St Ives 70ft house mural application submitted to HDC

A 70FT-tall mural in St Ives is a step closer as an application for listed building consent has been submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council.

Peter Baker, chairman of the St Ives Civic Society, brought forward the idea for a mural on a Grade II-listed home in Wellington Street from the town plan. It is hoped the mural will draw more people into St Ives and the quayside.

The mural, designed by Christine Thomas, is based on the town’s heritage and aims to reflect the history of the precinct of the quay at the height of the river industry – 1850 and 1870 – when St Ives was the last navigable trading post on the River Great Ouse.

After consent is given the team will look to raise money for the project, though they are still waiting on an estimation from the artist.

Mr Baker hopes to raise funds through grants and donations from businesses and residents. He said: “The mural is a celebration of the history of our great little market town.

“It is now in the hands of English Heritage who decide these matters.”

Don Walker, who owns the house the mural will be painted on, is said to have agreed in principle but reserved the right to have it “obscured in 10 years’ time” if he or a future owner wishes.

A decision on the application is expected at the end of September.