This is what people think of plans to revitalise the Chesterfield Hotel site

Folk have had their say on plans to breathe new life into the Chesterfield Hotel site.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Last year, Chesterfield Borough Council approved proposals to demolish the former hotel building on Malkin Street.

Now, Whittam Cox Architects, acting as agents for the borough council and the prominent property’s owners Prestige Hotels (Midlands) Limited, have submitted plans to transform the site into offices.

The Chesterfield Hotel building.The Chesterfield Hotel building.
The Chesterfield Hotel building.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On the streets of Chesterfield town centre today, people were keen to give their views on the proposals.

Brian Richards, 69, of Newton, said: “It’s a grand old building and demolishing it might seem sad – but it can’t stay there in its current state.”

Susan Jackson, 68, from Pilsley, commented: “Pull the damn thing down!

“If this plan to build offices there goes ahead then it’ll be creating jobs – and that’s a good thing.”

Brian Richards.Brian Richards.
Brian Richards.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Julie Froggatt, 59, also from Pilsley, added: “I think it’s a good idea to knock it down and build offices there.

“It’s good to see regeneration at such an important site.”

Market trader David Mills, 53, said: “It was a grand building – I used to use the gym there – but it’s a sorry sight now.

“If they do build offices there, I just hope they fill them and they don’t end up being empty.”

Susan Jackson.Susan Jackson.
Susan Jackson.

Beverley Smith, of North Wingfield, who owns Nana B on Steeplegate, said: “Lots of people – including myself – have many happy memories of Chesterfield Hotel.

“It’s a landmark building and I’ll be sad to see it go.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ed Fordham, a Liberal Democrat councillor representing the Brockwell ward, added: “It’s a real shame and risks showing that the borough lacks vision and is not capable of a property conversion that maintain the existing frontage and Victorian style.

“It’s a retrograde step and is to be regretted.”

Julie Froggatt.Julie Froggatt.
Julie Froggatt.

Chesterfield Hotel, formerly the Station Hotel, opened in 1877 and closed in 2015, making it one of the town’s longest-running businesses.

It was due to go under the hammer in an online auction towards the end of 2018, but was withdrawn before the sale.