News
Pavilion Gardens Conservatory re-opens
Plans to improve and protect trade
March 2008
Major works to improve the Pavilion Gardens complex will start early in 2009 – later than expected – while key short-term improvements will be carried out over the next nine months.
High Peak Borough Council was unable to start major work until English Heritage gave its consent.
These substantial improvements, to the Great Hall and Restaurant, will take eight to 10 weeks to complete, and parts of the complex will have to be closed temporarily to allow the works to happen.
The Council has decided the work must not affect the busy times at the Pavilion Gardens complex – Easter, summer and during the festival season – or our long-term bookings. Our complex is least busy at the beginning of the year, and it is now intended to complete the major part of the work during this quiet period.
The major improvements will enable medium term financial targets to be met and the Council has already taken steps to protect revenue through improved cost controls. Several key actions will be implemented over the next nine months, prior to the main improvement works.
- The management and operation of the complex is being restructured to reduce costs;
- The presentation of the Octagon lounge and the toilets at the St John's Road entrance will be enhanced;
- An electronic point of sale system will improve management and performance information – allowing a more responsive customer service;
- The kitchens will be refurbished to refine the catering operation;
- The marketing of the Pavilion Gardens to existing and potential customers will be improved; and
- The quality of customer service will be enhanced through a comprehensive staff training and development programme.
Council officers are looking at ways to expedite the transfer of the Tourist Information service into the Pavilion Gardens complex, to increase the number of visitors and income.
The Council is still in discussions with Buxton Opera House and the University of Derby, Buxton, to establish a partnership that will refurbish the Paxton Suite as a flexible multi-use space. Further updates will be issued as plans for this project are developed.
Councillor Tony Kemp, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The delay in the planned major investment is disappointing, but we believe that the risk of having substantial parts of the building closed during Buxton’s peak tourism season is simply too high. During the consultation process, I gave a public assurance that anyone who had already booked a wedding would not be disappointed – I am determined that commitment will be honoured.”