Nostalgia can’t stand in the way of transforming our town

The views around what should happen to the former Chesterfield Hotel building, as well as the site on which it sits, seem to have divided opinion in the town.
Chesterfield Hotel.Chesterfield Hotel.
Chesterfield Hotel.

There is no doubt that the structure is a landmark piece of architecture and it occupies a key part of the town.

Let’s face it, it’s the first thing that any visitor casts their eye over when they step off the train and past that statue of railway pioneer Gerorge Stephenson. And, let’s be honest, it’s not much of a first impression, is it?

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In its current state, the hotel feels ramshackled, run down and nothing like the image we’d like visitors to have of us on their first trip to Chesterfield.

Many people have suggested that the building should be retained and repurposed for a new use.

I’ve heard some really innovative ideas for the former hotel – including using it as a hostel for the homeless or converting it into a shopping centre for pop-up and boutique outlets much like Affleck’s in Manchester.

The problem with converting the existing building is: who is going to take on the project and pay for it?

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The council, quite rightly, gets a kicking for the decisions it makes when it gets things wrong, but it amazes me the power which some people think our local authorities have.

Although councillors may have some role in setting out the types of developments allowed, they can’t make certain businesses invest here or insist that a particular shop moves into the town centre – nor can they decide what companies should spend their money on.

What is certain, is that a long run-down part of the town could be totally transformed in the next decade or so.

Parts of the ambitious Waterside development are already taking shape and the finished scheme, which will include new shops and offices around Basin Square will breathe new life into the area around the station.

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Should HS2 get the go ahead, there’s the chance to create a new transport hub integrating the railway station.

Perhaps the Chesterfield Hotel site could be incorporated into the plans – but we can’t let nostalgia stand in the way of this brilliant opportunity to reinvent the town centre.