No official statement from shopping centre owners about who the retailer is.

A prospective tenant is in line to take over the old Tesco store in Chesterfield’s Pavements Shopping Centre, the borough council has confirmed.

Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “Since Tesco moved out of the unit in The Pavements earlier this year, we have been in discussion with a great new prospective tenant to fill this space. We have been working incredibly hard with them to work through the sign-up process, and I’m delighted to say that we are in the final stages of talks with this excellent retailer.

Cllr Kate Sarvent is looking forward to announcing who the new tenant of the old Tesco store will be. | Contributed

placeholder image — Cllr Kate Sarvent is looking forward to announcing who the new tenant of the old Tesco store will be. | Contributed

“I’m really looking forward and excited to make the announcement within the coming weeks.”

The council, which owns the centre, has not released any information about who the prospective tenant is.

However, posts on social media suggest that Boyes will be relocating from Cavendish Street where the retailer has been trading for 12 years. Chesterfield, Past, Present and The Future posted on Facebook: “ Boyes moving into the old Tesco Express, Pavement Shopping Centre some time next year. All the staff have been told by head office.” Cherie Makepiece commented: “It is 100% moving, works are being carried out for us to take it over.”

Shirl Stew wrote: “Heard that from a Boyes employee beforeTesco left the Pavements and moved into a tiny two aisle store. Boyes would do so well as they sell some super things like paint, tools, books, ladies and gents clothes and shoes, sweets, arts and crafts, and pet food. They will benefit from the bigger footfall The Pavements has to offer. Roll on next year.”

The Derbyshire Tmes has asked Boyes whether it is relocating to The Pavements Shopping Centre but has yet to receive a reply.