New look at plans to turn council HQ into hotel

Derbyshire County Council is inviting views on plans to turn its current home back into a hotel in a bid to save money.

The council is proposing to return the main building of County Hall in Matlock to its original use, build a more "sustainable building" for the council onsite as well as other new uses for the rest of the buildings to "support the community and local economy".

A budget report from January 2024 stated the full project could cost £130m.

The authority's deputy leader, Simon Spencer, said: "This is an exciting time, with a real opportunity to completely rethink how we use the building to safeguard its future and reduce the operating costs of the council."

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.

The council said it intends to bring the name back as part of the development.

The wider plan also includes space for local businesses and community uses, new homes and a "revitalised Winter Gardens".

The council added it has been working with local partners since 2022 and sought "expressions of interest" from developers, hotel operators and investors.

The base in Matlock is Grade II listed but costs more than £2m a year to maintain.

Derbyshire County Council previously announced plans to cut £19m from its budget in the coming year.

The council is also set to increase its share of council tax bills by 4.99%, "delete" vacant jobs and take £10m from its financial reserves to balance the books.

Spencer added: "We have a unique opportunity to restore this beautiful local landmark and return it to its original purpose as a hotel, and by doing so, support our community by growing the local economy, delivering new homes and generating jobs."

The council is holding two community drop-in events at County Hall for residents to find out more about the proposals and comment on the plans.

The events take place on:

Friday 7 February 2025, 16:00 GMT - 19:30

Saturday 8 February 2025, 10:00 - 14:00

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