First look at town centre regeneration plan

An artist's impression on how a new public space could look near the River Wye

Developers behind plans to replace a shopping centre with shops, bars, restaurants and housing have released an image of how part of the plan could look in the future.

High Peak Borough Council (HPBC) bought The Springs in Buxton in 2022 after receiving £6.6m of government funding and appointed property company Capital and Centric to lead the project.

Following a consultation where 700 people took part, the plan includes opening up the River Wye with a new public space.

John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital and Centric, said: "The River Wye has been hidden for too long, and we're really excited to be opening it up and making it part of a proper public space the whole town can enjoy."

HPBC said the vast majority of the consultation responses said the revamped town centre should focus on independent shops, restaurants and bars alongside "a design that reflects Buxton's historic charm".

The developer's co-founder, Tim Heatley, has previously described Buxton as a "sleeping giant" and said he hoped the project would boost tourism and encourage more young adults to stay living in the town.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, the council's deputy leader, said: "We're a town famous for our water, and opening up the River Wye helps to celebrate one of Buxton's defining characteristics.

"It's great to see the introduction of new public areas for people to appreciate and to spend time in, which is one of the things you've told us you want to see more of."