Businesses celebrate the refurbishment of Chesterfield’s Market
Chesterfield’s Market has recently re-launched following a multi-million-pound refurbishment scheme – marking a major milestone in the town’s wider regeneration.
The historic marketplace and new square have been revitalised with new, flexible trading and event areas, improved lighting and power, enhanced access, and new stall layouts, as well as general paving improvements.
Local business leaders say the transformation has already begun to reshape the atmosphere of the town centre, supporting independent businesses and encouraging new traders to set up in Chesterfield.
We spoke to Chesterfield Champions about the improvements.
From the top floor of the Market Hall, Fiona Stubbs, editor of Reflections magazine, has watched the transformation of the square unfold and says the atmosphere has already begun to change.
“There’s already a more vibrant feeling to the market square,” she said. “Now it’s great to see people shopping, meeting up, sitting with a coffee while watching the world go by, and generally enjoying the space.
“There seems to be a feeling of both progress and community, and hopefully that will have a positive impact on other town centre businesses.”
Fiona also highlighted how the space could support future market traders and start-up businesses.
“Hopefully, the smart new space and improved facilities will prove attractive to traders and start-ups,” she added. “The improved accessibility should offer practical opportunities for traders as well as visitors.”
With the redevelopment now complete, businesses are hopeful the square will play a key role in supporting Chesterfield’s independent business community and reinforcing the town centre as a destination for shopping, leisure and social activity.
Simon Davidson, owner of The Cheese Factor, based at Chesterfield Market Hall, hopes the new-look market space will increase footfall and attract more traders.
“I’m hopeful that with more events being organised, this will bring people back into the town centre.
“The improved space creates a more modern and pleasant environment for traders, and hopefully we’ll see more businesses taking up stalls and pitches.”
Tracy Walters, Director at Accessible UK, whose company is based in the Market Hall offices, believes the improved public space will help make the town centre more inclusive and appealing.
She said: “Having a more attractive and well-designed square should naturally bring more people into the town centre, improving the overall environment for businesses like ours.
“Accessibility is a key factor for us professionally, so improvements that make the square easier to navigate for disabled people and families will help create a more inclusive town centre.”
She also noted that the enhancements could help attract more visitors to Chesterfield, especially those with access needs.
“Being located close to a Changing Places toilet is important for visitors who require those facilities,” she explained. “The improved square could encourage more people with accessibility needs to visit and spend time in the area.”
Businesses also believe the new square could become a focal point for activity, encouraging people to spend more time in the town centre and explore nearby independent shops and cafés.
Julie Davies-Bowler, Pinewood Properties, believes the flexible design of the new space will play an important role in increasing visitor numbers.
“The multi-use nature of the new space has the potential to increase footfall,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the variety of uses it can accommodate and feel that it is already being well utilised.”
The improvements to Chesterfield Market have taken place as part of Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, with refurbishment plans being carried out by Chesterfield Borough Council at key town centre sites.
Key public spaces and the connections between them are being transformed as part of the plans being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council, with almost £20m secured from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and additional funding provided by the council.
The multi-million-pound project also includes works to refurbish Stephenson Memorial Hall, home to the former Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum which will reopen as 1435 – the transformed venue where people and stories meet.
The Chesterfield Borough Council-owned venue is set to welcome audiences and visitors later this year and will feature a 625-seat theatre, an expanded museum with improved facilities for hosting prestigious touring works, two bars and flexible spaces for people to gather. The striking new design preserves the building’s heritage while improving accessibility for all.
Find out more about festivals and events happening in Chesterfield at: Discover more about the Revitalising the heart of Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield/
