The Corn Exchange

In 2010 a newly refurbished Corn Exchange opened to the delight of town residents having had a total building transformation. The main Charter Hall had a new balcony which acted as a technical gallery, the ceiling height of the entrance and Cromwell Room upstairs had been raised so more daylight entered the building. The back section had been rebuilt to provide a new kitchen and meeting place.

The refurbishment was a result of a team effort. The Town Council funded the main building work. The fit-out work was paid for by the local community with fund-raising led by ACE Friends of the Corn Exchange. The Civic Society contributed £3,000 alongside many individuals and businesses who gave money or donated items of equipment.

The building was formally opened by the then Town Mayor Councillor David Hodge and welcoming speeches were made by Tony Burgess (Chair of ACE), Ian Dobson (Co-Chairman of ACE) and Martin Collier (Chair of the CIC). CIC was a community interest company set up to run the building and put daily procedures in place.

The Chair of the Civic Society said at the time that three years previously the Corn Exchange had a “for sale” sign on the building. Much had happened since then which has resulted in a building we can all be proud of. The cost for works had been maintained at the level of the estimate three years previously. In 2024 the Corn Exchange continues to be a thriving hub of St Ives as a popular music and arts venue, café and hosts a number of Pilates and Yoga classes.