Buxton secures £6.6m for town centre transformation

Buxton's £6.6 million bid for government funding to transform the town centre and build a 'high street for the future' has been successful.

On Boxing Day (26 December 2020), the government announced that funding of 69 per cent of the total requested to help revitalise the High Peak town was available in principle - subject to the borough council submitting a revised business case. 

Further public consultation was carried out to help set priorities in January and February before the council submitted a revised proposal, which has now been fully approved by the government. 

The borough council has indicated it will be committing an additional £4.2 million in match funding towards the regeneration, taking the total funding to over £10 million.

Buxton was one of the first towns shortlisted by the government in July 2019 for the Future High Streets Fund - which was launched to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that "drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability" by supporting "transformative and structural changes to overcome challenges". 

The town's proposals include the development of new multi-level car parking behind The Springs and re-use of the surface level car parking for homes, leisure and community facilities. 

The aim of the project is to bring more people into the town centre at different times of the day by offering more varied opportunities for living, working and enjoying free time. 

The borough council say a delivery board will now be set up, led by the Leader and Deputy Leader, with members comprising those with a financial investment in the project and representation from a new town stakeholder group, who will act as an advisory panel to "ensure community voices are heard". 

'The hard work starts now' 

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: “We’re absolutely delighted -  after a lot of hard work - to have secured this transformative funding for Buxton. Together with the £4.2 million from the Council’s own cash investment, this sends a clear message that we are serious about our ambition for High Peak, for reviving Buxton and helping to deliver the post-Covid recovery that we need. 

“The hard work starts now – this is obviously a significant sum and we need to ensure that we spend it to best effect to restore the vibrancy to Spring Gardens and create the right environment for a thriving town centre for many years to come.

“That’s why we’re committed to working co-operatively with people who share our passion for regenerating Buxton. We know that there will be bumps along the way and challenges ahead in delivering this scheme - not least of which are the changing economic circumstances and meeting a wide range of aspirations.

“But we’re more than equal to it and we’re looking forward to getting on with this exciting project and giving Buxton residents the town centre they have told us they want.”

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, added: “I’d like to express our appreciation and thanks to everyone who has contributed to helping us get to this stage and those who have shared their views and thoughts on the future of Buxton. Together we can really refresh and reinvigorate our high street for the future. We now look forward to getting on and delivering it.”

'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the town' 

High Peak MP Robert Largan said he is "absolutely delighted" that the funding has now been fully confirmed, welcoming the news on Spring Gardens with Buxton councillors Linda Grooby and Tony Kemp. 

He commented: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the town and I really hope the Council continue to listen to local people and businesses, to fine tune the plans and make the most of this money. It’s vital that we get this right and revitalise Buxton town centre. 

“A huge thanks to Councillors Linda Grooby and Tony Kemp for their hard work helping to secure this funding and to everyone who has taken part in the bid process and taken the time to share their views in the consultation. 

“Let’s work together to make the High Peak even better!” 

Councillor Kemp added: “This is the final piece in the puzzle for Buxton!”

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