Visiting

Take part in Chesterfield’s family-friendly Halloween Fun Run for Ashgate Hospicecare

23rd October 2019

Local Martial Arts club, Unit 1, are sponsoring the Chesterfield Halloween Fun Run and Walk at Queen’s Park on Saturday October 26^th and are asking our local community to dress up and raise much-needed funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

Dave Cartawick, of Unit 1 Fitness & Marshall Arts, has been supporting the hospice for many years and knows the importance of giving back to the local community. Dave said, “This is the second year we will be sponsoring the Halloween Fun Run and the fourth year we will be sponsoring the Santa Fun Run. They’re absolutely amazing events and everyone has so much fun doing them! I love seeing hundreds of people dressed up at the start line knowing that every single person involved is helping a someone in need of hospice care.”

John Cannon of Cannon Events has worked closely with Dave in organising these unique events over the years. John said: “The care provided by Ashgate Hospicecare is second to none. You can’t ask for more for your family member or friend than to have compassionate and dignified care right to the end. I also know that the bereavement support they offer can be truly life-changing for those who have lost loved ones.”

“It’s a pleasure to be able to do what I love and put on these events that bring our community together for a great local cause. The Fun Runs gather momentum year on year, and the Halloween Fun Run in particular is great fun for all the family. The event is open to people of all ages and abilities and it’s not necessary to run at all if you don’t want to. There is a 1.5k and a 5k distance to choose from and the event will be fully marshalled for your safety.”

“Come and join us on Saturday 26th October from 5pm and dress up as your favourite scary character, run as a family, parent and child, a group of friends or just yourself if you’d like!”

To join the Unit 1 Chesterfield Halloween Fun Run and Walk 2019, or for more information, click here. All finishers will receive a commemorative medal, with an additional goody bag for children under 16.

If you would like to download a fundraising pack or sponsorship forms to start raising money for Ashgate Hospicecare, click here. Every penny raised will help to ensure that local people can access specialist support when the worst happens. If you’d like any help with your fundraising, the Ashgate Hospicecare Fundraising Team will be happy to help. Please get in touch on 01246 567250 or email fundraising@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

Note that this event is organised by Cannon Events in support of Ashgate Hospicecare and is not an Ashgate Hospicecare event.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Shortlist announced for Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

22nd October 2019

The shortlist has been announced for the 2019 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

Organised by the area’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, the awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector.

Finalists have been shortlisted across 11 categories celebrating different aspects of the visitor economy – from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Categories also champion accessible and sustainable tourism, highlighting businesses who are setting an inspirational and influential example.

Shortlisted businesses will be mystery-shopped and rigorously-judged by an expert panel, with the winners announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.

All Gold award winners will be presented with a luxury engraved award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the area’s best tourism businesses.

In a further boost, Gold award winners from each category will also automatically progress into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Congratulations to our shortlisted businesses, who have successfully reached the final stage of our search for the best of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism industry.”

“We’re proud to be shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area, who are a great reflection of the quality and vitality of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire.”

“We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony next year.”

Chris Sellors, Managing Director of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, said: “As a manufacturing business that is passionate about delivering success and promoting our wonderful area, C W Sellors is delighted to be once again working with the team at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire to deliver a unique design and production of their local business awards.”

Click here to find out more.

The Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
Hope Cross Cottage at Vicarage Farm, Wheston

B&B and Guest House of the Year

Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
Underleigh House, Hope

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

Hayfield Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley

Experience of the Year

Acclimbatize Ltd
Live for the Hills Ltd
Pure Outdoor Ltd

Hotel of the Year

CASA Hotel, Chesterfield
Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, Chesterfield
The Peacock at Rowsley

New Tourism Business Award

myGuidedWalks Ltd
Tagg Lane Dairy Ltd, Monyash
White Peak Distillery, Ambergate

Pub of the Year

Rowley’s at the Prince of Wales Village Pub & Restaurant, Baslow
The Devonshire Arms, Beeley
The Royal Oak, Hurdlow

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

Ashford Mill, Ashford-in-the-Water
Peak District Holidays Ltd, Matlock Bath
Peak Venues – Redhurst Barn, Wetton

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire

Fischer’s Baslow Hall
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Visitor Attraction of the Year

Chatsworth
Haddon Hall
Matlock Farm Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Using social media to show what Chesterfield has to offer

18th October 2019

In a political climate where Brexit seems to be dominating the headlines and creating economic uncertainty, I am pleased to report that Chesterfield continues to buck the trend.

And nowhere was this more evident than at the recent Chesterfield Investment Summit held at Casa Hotel.

We’re boasting some of the biggest developments in the region, including Markham Vale, HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort, and this feels the tip of the iceberg. There is huge opportunity for Chesterfield’s high street.

In a room packed with members of the business community, we heard how the regeneration of our high street is taking shape. Excitingly, footfall at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has increased by 36% over the last six months thanks to their use of social media.

I was stunned to hear that we are spending an average of 136 minutes a day scrolling through 300 feet of content on our phones. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV. While I don’t think I fall into this category, my adult children definitely do.

