Exciting plans to improve the energy efficiency of 200 of our homes in St Ives have taken a big step forward after we signed the Town Deal Funding Agreement.
The multi-million pound low carbon retrofit project will see 200 homes in St Ives undergo energy-efficient retrofit works, creating greener homes that are cheaper and warmer to live in.
St Ives is the first area in Cornwall to have such a large-scale whole house retrofit programme after being awarded over £866,500 from the Government's town deal programme.
The energy efficiency works include improving insulation, providing new windows and doors, installing solar panels and upgrading heating and hot water systems to improve the thermal efficiency of the buildings, and reduce drafts, heat loss, and the reliance on carbon-based heating systems.
The project team will also be working with residents to integrate sustainable transport, waste and recycling improvements into estates in the town, and help to develop local green skills and employment opportunities.
Glynnis Poole, our Director of Investment and Sustainability at LiveWest, said: “We are committed to creating a clean and sustainable future for our customers and colleagues.
“Being included in the town deal programme enabled us to unlock more than £600,000 of government funding and other investment last year. This then allowed work to begin on the first phase of the project ahead of confirming our £860,000 town deal grant.
“Formal signing is another key milestone in our project, and we are really excited that the next phase of energy efficiency works are being undertaken in St Ives.
“Having already undertaken the first retrofit of 65 properties last year, we are soon to start work on the next phase of over 100 properties.
“Through combining St Ives Towns Fund, LiveWest investment and government retrofit funding we are driving ahead with making St Ives one of the most energy efficient towns in Cornwall.”
Andrew Baragwanth, Chair of the St Ives Town Deal Board, said: “We are delighted that the funding agreement has been signed. This will enable LiveWest to build on the work which has already taken place to deliver their plans to improve the energy efficiency of these properties.”
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said: “This an exciting landmark for St Ives Town Deal Board, its residents and Cornwall Council, with nearly £20 million of town deal projects all signed up and underway.
"200 homes to be retrofitted with energy efficiency will bring financial reassurance and comfort to many more residents while also supporting our drive for a sustainable Cornwall.”
St Ives Town Deal Board, in partnership with Cornwall Council, successfully bid for a town deal worth £19.9 million to support a range of projects that will contribute to the town’s regeneration and boost the local economy.
Nine projects in St Ives have been approved to share £19.9million from the UK Government’s Town Deal. These include plans to create a low carbon transport system, support local business and jobs, and develop new skills and supply chains, as well as provide new and transformed housing and community assets.
Find out more about our sustainability ambitions here.