Peak District spa announces closure

The Devonshire Dome in Buxton has been home to the spa since the early 2000s

An award-winning spa has announced its closure due to an "increasingly challenging economic environment".

The Devonshire Spa in Buxton, Derbyshire, will close on 31 March, customers were told on Tuesday.

The facility is a commercial enterprise by the University of Derby, run by a third party, which operates from the Devonshire Dome, well-known in the town for its distinctive dome roof.

A spokesperson for the university said discussions regarding the long-term future of the building were ongoing.

The Devonshire Dome was initially built as stables in the 18th Century and became a hospital before being acquired by the university in 2001.

It has been used as the university's Buxton campus and the base of Buxton and Leek College since the early 2000s.

The retreat was run by a third party but trained University of Derby students for careers in the spa industry.

'Iconic and beautiful building'

A university spokesperson said: "This was a commercial enterprise run by a third party, and the closure will not impact the experience of our students at Buxton and Leek College or on our educational offer in Buxton.

"Delivery of further education in Buxton and North Derbyshire is a key part of the University of Derby's future model, and we are committed to ensuring that our provision in the region continues to meet local skills needs.

"Discussions are ongoing regarding the longer-term future of the Devonshire Dome. This is an iconic and beautiful building, and we have no imminent plans to vacate the Dome.

"However, it does not provide a functional space as a bespoke, modern, teaching, learning and research environment from which we can deliver applied education, which is aligned to the national skills agenda, and offers life-changing opportunities for our students."

In a message to customers on Tuesday, the retreat apologised and said anyone with vouchers or credit with the spa should get in touch "as soon as possible".

The spa was shortlisted for two awards at the World Luxury Spa Awards in 2017 and won the title of Professional Beauty's Day Spa of the Year in 2016, according to the university.