£700,000 project to transform Chesterfield’s historic Shambles
A new £700,000 regeneration project aims to enhance one of Chesterfield’s most historic areas and bring vacant town centre buildings back into use.
Chesterfield Borough Council will use funding from Chesterfield’s Pride in Place programme, overseen by the Chesterfield Town Board, to enhance the Shambles, attract further investment and encourage more visitors to support independent businesses.
Part of the funding will enhance the Shambles with new street furniture, signage, planting and public art, while most will fund a new grant scheme for businesses and landlords.
The Shambles Building Improvement Grant will help businesses improve their premises, with the scheme designed to enhance the appearance of the area while safeguarding its historic character, bringing vacant properties back into use and improving accessibility.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:
“The Shambles is a unique part of our town centre and is home to incredible independent businesses. We want to help make these spaces more attractive and encourage more visitors to explore the historic lanes.
“This project will ensure that the town centre remains an attractive place to visit and provides support to help tackle one of the issues that we know matters to our community.”
Small businesses and charities based within the Shambles will be able to claim a percentage of the costs of eligible improvements through the grant scheme. The council will work with businesses and landlords to develop the programme.
An urban design plan has been developed which will guide the improvements to ensure they are sensitive to the historic nature of the area.
The council is now developing detailed plans for the first phase, which will include new street furniture, planting, lighting and public art. Businesses and landlords will have the opportunity to view the plans before work begins on site in 2027.
Dominic Staniforth, local business leader and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said:
“This project reflects some of the key priorities that we identified through our engagement with local people including making better use of vacant premises, creating a welcoming town centre environment and enhancing the historic feel of the town centre.
“We funded this project because we want to work with businesses and provide the support, they need to enhance their premises which will give them opportunities to attract more customers and grow their business.”
Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet approved the acceptance of the funding on Tuesday, 22nd September. The project will go to Full Council in October, where members will be asked to formally approve its addition to the council’s Capital Programme.
Chesterfield is benefitting from almost £20 million of government Pride in Place funding to invest in local projects between 2026 and 2036. The Chesterfield Town Board is overseeing the investment and ensuring the views of local people help shape how the funding is spent.
The government approved the board’s regeneration plan in March 2026. The board developed the plan following extensive engagement with local people, reflecting the priorities they identified for the future of the area.
Improving the vibrancy, safety and attractiveness of our town centre emerged as a key priority, with a range of projects and initiatives proposed to help achieve that vision.
To find out more about the Chesterfield Town Board and read the regeneration plan visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/pride-in-place-chesterfield-town-board/
Discover more funding and grants available to Chesterfield businesses: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/funding-and-grants/
