Future of Buxton Town Hall under ‘review’ say High Peak Borough Council

The Buxton Advertiser has been told that High Peak Borough Council is looking to sell Buxton Town Hall.

The council joined forces with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in June 2008 and formed a Strategic Alliance to establish joint working arrangements and create a shared approach to delivering key services.

Since then operations have been conducted either in High Peak or in the Leek headquarters over the border.

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: "Like many councils across the country, with the impact of funding cuts and as part of the ongoing requirement to ensure our services are modern, responsive and meet the needs of our communities, the council is reviewing its assets across the borough.

"The first part of that review examines the buildings we use for our office accommodation, including Buxton Town Hall.

“We are currently at a very early stage of this review.

“We are seeking appropriate professional advice and conducting a thorough review and assessment of the needs of the Council, the community, and our partners.”

Buxton Town Hall was opened in 1889 on the Market Place and is a Grade-II-listed building.

The historic building was designed by Manchester architect William Pollard who won a competition to design the town hall after the previous council building was destroyed by fire in 1985.

The official opening of the Town Hall, which overlooks The Slopes was done by the Marquess of Hartington on 26 June 1889.

Since the merger with Staffordshire Moorlands there has been a reduction in hours and services operating from the town hall.

Now the building is only open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm.

Councillor McKeown added: “No decisions have been made about Buxton Town Hall, and it will be some time before the review reaches the point where recommendations are made on any particular building in the Council's ownership.

“In the meantime, the council will continue to work from the Town Hall, so it's very much business as usual."