Buxton's Heritage regeneration in Action

Buxton has been selected as one of just 69 towns across the country to share in a £95 million fund to revive the special characteristics of historic high streets.

High Peak Borough Council will now work with Historic England, who are delivering the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative on behalf of the Government, on proposals to:

·         Restore traditional shopfronts and architectural details at properties on Spring Gardens

·         Repair and convert vacant listed buildings

·         Offer small grants for more modern units to improve signage and colour schemes

·         Produce guidance on traditional shopfronts and signage

This funding will work in a similar fashion to the Townscape Heritage Initiative Funding that was available in Glossop several years ago.

The announcement follows the news earlier this summer that the Council would be awarded up to £150,000 from the Future High Street Fund (FHSF) to support the development of a second-stage bid. The FHSF is aimed at making high streets fit for the future.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "We want to see our high streets thriving throughout the High Peak and we're absolutely delighted that our proposal for Buxton to become a Heritage Action Zone has been successful.

"This funding will enable us to focus on restoring the traditional shopfronts and historical architectural features of the buildings. It works in perfect harmony with our plans to improve the connection between the Georgian and Victorian heritage and the primary shopping street.

"This excellent news follows hot on the heels of the funding we've been awarded to develop our Future High Streets Fund bid and means that our regeneration ambitions are gathering real pace. We're excited by the potential that these complementary schemes offer for the sustainable regeneration of the spa town of Buxton."

Proposals being drawn up under the Future High Streets Fund scheme include looking at ways to:

·         Improve the pedestrian route to and from the railway station

·         Increase residential and office use in the town centre - especially on the upper floors of buildings

·         Increase leisure, food and drink uses, pop-ups and shared spaces