Buxton’s historic town hall hits the market

A landmark council headquarters building in the Peak District could be set for a ‘community-led’ buyout, after being put up for sale this week.

High Peak Borough Council has been based at the historic town hall in Buxton for more than a hundred years, but has decided it is no longer fit for purpose – opting to secure the future of its ‘prominent historic asset’ under new ownership.

Now, property agent Lambert Smith Hampton has been appointed to market the freehold of the 19th century building, with the authority eyeing up a move to more modern offices in the town centre.

Described as a prime refurbishment opportunity, any new owner will be expected to “preserve the building’s protected heritage features” while enhancing its overall appearance, energy efficiency, and performance, according to a spokesperson from LSH.

“Community-led proposals are actively encouraged. Offers are invited for the freehold interest, with a bid deadline to be confirmed in due course,” they added.

Buxton’s landmark town hall opened on Market Square in 1889. Designed by Manchester architect William Pollard, the 30,000 sq ft building is constructed in local millstone grit from the Nithen Quarry at Corbar Hill.

“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,” said a spokesperson for High Peak Borough Council.

“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,”

High Peak Borough Council are being advised by Courtney & Aspin Real Estate in relation to their estate strategy.