Spring Gardens, Buxton, Shopfront Recreation

High Peak, East Midlands

AABC Conservation Awards Citation

The works undertaken at 10-12 Spring Gardens in Buxton has revived the historical charm and architectural significance of these neighbouring shops. 

Funded by the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) grant, the project aimed to replace contemporary shopfronts with historically accurate reinterpretations while consolidating and repairing the upper façades of the buildings. These shops, dating back to around 1880 and 1920, respectively, are integral parts of the Duke of Devonshire-commissioned terrace, now listed at Grade II. By restoring these buildings to a high standard, the project contributes to the preservation of Buxton’s architectural heritage and revitalises an important western entrance to Spring Gardens, the town’s bustling main shopping street. 

From the early stages of design, the emphasis was on recreating historic shopfronts as faithfully as possible. Efforts were made to retain key geometries and architectural features, such as the stallriser realised in sapele hardwood and the use of hot-lime pointing, supporting traditional craftsmanship. Archival research, including photographs from Buxton Museum, informed the restoration of bay windows, with missing joinery details traced in the masonry guiding the replacement geometry. Hardwood joinery, referencing nineteenth-century publications, was carefully crafted to match historical accuracy, with Accoya and Sapele chosen for their durability and longevity. Attention to detail extended to ironmongery and door furniture, selected from historic profiles to complement the shopfront periods. Landvac vacuum glass was employed in upper-floor sash windows to ensure high thermal and acoustic performance while preserving historic window frames. The process also involved hand-made tiles with frost protection for the stallriser and traditional leaded lights crafted by a glass artist, also informed by historic photographs. Hand-painted signage adds a touch of authenticity to the overall aesthetic. A notable aspect of the project was the creation of Bassett and Findleys brass-covered sapele shopfront, achieved by extruding timber through Victorian dies. This meticulous craftsmanship extended to rerouting downpipes behind the masonry, reinstating original detailing, and revealing the original ceiling height above the shopfront by cutting back the suspended ceiling. 

The restoration and conservation efforts at 10- 12 Spring Gardens exemplify a commitment to preserving Buxton’s architectural heritage while breathing new life into these historic buildings, ensuring their continued significance for generations to come.

Judges’ Comments: “This is an important part of the restoration of Buxton and really embodies the success of Heritage Action Zones, demonstrating how conservation techniques and embracing the aged character can transform a streetscape.”