The official reopening of The Pump Room took place on Monday 24th June, the celebratory event was attended by over 80 guests including project partners, funders, sponsors, volunteers and representatives from local organisations and groups. A restored bust of the 7th Duke of Devonshire was revealed and guests were also encouraged to visit the newly opened well inside The Pump Room.
James Berresford, Chair of the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust commented that “thanks to the support of our key funders including the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Derbyshire County Council, High Peak Borough Council and D2N2 our shared aspirations for this beautiful building are now here for residents and visitors to enjoy” Jim Harker, Deputy Chair, England: Midlands & East, The National Lottery Heritage Fund added that “It’s fantastic to see the positive impact that National Lottery funding has had on The Pump Room. The people of Buxton, and indeed those who have come from further afield, now have a wonderful resource to be able to discover more about the heritage of the spa town, and ‘gateway to the Peak District’”.
James Berresford also announced that Arts Council England have awarded a grant to Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust which will enable the charity to deliver an artistic programme of events which will celebrate Buxton’s water. Creative cultural projects include musical performances on the Pump Room roof, sound walks, a light illumination project, artist’s workshops and events and a specially commissioned play in partnership with Buxton Opera House.
