Near half-year-long demolition of old Derbyshire Times' buildings begins

Heavy demolition machinery moves in on the old Derbyshire Times' buildings. Picture by Anne Shelley.

Excavators are currently at the scene on Station Road in Chesterfield are workmen are clearing out old offices.

The demolition work is expected to be completed by May 30.

Planning documents state Cordwell Properties LLP intends to create more car parking spaces at the site after the work has taken place.

MEMORIES: Derbyshire Times’ staff past and present remember old Station Road buildings ahead of demolition

One of the buildings on the site – which used to be the offices for editorial and commercial staff – has been redeveloped into the headquarters for Heathcotes Group, a provider of residential care homes. This will not be knocked down.

The building which formerly housed the printing presses and another building which was used as offices will be demolished.

Station Road was the Derbyshire Times’ home for 100 years.

Over that century, thousands of people from Chesterfield and surrounding areas worked at the premises in a wide variety of roles.

The multimedia publisher relocated to new offices at Spire Walk in Chesterfield in June 2013.

A spokesman for Derbyshire County Council – which is responsible for highways – said Mill Street and Station Road would be closed between Corporation Street and Spa Lane between next Monday and May 30 to facilitate the demolition work.

A council spokesman said: “A diversion will be in place and access will be maintained, wherever reasonably possible, on the affected length of road.

“The road will reopen as soon as the work is finished – this may be earlier than May 30.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused while the work takes place.”