Opening of new offices on part of Chesterfield roundabout delayed

The building, on part of the Donut roundabout, will provide 32 offices over three floors.

MORE: Government body raises concerns about new plans for Chesterfield Hotel site

It had been expected to open this summer but Chesterfield Borough Council has now said its ‘target date’ is late-autumn.

Workers being told to isolate during the pandemic is one of the reasons for the delay in the centre’s launch.

A borough council spokesperson told the Derbyshire Times: “Work on the construction of the new enterprise centre is well advanced.

“Most of the building is now complete and the council will be gaining access shortly to get the space ready to welcome tenants.

“We have had a good level of interest in the new state-of-the-art offices, including several firm reservations for space.

“There have been some unexpected delays waiting for utility connections and, like all construction sites, there has been additional pressure on supply chains for materials and in the scheduling of tasks – like all businesses, contractors have been impacted by staff having to isolate due to the Covid-19 track and trace system.”

They added: “We are really excited about the building and how it is taking shape – it is a fantastic new asset for the town and will support new and growing businesses in the borough looking for modern office space in a great location.

“Any businesses interested in finding out more about the centre should visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/northern-gateway-enterprise-centre or call 01246 345255.”

The centre promises to be a key element of the £19.9million Northern Gateway project.

The Northern Gateway development has already seen a new multi-storey car park open at Saltergate – and the first and second floors of the town’s old Co-op department store have been transformed into a Premier Inn hotel.

Businesses are still being sought for the units in the basement and ground floor of the prominent property on Elder Way.

The Northern Gateway scheme is also delivering ‘environmental street improvements’ around Elder Way and part of Knifesmithgate in a bid to to enhance this part of the town centre and make it more pedestrian friendly.

MORE: Concern over destruction of Derbyshire woodland after heavy machinery spotted 'tearing down' trees

Support your Derbyshire Times by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/subscriptions