High Peak Borough Council has bought The Springs shopping centre in Buxton – in a move they see as a vital part of efforts to kick-start redevelopment of the town centre. 

The purchase means the Council has control of the building and the associated land and can move forward with delivering the Future High Streets project. 

They were awarded £6.6 million from the Future High Streets fund (FHS) for the project – 69 per cent of their original bid. 

The Council is topping up the total by investing a further £4.2 million from its own budgets to deliver the improvements to the main commercial part of the town to complement and enhance the heritage and cultural offer which draws people to Buxton. 

Council Leader, Councillor Anthony Mckeown, said town centres face challenges with investment and improvement needed to create modern, fit for the future places for living, working, and enjoying leisure time. 

“The hard truth is that The Springs as it stands now is not working for our town and the community. Buying the shopping centre puts the Council and the local community in control so we can work together to drive this regeneration forward. 

“Now that this acquisition is complete, we’ll be coming back to our residents, businesses and partners to further shape our shared vision for a rejuvenated town centre.” 

A public consultation took place after the council prepared to bid for FHS funding with 800 people taking part to help shape the proposals included in the vision masterplan. Stakeholders, including civic groups, partners, and the voluntary sector, were also involved. 

The FHS project is looking to create new homes and new office space, converting the upper floors of buildings, introduce public realm enhancements including wayfinding and street furniture, as well as pedestrian and cyclist accessibility improvements and gigabyte infrastructure. 

Cllr Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said the significant investment will “breathe much-needed new life into the Spring Gardens area.” 

He said: “It’s such an exciting project to be involved in and we’ve reached a major milestone by buying The Springs – it’s the catalyst for turning our vision into reality. 

“These plans have already been shaped by public consultation to reach this stage and we will be doing plenty more consultation as the details emerge so everyone can feel involved in a once-in-generation opportunity to transform their town.” 

More details will be made available in the coming weeks and months including information on how the public can get involved in agreeing a shared vision for Buxton’s future. 

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