Historic Wirksworth Heritage Centre Building Secured for the Future

The future of Wirksworth Heritage Centre (WHC) has been secured thanks to Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) who are poised to take ownership of the building. Trustees of both Wirksworth Heritage Centre and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust have worked closely with The National Lottery Heritage Fund over the past 15 months on plans for both the protection of the collection, which tells the story of Wirksworth, and the grade II listed building.

Under DHBT’s stewardship, the building will remain in heritage-focused ownership and continue to serve the community, reopening as a sustainable heritage building, combining a public café, workspace, events and community use, alongside continued heritage interpretation and engagement.

A New Chapter for a Much-Loved Building

The building will remain a place where people can explore and engage with the history of Wirksworth, with the museum collection having already secured a new home at the National Stone Centre.

Existing interpretation displays about the town will be retained and made publicly accessible, and the building will host talks, events and activities in partnership with local organisations.

DHBT will also support access to local heritage resources ensuring that knowledge and research about the town remains available to residents and visitors.

A Sustainable and Accessible Future

This new model has been designed to ensure long-term viability while widening access to heritage.

A café will bring regular opening hours and increased footfall, creating a welcoming and informal environment where people can encounter Wirksworth’s history as part of everyday use of the building. Upper floors are likely to provide workspace for small businesses and creative practitioners, alongside space for meetings, talks and community activity.

The building will also support local artists, with opportunities to display and sell work inspired by Wirksworth’s rich heritage and landscape.

Rooted in the Local Community

DHBT brings both heritage expertise and strong local connections to the project. Trustees, volunteers and supporters are closely linked to Wirksworth, and the Trust will work in partnership with local heritage and community groups to deliver ongoing activity.

This includes collaboration with local historians, civic groups, festival organisers and others to ensure the building continues to play an active role in the town’s cultural life.

Jacqueline Ferguson-Lee, Chair of Wirksworth Heritage Centre said:

“My colleague Ann Lindsay and I have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the best result not only for the premises but also for the museum collection and the heritage building, which are retained for the benefit of our wonderful community and visitors to Wirksworth. The National Stone Centre and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust fit the bill perfectly.”

Richard Wood, Chair of Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust said:

“We are delighted to be able to secure the future of the Wirksworth Heritage Centre building and to bring it back into active use.

This is a practical and sustainable solution that keeps the building in heritage ownership while ensuring it continues to benefit the community.

Although the museum will not reopen in its previous form, heritage remains at the heart of our approach. The building will continue to be a place where people can learn about Wirksworth and Derbyshire, take part in events, and connect with its history, but in a way that is financially resilient for the long term.”

Work will shortly be underway to prepare the building for reopening, with initial activity expected to begin later this year. DHBT will be inviting expressions of interest for the café operation shortly. Please get in touch via our website.