County Council Cabinet considering new options for the future of Elvaston Castle and Gardens

Members of Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet will consider new options for improving the visitor experience at Elvaston Castle & Gardens and safeguarding its long-term future.

They will meet on Thursday 14th November to discuss a detailed report which explains that although a large-scale masterplan for the site is no longer financially viable, more affordable enhancements can be developed.

Elvaston Castle & Gardens is one of the county’s most popular heritage attractions, but its age, size and condition means it is costly for the council to run and requires regular maintenance.

The masterplan included the restoration of many of the listed buildings on the estate as well as building a new café, access road and carpark. The plan was developed in partnership with the Elvaston Castle & Gardens Trust to drive a significant increase in visitor numbers and attract revenue which would put the attraction on a stronger financial footing. 

But the impact of inflation and the complex nature of the project have seen the potential costs of the masterplan spiral, while grants that might have helped fund its proposals are no longer available.

Against a background of financial challenges affecting many local authorities, the council decided to carry out a detailed review into future options for Elvaston.

The review has recommended that councillors should withdraw the masterplan on cost grounds and instead develop and deliver a more affordable plan. This could see affordable proposals for improvement such as upgrading Elvaston’s equestrian and showground facilities, modernising the castle courtyard and increased marketing of the site, giving a much quicker return on investment.

If the proposals are approved, talks will be held with key interest groups in order to update them and discuss the various options being considered for the estate that would form part of the proposed new plan.

The report acknowledges that a sale would be considered in the future as part of the long-term options for the estate if an opportunity arises.

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “Elvaston Castle & Gardens is a much-loved heritage destination which continues to be popular with thousands of people every year. However, it is becoming increasingly expensive to run and cannot generate enough income in its current form to cover its costs.

“Since we began developing the masterplan for Elvaston more than six years ago, the financial climate has changed drastically. Costs have risen massively and any external financial support is very limited.

“If we leave Elvaston in its current condition that, too, will come at an increasingly unaffordable cost. It therefore makes sense to look at the potential for a new approach that addresses immediate challenges while also examining all options for a viable long-term future.”

Under the proposals, Elvaston Castle & Gardens Trust would continue to play a key role in the development of the estate, working alongside the county council.

Dr Peter Robinson, Chair of the Trust, said: “We have worked in partnership with Derbyshire County Council to develop a plan for the long-term sustainable future of the estate and the economic environment post-Covid has had a significant impact on the affordability of those plans.

“The Trust remains committed to supporting Elvaston and will be working on a programme of fundraising, volunteering, education and events. Over the past three years we have secured £50,000 in grant funding and will be furthering this work to enhance and improve the estate.

“We have exciting plans for the future, with a series of Open House events and garden tours taking place from January onwards, building on the success of our first event last September.”