All of the traders who were previously trading from Chesterfield’s market hall have been offered space in the new market hall when it re-opens this autumn.

The iconic building, owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, is due to open in October after a redevelopment which has cost £4 million in build costs.

The council has been working with traders to offer an improved shopping experience to customers new and old when the market hall opens again.

Each of the potential traders were asked to present a business case setting out what they can offer customers.

Support in putting together these plans was given to existing traders through Destination Chesterfield’s ‘Incubation Street’ campaign.

This initiative is funded by a grant secured by Destination Chesterfield from Government as a town team partner and via the contributions of the Chesterfield Champions, the network of local businesses that work together to promote and develop Chesterfield.

The council is committed to giving the first opportunity to existing traders – subject to them being able to offer sufficient quality, which happily has been the case. Each of the existing traders was able to offer good business plans with impressive levels of thought, detail and creativity.

During the last 12 months, the existing traders have been housed in a temporary market hall to the rear of the building on New Square. The council has provided this facility to traders at a reduced rate to allow them to trade while the redevelopment work took place.

In addition, six new traders have been offered spaces in the building, offering new opportunities to shop. There are currently only two internal and five external units available.

The council has also appointed a preferred operator for the café, which will be the focal point of the ground floor in the redeveloped market hall.

Local start-up business Market Plaza Café, managed by mother and daughter team, Lynne and Shannon Benison will run the new café.

Market Plaza Café is owned by SLIC Training and Shannon has completed a hospitality apprenticeship through SLIC Training and has progressed to a full-time role in the hospitality industry. The company will offer opportunities for new apprentices to train on the job in the new café

Shannon Benison said: “I’m really looking forward to putting my skills and knowledge to establish the new and exciting business venture in the new market hall.”

The new café will be open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea options.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and executive member for regeneration said: “At a time of cuts we have invested in the market hall project because we have identified how important this is to the town’s economy.

“I am looking forward to welcoming traders old and new to the market hall when it re-opens in October. I would like to thank the existing traders for their patience while the building work has been taking place and I hope they will be as happy as I am about the new facilities we will be able to offer them.

“I am also proud to welcome a local start up business to the new café and am pleased that they will be offering apprenticeship opportunities to our residents.”

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager added: “We are pleased that the existing traders are returning to the market hall and that we were able to offer them business planning support as part of the project.

“The interest shown from new market traders is testament to the fact the market hall is considered a superb business incubator, providing a firm foundation for growth.

“It is also really pleasing to see a number of Chesterfield Championsinvolved with market hall. SLIC Training is the preferred operator for the new café, combining skills and training in the hospitality sector with their business, while Straightcurves is taking a incubation unit for their new business venture.”

£2.1 million for the project was provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Lottery grant with the remainder by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The work has been overseen by the council’s estate management partner, Kier, with G F Tomlinson as main contractor.

Project management has been carried out by Mace with Taylor Young as architects and Ramboll as engineers.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Improvements in the housing market mean that Chesterfield is experiencing a boom in new housing – with more than 200 homes being built in the borough.

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with developers to encourage investment in the borough.

Work is currently underway on 127 homes by Miller Homes as part of the Portlands development, on Sheffield Road, on the site of the former Chesterfield Panthers rugby club.

The site has two, three and four bedroom properties for sale, including energy saving features and, showing concern for local wildlife, many are fitted with bat bricks and external bird boxes.

Commenting on the development, Paul Walters, associate director at Miller Homes East Midlands, said:

“Since opening the new sales centre at The Portlands, we have had a phenomenal level of interest, which reflects the increasing buoyancy in the market.

“Chesterfield is at the top of the wish list for many couples, families and individuals looking to buy. With initiatives such as the new government-backed Help to buy scheme, making a move has now become a much more affordable and flexible process.

A further 68 homes are also under construction by Barratt Homes on Saltergate, the former site of Chesterfield Football Club.

Jan Ruston Sales Director for Barratt North Midlands comments “We are proud to be part of the regeneration of Chesterfield and Saltergate is a great testament to that”

“Due to the location, Saltergate is in the catchment area for great schools and is only a short walk to the town centre. With demand to live here high, more than half of these homes have already been sold. ”

Two, three and four bedroom homes are currently available.”

The council has worked with both developers throughout the process from acquiring the sites, obtaining planning permission and during construction to maximise opportunities for apprenticeships and local businesses.

The council has recently put in place a Local Authority Mortgage Support Scheme to help first time buyers in Chesterfield get their foot on the property ladder.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and executive member for regeneration said: “Despite the current economic downturn, Chesterfield is currently seeing significant investment in housing.

“Chesterfield is on the up and we have made significant investment to attract people to the borough.

“Our Local Plan has identified the number of new homes we will need over the next 20 years and these developments will go a long way to provide the homes we need for the people we expect to see living and working here.”

The council is also looking for residential development at another key site in the borough. Offers are currently open for the former Newbold School site on Newbold Road and Loundsley Green Road.

The 1.94 hectare site is in a popular residential area, close to the town centre and has been identified in the borough council’s Local Plan as a prime spot for a residential development, subject to planning permission for a preferred scheme of housing.

The closing date for offers is Wednesday 31 July.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Home Bargains is investing approximately £500,000 in a new store in Chesterfield, which will open its doors on Saturday, 13 July.

The top brand, bottom price retailer is creating up to 40 new jobs in the community, with its latest store located on Lordsmill Street – adjacent to TKMaxx.

Source:Home Bargains