Devonshire Dome campus turns ten

Celebrations with the Duke of Devonshire, the Mayor of High Peak and ex-vice chancellor Roger Waterhouse.

University of Derby chancellor the Duke of Devonshire was one of the guests at the Devonshire Dome campus for a celebratory event on Wednesday, July 20.

The university took over the building, which was commissioned by the fifth duke as a stable in the 18th Century, from the NHS in 2006, and it now houses teaching facilities and a base for Buxton and Leek College of Further Education.

A spokesman for the university said: “The success of the campus is due to the hard work and commitment of staff as well as the support of the local community.

“We hope the next ten years will be even more exciting and are aiming to increase the number of students coming to Buxton to create a centre of excellence in the town.”

The campus at the Devonshire Dome already brings an economic boost to the area worth £32 million a year.

The dramatic building is an example of heritage regeneration and the Devonshire Dome is now home to a well-regarded fine dining restaurant, relaxed cafe, contemporary spa and hair and beauty salons.

Development plans are centred on the university’s internationally acclaimed work in the growing sectors for health, leisure and wellbeing.

Sarah Rawlinson, who leads the school of hotel resort and spa management, said: “We see spa and wellness very much as the future of the town.”

The mayor of the High Peak, Councillor George, former university vice chancellor Professor Roger Waterhouse, and former High Peak MP Tom Levitt attended the event.