CST291 Procurement of a master developer partner for the delivery of the Smedley’s Hydro Project.

The Council is seeking the appointment of a development partner for the redevelopment of County Hall and the associated grounds, prior to the Council’s occupation known as Smedley’s Hydropathic Establishment.
The project proposes the conversion of the c.16,750sqm listed South Block of the current Matlock County Hall into a flagship hotel, with events, conference and leisure facilities.
The project also includes delivery of a new cost effective, flexible office building, along with a refurbished space in the Co-op Building on Smedley Street for the Council to occupy in order to retain a presence on site.
The project will be further supported by delivery of new build enabling residential development and conversion of the c 5,400sqm North Block of County Hall for residential properties, and the South Block will likely be used for the provision of co-working space for the small business and creative sectors.
Applications for outline planning and listed building consents, currently programmed for determination in May 2026, envisage delivery of up to 100 hotel beds, up to 5,000sqm new civic office building, up to 90 new homes, plus workspace and events/leisure space.
The project aims to deliver major economic impact on the town of Matlock and beyond, secure the ongoing presence for the Council, restoration and maximising the value of heritage assets, and a significant boost to the local tourism and visitor economy.
The Council intends to appoint a single developer who will have responsibility for the delivery of the whole project. That partner may deliver all aspects of the project directly or introduce sub-developers and sub-contractors to deliver some parts, though retaining overall strategic oversight of the whole.
It should be noted that the ‘total value (estimated)’ stated below in this notice is the estimated construction value of the site including the development of the co-working space which will be retained by the Council.