shopping

New retailer open at North Derbyshire shopping destination

Derbyshire-based Coghlans’s Food and Wine Experience has become the latest retailer to open new stores at the revitalised Peak Village in Derbyshire.

Alongside its high quality selection of wines, champagne, and specialist foods, Coghlans will host an ongoing programme of events in its wine and food workshop. ‘Meet the Producers’ events, wine courses and team building events will bring individuals and groups up close to guest chefs as well as artisan food producers of premium quality cheese, honey, coffee and much more; while its wine workshops will include tastings, wine and food pairing, and insights into wine production.

The store opened in early November all ready for the Christmas season at Peak Village, which officially started on the weekend of 26/27 November.

The new store opening follows on from other openings over the past few months and more expected early in the new year. Since spring, the site has added Wild Olive, Lambs Cakes and Bakes, Garden World, Grape Tree and the new modern dining concept Chatsworth Kitchen, which have all proved popular with visitors and driven increased footfall.

Significant investment over the past 18 months has enabled Peak Village to continue growing following its purchase last year by the Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Devonshire family at nearby Chatsworth.

Situated in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Village hosts nearly 20 shops and employs between 80 and 100 people. Aiming to offer something different from traditional high streets and shopping malls, Peak Village actively welcomes independent retail brands and businesses with a strong local connection.

The Devonshire Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Coghlans Peak Shopping Village

All images credited to The Devonshire Group

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

More than 200 local businesses now included in Chesterfield’s Unhampered map

People across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being encouraged to get their hands on the first release of the Unhampered map of Independent Businesses.

Unhampered is a new online directory of Chesterfield’s independent businesses, set up by Chesterfield’s independent businesses, supported by Chesterfield’s independent businesses – and driven by a passion for Chesterfield to thrive.

It features over 200 shops, restaurants, pubs, food suppliers, local service providers, events, blog pages and so much more, all in one place www.unhampered-chesterfield.co.uk, putting Chesterfield independents, literally on the map.

The project comprises of a community of independents working together for Chesterfield, and the first physical deliverable is a paper map showing the locations of 80 independent businesses in the town centre and along Chatsworth Road.

The maps are slightly smaller than A3 and fold down to fit nicely in a handbag or pocket. They’ve been distributed to several local businesses, the tourist information centre, plus hotels and accommodation venues so visitors can find some of our best businesses, with a little help from Unhampered.

Phase 1 (the website) was developed by local businesses; Defeye Creative, S40 Local and S41 Local magazines and Phase 2 (the map) is now available thanks to funding from Unhampered Founder Members; Adorn, Bottle & Thyme, Ginspired, Ingmans, Libby’s, Odyssey Restaurant, Pizza Pi, Tallbird Records, The Café at Libby’s, Vanishing Point Records and Vintage Tea Rooms.

Any businesses in Chesterfield who want to get involved with Unhampered can do so by contacting Paul Chapman at S40 Local magazine – paul@s40local.co.uk

Andy Ingman from Ingman’s Cobblers, Footwear & Clothing of Burlington Street is a Founder Member. He commented: “we were really impressed by what the Unhampered team delivered over lockdown to support Chesterfield’s independent businesses for free, and we’re now happy to help them take the next steps to build the site and promote our town”.

“We’re excited to have the latest phase of Unhampered off the ground,” says Paul Chapman from Unhampered and S40 Local magazine. “We have so much to offer and have a real passion for supporting small independent businesses, it’s these guys that are keeping the town centre alive. We are totally independent from any external funding and are massively thankful to the founder members who have come on board to date.”

Unhampered is offering a limited number of Founder Members packs at £396 for two years membership, which includes extra benefits for those taking up the offer and helping provide set-up funding.

The Unhampered socials have seen increased followers on Facebook and Instagram pages, with the team committed to keeping followers up to date with what is happening across Chesterfield’s business community.

