£1m restaurant and cafe investment at university campus
An investment of £1m has been made in the University of Derby’s Buxton Campus to improve its facilities for students.
A new restaurant and two new cafes – The Balcony Café and The Dome Café have been opened at the campus, which is based in the historic Devonshire Dome, along with a new commercial kitchen and refurbishment of another.
The University’s fine dining restaurant has also been relocated to the Dome floor and will continue to offer food produced and served by students from the University of Derby and Buxton & Leek College.
The work was carried out as part of the first phase of a two-year project to create a centre of excellence at the University in hospitality, tourism and spa management.
Peter Dewhurst, director of strategic projects at the University of Derby with responsibility for Buxton, said: “The investment in specialist facilities at our Buxton Campus will enhance the student experience and offer even better real world learning opportunities for our students.
“While working at the on-site fine dining restaurant and using the specialist kitchen facilities, our students learn how much effort and dedication they’ll need to succeed, knowing that if they do they’ll be among the most highly sought after in the industry.
“This investment reflects our ambition to continue to grow our Buxton Campus and our commitment to offer our students the very best teaching facilities.”
As part of the refurbishment, the commercial conferencing facilities at the campus have been expanded to form the Devonshire Suite, now offering more mid-week events and conferences with dedicated conference rooms suitable for groups of up to 300.
The Devonshire Dome is the largest unsupported dome in Europe. Built in 1779 by the 5th Duke of Devonshire, this Grade II listed building is also home to the Devonshire Spa, which was awarded the coveted ‘Best Emerging Spa in Northern Europe’ award at the Luxury Spa Awards 2017.
The dining facilities are open to staff, students and members of the public.
