These prominent Chesterfield town centre buildings could be turned into flats

More housing could be coming to the heart of Chesterfield as the town centre continues to evolve.
Keep checking our website for the latest news.Keep checking our website for the latest news.
Keep checking our website for the latest news.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received planning applications to transform two vacant buildings into a total of 21 flats.

The first application involves the former county court on St Mary’s Gate.

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Grindleford-based County Developments (Bakewell) Ltd wants to turn the prominent property - which was vacated in 2016 - into 12 apartments over two floors.

Chesterfield's former county court on St Mary's Gate.Chesterfield's former county court on St Mary's Gate.
Chesterfield's former county court on St Mary's Gate.

One car parking space within the rear courtyard would be allocated to each apartment.

In a statement on behalf of the applicant, Chesterfield-based 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.

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

87 New Square.87 New Square.
87 New Square.

Meanwhile, Wingerworth-based Leverton UK Ltd is seeking planning permission to convert 87 New Square - which is opposite Subway - into nine apartments.

The company said in a statement: “The building is Grade II-listed and currently starting to look run down and neglected.

“Our intention is to develop this building while mainatining its heritage and being sympathetic to its many traditional details.

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“We understand the importance of owning a building such as this and our love for architecture and history makes us ideal for a project on such an important structure.”

The property - which has a car park at the rear - was the boyhood home of Thomas Secker, a doctor, priest and Archbishop of Canterbury between 1758 and 1768, according to Chesterfield Civic Society.

'Housing ensures that the heart of town remains a lively place'The plans come as a number of housing developments are set for Chesterfield town centre.

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Earlier this year, councillors passed proposals to transform the town’s former magistrates’ court into 32 apartments.

The Grade II-listed building, which is situated between Rose Hill and West Bars, has been empty for nearly 10 years and become a magnet for crime.

In addition, the authority has given the go-ahead for 10 apartments to be created on the first and second floors of the old Post Office building on Market Place - and North East Derbyshire District Council's former headquarters on Saltergate will be demolished to make way for 64 retirement homes.

Meanwhile, work is underway to transform the currently vacant first and second floors of 1-3 Knifesmithgate into 10 apartments.

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Councillor Steve Brunt, the council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, previously told the Derbyshire Times: “Having housing in the town centre ensures that the heart of town remains a lively place. It brings footfall to the shops and businesses in the town which helps to secure the future of those businesses that are surviving and thriving despite the impact of the internet.

“It also enables town centres to become more of a day and night location, with the extra people in the town centre helping to support restaurants, theatres, cinemas and other leisure activities in the evenings.”