"Built by the Town, for the Town" - Buxton's Fight to Save Its Town Hall Gathers Pace |
More than 600 people have already signed a petition calling on High Peak Borough Council to withdraw the Grade II listed building from sale. |
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The community campaign to save Buxton Town Hall from sale is growing rapidly, with a Change.org petition launched by Derbyshire County Councillor Melandra Smith already attracting more than 600 signatures within days of going live.
The petition follows the council's announcement at the end of April that it had been looking to sell the Grade II listed building, describing it as "no longer fit for purpose for the needs of the local authority." The news sparked immediate public outcry, with residents and community groups rallying to protect what many regard as the civic heart of Buxton.
The Town Hall, which opened in 1889 following a public design competition won by architect William Pollard, was built at a cost of over £8,000 to the people of Buxton, replacing the Market Hall destroyed by fire in 1885. It houses a ballroom, public meeting spaces, and was home to the town's first public library.
Councillor Smith said: "Buxton Town Hall is more than just a building — it's a symbol of our town's identity, history, and civic pride. Buxton Town Hall wasn't handed to the town by a benefactor, it was built by the town, for the town. If this happens, we could lose not only an important piece of our heritage, but also a vital public asset that belongs to the people of Buxton."
The petition calls on the council to withdraw the building from sale and instead work with residents, local groups and stakeholders to explore "sustainable, community-focused alternatives" that protect its legacy while securing its future. The council has stated it would want any new owner to be a "responsible custodian" who preserves the building's heritage features.
To add your name, visit: change.org/p/save-buxton-town-hall
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