What we’re hearing
Last year’s community consultation was all about hearing what people think about this area of Buxton and gathering ideas to inform the regeneration project – Revitalising Buxton. As we look forward to High Peak Borough Council’s development partner, Capital & Centric, sharing proposals with the local community, we reflect on some of the emerging themes and priorities.
Inclusive consultation
Taking place over 13 weeks from July to September 2024, we asked people to focus their feedback on The Springs shopping centre, Spring Gardens and the surrounding area.
We captured views on the quality of the public space, the range of shops and services as well as ideas for how the area could be improved and what might be important to consider for the delivery of new homes in the context of a significant town centre regeneration.
In total, 747 people responded to the survey at events held in seven different locations in and around the town and online.
We spoke to hundreds of people – some of whom just wanted to hear what was happening rather than share their opinions. These voices included local residents; visitors and tourists; children and young people; representatives of the many groups and organisations in and around the town; as well as seldom-heard groups all through a series of in-person and virtual events, workshops and interactive activities designed to encourage discussion and expression of views.
We heard from a community that is eager for improvement and development in Buxton, yet cautious about maintaining the town’s identity and meeting both community and visitor needs.
What’s important to keep in mind
Recognising that a significant number of new homes will be delivered as part of the proposals, we asked people to suggest what should be considered as new residents are welcomed into this part of Buxton. You told us:
Infrastructure – adequate community facilities and services such as GPs, health, transport and education.
Ample parking for new residents
Affordable housing options
Homes that are energy efficient, sustainable and accessible
Building design that is in keeping with the architectural style of Buxton
The regeneration brings an opportunity to radically rethink the public space in this area of Buxton and a varied range of ideas were put forward including:
New public toilets, especially in accessible locations
More greenery
Improved paving and buildings
Cleaner streets with more bins and seating
Decluttering
Making the river which runs under the town more of a feature
With high streets and town centres struggling to attract customers, we asked local people to think about alternative venues and services that might attract people to visit more often and spend longer in this part of town. Ideas included:
More independent shops
Cafes and restaurants
Shared community spaces
More things for young people to do
Arts spaces including a gallery and crafting opportunities
Refining the plans
Later in the year, there will be a chance for everyone to learn more about the process towards a planning application for Revitalising Buxton. Public consultation events will be held to encourage local people to share more ideas and comment on the emerging designs. Sign up for email news to keep in touch.
Views on new homes
Respondents were asked to respond to the open-ended question 'What things should we consider if we introduce new homes to this part of the town centre?' Responses to this question help us to understand the local priorities for new homes.
Many responses highlighted the importance of adequate infrastructure to support new homes, including access to essential services such as healthcare, schools and public transport. Many respondents expressed concerns that current services are overstretched and cannot support additional residents. There was significant demand for improved public amenities such as clean public toilets, playgrounds and community spaces.
Concerns were raised about ensuring sufficient parking spaces for residents, as well as for domestic and service vehicles, indicating that transport infrastructure needs to be carefully planned. There were some suggestions for free parking slots as a solution to manage parking issues.
Things to do, affordability, toilets, housing type, a rejection of new homes, quality, architecture, accessibility traffic were also mentioned in feedback.
Views on the public space
Respondents were asked to respond to the open-ended question 'What do you think would help create a more welcoming and accessible public space and encourage you to spend more time here?'. Responses to this question help us to understand the local priorities for public space improvements.
There was a strong demand for more public toilets, particularly in accessible locations. Respondents emphasised the importance of cleanliness and availability, especially for individuals with mobility issues.
There was also a clear call for more variety in shops, including independent retailers, bookshops, toy shops and high-street names. Many respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current prevalence of charity shops and expressed a desire for more unique and specialised offerings. The need for more cafes, restaurants and food options, including takeaways and food courts, was frequently mentioned. Outdoor food stalls and markets were also popular suggestions.
Seating, greenery and adequate, affordable parking options, independent shops, improved shops, improved buildings/paving, accessibility, bins and cleanliness were also frequently mentioned as needing consideration.
Views on shops, venues and services
Respondents were asked to respond to the open-ended question 'What kind of shops, services or venues would you visit?'. Responses to this question help us to understand what local people would like to see in this part of town.
There was a strong desire for more independent shops, such as clothing boutiques, bookstores, craft shops and artisan bakeries. Respondents highlighted that these shops would contribute to a unique shopping experience, distinguishing Buxton from surrounding towns.
Feedback indicated that there was interest in a diverse range of dining options, including independent cafes, restaurants and food markets, particularly cafés with outdoor seating and restaurants that could create a vibrant “café culture” and enhance social interactions.
Shared community spaces, things for young people to do and sports facilities were also frequently mentioned.
Views on important things to deliver
Respondents were asked to respond to the open-ended question 'What do you think is the most important thing for the proposals to deliver?'. Responses to this question help us to understand the most important consideration for the redevelopment proposals.
There was a strong desire for an increased variety of shops, venues and services, in particular to see fewer charity shops and a greater mix of independent and high street names.
In addition, there were a range of comments mentioning increasing greenery, improving access, more toilets, improving street furniture and cleanliness as well as a greater variety of shops to help create a more vibrant shopping experience and to help make the area more inviting.
Calls were also made to increase the availability of shared spaces and events to improve the sense of community in this part of town.
Safety, catering for all ages, community infrastructure, heritage, local economy, accessibility and parking were also mentioned as important things for consideration.
What happens next?
Further public consultation is expected to take place in 2025.
Sign up to receive news updates about the project via the website or email revitalisingbuxton@highpeak.gov.uk