'Tremendously exciting': Ambitious regeneration plans for Chesterfield could create nearly 1,000 jobs

The HS2 Station Master Plan will be discussed by Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, with the document then set to go out to public consultation.

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According to the borough council, key proposals under the plan include:

- Creating development sites between the town centre and Chesterfield train station to ‘accommodate a mix of uses’ – possibly generating around 850 jobs

- A new public ‘boulevard’ for pedestrians and cyclists – including segregated cycle lanes – leading from the station to Corporation Street

- A new station link road between Brimington Road and Hollis Lane with improved public transport access

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “While only in the planning stage, the proposals are tremendously exciting for Chesterfield.

“They are further evidence that the borough council is moving forward during these challenging times and committed to creating a brighter future for everyone post-pandemic.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the borough council, insisted Chesterfield was ‘not standing still’ despite the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 crisis.

She added: “We’re pressing ahead with our £1billion growth programme and our HS2 Station Master Plan is a key element of this work.

“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.

“Our proposals also seek to harness the once-in-a-generation opportunity presented to our region by the HS2 project – a chance to cement Chesterfield’s position as a thriving place to invest and do business.”

Amid concerns that the eastern leg of HS2 – the high-speed rail line – could be delayed or even axed completely, Coun Gilby added: “It’s important to note that this plan can be delivered ahead of – and independently to – the national project if needed.”

Funding for proposed regeneration between Chesterfield town centre and the train station has been obtained by the borough council and Derbyshire County Council through both the Sheffield City Region and East Midlands local enterprise partnerships.

The borough council is expected to release more details about the public consultation next week.

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