Midlands & East Anglia

Relaxation in Buxton

Landmark historic buildings are to be transformed to create Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa.

The £32 million project will see The Crescent – a Grade I listed building in the centre of the historic spa town of Buxton – transformed to create a 79-bedroom five star hotel. It is only the second genuine spa hotel in the UK to be redeveloped in more than a century.

The project will incorporate the neighbouring Grade II listed Natural Baths and Pump Room.

The work is being led by the Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa Company which was set up by the development consortium of the Trevor Osborne Property Group, CP Holdings and Danubius Hotels plus the two councils; High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.

Trevor Osborne, Chairman of the Trevor Osborne Property Group said:

“This is the most beautiful building in Buxton and it is fantastic to be able to turn it into a sought-after five star hotel.”

The ambitious project will deliver a state-of-the-art thermal, natural mineral water spa, eight specialist shops and a new visitor interpretation centre with integrated tourist information facilities for visitors to the area.

The work will also include refurbishment of a pump room as a high-quality café giving free access to the public to “take the waters”.

Councillor Tony Ashton, Leader of High Peak Borough Council said:

“This exciting development will strengthen the growing reputation of our lovely spa town as a major visitor destination.

“The development getting underway is a reward for the hard work, enthusiasm and professionalism of all the parties to the development agreement.”

His words were echoed by Tony Kemp, High Peak Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Regeneration who said:

“The visitor economy is of vital importance to the whole of the High Peak, and this development will help boost employment and benefits far beyond Buxton itself.”

Councillor Andrew Lewer, Leader of Derbyshire County Council added:

“This is a nationally significant development that will put Buxton and the High Peak even more firmly on the tourism map, and is testament to what can be achieved when ambitious organisations with shared aims work together.”

Funding for the £32 million project includes a £12.5m Heritage Lottery Fund grant. The remainder of the funding is being met by partners including High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and the development consortium.

The main contractor on the project is Vinci Construction, with Stride Treglown working asArchitect.

Aura Conservation is also working on the project, led by Craig Liddle who has over 30 years experience in the industry. Craig said:

“The news that The Crescent development is set to get underway after years of painstaking preparation is great news for people living across the Borough and is, of course, especially welcome to all those who love the wonderful architecture gems of Buxton. Following the opening of the £2.5m Pavilion Arts Centre this project is the final stepping stone in the renaissance of the town’s splendid heritage quarter.”

The Trevor Osborne Property Group and CP Holdings have also acquired the Old Hall Hotel as a part of their long-term operational strategy.

The Old Hall Hotel will eventually be upgraded to a 4 star property managed with the Danubius portfolio of hotels which will include the Crescent and the George.

Aura Conservation

Aura Conservation is led by Craig Liddle who has over 30 years experience in the industry. Aura specialises in stone, terracotta, faience and brick restoration to listed and historic buildings and churches.

Aura Conservation has previously worked on a variety of projects throughout the country including Chevin Park in Leeds with Ben Bailey Homes, St Elphins Park Retirement Village in Derbyshire with Audley Care Ltd and 100 King Street, Manchester with Marshall Developments.

Buxton Crescentis a Grade I listed building built in the 1780’s designed by Architect John Carr. Aura’s work on the Hotel and Thermal Spa involves external masonry conservation consisting of stone indenting, pointing and cleaning of stone elements plus a small section of new build.

Craig Liddle from Aura Conservation said:

“We are very privileged to be entrusted with the restoration of such a nationally important building such as this, ensuring that the building will survive for many years to come. We take great pride in helping preserve the countries heritage and the opportunity of securing a future for the past, which makes it a pleasure to work on projects such as Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa.”

About the author

Roma Publications