Chesterfield town centre 'better than national average' despite Co-op Food closure

It was revealed this week that Co-op Food, on Elder Way, was shutting due to ‘a decline in sales’ and expected further losses in future.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development, admitted that seeing shops ‘that are part of our community’ close is ‘always very difficult’.

“British high streets are facing many different challenges but in Chesterfield our shop vacancy rate is still better than the national average of 12 per cent,” Coun Gilby said.

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“In that area of the town we are well on the way in starting to deliver ambitious projects that when complete will provide significant benefits to the town. These include the Northern Gateway with the construction of the new Enterprise Centre starting soon and revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield.

“Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield is a key project that will be undertaken by delivering a range of improvements to the public realm to better connect the Northern Gateway scheme with the heart of the town centre.

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“It will initially focus on the Elder Way and Packers Row areas, making sure that these pedestrian routes are more inviting. We will also be examining ways in which the long-term viability of the outdoor market can be secured.

“We will continue to work with local businesses and organisations to provide the support that they need in order to ensure the long-term future of our town centre.”