Plans to redevelop Derbyshire County Council’s historic Matlock headquarters into a hotel, new offices, and 50 homes have met strong opposition from the Victorian Society, a heritage preservation charity.
The £132 million project would see the Grade II-listed Smedley’s Hydro building converted into a hotel, a five-storey council office built nearby, and housing added to former car park land. The Victorian Society has lodged formal objections, warning the scheme would damage the site’s historic character and undermine the architectural significance of Matlock’s Victorian and Edwardian heritage.
Key concerns include the demolition of original structures, disruption to the historic gardens, and the scale and design of the proposed new office building, which critics say is out of step with the existing site. The Society also objects to the removal of heritage features, such as Doxey’s Girder Bridge.
Derbyshire County Council argues the redevelopment is necessary due to rising maintenance costs, low office occupancy, and the need for investment in the local economy. The council estimates the regeneration will create 130 hotel jobs, deliver a new eco-efficient office space for 500 staff, and inject £150 million into Matlock’s economy.
Parking capacity on the site would be cut by around two-thirds, with 389 spaces lost. A master developer is expected to be appointed by early 2026, with project completion targeted for 2030 Planning decisions are pending with Derbyshire Dales District Council.
