No Food Hall, but Leisure Complex?

In the wake of the food hall debacle at Pavilion Gardens a consortium of Buxton businessmen known as Landmark Leisure have put forward proposals for a massive leisure complex on the outskirts of Buxton – complete with cinema, hotel and swimming pool.

Bill Barratt, who is a member of the group, said: "The town is growing and hopefully the number of tourists is growing as well and we have got to look 20 or 30 years ahead. Landmark Leisure feel there is a need in Buxton for more leisure facilities for people of all ages.

"Presently, the nearest leisure complexes are in Stockport or Chesterfield. with some facilities in Macclesfield," he added.

"With the rise in population of Buxton through new housing developments and the recent arrival of Derby University, Landmark Leisure feel it is important that Buxton can provide activities and entertainment for all its residents.

"As part of the plans, a park and ride facility is proposed to not only take Buxton residents to and from the complex but to also allow people visiting Buxton to leave their cars outside of the town, helping to ease congestion in the town centre."

As well as a massive 500 space park and ride facility, the plans for the 34 acre site include:

* a three screen cinema
* 80 bed hotel
* eight lane swimming pool
* five football pitches, each with their own changing areas
* a rugby pitch
* netball courts
* a ten pin bowling alley
* a fitness suite
* a gym hall
* squash and tennis courts
* a restaurant
* a clubhouse and
* a cafe

Mr Barratt added: "There will be every sporting facility you can think of and everything will all be in one building."

Mr Barratt said the group had already attracted financial interest in the scheme, and some local football clubs had expressed an interest in using the pitches.

In interesting approach Mr Barratt is waiting for the reaction of local people before submitting the plans to the council.

If the sums add up how can Buxton not want something like this? I cannot wait to see the reaction of the council.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-12 13:34:57