Revitalising Buxton - community consultation begins

Published on 10 July 2024

Revitalising Buxton is a major regeneration project which will see investment in new homes, leisure and hospitality to support a thriving and vibrant town centre and strengthen it for future generations.

Everyone who lives in, works in or visits Buxton is invited to join the community consultation to help shape regeneration in and around the Spring Gardens area of the town.

A dedicated website - revitalisingbuxton.co.uk - has been launched as part of the consultation which also includes in-person events across the town, an online survey and a virtual Zoom event. A newsletter has also been distributed which includes the survey questions for those who can't access it online.

High Peak Borough Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said: "It is great that we are able to move on to the next stage of what is the biggest Buxton town centre regeneration project that the Council has undertaken - so it's important that we get it right.

"That means hearing from as many people as possible as we refine the plans to deliver homes, leisure and hospitality as we work to make our town centre fit for the future and ready to support modern ways of living and working and attract more people into the town centre.

"Buxton deserves a town centre that works for everyone so please come along to an event to find out more and share your views."

Events taking place in July and August are:

• Saturday 13 July, 10am - 1pm at Turner's Memorial
• Tuesday 13 August, 10am - 1pm outside Sacro Lounge on Spring Gardens
• Wednesday 21 August, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, via Zoom https://zoomto.me/Y-ikA, passcode: 078734

The Council has started the process of selecting a development partner to develop designs which reflect the changes driven by Covid-19 and the challenging economic conditions.

The community consultation this summer will build on the views already shared by local people in recent years to help shape the proposals which will be brought back to the public.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "The Council bought The Springs shopping centre because it puts us, and the local community, in control of the building and surrounding land and how they are developed in the future.

"We're now looking for a development partner to help us with those designs so that we can realise our ambitions and deliver the services and amenities that we know people want to see - and in an environment they want to spend time in.

"Your views are a key part of this so I'm pleased that this latest round of consultation is now underway and I'd encourage everyone to get involved. It's your town centre so don't miss this opportunity to have your say!"

Newsletters are available from Buxton Town Hall, the Pavilion Gardens and Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre. Completed surveys can be returned to these locations.

A creative display is also being planned to reflect the different views of the shopping area in Buxton and to celebrate memories and ideas for its future. Anyone wishing to contribute can send in writing, photography or artwork to revitalisingbuxton@highpeak.gov.uk