Defeye Creative and S40 Local support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Pop-up shop initiative comes to Chesterfield Market Hall

A new pop-up shop is being offered to traders in Chesterfield’s iconic Market Hall, alongside a wide range of  business support opportunities.

The Market Hall in Chesterfield is home to a wealth of businesses and is based in the heart of Chesterfield, and even more businesses are being offered the opportunity to be based there too.

Chesterfield Borough Council has a number of options available for local retailers looking for a new location for their business, whether they are looking for a short-term trading solution or a longer-term base.

There is currently a pop-up shop offer available to new traders who would like to be based inside the Market Hall. The pop-up offer is £60 per week and the stall can be held for a maximum of three months, with no minimum term.

After the maximum of three months at the pop-up rate the tenant will be offered the opportunity to remain (conditional to signing up to a full lease at the full rate for that stall).

As part of the package, Chesterfield Borough Council also offers access to free business support for pre-start businesses or businesses in their first year through the Vision Derbyshire Scheme. The Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme is open to people who live in Derbyshire who are starting their own business or have recently set up a business in the last year.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “A team of local expert business advisers at Vision Derbyshire are in place to offer free advice and support so this could have huge benefits for your future business planning.

“Council officers can also discuss access to the Digital High Street Campaign for businesses that are eligible which could allow you to develop a website equipped with the latest forms of payment and consider options such as “click and collect” if you do not have this set up already.”

Each of the stalls inside the Market Hall can also be rented on a permanent let basis also, the start dates for this can be negotiated at the enquiry stage.

For more established businesses, there are currently two larger external shops on the outside of the Market Hall available for permanent lease also.

To find out more about the temporary pop up-offer or more permanent solutions inside or outside the Market Hall, businesses are encouraged to contact 01246 345 255 or email claire.cunningham@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre to host spooktacular Halloween

Visitors to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield should prepare themselves for a right howl this Halloween as the Centre is set to celebrate the spookiest night of the year.

Families are encouraged to head to Vicar Lane’s pumpkin patch from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 23rd October, where they’ll be able to take their pick of a great collection of pumpkins and get a menacing makeover from the face painter. All completely free.

Vicar Lane has also teamed up with fellow Chesterfield Champion, Salute Prosecco to offer customers the chance to celebrate with a special outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus on the big screen on Saturday 23rd October at 6:30pm.

Spaces are limited and are expected to go fast, so anyone interested in the event is being advised to book early to avoid disappointment: https://www.salute-prosecco.com/open-air-cinema-packages.

Food and drink packages are also available to purchase from Salute, including pizzas and cheeseboards.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Chesterfield to Vicar Lane to help us celebrate Halloween. We’re sure it will be a spooktacular day of fun!’’

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is  home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. It is also the home to popular independent cafes, such as The Vintage Tearooms and Qoozies.

There’s plenty happening across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire throughout the October half-term and during Halloween. Find out more about what’s on in the town on our half-term page here: Half Term in Chesterfield | Destination Chesterfield

For more activities taking place across Chesterfield, head over to our events page: Chesterfield Events | Destination Chesterfield

Salute and Vicar Lane support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Derbyshire Distillery raising spirits at Peak Village as new store opens

Dr Derbyshire’s Emporium is the latest new tenant to commit to the Peak Village (formerly Peak Shopping Village) retail and lifestyle destination in Rowsley, following recent store openings by Denby Pottery and Dotique, the designer fashion brand for women.

The brainchild of premium gin-maker Derbyshire Distillery, Dr Derbyshire’s Emporium will be an all-round experience for gin-lovers with sampling, personalised labelling and regular gin-related events at the store, which is due to open in early October.

Set up in 2018, Derbyshire Distillery uses traditional methods to produce high quality gins, vodkas and liqueurs using the best local and international ingredients and fresh Derbyshire water. The store at Peak Village is the brand’s first standalone retail outlet but it is already the gin of choice for many hotels, restaurants and bars in the region.

