Final Phase of Malakoff Improvement Works to Begin in St Ives

Work on the final phase of the scheme to improve the Malakoff open space in St Ives is set to begin on Monday, 6th October.

What’s Been Done So Far

The first phase, completed earlier this year, saw the creation of a new bus layby and footway. Repairs were also carried out on the car park steps and nearby parapet wall after they were damaged in vehicle collisions.

Since then, the project team has been working with stakeholders and the local community to finalise designs for the second phase.

What’s Coming Next

This final stage will include a new bespoke bus shelter, granite paving, bespoke granite planters and benches, street furniture, a millwheel feature and lighting. Landscaping and seating are also part of the plan.

The iconic sculpture Epidauros II by Dame Barbara Hepworth, which was temporarily relocated to the Penwith Gallery during the works, will be returned to its home at the Malakoff before the area is fully resurfaced.

Construction is expected to take up to six months. The first stage, running between October and Christmas, will focus on clearing the site and installing new drainage and structural foundations.

Voices from the Project

“We are committed to completing the scheme by the beginning of the summer,” said the Cormac Project Manager. “While some traffic management measures will be required to create safe working space and to divert the pedestrian footway during the works, we will be doing our best to minimise disruption to the town.”

Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of St Ives Town Deal Board, added: “I am delighted to see work beginning on the second phase of this long-awaited scheme to improve the Malakoff. I would like to thank local residents and businesses for their patience over the past few months while the summer road works embargo was in place.

“We hope that both local residents and visitors to the town will enjoy the finished scheme which will transform the Malakoff area into a modern, vibrant public space worthy of the Barbara Hepworth legacy.”

Why It Matters

The Malakoff scheme is funded by the St Ives Low Carbon Transport Strategy, which aims to reduce the impact of vehicles on the town while encouraging walking, cycling and greater use of public transport.

It is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the St Ives Town Deal Board.