The Challenge

• High Peak Council were applying to the Government's Future High Street Fund (FHSF) programme, aimed at diversifying town centres for the 21st century. 
• The bid was focussed on the Spring Gardens/ Springs Shopping Centre area within Buxton town centre. This is a traditional high street area and had recently experienced a rise in vacancies, as well as the closure of high profile stores. 
• We were appointed to lead a multi-disciplinary team, including urban designers and transport consultants, to develop a deliverable, viable masterplan and prepare a Business Case for submission as part of the FHSF bid. 

Our Solution

• We developed a materplan inclusive of the following key elements:

1. a new route from the station to the high street;
2. replacing surface car parking with basement parking to free up development space;
3. a new public space which will accommodate new leisure, education, retail and restaurant uses;
4. re-use of vacant upper floors. 

• We engaged with local stakeholders such as the University of Derby, local civic groups, traders, and landowners to ensure widespread community consultation. 

The Results

• We delivered a viable Business Case that met the FHSF criteria, alongside a deliverable masterplan. 
• We were subsequently engaged to advise the council on partnering with a potential development partner.