Matlock County Hall Redevelopment

This project unlocks long-term social value by revitalising a landmark site for public benefit. HLM’s design supports Derbyshire County Council’s goals to improve workplace wellbeing, attract talent, and reduce operational costs. The scheme introduces cultural venues, SME workspaces, and new homes—broadening Matlock’s economic base and supporting local businesses. Restoring Smedley Street’s vibrancy and improving pedestrian access reconnects the site with the town. The transformation also creates opportunities for community engagement, tourism, and arts programming. By reimagining the site as a place for people, not just buildings, we’ve helped shape a future that’s inclusive, sustainable and full of potential.

Sustainability is central to the County Hall masterplan. HLM’s approach goes beyond compliance—prioritising low-energy design, adaptive reuse, and biodiversity. The new civic office is designed to meet net zero carbon standards, using a fabric-first strategy and natural ventilation. Landscape architects reinstated heritage gardens with ecology-led planting and tree management. Reducing car parking and enhancing active travel routes supports greener mobility. Our team used HLM’s own digital toolkit to assess carbon impact and guide decision-making. By integrating sustainability across architecture, landscape and infrastructure, we’ve created a future-ready site that respects its past and responds to the climate emergency.

HLM’s masterplanning team led the strategic vision for County Hall’s transformation, shaping a cohesive, future-ready site that respects its heritage. Working closely with architects, landscape and interior designers, we developed a mixed-use framework that integrates civic, residential, hospitality and cultural spaces. The plan reinstates historic connections, improves access and movement, and balances density with green space. Our approach was rooted in placemaking—creating a vibrant, walkable environment that supports wellbeing and community life. By aligning spatial planning with Derbyshire County Council’s goals, we’ve helped unlock long-term value and created a blueprint for sustainable regeneration in the heart of Matlock.

HLM’s Conservation Plan for County Hall is a standout example of heritage-led strategy driving meaningful change. By assessing every building block and room for historical significance, we created a clear framework for adaptive reuse. This enabled Derbyshire County Council to plan future development with confidence—preserving key spaces while unlocking new uses for hospitality, leisure and civic life. The plan also identified unsympathetic additions for removal, improving the setting of listed buildings and restoring the estate’s original character. It’s a thoughtful, strategic approach that balances conservation with transformation, ensuring the site’s legacy continues to serve the community.

The project’s standout move is the proposed change of use for the South and North Blocks—returning these heritage spaces to their original roles in hospitality and leisure. HLM’s strategy enables the rejuvenation of promenades, gardens and interiors, enhancing the setting of listed buildings while creating vibrant, accessible destinations. This adaptive reuse not only preserves architectural character but also unlocks new economic and social opportunities for Matlock. It’s a confident, conservation-led approach that transforms underused civic assets into places people want to visit, stay, and enjoy.