The Tourist Information Centre has moved into the newly renovated former Wesleyan Chapel in Garrison Lane where it shares the ground floor with the RATIO Centre and will soon be joined by the Public Library when it moves from Carn Thomas. The Planning Office has vacated "Hamewith" and is now housed in offices on the gallery.
The Wesleyan Chapel has led a very chequered life since being abandoned by the church, for many years it was linked to the Plaza Cinema Hall. When the cinema closed this led to the even more rapid deterioration of the old chapel, therefore it is good to see the fabric restored and it being put to use at last.
Porth Cressa Shelter/T.I.C.
The vacated building at Porth Cressa started life as a shelter where senior citizens, visitors, etc., could sit and admire the view or meet for a chat.
Much of the money for the shelter was given by the German Embassy to commemorate the co-operation and help given by Scillonians when the German steamer Schiller was wrecked on the Retarrier Ledges on 7th May 1875, with the loss of 335 lives out of a total compliment of 372.
Most of the work on the original shelter
was completed by the Isles of Scilly Rotary Club. Eventually the Council
of the Isles of Scilly took over the shelter and, with the shortage of
office space, over half of the area was converted for the use of the T.I.C.
It was believed that, with the departure
of the T.I.C. it would return to its former use, however we hear that the
Town Hall is to retain it for office space for the Educational Advisory
Officer and assistants.
The Carn Thomas Site and the Isles of Scilly School
Following a decision by the Local Education Authority, on Surplus Places, the Isles of Scilly Secondary School has been instructed to vacate the Carn Thomas site and major changes are being made to the accommodation in the main school buildings.
The Play Group is also moving, this goes
to the Carn Gwaval School site.
It is not known what use will be made
of the vacated space in Carn Thomas, though it is understood that an area
will be used for Youth Provision.
