Solanki Holdings is ‘interested’ in Buxton’s Town Hall
Property developer Nirad Solanki from Solanki Holdings says he is interested in buying Buxton’s Town Hall which is on the market.
High Peak Borough Council put the Grade II Listed building up for sale at the end of April saying the large property is ‘no longer fit for purpose’.
Following emails from readers the Buxton Advertiser asked Nirad if he was in fact buying the town hall.
He said: “I am interested but I haven’t put an offer in yet as the building is publicly owned and it needs to be listed for a certain number of weeks before any offers can be brought forward.”
He says he has been approached by local heritage teams about the town hall and has been in talks but nothing is agreed.
He says mechanical and engineering reports suggest there is a lot of work to do at the site.
“It is only worth what someone is prepared to pay.
“I have heard there were plans to convert it into 20 apartments but I think it can be more than that.
“I have a vision of what could be done with the space such as an indoor food hall or an events and exhibition space but to clarify I haven’t put an offer in.”
He said that there will be no way to please everyone.
“Some will want the building open and used and enjoyed and others don’t want the sale to happen at all.”
He says his team is facing increased racism and people are not looking at his past projects and how he can and does benefit the community.
“A building like this should be publicly owned but if there aren’t the funds to keep it then someone who would be willing to use their own money to restore the building, create jobs and preserve historical assets is a good thing.
“It is not my fault the building has gone up for sale but if it is on the market then I should, like any other business, be allowed to express an interest.”