Chesterfield has welcomed two major retailers to the town in the space of just one week. Toys r’ Us opened its doors on Thursday (20th October) and on the same day, Debenhams confirmed it is to have a store on the Ravenside Retail Park.
The new 62,000 square foot Debenhams store will be located on the old Focus unit and is expected to open in autumn 2012. As part of the development there will be improvements made to the entrances and pedestrian crossing points into the Ravenside Retail Park.
Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “Attracting major retailers such as Debenhams and Toys r’ Us is a great achievement for Chesterfield and a significant step forward in our ambition to attract inward investment and create jobs for local people. It’s further evidence that Chesterfield is bouncing back and with the Market Hall and Northern Gateway still to come we’ve an exciting time ahead for the town.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “This is fantastic news for Chesterfield and reflects the strength of the retail sector within the town and the fact that we are an attractive destination for investors and visitors. We only have around 5% of our shops vacant which, compared to a national average of 13%, is exceptional for a town our size.”
Rob Hadfield, Head of Property at Debenhams said: “The Ravenside Retail Park is an ideal location for us. It’s within the town centre shopping area and close to the major road routes coming into Chesterfield.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming local residents to the store and reaching a wider audience from surrounding districts which I’m sure will have a positive impact on other retailers in the town.”
Source:Destination Chesterfield