Since 2004 Tate St Ives has been investigating the creation of additional gallery space, improved visitor services and learning spaces, alongside the refurbishment and conservation of the much loved existing building. After extensive public consultation and research the Tate St Ives Phase Two partners concluded in October 2007, that an extension was the only way to deliver these aims; aims which unite our commitment to an innovative exhibition programme, better engagement with artists, young people, families and the wider community, and support for the development of a knowledge economy in Cornwall.

At the end of 2007 Penwith Housing Association (PHA) announced plans for the redevelopment of the Meadow Flats site to the west of Tate St Ives. This development would offer improved accommodation plus communal facilities for the existing residents; create five additional social housing units and twenty-one units for sale which would finance the scheme.

In January 2008 Cllr Andrew Mitchell and the Town Council unanimously requested that PHA and Tate St Ives meet to talk through their respective schemes to see if there were opportunities to develop the proposals in a more complementary way.

The principles behind the proposal include ensuring that the sheltered housing accommodation is suitably enhanced and modernised and offers real benefits for the residents; adding additional affordable housing on the site; delivering additional gallery space and associated facilities for Tate St Ives on a site closer to the level of and adjacent to the existing building; and an aspiration to keep the current parking capacity on the Barnoon site.

On Thursday 12 June, Andy Moore, Chief Executive of PHA and Mark Osterfield Executive Director of Tate St Ives, fed back to the Council on their preliminary investigations into the possibility of rebuilding the Meadow Flats accommodation at the front of the site, and extending the gallery behind the new improved units, below the Barnoon Car Park.

Whilst no detailed designs have yet been developed, St Ives Town Council gave their unanimous support for a complementary development between Penwith Housing Association (PHA) and Tate St Ives on the Meadow Flats site to the west of the gallery.

Colin Sanger, Mayor of the Town Council said 'The Town Council are delighted to be able to support PHA and Tate St Ives with this opportunity to develop their projects in a more complementary way. I see this as a win win situation for PHA, Tate St Ives and the town of St Ives.'

This new option now becomes the preferred way forward for PHA and Tate St Ives, the new proposals providing improved accommodation and communal facilities for the residents, additional social housing, and allow for extended gallery facilities which meet the needs and concerns of the wider community.

Andy Moore said 'We have been responding to the needs of our residents. These new proposals offer them better accommodation with level access from the road. There are likely to be six additional units providing sheltered homes for more people, and communal facilities for them to enjoy. The issue now is to work with Tate St Ives to find the funding for the joint projects so that we can develop them in more detail and agree a programme for delivery.'

Mark Osterfield said 'Over the past two years we have been exploring how best to improve the facilities at Tate St Ives in a way that meets the needs of the gallery, our neighbours and the wider community. This new option is a real opportunity for a fresh start. We are very grateful for the support of the Town Council and for the recent vote of support from the County Council's Executive.'

On Thursday 5 June at the Councillors meeting of the Executive, Eric Brooke (Lib Dem), the County Council's Executive Member for Community Services, said 'This is a very exciting proposal. Tate St Ives already provides a resource uniquely combining important elements of the visual arts heritage in Cornwall, the Tate brand and influence and access to Tate's national collection – this new extension will enable Cornwall to offer the same standards of excellence as the galleries in London and Liverpool.'

'Both I and the two local County Councillors fully support the proposal to develop the Meadow Flats site and I hope that this exciting scheme will now get the go ahead.'

Over the coming months PHA and Tate St Ives will be talking to funding bodies about how to secure the necessary funding for each scheme. Signalling a note of caution Mark Osterfield said: 'In the current financial climate raising funds for major projects is challenging. Whilst we believe that a complementary scheme with PHA is the way forward, at this stage there are no guarantees that we will get the funding, so PHA and Tate St Ives have yet to rule out alternative options.'

Once funding is secured PHA will further develop their plans working with local architects Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole. PHA residents have already seen copies of revised indicative plans of the affordable housing scheme and will continue to be involved.

Tate St Ives will continue to work with Jamie Fobert Architects on the new extension and hope to engage Evans and Shalev on the changes to the existing building. Although there are no architectural plans to show the wider community, Tate St Ives plans to run a drop in session at St Ives Library in July for individuals interested in discussing the latest developments.