Work began this week on the rebuild of a fire ravaged hall in Ponsanooth, after half a decade of fundraising and legal paperwork.

With planning permission approved, legal documents signed and full finance now in place, the green light was finally given for Midas Construction to start the rebuild of the Community Hall on Friday (July 29).

The late 19th century Methodist Sunday School, devastated by arson in 2008, has stood derelict during the long battle to raise and secure sufficient funds for the rebuild.

Chris Trewern, chairman of The Friends of Ponsanooth Hall said: “The legal work is complete and time is of the essence as we have over 40 activity groups already registered to use the hall and that’s not even including private booking enquiries.”

Money for the rebuild came from a combination of sources, with the Methodist Church’s initial insurance claim releasing £450,000 towards fundraising activities.

The Ponsanooth Hall Management Company was set up and worked to secure a further £347,000 from The Big Lottery Reaching Communities Building Fund. Additional grants were also secured from The Garfield West Foundation, Kerrier Council, the Methodist Church and a further £15,000 from local community fundingraising activities.

The new Ponsanooth Hall is expected to open in nine months time and once completed will provide a venue for all ages and abilities to take part in a wide and ever growing range of recreational, educational and social activities. It is anticipated that the hall will be ready for its first event in the spring of 2014.

St Ives based architects, Poynton Bradbury Winter Cole, have redesigned the interior to better “meet the needs of the local community”.

The new eco-friendly building will include a large hall with catering facilities, community drop-in café, meeting room and office space with wireless internet facilities open to all residents, neighbouring villages and businesses alike.

“We are very grateful to our local community for their continued patience but it will pay off as the rebuild of this listed building will provide facilities far exceeding the original,” Chris said, adding that their prayers over the past five years “have continually been answered.”