Buxton: The Quaint Peak District Town Set to Become Seriously Cool

Buxton is gearing up for a major transformation with a £100 million redevelopment plan

Buxton: The Quaint Peak District Town Set to Become Seriously Cool
Buxton: The Quaint Peak District Town Set to Become Seriously Cool

Buxton: It’s a lovely little town in the Peak District, known for its Victorian charm. But let’s be honest, it hasn’t exactly been the coolest spot around.

That’s about to change, though! A Manchester-based company, Capital and Centric, is stepping in with a big plan to revamp the town centre with a whopping £100 million investment.

They’ve been chosen to lead the charge in transforming Buxton, focusing on the old 1980s shopping centre, The Springs. The idea is to turn it into a vibrant hub with new homes, workspaces, bars, and cafes.

These folks are known for their trendy projects in Greater Manchester, and they’re excited about Buxton’s stunning architecture and rich history.

Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins, the founders, have even been on TV, so they know a thing or two about making places pop. They want to make it easier for people to walk around, connecting Spring Gardens to the Railway station.

John Moffat, one of the directors, said they’re all about putting pedestrians first. They want to make the area accessible and inviting for everyone.

This whole plan got a boost from £6.6 million from the Future High Street Fund, which the local council used to buy the shopping centre last year. They’ve also chipped in an extra £4 million of their own.

They’re dreaming of opening up the River Wye and creating green spaces for events, which sounds lovely, right?

Interestingly, this comes at a time when there’s chatter about whether High Peak should join Greater Manchester. The local paper even went to chat with residents about what they want from this new development.

One big topic? Public toilets! Martin Olsson, a local tobacconist, stressed how crucial they are for the town centre. He also mentioned the need for some awnings to keep shoppers dry when it rains.

He hopes the project will reflect the classic English architectural style that makes Buxton special.

Debbie Michaelis, a local resident, wants the town to feel more lively at night. She also echoed the need for public toilets and changing spaces for families with kids who have disabilities.

Former MP Robert Largon is on board with the investment but wants to ensure the details are right and that the council collaborates with locals.

Not everyone is thrilled, though. Julie Rogers thinks spending £100 million is too much for Buxton, suggesting the money could be better spent on a youth hub and supporting small businesses.

She raised concerns about the shopping centre, too, pointing out unused units and high parking fees. Public toilets were a common request among residents.

Last year, the council held a community engagement session, and they’re planning more consultations this spring. If all goes well, they hope to wrap up the project by 2029.

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