New plan launched to help Chesterfield's economy bounce back from pandemic - as 'early signs of recovery' seen in town centre

The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan outlines what Chesterfield Borough Council and other organisations will do to help job-seekers and businesses as they begin to look ahead after the unprecedented crisis of Covid-19.

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The plan comes as high streets up and down the UK – including in Chesterfield – continue to face testing times.

On Friday, it emerged Thorntons’ chocolate shop in Low Pavement had closed its doors for good after shutting for lockdown in March.

Several other national businesses have either quit the town or announced they will close in recent months, including TJ Hughes, Brighthouse and the Elder Way Co-op food store.

But despite that negativity, council chiefs say ‘thousands’ of shoppers have returned to Chesterfield town centre since lockdown restrictions were relaxed last month – and they are beginning to see ‘early signs of recovery’ with a number of new independent stores launching.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the borough council, told the Derbyshire Times: “We have been working closely with retailers, market traders and local business owners to assist wherever possible the successful phased reopening of shops, market stalls, bars and restaurants in the town centre.

“We have been monitoring the high street closely and we are pleased with the resilience shown by our traders with 86 per cent now open for business.

“We are aware that nationally there have been shop closures experienced on every high street – however, we are pleased to see early signs of recovery with a number of new independent shops opening on our high street, which we warmly welcome.

“As detailed in our Economic Recovery Plan, the council will continue to work with town centre retailers to ensure they can thrive.”

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield, urged people to shop local – a sentiment shared by the Derbyshire Times.

He said: “The disappearance of national names on high streets is something we are seeing across the UK and Chesterfield is no exception.

“However, we are seeing growth with our independent retail sector.

“We have even seen new independent businesses open since lockdown, including Dava on Chatsworth Road and Precious Memories in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

“The physical high street delivers a shopping experience that cannot be replicated online and lockdown has shown us what it will be like if Chesterfield’s high street as we know it disappears which has led to a rise in the ‘shop local’ movement.

“The high street has never needed our support more than in the current trading conditions.

“We should all do our bit by shopping local.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has reported a ‘steady increase’ in footfall over the last few weeks since lockdown was eased.

From mid-June, the centre introduced a range of safety measures – including queue management and enhanced cleaning – to help instill confidence among shoppers.

The new law requiring people to wear face coverings in stores also seems to have encouraged more shoppers to return.

Shaun Brown, manager at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, said: “We listened to the feedback we received from our shoppers and we adjusted what we’ve been doing as a result.

"Communication has been key and we’ve introduced lots of clear signage and onscreen videos advising of the new measures we’re putting in place.”

The centre also conducted research which showed people feel safer and more committed to shopping close to home.

Mr Brown added: “Shoppers feel safer shopping locally.

"Places like Vicar Lane have the added advantage of being in an open environment.

"It’s also a controlled space under the watchful eye of a management team which means safety and cleaning measures are more intensive than regular high streets.”

What does the Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan include?

The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan – which was approved by the borough council's cabinet last week – sets outs a comprehensive set of measures to support and rebuild the area’s economy in response to Covid-19, including delivering a new business start-up support programme.

This will encourage people who may have lost their jobs during the crisis to bring forward new business ideas, with funding and expert advice available.

Chesterfield residents and businesses will also be able to access a new virtual skills and careers information hub.

And the plan includes a series of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of Chesterfield as a visitor destination.

To date, the borough council has paid out £25.7million in small business grants to 2,202 Chesterfield businesses.

Coun Gilby said: “Rebuilding the local economy following the easing of lockdown restrictions is a top priority for the borough council and we have already implemented a number of financial and promotional measures to help our businesses through these challenging times.

“While there remains a high level of uncertainty about what the future holds, the Economic Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “The measures detailed in the Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan are an opportunity for the town to come back from the Covid-19 pandemic even stronger with additional support and funding for new businesses and entrepreneurs.

"Despite these being challenging times, the future also holds very exciting opportunities for growth and jobs in the borough holding true to the town’s promise as a great place to live, work and invest.

"The Economic Recovery Plan is very much a case of business as usual – onwards and upwards for Chesterfield.”

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