Date: 17/10/2007
Following on from the recent Area Forum in Buxton, proposals for the short-term future of the Pavilion Gardens complex will now go forward to Corporate Select Committee on Tuesday 23 October, and then to the Executive on 31 October.
The proposals are based on feedback from local groups and people and reflect their aspirations for the Pavilion Gardens and surrounding area - combining suggestions for community use and tourism.
There will be an investigation into a partnership with Buxton Opera House and University of Derby, Buxton, to refurbish and operate the Paxton Suite as part of a long-term arrangement. The Council would like to refurbish the existing restaurant and open it for 7 days a week with extended opening hours.
The main foyer will include the introduction of an ice-cream parlour and the relocation of the local artists exhibition and shop that was previously housed in the Pump Room opposite the Crescent building.
Should the plans be accepted by the Executive, they will provide a more flexible venue for events and major festivals such as the Buxton Festival and Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. It is anticipated that this will increase attendance, improve financial performance and remove the need for a Council subsidy.
Councillor Tony Kemp, Executive Member for Regeneration said: "Lessons learned from the Food Hall project have been put to good use and over the last few months we have been consulting closely with local people and organisations to find out their own aspirations for this beautiful and much-loved building. Finding out how they would like to see it developed has been extremely important to us - even at this stage we are still taking account of comments, particularly those that were made at last week's Area Forum in Buxton.
"We know that the majority of people want the Pavilion Gardens to remain a venue that can be used and enjoyed by the local community and in particular, a family orientated place that offers plenty of activities and attractions. This is what has been reflected in the proposals as well as looking at ways to make the Pavilion Gardens more profitable and less of a burden to the local council taxpayer.
He went on to say: "We are still looking at proposals and possibilities for the long-term future of the building and would welcome views from people in Buxton and the High Peak. We would urge people to send them to the Council as soon as possible so that we can consider these as part of our future plans."
Send your comments to us before Wednesday 31 October.