Derby firm G F Tomlinson and Yorkshire-based Quarmby Construction are up against national contractors ISG and Vinci Construction to build the first hotel and spa in the town for more than 100 years.
The project is moving ahead after landowners High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council signed a development agreement with the Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa Company.
The Buxton Crescent project includes a restoration of the town’s Grade I-listed Crescent building and the Grade II-listed Natural Baths and Pump Room.
The winning contractor will create a 79-bedroom, five-star spa hotel incorporating the neighbouring Natural Baths, a brand new visitor interpretation centre, a state-of-the-art thermal, natural mineral water spa, and eight specialist shops.
Work will get underway on the first of two construction phases in June starting with the Pump Room. Enabling works have already commenced.
Caitlin Bisknell, leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: “Tourism is vitally important to the High Peak and this development will create jobs and attract countless new visitors while protecting Buxton’s precious architectural heritage.”
Funding for the project includes a £12.5m Heritage Lottery Fund grant.