Victorian pump house is restored at Derbyshire visitor attraction

Visitors to a historic landmark in Derbyshire will see a Victorian pump house has been saved from ruin.
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Repairs have been made to the building at Elvaston Castle as part of a £35m redevelopment masterplan in which more than 170 new jobs are expected to be created through the estate’s regeneration.

The pump house project involved rebuilding parts of it, repairing a collapsed roof and removing ivy.

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Designed by William Barron in the mid 19th century, the Grade II listed pump house contains a waterwheel-driven pump which was used to supply the 321-acre estate.

Councillor Tony King beside the Victorian pump house at Elvaston Castle.Councillor Tony King beside the Victorian pump house at Elvaston Castle.
Councillor Tony King beside the Victorian pump house at Elvaston Castle.

Councillor Tony King, cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, said: “Elvaston Castle and Country Park is a much-loved jewel in Derbyshire’s crown, and we’re delighted to see the pump house restored in time for visitors to enjoy over the summer holidays.

“The Elvaston Castle Masterplan aims to secure the estate’s future for generations to come by making it a sustainable visitor attraction that can stand on its own two feet, saving millions of pounds for Derbyshire council tax-payers who currently pay for its upkeep.”

Subject to planning permission, proposed developments under the masterplan will include:

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*Repair and renovation of historic buildings to bring them back into use – for example, as retail, office and workshop space or as holiday cottages and, where possible, reflecting their former uses;

*Upgrading catering facilities including a new main café, which will be a key feature of the courtyard, and providing smaller catering facilities around the site;

*A new adventurous play area close to the main café;

*Camping and glamping on the estate’s former campsite with facilities for touring caravans, motorhomes, and tents;

*An improved and varied events programme to attract a wider audience.

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*Converting the ground floor of the castle into an events and conferencing space which will be available to let out for weddings and other events.

*A new access drive closer to the A6, taking visitors to the heart of the estate.

The regeneration cost will come from a mix of public and private investment including a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, local government funding and substantial investment from Derbyshire County Council.