Future of Buxton Town Hall

High Peak Borough Council has been considering the sale of Buxton Town Hall for a while as the Grade II listed building is no longer fit for purpose for the needs of the local authority, the number of staff we have, and modern working practices.

Additionally, local government is being reorganised and there is the potential to create new fit for purpose office and meeting space for future council needs in the town centre as part of the Revitalising Buxton proposals.

However, the Council is very mindful this is an important historic building in the town and so has been engaging with community-led proposals for the future of the building for several months now. This has seen discussions and visits taking place with local groups and councillors.

Any new owner will be required to show that they will be a responsible custodian of the property who can preserve the building's protected heritage features in a sustainable way, while enhancing its overall appearance.

As a Council, our main priority is to ensure that the future of the building is secured in a sustainable, financially resilient way, with no preference as to whether that is as a community asset transfer or private sector solution.

While we are not currently in active discussion with Derbyshire County Council or any other public sector body, we remain open to any proposals and discussion should they be forthcoming.

Lambert Smith Hampton has been appointed to market the town hall and is now speaking direct to interested community groups to discuss the sale process, along with marketing the building to other potential buyers.

Some FAQs

Has a formal decision been taken, or is one pending, regarding the sale or disposal of Buxton Town Hall?

No decision has been taken to sell the town hall building, and neither is one pending at present. At this stage, High Peak Borough Council is marketing the property and inviting interested parties who may want to take the building on, to express their interest.

On what date is/was this decision scheduled to be taken by the Executive (at the Council)?

No date has been set, as mentioned.

Why the sudden urgency to sell now - why not let the new unitary authority decide on the future of this important public asset?

There has been urgency for a while and this pre-dated the Government's announcement to reorganise local government in December 2024, for the reasons stated in the statement above.

Why has no standalone public report been issued dealing specifically with the proposed disposal of Buxton Town Hall?

A stand-alone report has been produced but this is confidential. It was considered by a meeting of the Council's internal Asset Management Working Group on 1 December 2025 and then taken to the Executive on 4 December 2025.

On what basis has this matter been incorporated within a wider programme rather than treated as a discrete decision?

It is being a treated as a discrete decision. It has been referred to in discussions around the Capital&Centric development for The Springs in the town centre, only because the Council may be looking to relocate its office to this site. No final decision has been made yet, not least as the development is subject to planning permission being granted.

What justification has been applied for considering this matter, in whole or in part, in private session?

The potential sale of the town hall has commercial considerations and therefore some matters must be discussed and decided on in private. Nevertheless, the Council has had discussions for a while now, with community groups and councillors with an interest in the future of the town hall undertaking tours of the building, but to date no viable solutions for its long-term future have been made, hence the decision taken to market the building in April 2026.

How has the Council balanced commercial confidentiality against the clear public interest in this asset?

We recognise the public interest in the town hall. As representatives of the public, our councillors have been kept informed and have been involved in the decision making. But to maintain commercial confidentiality, discussions have had to be confidential.

How has the Council ensured full compliance with the requirements for Key Decisions, including adequate public notice, documentation, and opportunity for scrutiny?

The Council has followed the correct governance required for the potential sale of one of its assets. The matter was scrutinised by the Asset Management Working Group.

What alternative options for retention, reuse, or community-led redevelopment of the Town Hall have been formally evaluated?

Interest has been shown in community-led redevelopment, and the Council has facilitated such interest as explained, but without receiving any viable proposals there has been nothing to evaluate. Interest from the community is still welcome by contacting our appointed agents.

County councillors have been actively trying to engage borough councillors to secure the building's future and negotiate a possible return of the library and/or museum to the building - why have you not provided the requested report on repair costings and instead listed the building for sale?

County councillors and officers have been in the town hall to hear about the Council's proposal to market it and secure a sustainable future use. The County Council has been invited to prepare and present a case if it considers it appropriate to do so and has all the necessary information to inform such a case in line with all other interested parties. To ensure consistency, fairness, transparency, and appropriate audit trails, all interested parties have been informed that the Council's agents are managing the marketing process.

What valuation has been obtained for the building?

Any valuation received must remain confidential for commercial reasons.

How is the Council satisfied that it is achieving best consideration, or what justification exists for any departure from that requirement?

We will work with our appointed agents to ensure that the Council secures best consideration in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.

What steps have been taken to ensure that all elected members have been properly informed and able to contribute to this decision?

As mentioned, a report on Buxton Town Hall was taken to the Council's Asset Management Working Group on 1 December for consideration by Members serving on that group. All Members had access to the report and had the opportunity to attend that meeting. The report was confidential.

The same report was taken to the Executive meeting held on 4 December as a restricted item. The link to the agenda for that meeting can be found at Your Council - High Peak Borough Council where Buxton Town Hall was the final item. It explains the reasons why it was a restricted item.