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Proposals for the joint regeneration of Tate St Ives and the neighbouring Meadow Flats sheltered housing scheme received unanimous support from Penwith District Council at a meeting of the full council on 28 January 2009.
In presentations by Andy Moore, Chief Executive of Penwith Housing Association (PHA) and Mark Osterfield, Executive Director of Tate St Ives, the council learnt how the proposed redevelopment offers Meadow Flats residents increased and much improved housing facilities with better access and communal areas; and gives Tate the opportunity to extend behind the new housing units, below the Barnoon car park, creating further learning resources to meet the needs of the 25,000 visitors currently engaging in Tate St Ives’ learning programmes, as well as new gallery spaces to show more of the Tate Collection and international exhibitions. The proposed changes will also enable Tate St Ives to remain open all year round, rather than close, as it currently does, six weeks a year to re-hang each exhibition season.
St Ives Town and Penwith District Councillor Terry Tonkin proposed the motion, asking for Penwith District Council’s support in sending a powerful message to the new Cornwall Council that this project is as a priority for Penwith. He stated after the meeting:
‘This has been a collaborative effort and I am delighted that the discussion with the town council and the community has led to this ideal solution.’
Penwith District Councillor for Lelant and Carbis Bay, Yvonne Watson, added her support emphasising that she is:
‘Extremely pleased that a positive and favourable solution has been found which is beneficial to both Tate and PHA and, therefore, also to the people of St Ives.’
In June 2007 the St Ives Town Council unanimously voted to support the proposed Meadow Flats development, as an appropriate solution, that addresses the concerns expressed in the town regarding earlier proposals for the future development of Tate.
Andrew Mitchell, St Ives Town and District Councillor and County Council Portfolio Holder for the Economy, welcomed the support of Penwith:
‘When PHA came to the town council with proposals for the redevelopment of Meadow Flats, you could see the potential of a joint scheme with Tate. In these challenging economic times a project which improves the situation of current and future residents of Meadow Flats while ensuring the gallery remains a successful international attraction and key cultural resource for Cornwall, has to be a good thing.’
For further information please call Helen Munro-Berry, 01736 792185 email: helen.munro-berry@tate.org.uk
