The Winter Gardens and Octagon are located within the grade II* listed Pavilion Gardens, and comprises four grade II listed buildings. The buildings are generally of cast iron framed construction, with the earliest elements having been constructed in 1871 to the designs of Edward Milner.

Bench Architects were commissioned by High Peak Borough Council in 2014 to undertake a feasibility study aimed at increasing visitor numbers and events revenue. Condition surveys carried out during the study revealed severe deterioration of the cast and wrought iron structure, resulting in a subsequent full service appointment to design and oversee a complete restoration of the Octagon and associated areas. Alongside the necessary structural repairs, the works also encompassed repairs to historic joinery, renewal of floors and roofs, and the installation of new heating, lighting and ventilation systems.

The project received a commendation in the East Midlands Celebrating Construction Awards 2019, and was shortlisted for other awards including the RIBA East Midlands Awards, the LABC Building Excellence Awards, and the Architects Journal Retrofit Awards.