OPINION: Homes needed in the heart of town

Artist's impression of how the redeveloped Co-op store will look

It feels like it's been empty for ages, but work is now finally poised to start on redeveloping the former Co-Op site on Elder Way.

The store was such a key part of the town centre for so long, it’s disappearance seemed unthinkable. Like Woolworths.

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But as work is poised to start on the multi-million-pound flagship development, just across the road the closed signs have gone up. The historic Victoria Centre is shutting down after almost 100 years of trading .

MORE ON THIS: END OF AN ERA: Mystery surrounds closure of Chesterfield’s Victoria Centre

It’s the way of life that new things come and old things pass away, but it’s still sad when they do - especially for a place that holds such memories for people.

As the decision to close was made by the private owner of the building, there’s little that could be done to prevent this.

But it’s vital that such a key resource is not left empty for long. What every UK town centre needs is more people living in it all the time - not leaving it’s streets empty when the shops shut.

Converting this building into flats could begin to really transform the heart of our town.

PHIL BRAMLEY, editor

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