This beautiful building situated in the centre of town, was gifted by John Passmore Edwards and T.Bedford Bolitho to the town in 1897. St Ives Town Council took over the running of the library from Cornwall Council to protect the local service from closure. Quay Studio were delighted to be commissioned by St Ives Town Council to provide the interior design services for the new St Ives Library and Information Service. Combining the Visitor Information Service, originally located in the Guildhall, with the Library has allowed for a big increase in opening hours, from 3.5 days to 6 days a week. Another aim for the project was to create a hub for the whole community to enjoy with increased numbers of services and activities.

The first port of call was to define the final client brief and to ensure all needs/requirements had been voiced. This gave us the information we needed to produce an outline plan, programme of works and concept design. We worked closely as a team alongside RRW Shopfitters, who acted as the main contractor for the project. Although a wonderful space, there were a few challenges that needed to be addressed such as, integration of the design with retained elements, time, budget and inclusivity. We presented a concept design with 3D visuals, specification of finishes, furniture and fittings. By selecting a few options on materials and fittings we were able to give the client more flexibility on budget. On approval of the concept design we produced a full detailed technical drawing pack for construction. The project we feel was an overall success confirmed by the lovely testimonial from Louise below.

“Quay Studio turned our vague and contradictory brief into a brilliant design that’s received many compliments from residents and visitors – and our staff love it, too! The design is light, airy and welcoming and compliments the more traditional elements of the library building - a long-overdue facelift on a much-loved friend that could only have been done by a professional firm capable of understanding and interpreting our needs.

Working with Rachael was a real pleasure. They are positive, flexible and responsive; seeing opportunities and solutions in challenging situations. We moved pretty much effortlessly from brief to design delivery – not because there weren’t snags, but because they dealt with them professionally and with sustained focus. 


I would highly recommend Quay Studio, and welcome anybody to come and view the work in the town’s public library.

Louise Dowe, Town Clerk, St Ives Town Council”