'Sad' decision made to permanently relocate Buxton Museum

The museum is based in the Peak Buildings on Terrace Road and has more than 40,000 artefacts and art works

A decision has been made for Buxton Museum to be permanently relocated from its current base.

Derbyshire County Council, which owns the museum, said it had no choice but to "reluctantly" relocate from the town's Peak Buildings at a meeting on Wednesday.

The museum has been closed since last June because the building had dry rot.

The council said plans to move all artefacts, displays, and artwork would "start immediately".

The decision was announced by council leader Barry Lewis, who said: "While extremely sad for everyone connected to the museum in its present home, it is with great reluctance that we have to confirm it is no longer viable for the museum to operate from the Peak Buildings and a new location must be secured."

Interim plans

The council said looking at the extent of the dry rot in the building meant it could not be easily made safe for the public and staff "without a programme of very costly remedial work that would take a considerable length of time".

"It would be far better for the building and town if the building was sold to a buyer who could invest in it and bring it back up to a high standard," said Mr Lewis.

"I am urging local groups to fully engage and work with us on this challenge and look forward to discussions with representatives in the coming weeks so that positive solutions can be found."

The council said there "remained a determination" to see the collections displayed locally for the time being, and plans are currently being developed for an interim museum service to run before a long-term solution is secured.

Details of the sale of the building will be announced when they are finalised over the coming months.​