. The development was now a ‘work in progress’ which he hoped within two years would be a credit to the town.He said, “It is a ‘win-win’ situation for housing and the gallery and which because of this steep site must be one of the most complicated developments in Cornwall at present.”
Mrs Pat Harvey, Chair of Cornwall Council said: “I am delighted to be able to see this wonderful scheme in progress and I’m particularly pleased that these homes for older people have been so thoughtfully designed and will be of such high quality.Whilst Cornwall Council is committed to providing affordable homes across Cornwall, the many second homes in this area mean that there are fewer opportunities to provide new homes of this type.We continue to work together with our partner associations to ensure that we work towards meeting local housing needs; the recent development of 54 new homes at Porthia are evidence of that.
“It is an additional achievement that this scheme, which has provided land for Tate St Ives will also benefit the West Country economy.
“I would like to pay tribute to those residents on the Meadow Flats Advisory Group who have been involved in this scheme from the outset and whose views and guidance have proved to be invaluable.”
Mayor of St Ives, Councillor Ron Tulley, spoke of the importance of this for the town. “I am delighted to see the project under way.”He thanked PHA for working so closely with the town council and looked forward to the speedy conclusion of the scheme.
A reception followed the ceremony at the Tate Gallery.Local children who are creating posters for the hoardings surrounding the construction site were able to meet the returning Meadow Flats residents. The theme for their art work is ‘What does St Ives mean to you?’
Jennifer McLardy, a member of the Meadow Flats Advisory Group said: “Residents on the group have valued the opportunity of working closely with PHA since the temporary moves began.It really has been a celebratory event today, meeting up with our neighbours again and we eagerly look forward to seeing the redevelopment progress.Revisiting the site returns us to our home ground and the transformation ahead will remind us of the phoenix rising from the ashes.”
Versha Koria, HCA area manager, said: “Providing high quality affordable homes in Cornwall is a priority for us, as we know that demand is rising in areas like St Ives. It’s always pleasing to see schemes like this progress and I am looking forward to seeing this new scheme complete and ready for residents to move in.
“This scheme is part of our efforts to provide thousands of new affordable homes across the South West and will make a big difference to those families who will be living there.”
The homes under construction by Leadbitter will replace the original flats, which were located in three separate two-storey blocks on a very steeply sloping site. Access was via layers of staircases and steps, providing significant challenges for older residents, even those without mobility difficulties.
The new development has been designed specifically for older people and includes a passenger lift, astair-lift, communal lounge facilities, thoughtfully designed layouts and features to assist with daily living. The homes will have under-floor heating provided by sustainable energy.
Eric Bunting, Contracts Manager of Leadbitter’s South West Housing division, said: “We are delighted to be working with PHA to help Cornwall Council deliver much-needed new homes. This is a unique project for so many reasons—the engineering challenges posed by the site, the proximity of Tate St Ives and the involvement of the residents—and we are committed to working with all parties to ensure these high-quality homes make a positive impact on the local community.”
PHA has worked closely with partners, including a resident advisory group, the Town Council and Cornwall Council members to design a scheme with enhanced facilities and features. It will meet identified local needs and will improve the quality of life for residents and the wider community in an area which is dominated by second homes.
