Leach Pottery Set for Major Expansion with Cornwall Council’s Approval

Leach Pottery, a cornerstone of St Ives’ vibrant cultural landscape, is poised for a significant transformation following Cornwall Council’s approval of its second phase development plans. This ambitious project aims to enhance the site with world-class facilities, expand its learning programme, increase studio production, and bring the century-old pottery’s story to life for future generations.

As part of the successful St Ives Town Deal bid, Leach Pottery’s development is a testament to its international reputation and commitment to serving as a community hub. The initiative seeks to harness creativity in clay to support the health, wellbeing, and aspirations of St Ives’ residents, create opportunities for young people, and promote sustainability and economic growth.

The proposed expansion will address the current limitations imposed by the site’s layout and infrastructure, which have evolved haphazardly over the past 100 years. By redesigning the space with a focus on production, learning, and community engagement, the project will substantially improve the visitor experience and enable the pottery to contribute more effectively to the local economy and cultural life.

Significant enhancements include increasing employment for skilled craftspeople, expanding the apprenticeship scheme, and broadening the customer base. The community skills programme will offer more classes and projects, thereby increasing participation from target communities. Moreover, the initiative will bolster local enterprise development through mentoring and skills development, alongside improving the capacity and quality of the school’s programme.

The redevelopment is aligned with the objectives of the St Ives Town Deal, which secured £19.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. This funding aims to foster economic regeneration, stimulate investment, and support the transition to zero carbon. The Leach Pottery expansion is one of eight ambitious projects planned for St Ives, ranging from sustainable transport solutions to the development of social and affordable housing.

As the project moves forward, Leach Pottery will engage in community consultation events and seek match funding from other sources. With the planning application for phase two submitted in Autumn 2023, the development timeline includes starting the first phase of construction in April 2024, with the restoration of historical buildings and the creation of a new entrance scheduled for 2025, and completion expected by the summer of 2026.

Leach Pottery invites the community to participate in the Pottery Development Forum, providing a platform for residents to contribute to the project’s success. Those interested in joining or learning more about the forum can reach out to Libby Buckley, the director of Leach Pottery.

This comprehensive redevelopment plan underscores Leach Pottery’s dedication to preserving its unique heritage while embracing a future that enriches the community, fosters creativity, and promotes sustainable growth in St Ives.