What’s happening?
Our multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project is a significant investment in the future of our town centre.
The way people shop and use town centres is changing. We must adapt to make sure Chesterfield can thrive for generations to come.
In November 2021, we secured almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This is being used to bolster our existing ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield' project, creating even more opportunities to rejuvenate our town centre:
- £11 million is part-funding will go towards the remodelling and refurbishment of Chesterfield’s Stephenson Memorial Hall – due for completion in 2025
- The remaining £8.9 million will be used to extend the planned regeneration of our town centre, with investment centred on key public spaces and the connections between them – including Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Spire Walk, Market Square, New Square and Packers Row
It will complement work to regenerate Chesterfield Market and the Northern Gateway and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.
What difference will the regeneration work make?
We want to improve the look, flow and feel of our town centre, and better connect our key public buildings and spaces.
Prominent public areas will be re-imagined – creating attractive spaces that can host markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings.
New paving, seating, lighting, planting, and street furniture will combine to create better-looking and better-connected spaces which people can enjoy and socialise in.
The plans were finalised following consultation with local residents, businesses and market traders.
How long will the improvements take?
The work will be carried out in phases – due to be complete by winter 2025.
Improvements have already been carried out on Packers Row, and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum – is well underway.
We are due to begin the next major phase of work – starting in the market place – in early July 2024.
- Upper Market Place (phase one) - July 2024 to November 2024
- Lower Market Place (phase two) - November 2024 to May 2025
- Lower New Square (phase three) - May 2025 to July 2025
- Upper New Square (phase four) - July 2025 to October 2025
How will the town centre be affected during the work?
This is a significant regeneration project, which will inevitably cause some short-term disruption in the town centre.
We will work closely with our local partners to try and keep disruption to a minimum – and keep local businesses and residents up to date with what’s happening.