HIGH Peak Borough Council have worked alongside Buxton Opera House to secure £890,000
from Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP) to support the
£1.78m restoration and modernisation of the Paxton Suite at the
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton. The project intends to expose the original ceiling and
balcony of the former Buxton Playhouse and create a flexible space
which will be used as an arts, conference and lecture hall venue.
Tony Kemp,
Executive Councillor for Regeneration, said "We are extremely grateful
to DDEP for this significant contribution to the imaginative
restoration and modernisation of an important part of the Pavilion
Gardens and Buxton's Victorian heritage. The project responds to local aspirations for a flexible venue that can be used for fairs, concerts, arts and other events. It
will also support the development of the Borough's economy by
attracting and retaining businesses and tourists to Buxton and
surrounding areas. It is particularly important for the festival
programme, which contributes so much to the High Peak."
Andrew
Aughton, Chief Executive of Buxton Opera House, said "It is tremendous
news. I am really looking forward to Buxton being a two-theatre town
and to presenting bigger and better children's, families', festivals,
fringe and community programmes over the next few years."
DDEP
Chief Executive Kevin Edwards said "The renovation of the Paxton Suite
is a unique opportunity for Buxton, one of Derbyshire's key tourist
destinations. Our investment will help make the Pavilion
Gardens more economically sustainable as the facility will in the
future be used for so many different types of function. This will
benefit both local residents and local businesses."
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