Chesterfield town centre will recover from coronavirus crisis if people continue to 'shop local'

A new report has suggested Chesterfield could prove more resilient than other town centres and recover quicker from the pandemic – but business and political leaders say this will only be possible with the support of local shoopers.

The Local Data Company’s study, ‘The Impact of Covid-19 on UK Town and City Centres’, suggests Chesterfield is better placed than many other towns because of the strong mix of shops it possesses.

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Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The findings from the Local Data Report confirms our belief that Chesterfield is a resilient, forward-thinking town. We have a good mix of chain and independent shops and traders, which has always created interest in the town centre and encouraged people to visit.

“Despite the current lockdown, the town’s shops, stores and market stall owners have adapted to the change in circumstances and Chesterfield remains open for business – either online or with social distancing measures in place.

“Throughout the lockdown Destination Chesterfield has promoted the ‘Shop Local’ message and this is paying off in this time of crisis.

“It is encouraging to hear from the town’s independent shops, stores and market traders that more and more people are embracing Shop Local, and pledging to continue to do so after the lockdown ends.”

The report says ‘more resilient town centres will be those less exposed to the intense challenge leisure occupiers face by the prolonged lockdown’.

Fifteen of the top 100 town centres have an undersupply of leisure compared to the UK average, with Chesterfield being one of the largest of the 15.

The report adds: “Out of those 15 with an undersupply of leisure, Peterborough, Chesterfield, Rotherham and Enfield also appear among the top 10 towns with the highest percentage of essential retail which is still able to trade, which will add strength to these towns.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “As acknowledged in the report, a number of essential shops, stores and market stall owners in Chesterfield have adapted to ensure they can remain open for business, either online or with social distancing measures in place, to help serve the local community during this difficult time.

“Rebuilding the local economy following the pandemic is a priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and we have implemented a number of financial and support measures to help our local businesses throughout these challenging times.

“The further recovery of our town centre will be guided by the Government’s timetable for opening different business types.

“The council is already starting to deliver ambitious projects that when complete will provide significant benefits to the town and hopefully encourage more people to visit the town centre and its businesses.

“I hope that people will continue to shop locally after the crisis to support our local traders who have been there for us over the last few weeks.”