“It’s a real vote of confidence in the changes we’re making that Derbyshire Distillery, Denby and Dotique have all committed in the past few weeks. A huge amount of work is being done to improve the site and that’s generated a lot of interest from aspirational brands looking for a suitable outlet near to Chatsworth, Bakewell and Matlock. We’re expecting to announce more exciting new shops and events by the end of the year and for Peak Village to become a real ‘must-go’ destination for locals and visitors alike,” says Katayune Jacquin, Peak Village Centre Manager, who has worked at the site for more than a decade.

Situated in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Village hosts nearly 20 shops and employs between 80 and 100 people. Aiming to offer something distinctively different from traditional high streets and shopping malls, Peak Village is targeting a higher percentage of independent retail brands and operators with a strong local connection.

Peak Village was bought earlier this year by the Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at nearby Chatsworth.

Approximately £1m has been committed to redevelopment with more than half already spent on essential repairs, redecoration, refitting of vacant units, and the landscaping of public areas with planters and new street furniture.

“The ongoing upgrade of facilities is good news for Peak Village, which was underinvested for some years previously, and it’s good news for the local economy. This investment has secured existing local jobs and is creating new jobs both directly and through the local companies and suppliers we’re working with. What’s more, Peak Village will be drawing in millions of pounds of retail revenue to the Derbyshire economy.” says Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group.

The Devonshire Group has strong experience in retail through its existing operations at Chatsworth (the estate farm shop and gift shops) and at Bolton Abbey and is a landlord to many retail outlets across its estates in Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

Derbyshire Distillery supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane encourages visitors to enjoy a ‘Blind date with a book’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has teamed up with The Works and Waterstones to bring an innovative initiative to the shopping centre, aimed at getting more local people to enjoy reading.

In celebration of National Read a Book Day, customers can enjoy a Blind Date with a Book – completely free.

From Monday 6th September, Vicar Lane is encouraging people to head to St James Square where they’ll find a ‘Reading Zone’, complete with beanbags and deckchairs, and the Blind Date with a Book set up.

Locals can have a read of the brief synopsis on the wrapped books, and pick one that takes their fancy.

The Reading Zone will be in situ at the shopping centre in the heart of Chesterfield for the week.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said ‘’We’re excited to celebrate National Read a Book Day with the launch of Blind Date with a Book.

“We all lead busy lives and it’s hard to remember to leave time for ourselves, so by setting up a Reading Zone at the shopping centre, we hope people will be encouraged to take time out of their day to sit down and read a book!’’

The latest initiative comes off the back of the popular Summer Zone at Vicar Lane, which saw residents treated to some of the best sporting action on the big screen in St James Square over July and August, along with pop-up bars and food vendors.

The centre is home to a wide range of both quirky, independent shops and cafes, sitting alongside well-known national high-street retailers. Find out more about the shopping centre here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

New festival aims to build on town’s recent plastic-free accolade

Chesterfield campaign group, Plastic Free Chesterfield, is aiming to build on their recent Plastic Free Community award by organising a Plastic Free Festival, taking place on Sunday 8th August, 10am-5pm on New Square at Chesterfield market.

Organisers say the Plastic Free Festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics. At the event, festival-goers can enjoy a plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, with businesses such as the award-winning Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Elsie Moss Botanical, Astra Designs UK and Smarties Fruit & Veg.

Alongside the stalls will be craft recycling and upcycling workshops provided by local crafters. And to provide a festival-feel, there’ll be live music and dance performances along with food and drink courtesy of local Plastic Free Champion business, El Cafe Verde.

Special guest performances on the day include Nick Toczec, Yorkshire poet and entertainer, as well as the Chesterfield Garland Dancers. Local budding poets are being asked to take part in a Plastic Free Poetry competition, with winners performing at the festival itself.

