New Future Beckons For County Hall
Ideas for alternative uses for Derbyshire County Council’s headquarters are being sought, as the council looks to make the most of the historic building to bring a new lease of life for Matlock and the surrounding area.
The council has asked a team of advisors to seek expressions of interest from developers, hotel operators and others for their ideas on options for the future of the historic complex of buildings.
The council’s over-riding objective is to deliver the best outcome for the long-term use of the complex so that it contributes to the vitality of the town of Matlock and makes a significant ongoing contribution to the economy of the area.
Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Simon Spencer, said: “We want to give County Hall a new lease of life that will capitalise on the special nature of the historic buildings and the uniqueness of Matlock being on the fringe of one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions – the Peak District.
“We are asking for ideas from investors, developers and business operators, but we are at the start of a journey. Nothing is going to change overnight, and if we do find a new future for the building then we will enter into a period of consultation, including needing to seek planning approval.
“We are just not using the building to its full potential, particularly post pandemic, when many of our employees are working from home for several days a week. This does give us a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the most of this wonderful building.
“Our vision for County Hall involves transforming the current buildings, and the fabulous landscaped setting into a world class hotel and venue coupled with spaces for local businesses, new homes for local people, a revitalised Winter Garden, and opportunities for the community to hold events, meet formally, or simply just to convene.”
Every option suggested by businesses and developers for the future of the building will be considered, and they could include:
• Hotel, conferencing and associated facilities to attract short and long stay visitors, to support events, and cater for the business community across Derbyshire, the East Midlands and beyond
• Flexible office space in new and/or refurbished space on site for the Council
• Additional office facilities to support, for example, local public sector partners
• Residential units to meet local demand
• Co-working space and studios for the creative sector
• Facilities for the local community.
Councillor Spencer added: “Our long-standing commitment to the town will remain. Our vision for County Hall includes the council remaining on site in either a new, low energy building on a much smaller footprint, or a dedicated space within the existing buildings that can be repurposed to meet current and future needs. Or potentially a combination of both options. The scale of the current County Hall complex allows many, mutually supportive uses to co-exist without compromise.”
An expression of interest document has been circulated and anyone interested is asked to contact either David Couch, David.couch@realestate.bnpparibas or Harry Douglass, Harry.Douglass@realestate.bnpparibas by the 21 July.
Engagement with the market will provide important information about the viability of alternative uses of County Hall. Before any decisions are made on the future of County Hall, a full consultation will be held and any potential changes will also need planning approval.
The document can be found at tinyurl.com/hlmmatlock
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