The next phase of a multi-million pound project to regenerate Chesterfield town centre is set to get underway this summer.
Chesterfield Borough Council’s ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’ project – which has already seen good progress on work to refurbish the iconic Stephenson Memorial Hall, as well as improvements to Packers Row – will transform the look, feel and flow of key public spaces.
The detailed timescales are being finalised, but it is expected that work to revamp the town’s historic market place, which includes New Square and Market Square, will start in summer.
Key improvements will include:
- Market Square – the historic market will be revitalised – with a new layout to make it easier to walk around, new stalls with modern facilities for traders, and vibrant new canopies in heritage colours. The plans will also ensure the historic Town Pump is made into a unique feature in this space.
- New Square – the plans will create an attractive and flexible space that will complement the main market and speciality markets, but can also be used to host festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings – bringing the town centre to life.
- Rykneld Square – this area will be transformed to create a more welcoming, green space from which to enjoy the much-loved Crooked Spire, and better connect this landmark to the town centre.
- Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy the iconic Crooked Spire, this includes imaginative new lighting that will enhance the appearance of the spire at night and link into Rykneld Square.
- Corporation Street – improved paving and lighting will revamp this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum. This will provide an attractive and welcoming new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall.
Attractive lighting, new digital facilities, more greenery, new seating and signage will feature across the regeneration sites – creating a more attractive, welcoming and safe town centre for everyone to enjoy.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re immensely proud of our town and these widespread improvements will create a revitalised and vibrant town centre that builds on our strong history and heritage, supporting it to thrive for generations to come.
“A lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to get to this stage, including ongoing conversations with our market traders, businesses and residents, and we’re excited to look ahead to a start on site in the summer.
“Chesterfield certainly has positive times ahead, with the major refurbishment work at Stephenson Memorial Hall – home to our beloved theatre and museum – also progressing well.”
The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will be completed in phases and is due for completion in 2025.
Councillor Sarvent added: “We have a strong track record of making the most of external funding opportunities to invest in the future of our borough, and through projects like the Revitalising the Heart of project this work will bring real improvements for the residents and businesses of our town, while boosting our appeal to visitors.”
The project will complement improvements at the Northern Gateway and Elder Way and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.
