A plan to move a rugby union clubhouse and training pitch to allow a development of 120 new homes in St Ives has reached a “key milestone”, a council says.
Cornwall Council said it has confirmed local contractors Fox Construction and WR Sandow would deliver the first phase of the scheme.
It added construction was set to begin towards the end of the summer, with a pitch potentially playable in autumn 2026.
The plans would see the relocation of the current clubhouse to provide a new modern facility, existing training facilities being moved north of their current site to provide a new sports pitch, better access and improved sightlines of the main pitch from the new clubhouse, backers said.
The project has received £2.9m from the government’s Town Deal programme and £2m match-funding from Cornwall Council.
The relocation would free up the land to provide affordable homes and extra care housing, the council said.
It added outline planning permission for up to 50 dwellings and up to 70 extra care units had previously been granted.
The scheme, led by Cornwall Council, has been developed in partnership with St Ives Rugby Club and the Rugby Football Union and it would meet the requirements and standards of Sport England.
Cornwall Council member Andrew Mitchell said: “I have supported both parts of this scheme, the rugby club development and proposed housing.
“It does seem to have taken an age to get to this point, but breaking ground will make it feel real and I wish all involved great success”.
Ian Sanders from St Ives RFC said: “This development allows us to grow further on the pitch whilst continuing to support the local community off it for another 100 years.
“We also welcome the opportunity to play our part in assisting with the need for housing in our town.”