Meet the Guildhall Renewal Project Team

Charlotte is the Special Projects Officer at St Ives Town Council, responsible for managing and delivering a diverse portfolio of projects that benefit the local community. Her work includes overseeing the Guildhall Renewal Project, which is the largest live project for the Town Council, and she’s also working on some smaller projects including the St Ives Archive’s relocation to the Market House, the digitally focused refresh of the Cornerstone building, and the upgrade of Richmond Gardens. With a focus on securing external funding.

Charlotte has lots of experience in historic buildings, having previously worked with the National Trust and Royal Cornwall Museum in leadership roles, including managing iconic sites like Levant Mine. Passionate about creating sustainable futures for heritage and community spaces, she finds her role both rewarding and inspiring.

Watch Charlotte’s interview here.

David is the Lead Architect for the Guildhall Renewal project, overseeing the project from the outline design stage through to completion of the work on site. Assisted by a team of specialist consultants, David is responsible for ensuring that the design and construction complies with the Town Council’s requirements for improving the existing facilities by refurbishing the Hall, enlarging the Main Entrance Foyer, and improving the Refreshment and WC areas, to meet contemporary audience requirements.

David has previously delivered award winning projects for some of the region’s most significant buildings, including the completion of Kresen Kernow (home for Cornwall’s Archives) in Redruth for Cornwall Council, and repurposing Harvey’s Foundry in Hayle which restored the historic but dilapidated buildings back into community use. Each of these projects demonstrates David’s commitment to sensitively revitalise historic buildings for us all to enjoy.

Watch David’s interview here.

David is Classic Builders’ Contracts Manager responsible for overseeing the delivery of the St. Ives Guildhall works.

With over 43 years of industry experience, David has worked across the Southwest on some of the most prominent and building projects in the region. From award winning sustainable building schemes to historically importance heritage works, his experience provides him with a unique perspective and appreciation for delivering highly sensitive and important works. David prides himself on his professional, personable, and pragmatic approach. He believes in teamwork, collaboration, and consideration – ensuring his projects benefit from local expertise, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality.

Watch David’s interview here.

Jack Double is a structural engineer at Richard Gowan Consulting, a team of project and chartered civil and structural engineers local to St Ives, with extensive collective experience. He plays a key role in the design team for The Guildhall’s renovation project, focusing on the building’s structural integrity following the extensive alterations, carefully detailing sound yet sympathetic structural designs to achieve the Town Council’s wishes for the space.

Initially Jack conducted a comprehensive investigation of the existing building, gaining a clear understanding of its current condition and construction. This knowledge allowed him to work through the architect’s proposals and not only design a structure that is capable of supporting the new state-of-the-art theatre equipment and the dramatically increased occupant capacity, but also to detail new structure which seamlessly connects into the existing historic building.

Jack’s experience encompasses a wide range of domestic and commercial building construction projects in West Cornwall and beyond, from simple renovations to full new builds. Prior to his masters in structural engineering, Jack’s diverse career background was primarily in renewable energy and offshore survey engineering.

Watch Jack’s interview here

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – The Guildhall belongs to the people of St Ives. An important part of this project and it’s future is working and connecting with young people, introducing new opportunities, developing skills and encouraging creativity. The Guildhall team works very closely with Yonkers (Yonkers means ‘young people’ in Cornish). Yonkers is the youth arm of St Ives Town Council, run by Laura Peach and Rosana Cox. As a youth team they are jointly funded by St Ives Town Deal and St Ives Town Council. They are reaching out to young people aged between 11 and 25, both in the town and adjoining communities. As well as linking young people in with each of the nine Town Deal projects. They are also working across wider St Ives parish youth initiatives

Rosana, has been working with young people in a variety of settings throughout her career. She has a background in education, teaching in secondary schools and adult education colleges across a broad range of humanities and social science subjects, developing courses and helping young people to gain new skills and find their voice. Rosana is a spoken word performer and musician, and since settling in St Ives she has been involved with various community projects and events. You might find her at one of the open mic nights at the Kettle.

For more information about Yonkers St Ives visit their page on the Town Council website.

Watch Rosana’s interview here.

Léon is the General Manager Technical Lead for the Guildhall. He is responsible for the technical infrastructure fit out for the Guildhall Renewal Project and operational elements for re-opening. Léon will be managing the venue when we re-open in Spring 2026.

He has an incredible background as a Sound Engineer, event Production Manager, Audio & Electronics product specialist for Allen & Heath Ltd, Managing Director of an 800-capacity venue (The Faversham Leeds Ltd); an accomplished guitarist and was a member of an 80’s iconic Leeds band… anyone guess what band?

Watch Léon’s interview here.