Businesses welcome £1m boost for historic Chesterfield shopping quarter

Chesterfield Borough Council approved the inclusion of £709,716 Government Pride in Place funding towards The Shambles scheme within the council’s Capital Programme as agreed and overseen by the Chesterfield Town Board to deliver a three-year project.

The scheme aims to attract new businesses to take up vacant shop units, provide sensitive improvements to shop fronts and upper floor areas, introduce new lighting, seating, planting and signs, as well as a Building Improvement Grant and art displays.

Landlord Patrick Hopkins, of Chesterfield’s oldest pub Ye Royal Oak, at the heart of The Shambles, said: “We bought the pub in January, last year. The pub is wonderful on its own and it’s in an enclave in a small area which was a big part of what attracted us to the pub.

“We are delighted. It’s gone hand-in-hand with the Market Place [revamp scheme] being finished and we feel we are lucky to be here at this time.

“We had a meeting about the latest plans for The Shambles about a year ago and there are a few things that could really elevate it.

“It’s an old and historic area and people are really interested in it. Since we retained the pub we have been overwhelmed with how well it’s gone.

“The businesses around here seem to be doing pretty well. If anyone is looking for a shop unit they should take advantage of The Shambles.

“The businesses have done well that are here so it’s definitely doable. It’s a really good idea. The other shopkeepers are lovely too.”

The Shambles forms part of the Town Centre Conservation area and features a historic, narrow medieval street block and grid with alleyways between Chesterfield Market and Packers Row.

It boasts old timber-framed structures, independent shops as well as the Grade II listed Ye Royal Oak pub which has a documented history as an inn dating back to the 1700s while it is also believed to have been built on the site of a medieval Knights Templar rest house.

The Shambles runs from an entrance off the Market Square across the junction with Irongate and includes the Mid Shambles and Long Shambles alleyways before opening out on Packers Row.

The total value of the project is £1,085,716, according to the council, including £709,716 Pride of Place funding with the remaining £376,000 of funding to be provided through private sector match-funding from Building Improvement Grant Scheme applicants.

It aims to support the council’s ambition for growth set out in its Chesterfield Growth Strategy 2026 to 2030 to strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of town centres.

The Building Improvement Grant scheme will offer a one-off discretionary contribution to businesses to cover the costs of improvements so small to medium enterprises and charities could potentially benefit from an intervention rate of up to 60 per cent with a maximum contribution of £36,000.

National or regional operators could also benefit from a potential intervention rate of up to 50 per cent with a maximum contribution of £30,000 under the scheme.

A council spokesperson stated: “Like many town centres across the UK, Chesterfield is currently facing challenges because of changes in consumer behaviour that have led to a decline in footfall and consumer expenditure.

“The Shambles area has been impacted disproportionately by these changes, highlighted through persistent vacancies in commercial property within the area.

“There is also unused space available at the upper floor levels, which is not utilised for either commercial or residential purposes. These conditions have led to The Shambles not being the visitor destination that it could be, with investment needed in terms of the quality of place to ensure it remains attractive to shoppers and visitors to the area.”

The council originally helped secure £19.5m Government Pride in Place funding earlier in the year for new town centre projects between 2026 to 2036 which are being overseen by the independent Chesterfield Town Board including revitalising The Shambles.

Chesterfield Borough Council also previously secured nearly £20 million of Government Levelling Up regeneration funding towards improvements to the Market Place, Stephenson’s Memorial Hall, Chesterfield Museum, The Pomegranate Theatre, Corporation Street and New Square.

In addition, the council secured substantial investment in 2005 through a public realm scheme which it delivered to replace the area’s York stone flagstones.

Latest improvements with Pride in Place funding for The Shambles will fall under an Urban Design Plan and a Shopfront Design Guide to conserve the area’s distinctive character while addressing customers’ needs.

Meg Allcock, of the Nails With Meg salon, at The Shambles, said: “The money spent rightly could make it a smaller version of The Shambles, in York, and entice people into the town centre and preserve the history of The Shambles.

“I love this little shop and I hope to extend my lease longer and it’s perfect for what I need and I hope it carries on thriving. It’s a lovely community in The Shambles.”

The council has argued that heritage and conservation with regeneration projects protect local identity, boost economic growth, and promote sustainability.

A council spokesperson added: “Historic buildings and places give a town a unique character. Keeping these historic sites alive helps people feel proud of where they live and connect them to their community’s past.

“They create spaces for small shops, cafes, and creative businesses, which attract visitors and new jobs. By looking after our history while providing spaces for modern occupancy, we make sure towns grow in a smart and meaningful way.”

The council added that its latest scheme’s aim is to support tenants, property owners, designers, and decision-makers in maintaining and improving shop fronts in ways that respect the heritage of the area while supporting thriving modern businesses.

Laura Jo Owen, of Adorn jewellers, in The Shambles, said: “It means we are preserving The Shambles and making sure it’s here for another hundred years to make sure people can bring their children, and it’s about making sure it’s going to stay lively.”

Chesterfield’s Pride in Place regeneration plan has been compiled by the independent Chesterfield Town Board and it is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, as an accountable body, but all decisions about how Pride in Place funding is invested are made by the board.

Borough Council Leader, Cllr Tricia Gilby, said The Shambles is a ‘unique part of our town centre’ and is home to ‘incredible independent businesses’ and the council wants to help make these spaces more attractive and encourage more visitors.

Cllr Gilby added: “This project will ensure that the town centre remains an attractive place to visit and provides support to help tackle one of the issues that we know matters to our community.”

Chesterfield Town Board Chairperson, Dominic Staniforth, said the project reflects key priorities identified through engagement including making better use of vacant premises, creating a welcoming town centre and enhancing its historic feel.

Mr Staniforth added: “We funded this project because we want to work with businesses and provide the support they need to enhance their premises which will give them opportunities to attract more customers and grow their business.”