Capital&Centric’s Buxton Reboot Gets Public Backing as New Image of River Wye Revealed

Social impact developer Capital&Centric has revealed the first-look response to its initial conversation with the Buxton community on the future of The Springs Shopping Centre with a new image of its plans to open up the River Wye.

Nearly 700 people shared their thoughts on the plans, with over 400 showing up in person to talk regeneration. Top of the list? A warm, welcoming new gateway into Buxton, improved spaces to hang out, and a town centre that better serves locals, with more independents, more culture, and more life.

The feedback, gathered throughout May, shows strong support for better connections from the train station into the heart of town, especially for those on foot or bike. People called for design that reflects Buxton’s historic charm, with a clear appetite for traditional materials, local stone and craftsmanship that blends old with new.

Locals also said loud and clear they want the revamped town centre to prioritise indie shops, restaurants and bars, not just more of the same. There was also demand for new spaces for live music, exhibitions, and family-friendly fun.

As part of the next stage, Capital&Centric has now revealed a sneak peek at what the revitalised riverside space could look like, turning the River Wye, which is currently hidden away, into a feature for Buxton’s future public realm.

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said:
"We’ve always said this would be shaped by the people who live and work in Buxton and this first conversation proves how much passion there is for the town’s future.

“We’ve taken the feedback seriously, from calls for design that honours the past to a town centre that’s buzzing with independent shops and culture. The River Wye has been hidden for too long and we’re really excited to be opening it up and making it part of a proper public space the whole town can enjoy."

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, at High Peak Borough Council added:
“Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the conversations about the future of Buxton town centre. Your views matter and, I hope you can see, are being reflected in the plans worked up by our development partner Capital & Centric.

“We’re a town famous for our water and opening up the River Wye helps to celebrate one of Buxton’s defining characteristics. It’s great to see the introduction of new public areas for people to appreciate and to spend time in which is one of the things you’ve told us you want to see more of.”

This is just the start. More detailed plans will follow in the coming months, with another opportunity for locals to share feedback ahead of planning submission later this year.