buxton hydro springs is one of the very few original sources of natural water available in one of the most famous and historic spa towns in the world. The spring actually dates back many thousands of years and the well has had a sustainable natural source of spring water dating back to victorian times and evidence shows that the well was a popular source for commercial purposes even in that period. Buxton’s uniqueness stems from the fact that it is the home of a subterranean reservoir and thus is the source of both thermal and natural cold spring water. You can even sample buxton spring water from the public drinking fountain situated in the crescent area of buxton. The opportunity: on the 15th september 2005 the british environment agency granted buxton hydro springs limited a unique license [no:03/28/39/114/g] to extract natural water from the site at the rate of 6,250 litres per hour or 50,000 litres per day or 18,250,000 litres per annum. To date the company has invested a significant amount in geological tests, equipment and studies. However it is envisaged further capital expenditure for drilling lining, pump, electrics, alkathene, ultraviolet light treatment plant and storage is required. The vendors have had experts review the site and they estimate capital expenditure to get the extraction and bottling plant running would be circa £100,000. Even with reduced extraction rates to those approved by the environment agency, and using royalty agreement/ renewable licence figures below current market rates it is envisaged this investment would give a return of circa £250,000p.a. This represents a significant return on investment to an investor/new owner. The site of the well is entrenched in the history of buxton being situated in eagle street, buxton just a hundred yards from the old town hall in the highest part of the highest town in england . The well has a depth of 387 feet and is situated at national grid reference no: 05767328 and british geological survey reference no: isgr/04/868. For the avoidance of doubt the well and the license to extract are totally different and nothing whatsoever to do with the well known multi national company that has it's own license in another part of buxton. We are thus able to provide a rare opportunity for either existing suppliers or new companies looking to enter this highly lucrative market to bottle and brand this quality water to their requirements and use the history of buxton as a major marketing and promotional tool to help them improve their market share. Extraction method: the extraction method to be used and approved by the environment agency is by stainless steel borehole drilled to a depth of 118 metres with a diameter of 150mm and tests have recorded the water level at 15.8 metres below ground level, which was tested at 1.6l/s with a pump at 42m below ground level. It is proposed to install a upvc screen with 125mm outer diameter or 113mm internal diameter to a depth of 44.5m. This will be open ended with a screen to protect the pump. A borehole pump capable of 2 litres per second at 40m head will be installed to 42m on an alkathene riser pipe connected to an electrical control panel at surface level. On extraction the water will be treated with ultra-violet light to remove any bacteria or impurities and stored in a stainless steel storage facilities as per the conditions from the environment agency. Historical significance & marketing potential: buxton, situated in the high peak district of derbyshire, is a mountain spa about one thousand feet above sea level which makes it the highest town in england. It's latitude is 53.2 and longitude is -1.9167 the history of buxton can be traced as far back as the middle stone age of early man. Archaeological finds suggest a settlement dating to about 5000 bc and show habitation through the neolithic bronze and iron ages to the time of the romans. Buxton, in roman times, was known as "aquae arnemetia" which translates to "the waters of the goddess" the term aqua is used by the romans for one only one other town, that of bath which was called "aquae sulis" one of the most significant periods age of industry and innovation in the development of the town was the victorian/edwardian period. In the elizabethan era buxton enjoyed considerable fame as a spa destination for the royal family and the aristocracy. In fact, mary queen of scots, known to have suffered badly from rheumatism, visited this famous spa town on several occasions during the time she was a prisoner in england. Buxton is now going through a huge period of regeneration and it is possible that buxton will become even better known spa destination than bath. The heritage lottery fund has announced that they have awarded the buxton crescent and thermal spa project an amount of £12.5 million pounds . The project will include a 79 bedroom spa hotel and will be the first genuine spa hotel in the uk for over 100 years. The project is fully supported by the high peak borough council and derbyshire county council.
