Historic Building in an Urban Setting - Commendation - Spring Gardens, Buxton (Nos. 6-8 & 10-12)

DHBT Architecture Awards 2025

Historic Building in an Urban Setting

Commendation – Spring Gardens, Buxton (Nos. 6–8 and 10–12)

Bench Architects

This Heritage Action Zone grant-funded project has brought new life to two neighbouring properties on Buxton’s bustling Spring Gardens High Street.

Shopfronts dating from c.1880 and c.1920 have been carefully reinterpreted to replace inappropriate modern ones, while upper façades were consolidated and repaired. The work used high-quality materials and historically appropriate colours to enhance this important approach to the town centre.

No. 10–12, Fitzgerald’s Craft Bakery, is part of a Grade II listed terrace built in 1877–78 by the Devonshire Estate. No. 6–8, formerly Ponden Home Interiors, was built shortly after as an ‘infill’ between the terrace and the Gothic Revival shops. Both had suffered from decay and unsympathetic alterations.

Bench Architects’ sensitive restoration reinstated period proportions and detailing - including new bay windows, re-pointing, stone repairs, dormer and cornice upgrades, and authentic shopfronts based on historic photographs.

Judges praised the scheme for its craftsmanship, use of traditional techniques and for demonstrating how conservation-led design can rejuvenate a historic streetscape while supporting Buxton’s economic vitality.

Main contractors and contributors included Trinity Renovations, Calibre Metalwork Ltd, Phillips Joinery Ltd, and Bassett & Findley Ltd.

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