Back to the future as Octagon reopens

Buxton's Octagon Hall - one of the High Peak's most recognisable buildings - reopens its doors today (Friday 28 September) following a £3 million upgrade.

High Peak Borough Council has invested in the Grade-II listed building to secure the future of the historic complex which plays a key role in supporting economic development and regeneration in the area.

The Hall had to be closed to the public when remote camera surveys showed major potential safety issues in the roof, partly caused by poor quality repairs undertaken in the 1950s.

Since then the Council has commissioned a wide-ranging programme of works including significant structural repairs to the famous Octagon dome, replacement of the floor and the supporting sub-structure as well as upgrades to the mechanical and electrical plant at the complex.

The project team have also begun to return the interior and exterior of the Pavilion Gardens complex to the original colour scheme which was identified following some painstaking research into paint chippings taken from fixtures and fittings.

Councillor Tony Kemp, Executive Councillor for Regeneration and Tourism, said: "This has been a major project to repair and invest in one of the High Peak's most important heritage buildings and visitor attractions and, as people will know, it hasn't been without challenges.

"So it's with great pleasure that we can now reopen our doors and welcome people back in to this much loved and unique space. Whilst much of the structural work isn't visible there are some obvious changes -  not least of which is the restoration of the original heritage colour scheme. We're looking forward to everyone seeing the results and hearing what they think of the colours.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our customers for bearing with us - we really do appreciate your patience and good will and hope that you will all enjoy the results of this multi-million pound investment for generations to come."

The refurbished Octagon hosts its first events this weekend with the Markovitz Ltd Home Improvement Show and a book fair and Sunday Bazaar taking centre stage. Check out the events calendar for details of these and other upcoming events.