So that the event can live up to its name, attendees will be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, cups, coffee mugs and containers. And two Crooked Spire branded festival cups (a reusable coffee cup and a half pint cup), sponsored by local Chesterfield businesses, will be available either to loan or buy at the event.

 

The festival is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, with over £700 of funding for the event coming from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy grant scheme.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield Community Lead said: “The Plastic Free Festival will be a really great opportunity to show off the fantastic work that the Chesterfield community have achieved so far to reduce their single-use plastics, celebrating our recent Plastic Free Community accreditation. The festival is the first of its kind in the area and aims to help the public to discover some fantastic local independent businesses, of which all are reducing their plastic footprint.”

“We are delighted that not only has Chesterfield Borough Council given us some funding to be able to run the event, they’ve also given us permission to hold the festival on New Square on Chesterfield market. It will be a great family fun day out.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be funding the Plastic Free Festival, by working together with the community we can make real changes that will help improve the local environment and help us all reduce our carbon footprint.”

“The festival is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to understand how they can lead a plastic-free lifestyle. But it is also an important celebration of the businesses and organisations that have helped our town become an accredited Plastic Free Community.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Citizens Advice Chesterfield joins innovative charity shopping initiative

Local charity Citizens Advice Chesterfield, which provides a range of support to thousands of residents across the town has joined EasyFundraising, which enables people to support charities simply by shopping online.

For many, Citizens Advice is the first point of call when serious life changes occur. The charity offers free, confidential, impartial, independent advice & information for problems faced by residents & their families. It also campaigns to improve policies & practices affecting people’s lives.

Easyfundraising turns everyday online shopping into free donations for a nominated cause of the customer’s choice. To do this, start your online shopping first on the easyfundraising website, then shop as normal. The site’s associated retailers will then make a small donation to the chosen charity to say “thank you”.

There are currently 4700+ retailers to choose from and so far the site has raised over £35 million for thousands of community groups, schools, sports clubs, small and large charities across the UK.

Linda Moore, chair of Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “As lockdown began last March, Citizens Advice Chesterfield completely changed delivery of services virtually overnight, with staff and some volunteers all working from home. At the same time demand for support increased. In the last quarter enquiries about loss of income, lack of food and loss of employment has increased by 29%.

“At the same time all fundraising events, including a Midsummer Ball and our increasingly popular Town Hall Abseil have been cancelled. We feel we can’t approach businesses which supported us in the past when they themselves are struggling with lockdown pressures.

“So we are trying Easyfundraising. Both individuals and businesses can sign up. Simply load up the Easyfundraising App, nominate “Citizens Advice Chesterfield” as your chosen charity, look for your favourite retailers and start shopping. A percentage from each sale is donated to us and it costs you nothing. It couldn’t be easier. And the more people sign up the better for us. It’s an easy way to help us help local residents.”

Citizens Advice Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

The ‘Vintage Tearooms’ Joins Vicar Lane’s Exciting Indie Line-Up

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield is welcoming another new, local name to the high-street; adding to the vibrant retail and hospitality offering in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Formerly located on Beetwell Street, the Vintage Tearooms is Chesterfield’s quirkiest tearoom and is now situated on Steeplegate at Vicar Lane (next to CEX) and offers its customers somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Vintage Tearooms offers high quality products, with great cakes, scones and afternoon tea available, and locals can currently enjoy any takeaway drink and cake for just £5.

The owner of Vintage Tearooms, Sharon Hilton, previously worked as the chef for the former owners of the tearooms back in 2014. After working there for over three and a half years, she was presented with the opportunity to buy the business, and on 1st November 2017, Sharon become the new owner of the Vintage Tearooms.

Sharon and her employees have a flair for hospitality, and they understand the importance of good customer service and creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy. They hope to ‘officially’ open their doors soon, when Government guidelines allow.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Sharon and ‘Vintage Tearooms’ to Vicar Lane. Sharon is looking forward to welcoming both old and new customers soon, when the doors to the quirky tearooms are able to officially open for business!’’

