About us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The Hall, belonging to the Methodist Church was put up for sale on the open market in Spring 2021. A bid from a private developer was provisionally accepted and Hall users were given notices to quit. Following a vigorous campaign by the users of the Hall and local councillors, Penzance Council and Cornwall Council intervened and the Hall was registered as an “Asset of Community Value” under the Localism Act. This intervention caused the private sector developer to withdraw his bid. Chapel St Creative CIO, set up by Hall users with charitable objects to manage the Hall, exercised the Right to Buy and agreed a purchase price of £300,000 with the Methodist Church.
Our Story
The journey so far has been a long one for studio owners Fiona and Ben Richardson of The Big Dance Company and their family of instructors, volunteers and members, who initiated the campaign to save the historic community building by forming a group of like minded individuals, passionate about keeping this incredible space in the heart of Penzance of which so many people have come to rely on.
Under the new ownership of Chapel St Creative CIO the community building will continue to provide a safe and secure space for current activity providers including; The Big Dance Company, Shallal, Little Fishes Parent and toddler group, IgniteYou and Sundance and host a much needed safe space for youth provision and activities. They will be welcoming a range of new and exciting inclusive groups to build community connections for the provision of accessible and affordable activities.
Future plans also include a community cafe, youth provision space, volunteering opportunities, affordable family seasonal experiences and a performance and lecture space.
Meet The Team
Ben Richardson
Trustee
Becci
Trustee
Rachel
Trustee / Treasurer
Celeste
Trustee / Safeguarding lead
Rob
Trustee / Chair
Thalia
Trustee / Council Representative
Our Clients
