‘Stunning’ apartments coming to Chesterfield as old court building is transformed

New life is being breathed into the prominent St Mary’s Gate building, which has been vacant for around five years.

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Grindleford-based County Developments (Bakewell) Ltd is turning the property into 14 apartments.

Company director Donald Clapham said: “We are three months away from launching them on the market to rent.

“There are some stunning apartments with a variety of sizes all with parking.”

Mr Clapham invited the Derbyshire Times to take a look around the properties when the development is completed.

In a statement submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council when the planning application was lodged, Mitchell Proctor Architects said: “These apartments would provide much-needed accommodation within the town centre and bring a positive use for a fine building as well as economic benefits for the town.

“These proposals, while giving a new lease of life through a different use, will preserve the building for years to come.

“We believe the proposed use is acceptable in principle and would make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

In recent years, a number of buildings in Chesterfield town centre have been transformed into housing.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick recently said ‘we are witnessing a profound reshaping of our towns and high streets’ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

He told the House of Commons: “We need to ensure we get more housing into our town centres.

“That’s the way we’ll drive footfall and we’ll turn empty shops into thriving homes.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said town centre living has ‘long been a priority for Chesterfield’.

“The conversion of a number of commercial buildings into homes is already well under way, including the former law courts, Burlington House and 87 New Square to name just a few,” he said.

“Increasing the residential offering in the town is just one part of the strategy to ensure Chesterfield thrives once again.

"The new office accommodation which is under construction at both Elder Way and Chesterfield Waterside will also help increase footfall and the vibrancy of our town centre.”

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