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre benefits from a range of popular high-street retailers and its own multi-storey car park.

The centre features a mix of high street brands and independent retailers and offers a great shopping experience in a clean, safe and easily accessible area of the town centre.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield here.

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield says ‘we’re back’ for friendly local shopping

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield are supporting the re-opening of the high streets this April with the message ‘we’re back’ to encourage shoppers back to Chesterfield’s high streets. Find out more at www.chesterfield.co.uk/wereback

The mini campaign includes a video on social media, featuring some of Chesterfield’s many independent businesses and market traders, asking people to come back shopping in Chesterfield. The video reminds people that safety is everything, but we do need to support our local high streets.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It will be great to see the start of the re-opening of our town centre and high streets this April.

“It is however essential that we keep our own and everyone else’s safety in mind when we go back to shopping locally in Chesterfield to make sure our town centre stays open. I urge everyone to continue with hands, face and space as we start to re-open.

“Our local shops and retailers have worked so hard over lockdown, offering click and collect and delivery options but it has been a massive struggle for businesses and now it’s up to us to get back out shopping locally. Our businesses really need your support.

“Spending a few pounds a week with local businesses will make a massive difference to them. It’s been convenient to shop online but let’s do more of that with local businesses and also shop safely with them once again in our town centre and high streets.

“Chesterfield is a fantastic place to shop. We pride ourselves on being a friendly town, with many great independent businesses who are ready to welcome everyone back. So, come back and support your town this April.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “The lifting of restrictions on non-essential retail is very much welcomed and further progress in the high street’s journey towards normality. Seeing our favourite businesses adapt with online shopping and click and collect services during lockdown has been inspiring, but shopping in Chesterfield is an experience that can’t be replicated at home.

“Lockdown has shown us all the importance of the high street and the contribution it makes not only to the economy but to the lives of local people and I would encourage everyone to support the high street and shop local to help the many businesses based on it in their recovery.”

To also help support local businesses that are re-opening, and to showcase Chesterfield as a great place to visit, the council is offering local businesses the chance to take out free listings on the Visit Chesterfield website until 31 March 2022.

Independent businesses who are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity can find more details on www.visitchesterfield.info/advertising. Businesses will need to complete an application form and send it along with high resolution images or videos to tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield here.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Borough Council looks to secure the future of The Pavements Shopping Centre

At an Extraordinary meeting of Chesterfield Borough Council on Wednesday 10 February 2021, councillors voted in favour of acquiring the leasehold of The Pavements Shopping Centre in Chesterfield.

The decision is subject to further due diligence and agreement of terms.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Pavements Shopping Centre plays a pivotal role in welcoming shoppers and visitors to Chesterfield town centre.

“Assuming we are successful in acquiring the leasehold, the council will be able to control the future direction of the shopping centre; shape the Southern Gateway to Chesterfield town centre; and build on the council’s many other ambitious plans for the town centre.”

Chesterfield Borough Council currently owns the land (the freehold) on which the shopping centre is built but the leasehold is held by a successor company to the CIN Pension Fund which originally built The Pavements back in the early 1980’s. The council then manages and operates the shopping centre through an under-lease arrangement between the leaseholder and the council.

The council has taken specialist advice from property investment advisors, who concluded it is financially prudent for the council to try and acquire the leasehold at this time.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of the Council, continued: “Through this action, the council is seeking to secure the future of The Pavements Shopping Centre as a high-profile strategic town centre asset whilst at the same time protecting the council’s financial position.

“Negotiations between the council and the leaseholder have commenced, and we would hope that the terms of the acquisition can be finalised by the end of March 2021.”

You can find out more about the Pavements Shopping Centre here.

Businesses in Chesterfield are continuing to trade via click and collect or delivery services during the current national lockdown, while essential retailers remain open as usual. You can find out more on our Shopping During Lockdown page.

Pavements Shopping Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

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