The development of the UK's "first genuine spa hotel" for more than 100 years in Buxton, Derbyshire, has taken a step forward following the signing of a landmark agreement.

High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, the landowners, have confirmed that an "historic" deal with the Buxton Crescent Hotel and Thermal Spa Company (BCHTS) for the scheme has been secured.

The £35m (US$55.9m, EUR41.9m) 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.

It is anticipated that work will get underway on the first of two construction phases in June. Enabling works have already commenced.

A 79-bedroom spa hotel incorporating the Natural Baths is at the centre of the plans, in addition to a 2,000sq m (21,528sq ft) natural thermal mineral water spa and a visitor centre.

The spa will comprise a dry treatment area with six massage rooms; a manicure and pedicure area; and an exercise studio, as well as electrotherapy, peat packing and inhalation facilities.

Meanwhile, hydrotherapy wet treatment areas will incorporate four thermal mineral baths and an underwater jet massage, together with hydromassage and Scottish spray areas.

A swimming pool, a thermal mineral pool and a hydropool complete the line-up, in addition to a sauna world with saunas offering a variety of temperatures and an ice room.

BCHTS has been created to deliver the development by the Trevor Osborne Property Group and CP Holdings, owner of Danubius Hotels. It is investing £15m (US$24m, EUR18m).

The UK's Heritage Lottery Fund has provided £12.5m (US$20m, EUR15m) and both local councils have allocated £1m (US$1.6m, EUR1.2m) each. English Heritage is also helping to fund the project.

In a statement, Trevor Osborne and CP Holdings' John Smith said: "It has taken years of hard work to reach this memorable day. We now look forward to the challenges of delivering this fantastic development."

Details: www.buxtoncrescent.co.uk