Looking ahead to the future of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on another year of progress and achievements while looking ahead to the future of our town and what it will achieve.
New industrial units have been developed at Markham Vale, and works continue to prepare the East Midlands Investment Zone site at Staveley for the first phase of development.
With a £2 billion regeneration pipeline supporting new homes, town centre regeneration, green industries, advanced manufacturing, retail, leisure and tourism, it is an exciting time for the borough of Chesterfield.
These developments have the potential to create 7,800 potential jobs and bring an additional £473 million in GVA (Gross Value Added) to the local economy.
We spoke to our network of Chesterfield Champions who have shared what they would like to see for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in the future.
Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group
“For the future of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, it would be great to see a prosperous ambitious place that becomes firmly established as a centre for advanced manufacturing, being part of and helping to drive an improved economy for the wider East Midlands. In tandem with this, I’d like to see the regeneration of the public realm in Chesterfield and Staveley town centres, to ensure that they are the vibrant centres of their respective communities.”
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield
Julie Richards OBE, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Principal of Chesterfield College
“I would love to see a refreshed, vibrant town centre, like the exciting transformation already underway in Chesterfield’s Market Place, where people can work, learn, live and enjoy themselves in a safe, inclusive environment.”
Paul Flitter, Founder and Director, New Oak Estates
Considering the future, I was pleased to read about the funding for the Chesterfield to Staveley regeneration route and hope to see similar investment in the A61. Hopefully, our new cycling and walking routes will also help to ease congestion, alongside the town’s new emission free buses.”
Kriston Harvey, Director, Rodgers Leask
“I hope Chesterfield continues to be bold and brave with the transformation of the town centre. There have already been several successful projects delivered, such as One Waterside Place and the Northern Enterprise Centre, which have attracted new business to the area and provided much-needed quality office space for growing organisations that want to remain in Chesterfield.”
Natalie Burkinshaw, Founder, CRUSH
“I’d love to see the area recognised as a confident, modern place to live, work and invest – known for innovation and quality of life while retaining strong industrial and engineering roots. To achieve this, the town needs sustained investment, collaboration and ambition. Continued regeneration, improved skills pathways and strong education-to-employment links are vital, along with confidently telling the town’s story.”
Laura Jo, Owner, Adorn Jewellers
“The preparations taken now to ensure a bright future for Chesterfield are vital. I see Chesterfield retaining our heritage but keeping pace as a modern town. A mix of town centre living with a vibrant nighttime economy will ensure Chesterfield remains an attractive place to live and work. Our independent businesses are key to this mix, creating jobs and bringing a unique offer to our town.”
Neil Beaumont, Sales Director, Custom Solar
“Looking ahead, Chesterfield Borough Council has ambitious carbon-neutral targets, and we hope to play a key role in helping the town achieve them. Over the next five years, we look forward to continuing our work with local businesses, partners, and the council to create a greener, more sustainable future.”
Heather Hearn-Poole, SEO Manager, FWD Motion
“My vision for Chesterfield in the future is sustainable growth that showcases the beauty on our doorstep. While we need to grow and develop, sustainability must be at the heart of everything we do, to protect the best of the Derbyshire countryside for generations to come.”
Anna Meer, Director, DLP Planning
“Considering the future, I am hoping that our housing stock will increase massively, both in terms of affordable properties and open-market housing. I also believe that diversification of land uses will help Chesterfield become the vibrant place that we need it to be.”
Dawn Brown, Owner, Rose Cottage, DogLand
“I’m looking forward to hundreds more new homes being built near our town centre. With all the transformation underway in the heart of our town – from our theatre and museum restoration to our improved markets – demand for homes will continue to grow. I look forward to welcoming new faces and, of course, taking excellent care of their paw-some pooches.”
Claudia Risorto, Apprentice Solicitor, Banner Jones Solicitors
“I’d love to see more apprenticeships available in Chesterfield. Expanding apprenticeship opportunities would not only benefit young professionals but also strengthen the local economy by keeping skilled talent in the area.”
Katie Snodden, Head of Sales, Bridge Help
“I’d love to see Chesterfield continue to evolve while retaining its strong community feel. More family-friendly and experience-based businesses would bring fresh energy to the high street. Public spaces like Queen’s Park and the big screen at Vicar Lane are great assets too – the more we use them going forward, the better.”
For more information on Chesterfield Champions, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/Chesterfield Champions
