'Issues' need resolving before Chesterfield Co-op development can begin

Issues need to be resolved before work can start on a major project to transform Chesterfield's former Co-op building.
How the development could look. Picture submitted.How the development could look. Picture submitted.
How the development could look. Picture submitted.

The £10.5million development will see the Elder Way site turned into a budget hotel, six restaurants and a health and fitness centre.

Developers say work will start 'imminently' after unspecified 'issues' are solved.

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So far, it has been confirmed that an 89-bedroom Premier Inn hotel and Beefeater restaurant will form part of the eagerly-anticipated scheme.

Discussions are still underway with other potential occupiers.

The Co-op building has been empty since July 2013.

Central England Co-operative, which still owns the landmark building, is working with Jomast Developments Ltd to transform it - while still retaining many of its original features.

Adam Hearld, development director at Jomast Developments Ltd, said today: "In short, work will commence imminently.

"We are just concluding some issues regarding the process."

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Mr Hearld previously said that work was due to start in May and would take up to 18 months.

He added: "This is a hugely important and exciting opportunity to revitalise a significant landmark building and create a vibrant leisure destination in the heart of Chesterfield town centre."

Meanwhile, Nicholas Johnston, acquisitions manager for Premier Inn, said last year: "We are delighted to be taking an 89-bedroom hotel and Beefeater restaurant as part of the forthcoming Elder Way development in Chesterfield.

"Chesterfield is an excellent location and, as well as attracting new visitors to the area, the new hotel will deliver fresh investment and create 60 new jobs for the local area."

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The Co-op development is part of the revised Northern Gateway masterplan.

A recent online poll by the Derbyshire Times revealed that 70 per cent of respondents believe the Co-op development will help revitalise that area of the town.

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