News
PAVILION GARDENS DELIVERS RECORD SUMMER
September 29, 2009
Summer business at Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens has bucked the economic trend and gives some hope that we may be moving toward a strong recovery in the High Peak.
During July and August, more than 151,000 customers enjoyed High Peak Borough Council’s Pavilion Gardens, representing a 22.3 per cent growth on last year, and an extra 27,500 visits.
Over the same period, income increased by 13.2 per cent and, for the first time, food sales alone exceeded the £100,000 threshold, not just once but in both months. Profits increased by 67 per cent, which equates to nearly £28,000 in growth.
Councillor Tony Kemp, Executive Councillor for Regeneration said: “Our decision to extend opening hours during the Buxton and the Gilbert & Sullivan Festivals played a large part in boosting trade. This year’s pre-show meal offer was a great hit with customers who were visiting the newly refurbished Pavilion Café for the first time.”
“Staff received a lot of praise for the design of the stunning Café area, the new style of table service and also on the quality and variety of food and drinks on offer. Many people have also remarked on the great customer care they experienced from the staff.”
The Pavilion Café’s success has been mirrored by that of the High Peak Artists’ Association (resident in the new retail and visitor centre next to the Café), whose gallery enjoyed a record year of sales.
Association secretary Pauline Townsend said “Our relocation to the Pavilion Gardens from the Pump Room has played a major part in our highest ever sales. Being situated in the Pavilion complex has given thousands more visitors the opportunity to see the high quality of local craftsmanship available in the High Peak“.
The Pavilion Gardens’ strong performance was even more impressive in view of the fact that July was one of the wettest for many years.
Councillor Kemp added: “Buxton Festival was clearly a critical success factor, as was August’s Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. Both events helped generate an electric atmosphere, day and night”.