Chesterfield’s New Square is now open following a major transformation, creating a flexible, attractive space ready to welcome visitors ahead of Chesterfield Glow Up this weekend (27–28 March).
The redesigned square features new high quality paving to improve accessibility, a modern parasol system offering shelter for traders, upgraded lighting and power to support events, new planting to introduce greenery, and stylish street furniture to encourage people to spend more time in the town centre.
The improvements mean New Square can seamlessly host large scale events while still accommodating market stalls on busy trading days.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The transformation of our town centre has created new spaces for events, festivals and community gatherings, and we can’t wait to see people enjoying them this weekend.
“It’s also created a more attractive environment for our fantastic traders, helping to bring more customers into Chesterfield for many years to come. The Market is the heart of our town centre, and these wonderful public spaces will help ensure it remains one of the best in the country.
“We still have more work to do in Rykneld Square and on Corporation Street, but together these improvements will transform our town centre and create great spaces for residents and visitors alike.”
A small amount of snagging work remains in New Square, including the installation of a new bollard system and the completion of a feature timeline charting Chesterfield’s history. These will be finished in the coming month by contractor Thomas Bow.
John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “We’re proud to have delivered this transformation of New Square, creating a high-quality, durable public space that will support Chesterfield’s market traders, events programme and wider town centre activity for years to come.
“Working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and local stakeholders, our team has focused on improving accessibility, flexibility and resilience, while ensuring the square remains welcoming and attractive for visitors.
“We look forward to seeing the space come to life during events like Chesterfield Glow Up and beyond.”
The wider Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project also includes Rykneld Square — where a greener, more welcoming space with views of the Crooked Spire will be delivered following archaeological investigations — and Corporation Street, which will provide an enhanced gateway to the town centre later this year.
The project is funded through almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, split between town centre regeneration and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.
More information is available on our Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield page.
