Buxton Crescent set to give Derbyshire economic boost

Buxton Crescent set to give Derbyshire economic boost

Historic Buxton Crescent has opened its doors as a luxury hotel following a multi-million pound redevelopment involving us and High Peak Borough Council.

 


The restoration of the Grade I listed building to its former glory as a Georgian spa is giving the local economy a much-needed boost, anticipating a creation of 140 permanent jobs across 40 different positions and occupations. In addition to this there will be supply chain contracts, and it will boost local tourism by putting Buxton back on the map as a leading spa town.

There will also be additional benefits for Derbyshire residents in recognition of the councils’ investment in the regeneration. International spa hotel chain Ensana, which manages the hotel and spa, has agreed a 10% discount for anyone who lives in Derbyshire to claim on overnight stays booked online directly through the hotel on fully published daily rates and on dining in the hotel restaurant (excluding drinks). There is a further 15% off products purchased from the spa shop on-site. Residents can claim their discount which will be issued at the hotel by showing photo ID and a current council tax bill.

In view of current government guidelines relating to coronavirus, Buxton Crescent Hotel is only open in the short term to hotel guests as the safety and security of the hotel’s guests and staff members is paramount. Therefore, the discount only currently applies to overnight stays but will be extended to diners, and day spa guests when restrictions are lifted.


Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said:

“The Crescent really is the jewel in Buxton’s crown and I’m proud of the county council’s involvement in this complex conservation and regeneration project spanning many years to restore this Georgian gem to its rightful status as a luxury hotel and spa. It’s been a difficult year, not least for the tourism industry, but with demand for staycations sky-rocketing, Buxton Crescent is set to be a huge draw to the Peak District for people looking to get away – and we’re pleased Ensana has recognised the local investment by offering a discount to Derbyshire residents too. The hotel really is flying the flag for economic recovery in Derbyshire, providing employment directly and indirectly through contracts with local businesses and I wish Ensana every success in this new chapter in the history of the Crescent.”

 

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said:

“As this iconic building once again opens its doors to the public, we celebrate a real milestone moment in the regeneration of Buxton and the boost this will give the broader economy across the High Peak and Derbyshire.

“The transformation of the Crescent is something I know local people will be excited to see. I hope the introduction of the Crescent Card means many more residents will be able to experience it for themselves – this discount scheme is a very welcome addition.”

 

Anne Jenkins, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re very proud that we have made a significant investment in the regeneration of Buxton Crescent, and we’re very excited to see the doors to the hotel opening. Buxton is a town brimming with history, and this beautiful hotel will allow the local community and visitors from far and wide to discover its fascinating heritage, as well as boosting tourism and the local economy.”

 

Mark Hennebry, Chairman of Ensana Hotels, said:

“We are delighted to bring the Ensana Hotels brand to the UK for the first time, specifically to Buxton, which is such an exciting yet relatively unexplored wellness destination. The opening allows us to bring our unique Ensana treatments from Europe. So much more than just a spa, we are proud to be helping to put this historical gem of a town back on the tourist map by opening a hotel within one of the most significant Georgian architectural buildings. We are hugely appreciative of the significant funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other stakeholders including Derbyshire County Council and High Peak Borough Council without whom this fabulous renovation would not have been possible”.


The hotel features 81 luxury bedrooms and suites, a bar and modern restaurant offering classical British cuisine using locally sourced produce. The hotel also features a spa with 8 treatment rooms and 3 swimming pools including a thermal pool, relaxation pool and indoor-outdoor rooftop pool.

The project to restore and regenerate the historic building, owned jointly by the county council and borough council, was begun by the councils 25 years ago. It has widespread support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – with a grant of £23.853m – and Historic England which contributed £625,000 as well as regional and local organisations including D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership which contributed £2m from the Local Growth Fund, and the local community.

We have contributed £13.4 million since the project started to help plug the “conservation deficit” – the difference between what is viable as a commercial operator to invest and what is needed to preserve a Grade I listed building. It also made a loan of £11.39 million to the developer which will be repaid by the developer at commercial interest rates.

 

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