A project to create a brand new watersports centre for Penzance has reached completion.
The Penzance Watersports Centre project comprised the demolition of a 1970s Penzance Canoe and Sub Aqua Clubs clubhouse and the construction of a new, modern watersports centre. With work complete on the project the centre will now become a central hub for sporting activities where young people from the local community will have the opportunity to learn a range of watersports.
The centre boasts changing rooms, improved storage for equipment, a kitchen and bar, as well as general clubhouse space that is to be used by the Penwith Partnership. A chairlift, providing access for disabled visitors was also installed on the site, whilst new equipment includes kayaks, rowing boats and paddle boards.
The £500,000 facility replaces the existing Penzance Canoe Club building, which was situated towards the end of the Grade II Listed Albert Pier at Penzance Harbour. The new centre has been developed and maintained by the Penwith Partnership of Cape Cornwall, Hayle, Humphry Davy and St Ives Schools, Mounts Bay Academy and Penwith College.
Commenting on the new development, Director of Penwith College, Martin Tucker, said:
“This facility enables young people within the partnership and the wider community to have opportunities to learn a range of watersports and make use of the fantastic natural resources available in West Cornwall.”
Cathedral Builders was the main contractor on the project, whilst Capita Symons was the project manager. St Ives-based architectural practice, Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole was responsible for all architectural services on the site.
Cathedral Builders Managing Director, Robin Gulliford, said:
“Our work load is spread amongst various sectors and we have been working with Penwith College, mainly on historic buildings, but it was great to maintain our relationship with them on a project like this which has created such a cost effective solution.
“The project was completed within the time perimeters which met the educational needs of the building and has proved a successful project for both Cathedral Builders and Penwith College. Everyone is pleased with the development and it was great to be involved with this landmark project.”
The creation of the new centre has been viewed as a significant boost for sporting provision in the area, which not only increases club memberships, but will also stimulate interest in sporting events in Penzance.
The centre is home to Penzance’s already established canoe and sub-aqua clubs and is also being used to deliver a range of outdoor activities, alongside education programmes during term time. Penwith College will also use the facility for its surfing and kayaking academies.
Penzance Canoe Club Committee Member Richard Uren, said:
“We have handed over the lease of the building to the partnership and we will continue to have access to it while contributing to the running costs.
“It means we will have a first-class watersports facility in Penzance for the Penwith Partnership and for the clubs which will become a centre of excellence for Watersports.”
Cathedral Builders
Formed in 1996, Cathedral Builders is one of the South West’s most prestigious construction companies. Cathedral Builders’ diverse portfolio of projects includes residential, commercial, civil and industrial schemes, including Downholm, Carricktreath and Carn Tommen in St Mawes, Wendron in Helston and Treneere Manor for Truro & Penwith College.
Clients of Cathedral Builders include ClearFlow, National Trust and English Heritage and with a team of highly qualified tradespeople amongst its staff, Cathedral Builders is widely acknowledged as one of the best contractors in the county.
Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole
Founded in 1973, Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole is one of the largest architectural practices in the region, with projects ranging from £2 million through to £30 million. The company’s past projects include Portminster Hotel, Fistral Surf Centre, WCH Treatment Centre, Newquay Sports Centre and of course Penwith Watersports Centre.
Based in the Old Sail Lofts in St Ives Conservation Area, Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole continues to invest in both training and equipment and prides itself on its wide range of skills which has made it an expert in masterplanning, conservation, sustainability and innovation.
