High Peak people have under a week to comment on revised £6m Buxton town centre bid

The stark deadline comes as the council races to submit revised plans by the end of the month for the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).

On Boxing Day it was announced that the council had been granted funding “in principle” - however the money agreed was only 69 per cent of the £9.6 million they originally bid for.

Because of this the council now has to revise its proposal for the funds available - and is asking the public to confirm their priorities for the town centre.

The council’s regeneration masterplan includes a new multi-storey car park behind the Springs - with surface-level parking serving new homes, leisure and community facilities.

Public consultation last year also showed strong support for new disabled toilet facilities, a central library and leisure and hospitality developments to boost the evening economy.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader of High Peak Borough Council, told how bringing the upper floors of Buxton’s beautiful old buildings back into use and Spring Gardens was “at the heart of the bid”.

However he added: “There’s a limit to how much we can spend on improving the existing public realm.

“So despite the tight time-frames we want to hear which of the physical elements of the plans people most want to see included.”

Coun Greenhalgh described how the council would be investing £3 million of its own money and the FHSF was only the first stage of the council’s masterplan.

He said: “The masterplan is dependent on developers and other businesses coming onboard.

“We’re still hopeful all of the most popular suggestions will be possible but the Government wants to know we can get this money spent quickly - by March 2023 - so we have to identify achievable things in the short-term.

“All of the hopes - whether they’re for better transport, more housing or bringing Spring Gardens buildings back into use - will be part of the plan.

“But this is about what can be achieved in the first two years - so that’s why we need people to prioritise.”

The consultation closes at noon on February 15 and is available at www.highpeak.gov.uk/FHSFBuxton.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.