Archive: this report describes a Buxton Crescent model displayed at Manchester Piccadilly in 2021.

In 2021, a model of Buxton’s Grade I-listed Crescent was displayed on the main concourse of Manchester Piccadilly station. In 2019–20, Piccadilly was the third busiest station outside London, according to the Office of Rail and Road.

The 2021 report described a 1.5m by 1.0m, 1:150 scale model offered by Friends of Buxton Station with the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, which previously owned it.

The article reported that Friends of Buxton Station chair Dave Carlisle proposed using the model to promote the town and its attractions to rail passengers.

Dave explained: “We love our home town of Buxton and have come up with lots of different ways to help promote it to others, particularly to rail users.”

“Perhaps one of our most innovative promotional ideas has come with use of this model of The Crescent, Buxton’s undisputed architectural jewel.  Never has it been more important to support the town as it is now, since many local small independent traders struggle to recover from the damage done by COVID-19 restrictions.”

He continued: “We managed to do this thanks to the partnership with BCHT and Karen Hornby, Network Rail’s Head of Performance and Customer Relationship on the North West Route and Margaret Edge, Piccadilly’s Station Control Manager.”

Margaret said: “We are really pleased to work together with FoBS on this project.”

BCHT Director, Louise Cross added: “The model was originally commissioned by the Trevor Osborne Property Group and CP Holdings Ltd, developers for the project to renovate The Crescent into the spa and hotel complex, with shops and a visitor centre. The developers donated it to the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, who in partnership with the Friends of Buxton Station, offered it to Piccadilly Station to highlight the rich heritage of Buxton.” 

The 2021 report said the model also featured an interpretation panel and posters highlighting Buxton and the Friends’ work supporting the bilberry bumblebee.

To find our more about FoBS, read our feature on who are Friends of Buxton Station and what do they do?  You can also follow their work and see latest updates on their Facebook page.