High Peak council seeking feedback on priorities for £6.6million transformation of Buxton town centre

The council was partially successful with a bid to the Government’s Future High Streets Fund – receiving 69 per cent of the total amount requested – but must submit revised plans for its project by the end of this month, in line with the reduced budget.

Deputy leader Damien Greenhalgh, executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure, said: “We’re delighted that our bid has resulted in a significant funding offer, albeit less than we requested, and we’re now working hard to refine the proposals to fit that offer and a tight submission deadline.

“We know how interested people are in the future development of Spring Gardens having received so many positive responses to our public consultation last year. So despite the tight timeframes we want to hear which of the physical elements of the plans people most want to see included.”

The grant on offer would cover those elements of the masterplan which would not be fundable on a commercial basis.

With that in mind, the council is asking residents and businesses which of the physical elements of the scheme are most important to them to help inform which aspects stay in the smaller bid.

The money can only be spent on permanent physical features. It cannot be used to reduce rents or rates or to encourage specific businesses to come to the town.

The council’s regeneration masterplan includes a new multi-storey car park behind the Springs so that surface-level parking can be used to serve new homes, leisure and community facilities.

Public consultation last year also revealed strong support for new toilet facilities accessible to people with disabilities, community services such as a central library, and leisure and hospitality developments to boost the evening economy.

The council is running an a short survey on its website until Monday, February 15.

Coun Greenhalgh said: “It will help us make these important decisions about what we all want to see provided to ensure we have a thriving town centre for years to come.”

To take the survey, go to www.highpeak.gov.uk/FHSFBuxton.

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