Plans for a new landmark building which would form a key part of the Staveley town centre regeneration project have been formerly submitted.
The new landmark building if approved will form a key part of the £6 million Staveley 21 project which will transform the market place, enhance the connections to the Chesterfield Canal and improve lighting in the town centre.
Funding for the project has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This project aims to transform Staveley town centre – enhancing the area and encouraging more people to visit and support both existing retailers and market traders. Town centres are changing and by trying to expand the offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.
“We’ll continue to engage directly with local businesses and residents over the coming months to finalise the plans and ensure the project meets their needs, including hosting more drop-in sessions for residents.”
If approved the new landmark pavilion building will sit between the Staveley Miners Welfare building and Staveley High Street as a striking new focal point in the heart of the town centre.
The building aims to reflect Staveley’s heritage with a modern twist, opening the view from Market Street into the town centre. Several uses for the building are currently being considered including as a potential site for Staveley library and is also being considered for retail, leisure, and business start-up uses.
In November regional construction contractor Stepnell were appointed to finalise the plans for the town centre and begin working towards delivery.
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We bring vast experience of collaborating with local authorities and partners to enhance public town centre spaces, and, as a complete construction partner, we aim to deliver exceptional quality throughout the design and build.
“By being sympathetic to the needs of residents and businesses in the town, Staveley 21 will enhance the wider package of works as part of the Staveley Town Deal. We look forward to working with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the Staveley 21 project, which will generate lasting value to the community.”
The building has been designed by Whittam Cox Architects, who are based in Chesterfield.
Ryan Fish, associate director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “Our team have meticulously developed the Pavilion building as part of the Staveley centre masterplan with utmost care and consideration. This project presented us with a unique opportunity to influence a scheme close to home, drawing on our intricate knowledge of the local area. The result is a contemporary development that not only honours Staveley's heritage but also serves as a catalyst and hub of activity for future development, aligning with the long-term vision for the area.”
Staveley 21 also includes the transformation of the market place to create an enlarged public space to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.
Proposals include new tiered outdoor seating to support outdoor theatre and open-air cinema screenings, and natural play equipment to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.
New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.
There is also a shop front improvement grant scheme for businesses based in the town centre. Up to 80% of the costs of shop front improvements like new signage, windows, canopies, and much more can be funded through the scheme.
Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Staveley 21 project has the potential to be transformative for the town centre, ensuring that it is a place where local people and visitors will want to spend time whilst also supporting local businesses to grow not only now but in the future. Our aim through the town deal is ensuring that Staveley is a place where people can Start, Stay and Grow and the town centre reflects this with something to entice all ages to visit, support local businesses and to help them to grow.”
Updates about the project, details about drop-in sessions for residents and businesses, and information on the Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme can be found on the Staveley 21 page.
More information about the Staveley Town Deal is available on the council’s Staveley Town Deal page.
