Devonshire Group buys Derbyshire's Peak Shopping Village with plans to increase jobs and makeover centre

The Devonshire Property Group completed the sale for the Peak Shopping Village, earlier today (January 11) after approaching the previous owners several months ago, about the outlet centre’s “exciting potential”.

Between 80 and 100 people are employed at the retail space, which is currently closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown, and houses more than 30 businesses.

The Devonshire Property Group, which is part of the Devonshire Group of companies that represent the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and includes nearby Chatsworth House, has confirmed they will work with existing management to improve the site and safeguard jobs.

There are six empty retail units at the outlet and the new owners hope to attract a more diverse range of businesses in the future, from artisan producers to well-being services, by improving the site’s landscaping, signage and grounds.

The Group has experience in retail by managing the estate farm shop and gift shops at Chatsworth House.

Lord Burlington, the Duke of Devonshire’s son, said: “Our team has the experience and expertise to help to reinvigorate Peak Shopping Village so that it's a better experience for shop owners and those who use the office space.

"We are determined to make it the best it can be, both for our local communities and for the experience of visitors to the area.

"For us it’s an exciting, long-term investment in Derbyshire, at the gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate.”

The investment was a capital transaction funded from the sale of commercial assets in Eastbourne and the nearby conservation area and nature trail managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is also part of the purchase.

The group want to work with the Trust who are “guardians” of the nature trail element to ensure its longevity.

Stephen Vickers, CEO of the Devonshire Group added: "This was a proactive purchase, we approached the current owner because we recognise it as a really interesting site.

"Yes it is retail and yes retail is difficult at the moment but we understand retail and we do retail in quite a large way but we do it in this geography, in this area.”

The group are keen to to get to know businesses within the outlet before working on long-term plans to fill empty retail spaces to bring the centre ‘back to life’.

Mr Vickers continued: "We definitely know that we want to do some fairly urgent works around maintenance, decoration, perhaps just the look and feel of it because it's tired.

"It reflects the fact that it's been a difficult trading market that it's been operating in but we are ready and willing and able to invest into that site so that is what we are going to do.”

The new owners expressed how important it was for their purchase to create jobs at the retail space.

"More jobs is hugely important, more people coming to the site creates a sort of halo effect to other businesses,” Mr Vickers said.

"Shops and hospitality businesses, even petrol pumps will all benefit from more people coming to the site.”

Here are 10 independent coffee shops and restaurants in Derbyshire who are delivering takeaways

"There's going to be a beer desert": Derbyshire landlords back lockdown campaign to 'save' county's pubs

Derbyshire businesses demand to be kept in the loop about lockdown plans

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.