Date: 07/03/2007
Pavilion Gardens will not become a regional food hall because the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is not convinced that the project will be viable and not prepared to risk its multi-million pound investment.
emda has also withdrawn the plan to fund the project, in view of changes in the way supermarkets nationwide are now starting to supply local food.
However, emda has recognised that the Pavilion Gardens is an important heritage venue contributing to the economic and social well-being of the Peak District and Buxton, and believe its impact could be even greater, following discussions with High Peak Borough Council.
The agency is thus keen to work with the Council to help investigate how the Pavilion Gardens can be enhanced to, for example:
High Peak Borough Council originally decided to support the bid to emda to pilot a regional food hall at the Pavilion Gardens, after extensive consultation, because this was a concept that emda had wanted to develop - to satisfy the requirements of the Curry Report, to promote local food production in the region.
The Council had made sure the local community"s aspirations for the Pavilion Gardens were reflected in our application for the emda funding to do the feasibility study on the pilot project - including continuing to provide for festivals, community activities, fairs and events at the Pavilion Gardens.
Whatever future use of the building, the future use of the Octagon will remain as a flexible events and performance space.
Councillor David Lomax, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: "I welcome emda coming to an early view on the Food Hall project. There is now a real opportunity to harness the energy and enthusiasm that has been generated within the local community for the existing provision, to help shape and support the future direction of the Gardens.
"It is clear from listening to the local community that the retention of the Octagon as a flexible events and performance space is essential."
He added: "Resolving the investment needed in the complex is a key issue. We need to ensure this important heritage asset is able to be retained and restored, and spaces, such as the Paxton Suite, are made desirable to use. We have had so many offers of help from the community and interest in usage of the building. The Council will listen to and work with the local community to set the vision for the building and actively involve them, where possible, in the future management of the site."
Councillor Alan Wells, Executive Member for Economic Regeneration, said: "I am delighted to see that emda recognises the importance and potential of the Pavilion Gardens, in sustaining and improving the well-being of the local economy.
"Preserving the Octagon for local community and tourism-related events will be an essential part of any future plans for the building. I am confident that the current wave of support for the activities at the gardens can be translated into a bright future for the complex and the town as a whole."