The project was a sensitive refurbishment of one of the largest granite buildings in the south west, incorporating a new level-access main entrance at the lower ground floor level and new internal lifts. The building has been internally reconfigured to consolidate Cornwall Council’s existing services, including library facilities, community use rooms and shared workspace facilities.
St. John’s Hall has a local and regional reputation as an important venue for public performance and community use facility, providing one of the largest auditoriums in the area.
Following the acquisition of the whole building, Cornwall Council commissioned PBWC Architects to undertake a major refurbishment which included the creation of a fully accessible building serving the needs of the community. The works comprised the creation of a level forecourt and inclusive access to all areas, insertion of two lifts, creation of new internal connections, refurbishment of the central audition, creation of new home for Penzance Library with an associated garden space, provision of adult education teaching spaces, office accommodation for 200 Cornwall Council staff, registrar’s office and rooms for ceremonies and a range of accessible meeting rooms and flexible workspace.
