Date: 11/12/2007
High Peak Borough Council today announced details of plans to update the Pavilion Gardens complex and relocate Buxton's Tourist Information Centre (TIC).
Over the last few months, local councillors have been carrying out site visits and considering various proposals.
At last night's all-party joint sub-group of the Council's Corporate and Regeneration scrutiny committees, a unanimous decision was made to recommend adoption of the proposed plans outlined as follows:
Councillor Tony Kemp, Executive Member for Regeneration said: "At present, the catering services make no financial contribution to offset the heavy fixed costs of maintaining the Gardens operations. The improved and simplified service is expected to turn this around, and the anticipated profit - plus savings made from the transfer of the Tourism service - will reduce the burden on council taxpayers even after the necessary investment. Some general maintenance works will be carried out at the same time as the refurbishment.
"The changes are also geared toward making the Gardens more attractive and competitive in the important wedding and functions market, although the available locations within the building will change for future events. As councillors we are very aware of individual concerns and wish to assure the public that existing arrangements will be honoured.
He went on to say: "Work is planned to start shortly and will be managed so that we can honour bookings already made for 2008 and are phasing work in the restaurant accordingly. Meanwhile, we continue to work on plans to refurbish the Paxton Theatre as a multi-use auditorium, in conjunction with the Opera House and University.
"In working the project through from the first draft to a workable and acceptable scheme, we are grateful for the invaluable help and many constructive suggestions received in the course of consultation from stakeholders, such as the "Save the Gardens" group, the Civic Association and Buxton Vision. I would like to make a public acknowledgement of their contribution."