Work begins on Scilly cultural centre development

Councillors, trustees of Scilly Arts and Heritage, and funders celebrated the start of construction with a ceremony

Construction work has begun to create a cultural centre and museum in the Isles of Scilly's Town Hall.

The hall, which was most recently used for council offices, will house a space for live performances, a theatre, community events, the Isles of Scilly Museum and a cafe.

The £15m project, which is due to finish in 2026, is a collaboration between the Isles of Scilly Council and the Isles of Scilly Museum Association, with backing from multiple national funding groups.

Robert Francis, chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, said he could not wait to see the building revived, re-purposed and back where it belonged at the heart of the community.

“This is such an exciting moment for our islands as we begin to see the promise of the new facility become a reality," he said.

"Many of us have fond memories of joining together in the town hall when it was a treasured space for meeting with friends and celebrating important occasions together."

'Once in a generation'

A newly-established not-for-profit charitable business called Scilly Arts and Heritage will be taking over responsibility for the facility from the council once complete.

Ann Tudor, from the group, said the project was a "once in a generation opportunity" to breathe new life into the much-loved landmark.

"These plans will create a unique facility, museum and cultural centre, which will benefit residents and visitors alike for many years to come," she said.

Funding was possible through support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Good Growth Shared Prosperity Fund, Arts Council England, Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly, managers said.