Green light for Chesterfield’s Enterprise Centre
The transformation of Chesterfield town centre has taken another significant step forward as plans for a new enterprise centre have been given the go ahead.
The proposals, developed by Whittam Cox Architects on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council, will see the new centre built on part of the site of Holywell Cross car park and form a vital part of the Northern Gateway.
The new centre will help meet demand for office space to house start up and growing small business and support the council’s existing innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton Park.
When complete, the three-storey building will comprise 32 offices to suit a range of start-up and small companies; two meeting rooms; a reception and shared lobby area; facilities for staff working in the building including kitchenettes, break out spaces, showers and a bicycle store.
Andrew Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects commented, “We are delighted that the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre will soon be breaking ground bringing a contemporary commercial offer to Chesterfield. This development is a great example of how a forward-thinking Local Authority can take hold of its own direction and positively influence change and investment in our town centres. I have no doubt this development will act as a catalyst for further development and opportunities for the town.”
Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “These plans are a vital piece of the jigsaw in the Northern Gateway scheme and we know from the enquiries we get from start-up businesses how much this type of office space is needed in a town centre location.”
Works are due to start next month and will take a year to complete.
Local businesses looking for space at the new enterprise centre should contact Chesterfield Borough Council’s economic development team by calling (01246) 345255.
The Northern Gateway project is funded by a Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund grant of £5.83 million with Chesterfield Borough Council contributing £6.5 million.
