Campaigners are celebrating after raising more than £1million to save a former community hospital in St Ives. 

The Friends of Edward Hain Group has purchased the St Ives’ Edward Hain Community Hospital from the NHS and plans to turn the building into a health and wellbeing centre.  

Prospects for the Edward Hain Memorial Hospital looked bleak following the NHS decision to close the facility three years ago and sell it on the open market. 

The Friends of Edward Hain Group wanted to buy the site at a reduced price, but the NHS Property Services as a public body is required to get the best possible price to re-invest in services. 

Residents feared their beloved facility would be redeveloped into holiday accommodation if the property went on the open market but they have now managed to secure its future for the benefit of the community. 

A grand opening weekend for the Edward Hain Centre, which aims to provide accessible health and wellbeing services to the people of St Ives and surrounding communities, is due to be held on September 9 and 10. 

Kit Hain Grindstaff from the Friends of the Edward Hain Centre said: “We’ve done it. The building purchase is signed, sealed and delivered. Congratulations to us all. It’s been a long, arduous wait and we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s amazing help and support.  

“As with any independent health and wellbeing centre, raising funds is going to be an ongoing project. We have work to do at the building and a mortgage to pay off. So if anyone feels like supporting us with a donation, thank you. 

“There’s also lots to do to prepare the building for health service providers so it can open as soon as possible so look out for volunteer opportunities.”  

St Ives Mayor Johnnie Wells added: “They did it and many thought it couldn’t be done but yes finally a deal with     the NHS has been struck, signed off and the keys handed over.  

“Well done to all involved over many many years of fund raising and hard work. The Edward Hain Hospital building has been secured and will carry on life as the Edward Hain Centre. 

“A great joined up effort with the St Ives Town Council helping to secure the building when it could have gone to the open market.” 

West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas said: “After years of graft by many in St Ives we celebrate the transfer of Edward Hain Community Hospital to a community organisation. 

“It’s ironic as the building was formerly owned by the people of  St Ives before being absorbed into the NHS in 1948. We did what we could to retain it as a community hospital so now, as a community health and care hub where plans are to integrate all sorts of services, we have retained an important building for the community to support good health and care close to people’s homes. 

“I’m so grateful to all those who have persisted with this, despite the odds, especially the Friends of Edward Hain and St Ives Town Council.”