Date: 19/05/2009
The next stage of the investigation works for the Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa project were last week given the go-ahead after initial test results have proved positive.
The drilling of further boreholes at the rear of the Crescent started on Thursday 19 March. Additional works included the installation of a new inspection chamber next to St. Ann's Well, which has now been completed.
High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and Nestlé Waters - owners of the popular and well-established Buxton water brand - have been working closely with the developers of the Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa - The Trevor Osborne Property Group and CP Holdings Ltd - to ensure that the archaeological works are completed over the coming weeks.
Now that the investigative boreholes and inspection chamber works have been carried out, archaeological investigations can begin. This will start on 26 May and last for 4 to 8 weeks depending on the findings
Most of the archaeological investigations will take place inside the Crescent buildings or on land to the rear. However there will be some investigations in front of the Crescent, and there will be some disruption to car parking in and around the Crescent. It is anticipated that this will be kept to a minimum. The Council will keep residents informed as the works proceed.
At this stage the works are not likely to affect the Buxton Festival due to take place on 10 to 28 July.
The Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa Project will provide:
Dai Larner, Executive Director at High Peak Borough Council said: "The initial investigation works have been very successful and bring us one step closer to realising this exciting project.
He added: "This final archaeological investigation works should hopefully confirm that this redevelopment can proceed allowing us to start work on the enabling contract which will prepare the Crescent building for the redevelopment work."
Gerald Tommy, Director of Special Projects at Derbyshire County Council said: "This is yet another positive step towards what will hopefully be a successful outcome to the long-awaited development of this important building. When the scheme is finished it will bring tremendous benefits to Buxton and the wider area as a whole."
Trevor Osborne from The Trevor Osborne Property Group said: "The outcome of the site investigation is vitally important. We, and I suspect all of Buxton, have fingers crossed that nothing adverse will be discovered and that we shall obtain sufficient data for our engineers and hydrologists to progress the detailed design of the sub-structure."
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded the Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa Project £12.5 million in 2006.
The total cost to develop the project is approximately £32 million.