THE long-awaited scheme to provide new, high-quality sports facilities which enables land for future affordable homes and extra care housing in St Ives has reached another milestone with contractors formally appointed to build the new clubhouse and sports pitch.

Planning permission for the scheme, was granted earlier this year and now Cornwall Council has confirmed that local Cornish contractors Fox Construction and W R Sandow have been appointed to deliver the first phase.

Construction is currently 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 and developed in partnership with St Ives Rugby Club and the RFU, meets the requirements and standards of Sport England.

As well as relocating the current clubhouse building to provide a new modern facility, the existing training facilities are being moved north of their current site to provide a new sports pitch for use by St Ives RFC and the local community, and better access and improved sightlines of the main pitch from the new clubhouse.

The relocation will free up the land needed to provide affordable homes and extra care housing in the future. 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.

Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of St Ives Town Deal Board, said: “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.

“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 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 said: “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.”

The project has received £2.9-million from the government’s Town Deal programme and £2m match funding from Cornwall Council.

St Ives Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a Town Deal worth £19.9-million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.

Cornwall Council is the lead authority for Cornwall Town Deals and supports the governance role of the St Ives Town Deal Board and administrates the fund.