Chesterfield residents encouraged to share opinions in 4 week consultation on ambitious regeneration plans

People in Chesterfield are being asked to share their opinions on the council’s new regeneration plans to transform the town centre and the train station, which were approved yesterday.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Residents living in Chesterfield are encouraged to voice their opinion on the proposals to ‘create a vibrant gateway’ in North Derbyshire, between the train station and town centre –which should create around 850 new, local jobs.

Chesterfield councillors approved the HS2 Station Master Plan in a cabinet meeting yesterday and the regeneration proposals are now subject to a four week public consultation from February 8 to March 8 to ensure residents, businesses, train passengers and visitors to the town can have their say.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

People can view the plans in through a virtual exhibition of the development of the area which aims to ‘make the most’ of the High Speed Rail link in Chesterfield and give their views on the plans online due to current Covid-19 restrictions.

An artist's impression of the plans to transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Train Station.An artist's impression of the plans to transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Train Station.
An artist's impression of the plans to transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Train Station.

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council Tricia Gilby said: “Despite the challenging economic times posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Chesterfield is not standing still and we’re pressing ahead with our £1 billion growth programme – carving out a prosperous future for our borough, while creating jobs and homes for local people.

“Our HS2 Station Master Plan is a key element of this work and we’re now asking for local people, businesses, train passengers and visitors to give us their views to help shape the future of our town.

“We want to create a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire and the Peak District, to better connect this key site to our town centre, and to bring unused and underused land back to life for the benefit of local people.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The proposals also have sustainability at their heart – setting out infrastructure improvements to support cycling, walking and better access for public transport.”

The masterplan includes a new station link road between Brimington Road and Hollis Lane, with improved public transport access and new development plots to accommodate a mix of uses which could provide 850 new jobs.

There will also be a new public ‘boulevard’ for pedestrians and cyclists leading from the station to Corporation Street and the A61 on-slip road will be closed.

The existing A61 footbridge between the station area and Corporation Street will be replaced with a wider bridge, while a segregated cycle lane will be created along with a ‘transport hub’ including a new multi-storey car park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More trees could be planted under the plans, as well as a new station forecourt which will be erected for buses, coaches and taxis.

A continuous cycle link is also planned to run from the Hollis Lane area through to Crow Lane under the new plans.

Councillor Gilby added: “This is a flagship plan for our borough’s future, and we’re keen to hear the views of as many people as possible.

"Their input will help shape the final version of the Master Plan, which will be used to drive forward regeneration in the town centre.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Funding for the transformation plans has been obtained by the borough council and Derbyshire County Council through the Sheffield City Region and East Midlands Local Economic Partnerships.

To access the consultation which opens on Monday, February 8, click here.

Residents can request hard copies of the documents by calling 01246 959707.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.