Submit a comment on our proposals
Over the last 18 months we’ve looked at how our existing buildings can be used to their full potential, following a move by the council to more hybrid working practices, which has led to the buildings becoming underused. We need to find better, more viable uses for our buildings in the future.
County Hall started life as Smedley's Hydro, and for many years hosted people who visited Matlock to take the waters and take part in a range of treatments. We're hoping that much of this history will be brought back to life with our plans for the complex.
Our plans to restore and repurpose the historic buildings will deliver a range of new uses, which will support our local businesses and open up the buildings more for the benefit of the community and the local economy.
The proposals include:
- a world-class hotel
- space for local events, conferences or weddings
- a much smaller, low energy office building for the council to operate from
- potential opportunities for new workspace suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local businesses
- new homes
- revitalised Winter Gardens
- new landscaped areas and better pedestrian connections through the site
Community involvement
We held 2 community drop-in events in early February. The information displayed at the events is attached to this page, and you can still let us have your comments by filling in our online form.
We're hoping to submit an outline planning application to Derbyshire Dales District Council in March 2025.
We'll keep this page up to date, and shortly add more info about our plans.
If you'd like to give us your comments on our proposals, submit a comment on our proposals.