Buildings

The Town Hall

 

Originally called Stanley House, this is a 3-story house built in 1850 and belonged to the Warner Family who sold it to Lloyds Bank, who at the time was looking for temporary premises while their present premises were being built. The Council received an offer from Lloyds Bank to sell Stanley House for £1,200 in 1924, which marked the 50th. Anniversary of the Town Council.

The Town Council offices are located on the ground floor with the Council Chamber (formally the drawing room of the Warner family) located at the front of the building on the first floor. Many of the other rooms within the building are let out as offices.

The Norris Museum

The Town Council is the sole trustee of The Norris Museum which underwent major redevelopment in 2017. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funders the museum's permanent displays tell the story of Huntingdonshire from the time of the dinosaurs through to the present day. Showcasing the museum's collection alongside interactive displays and activities there is something from all the family.

The museum offers a full programme of events and activities as well as tours, talks, workshops, group visits and reminiscences.  The workshop space is also for hire by private groups.  The Norris Museum is a registered charity and an Accredited Museum.

Norris Museum

The Corn Exchange

Originally built and paid for by a local business man in 1864 the building was used by local corn merchants and also for concerts and meetings. In 1947 the building was bought by the St Ives Borough Council and in 1974 following the Local Government reorganisation it passed to the existing Town Council.

The building was closed in 2001 due to structural concerns and over the years a number of refurbishment schemes were investigated. In 2006 the Town Council considered selling the building and for a while it was on the open market. However in the same year a group of local residents formed a campaign group 'Action Corn Exchange' (ACE) with the aim of stopping the sale and retaining it for community use. After extensive investigations, consultation and lobbying by ACE, their proposal for the Corn Exchange to be re-developed as a versatile public building in the centre of St Ives was eventually accepted.

Work started on the renovation in 2009 and the restored building was reopened on 24 June 2010 by the Mayor Councillor David Hodge. A Community Interest Company was formed to run the building with its mission statement being “To develop a thriving, multipurpose community facility, at the centre of St Ives, open seven days a week, run by volunteers with the help of professional staff, and generating surpluses that can be used for the benefit of the community.



 Warner's Park Pavilion

It is fair to say the pavilion is in need of some 'TLC' - located in Warner's Park at the moment the only regular use of the building is by a local junior football team when they are playing at home. 

A working party has been formed to look into the future of the building including options for its future use.  There is a wish from the community for public toilets and a cafe within the park - only time will tell but whatever is decided some forward movement and definite plans will be put in place during 2019.

The Pavilion

Burleigh Hill Community Centre

Located on Constable Way, St Ives the Burleigh Hill Community Centre is a well used community facility in the north of the town. Run by a Management Committee whose motto is 'In the community for the community' there is usually something happening most days of the week, including but not limited to kick boxing, yoga, mum & tots, pilates and slimming classes.  

The centre has 2 seperate halls and full kitchen facilities and is available for private hire for parties, wedding receptions and functions. 

Burleigh Hill CC

Old Mortuary and Depot

The Town Council is also responsible for the Old Mortuary, located in the Broadleas Cemetery that was used as the Ground Maintenance Depot until the team out grew it and moved into the purpose built depot that is located on the Allotment site on Hill Rise.