Capital&Centric reveals plans for £100m Buxton reboot
More than 330 homes could be built in Buxton after developer Capital&Centric submitted long-awaited proposals for its council-backed shopping centre redevelopment.
Plans to regenerate the town centre site have been in the works since High Peak council bought up The Springs shopping centre for £6.6m in 2022, appointing C&C to work up a scheme shortly afterwards.
Now, the developer’s plans have hit a significant milestone, with the submission of a formal planning application for a £100m project set to include 332 rental houses, as well as bars, shops and restaurants.
C&C says the plans – which have yet to be formally validated by the council’s planning department – include a more accessible route from the railway station, with the banks of the River Wye also set to be opened up to creating green public spaces for riverside events, while plant-packed public squares will offer the perfect place to relax.
John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said the developer received more than 1,000 responses to a consultation event held earlier this year, which had shaped the proposals.
“It’s great to have submitted plans that are designed in partnership with local people and businesses. The final vision complements what already makes the town great and is all the better for being shaped by those who know and love it the most,” he said.
“We’ve made the plans even greener, expanded the housing offer, and put options for indie businesses right at the heart of the community. There’s a real opportunity here to create something that celebrates Buxton’s heritage and character while also giving the town centre the revitalisation it deserves. We can’t wait to get spades in the ground and make this vision a reality.”
Council leaders at High Peak said the scheme was a ‘landmark moment for Buxton’. Credit: C&C
The plans to revitalise Buxton town centre will also be supported by new car parking spaces and new affordable homes to be built and managed by the council.
In a statement, the council said it intended to purchase a former railway depot beside Buxton station, with a 200-space car park due to open on the site in spring 2027.
A total of 5% of the properties on the 332-home scheme will be made available as affordable rental properties, which the council says it will boost by building a hundred houses on Granby Road in the Fairfield area of the town.
“We have been working on the re-development of the town centre for the past seven years. I am excited and pleased to say we have now reached a major milestone – with an application submitted alongside a commitment by this Council to address concerns we have been hearing about car parking and the lack of affordable housing,” said Cllr Damien Greenhalgh, deputy leader and executive councillor for regeneration, tourism and leisure.
“These developments are all subject to a planning decision by the Council’s independent Development Control Committee, but they do show our intent – along with Capital&Centric – to revitalise the town with a new quality housing, leisure and retail offer that complements what already makes Buxton so special.
“Providing much needed affordable housing has long been a challenge in Buxton because of the development costs and market conditions, so it is important we create new opportunities where we can, and building our own houses is a positive step to address local housing needs.
“Overall, we are confident that Capital&Centric’s £100m+ development in Buxton is the best way to secure the town’s future prosperity, subject to planning decisions. If the planning green light is given, we will also ensure that any disruption to the town, traders and parking during future building work is kept to the absolute minimum.”
