'It is fantastic news that Tesco has committed to retaining a presence within Chesterfield town centre'
A leading borough councillor has welcomed Tesco’s move to a new store in the heart of Chesterfield and reassured tenants in the Pavements Shopping Centre, where the supermarket giant will shut up shop, on its strategy to maintain footfall.
Tesco Express will launch its new outlet on High Street in late spring, following the closure of its existing store in the Pavements Shopping Centre. The supermarket giant said workers have the option to transfer to the new store or others nearby and there will be no compulsory redundancies. The consultation process is still ongoing.
A date for the closure of the Tesco store in the Pavements centre has not yet been released to the public.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is fantastic news that Tesco has committed to retaining a presence within Chesterfield town centre, as is the fact that the new store represents a new start for the former Marks and Spencer store, which sits in a prime location fronting on to the newly renovated market square.
“Whilst we are sorry to see Tesco leave the Pavements Shopping Centre, the company’s decision provides the council with an exciting opportunity, working alongside strategic asset manager Milligan, to explore a wide range of possibilities for the future use of their unit.
“Of particular importance will be how we look to sustain footfall and positive trading conditions for the shopping centre’s other tenants pending any decisions on how the former Tesco unit might be re-purposed.”
The council appointed real estate business Milligan in the early part of 2025 with a view to revitalising the indoor shopping centre where income had been lower than expected. Council leader Cllr Tricia Gilby said at the time: “Currently the Pavements centre is well let and a key part of our town centre, but we need to look to the future and ensure this continues.
"Milligan’s work will not impact our existing tenants but should help attract more tenants and visitors which will benefit businesses currently based in the centre.”
Tenants occupying big units in the Pavements include Boots and TG Jones, the latter also houses the Post Office.
On Facebook Glyn Cooke said: “When using the present Tesco you can take your shopping into the lift straight down for buses or taxi or go straight over to the car park. At the new one you will have to cart your shopping over the cobbles.”
Eleanor Serafina Unwin added: “Supermarket site would make a great ice skating rink.”