National Lottery Funding Given to The Palais de Danse
A former casino in Cornwall is being restored thanks to millions of pounds worth of funding from the National Lottery.
An old St Ives has received a large funding boost from the lottery. © Mohamed_hassan, Pixabay
Key Facts:
- The Palais de Danse has had various uses over the years
- It was St Ives’s first cinema, then was turned into a dance hall
- Building later became a ballet school taught by Phyllis Bedells
- Best known as a studio for the renowned sculptor and artist Barbara Hepworth
It has been decades since the historic building was open to the public, but The National Lottery Heritage Fund has granted almost £3 million to help make that happen.
The Palais de Danse had various uses but is perhaps best known for being where Barbara Hepworth, a renowned sculptor and artist, had a studio.
Previously, the building was used as a ballet school and designated as a Grade II listed building a few years ago.
The announcement comes as part of a £27 million package of new funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with six other historic UK buildings set to benefit from grants.
Palais de Danse History
Hepworth’s family donated the Palais de Danse to Tate in 2015 but it has taken a long time for plans to renew the former casino to fruition.
Last year, Tate St Ives showed off the first stage designs for the transformation of the Palais de Danse with Adam Khan Architects appointed to the project.
The plans see a mix of working studios, sculpture galleries and a performance space included.
Anne Barlow, the director of Tate St Ives, said in a statement: “The Palais de Danse played an important role in Hepworth’s international artistic career as well as in the local history of the St Ives community. In bringing it back to life, we want to honour that rich history and realise its immense potential for local residents, visitors, and a new generation of artists.”
The £2.8 million of lottery funding will now help Tate St Ives to regenerate the former casino.
Other Historic Buildings Get Funding
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has also committed to giving £8 million to the Grade II listed Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester, which will become accessible to the public for the first time.
Marchwell Stables in Chichester will get £1.3 million, and £4.7 million has been awarded to Kingsley Hall in Bristol, with a further £4.7 million for Sheffield’s Grade II listed Canada House.
Eilish McGuinness, the chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is wonderful to start the New Year investing in projects that are saving heritage treasures across the UK. With decades of shared memories, these exceptional buildings will be repurposed for the 21st century at the centre of communities and places.
“We’ll work with those who care for heritage, transforming historic gems and positively adding to wellbeing and educational opportunities for young people, making heritage the focus of communities, places and the UK economy.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has now donated £3.3 billion to various projects.
