The Space now available for community use

Published on 1 November 2023

Revitalising Buxton is one the key priorities for High Peak Borough Council - and finding new, innovative and diverse uses for vacant shop units is one of the ways of doing just that.

Unit 25 in The Springs, the former Track and Trail shop, is now vacant and the Council is making it available for community and small business use on a temporary basis whilst the wider plans for the town centre are being developed.

The Space is now available for local community groups, artists and cultural groups to host workshops, exhibitions and pop-up galleries.

Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: "Town centres are changing, and we need to ensure our plans respond to those changes so that our high streets continue to be places for people to live, work and play.

"We're currently working to refine the proposals for revitalising Buxton before bringing proposals back to the public for their views.

"In the meantime, we want to create opportunities for community groups and business pop-ups to have a presence on the high street to help generate colour, interest and additional reasons for people to come to the town.

"That's why we're making what we're calling The Space - in the unit formerly occupied by Track and Trail - available for rent. Anyone interested in using it can scan the QR code on the poster in the window, and there's more information on our website."

Like many town centres across the country, Buxton has been impacted by the Covid pandemic, changing shopping habits and the closure of some high street names.

Work to revitalise the town, and to celebrate its heritage and culture, is already taking place. The projects to restore historic shopfronts at Fitzgerald's and Ponden Homes are now complete and the missing Grade II* listed urn on the Slopes has now been reinstated.

The cultural consortium is delivering a programme of social and cultural events to attract locals and visitors.

To support the good work already taking place, the Council's plans include providing new homes and new commercial, leisure and food and drink opportunities, to create spaces that people want to meet and spend time in and extend activities beyond the 9 to 5 day.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "We want our high streets and town centres to thrive and attracting new and diverse uses is the way to do that.

"Encouraging community groups and small businesses to occupy units like The Space on a short term, temporary basis will keep our high streets vibrant as well as providing welcome opportunities for individuals and groups that might not otherwise be able to be on the high street.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for hosting exhibitions and for small businesses and social enterprises to try out their ideas. I'm excited to see who comes forward to take up this offer - and to seeing The Space used as a showcase for what's possible."

Watch Councillor Mckeown talking about The Space on our YouTube channel or find out more on our website.