Halfway down Street an Pol, the St Ives Guildhall has long stood as a cultural and civic beacon in the heart of the town. It is a beautifully designed neoclassical building dating back to 1939, with grand proportions and historic charm.
What's Been Happening: The Current Refurbishment
Since late 2023, the Guildhall’s main concert hall has been closed to the public, entering a comprehensive £3.1 million Renewal Project, funded through the St Ives Town Deal as part of the larger Government Towns Fund initiative.
Construction began in November 2024, with the entrance canopy removed, and Barbara Hepworth’s beloved bronze sculpture Dual Form carefully and temporarily relocated to Kresen Kernow in Redruth.
This is all part of a thoughtful transformation that balances the Guildhall’s historic integrity with 21st-century functionality.
Upcoming enhancements include:
A bright, glazed foyer with a modern bar and café space
Better energy efficiency, upgraded sound systems, and improved AV infrastructure
A flexible new seating system and adaptable event layout
A renewed focus on community involvement, youth training, and local creative opportunities.
The Re-opening
The plan is to welcome visitors back to a revitalized, future-facing Guildhall in early 2026
What the Guildhall Has Traditionally Offered (and Will Offer Again)
Before the refurbishment, the Guildhall was one of West Cornwall’s largest performance venues, with up to 500 capacity, complete with balcony seating and a sprung dance floor which was prized for its acoustics and heritage feel.
It served the community in many ways:
- Live performances
- Concerts
- Theatre Shows
- Comedy Nights
- Dance and more
- Venue for the St Ives September Festival
- Year round craft markets
- St Ives Farmers' Market
- Wedding venue
- Space hire for businesses, workshops, conferences & private events.
In Summary
The Guildhall is evolving, not being erased. While the refurbishments unfold, its doors may be closed, but its legacy is being reimagined with care and ambition.
When the elegant arches reopen in 2026, we’ll be stepping back into a place where history and creativity converge. It will be a modern performance hub, community venue, and cultural gathering space built for the future while rooted deeply in St Ives’ story.
The St Ives Guildhall website >>