There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years which has been driven by our use of social media. But, as always, Chesterfield is ahead of the game. The town and its retailers are using their social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram, to engage with people and draw them not just to their business but to the town in general.

Partnership and collaboration have been at the heart of the town’s marketing campaign since we launched Destination Chesterfield in 2010. It’s reaping rewards for everyone – investors, residents, businesses and visitors. But there is still room for improvement.

If you are active on social media, then consider using it to help Chesterfield grow further. The next time you’re visiting Chesterfield town centre, ‘check in’ online to the businesses you visit. If you’ve had good service, leave them a review on their social media pages or on TripAdvisor. Share pictures of the many town centre events, food and drinks and tag Chesterfield in your post.

With a smart phone and a social media account at your fingertips, you can become an unofficial but valued member of the Chesterfield marketing campaign.

Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and the more people that know this will drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to help our high street to not only survive but thrive.

If you want to keep up-to-date with all the developments, news and events in Chesterfield on social media, then you can on Twitter (@chesterfielduk), Instagram (@chesterfielduk) and Facebook.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane offers shoppers a right howl this Halloween

14th October 2019

Visitors to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre should prepare themselves for a right howl this Halloween as the Centre celebrates the spookiest night of the year on Saturday 26^th October.

Families are invited to come down and meet Good Witch Gertrude and Bad Witch Brenda at Vicar Lane and take their pick of a great variety of FREE pumpkins from their petrifying pumpkin patch.

Visitors will then have the chance to draw out their creepiest carving design on a template to take away and carve out on their pumpkin at home. The event runs from 11am – 4pm but visitors wishing to take away a FREE pumpkin are encouraged to turn up early to get the pick of the patch! Click here to find out more.

Vicar Lane is also offering customers the chance to celebrate with a special screening of Disney’s COCO at Vicar Lane, in partnership with Bluebird North Events on Saturday 26th October.

Doors open at 1pm for spooky face painting and the film starts at 2pm. Film-goers will find a trick or treat popcorn station, manned by two day of the dead characters in keeping with the theme of the film. They’ll be serving up popcorn and sweets for customers to enjoy throughout the film (subject to availability). Click here to find out more.

Both events take place near CEX.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “Halloween is an increasingly popular annual event across all age groups so we are really excited to be celebrating it with these two fantastic events. We look forward to welcoming families to the Centre in the approach to Halloween to join the celebrations!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

University of Derby and Chatsworth team up to measure stately home’s economic impact

11th October 2019

The University of Derby has been commissioned by one of the country’s most popular stately homes to measure its economic impact after agreeing a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) initiative with Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire’s Peak District.

The partnership aims to provide the team at Chatsworth with the skills needed to accurately assess the effect that the estate, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and its commercial activities have on the region.

Under the terms of the partnership, the University will recruit a graduate associate with the required level of economic expertise in business analytics to work on the project for a two-year period. During their time working with Chatsworth, the KTP recruit will introduce and embed knowledge into their practice and processes.

The graduate associate, supported by two economics academics from the University of Derby – Dr Nicola Lynch and Melanie Powell – will create mechanisms for data collection and measurement to make it possible for the economic impact work to be done in-house, rather than having to hire external consultants, which has been done in the past.

Professor Carley Foster, Head of the University of Derby’s Centre for Business Improvement, is overseeing the initiative.

She said: “This is a really exciting project and a wonderful opportunity for the graduate that we recruit. Using their expertise, they will enable staff at Chatsworth to learn how they can measure the economic impact of its commercial activity in a standardised way. The task will be to develop data collection tools and templates, complete with user guides, which staff at Chatsworth can use to support their changing needs in the future.”

“This has the benefit of enhancing the skills and knowledge of current employees, something which can’t be gained by hiring external consultants. As well as aiding the professional development of the staff, it will help Chatsworth to evaluate its activity in-house all year round, which will give its staff greater control and ownership of that process.”

Andrew Lavery, Chief Executive of the Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Everyone at Chatsworth is very aware of the fact that our future is intrinsically linked to the future of our local communities, employees, visitors, suppliers and partners. This awareness has been the driving force behind a new initiative called Our Commitment to Our Shared Future, which details 10 goals we will deliver over the next 10 years, including doubling the benefit to local economies from our organisations.”

“The insight that this partnership with the University of Derby will bring will be invaluable in helping us deliver this goal, and will provide the team at Chatsworth with new skills to make more informed decisions for the benefit of the Chatsworth House Trust charity, and our local communities, for many years to come. It is also an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the relationship we have with the University.”

The University of Derby signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust in 2018, pledging to work more closely together.
The University’s Chancellor is Lord William Burlington, son of the current Duke of Devonshire, who had himself been Chancellor for more than a decade before stepping down.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that our long and fruitful relationship with Chatsworth and the Devonshire Educational Trust includes initiatives such as this Knowledge Transfer Partnership. To work together in practical ways was at the heart of our strategic partnership agreement.

“Our solution-focused approach is proving successful and we are delighted to have been selected to work with one of the premier tourism businesses in the country.

“Not only will this project provide valuable insights to Chatsworth and its staff, but it will provide a superb opportunity for the successful graduate to work alongside one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations with the support of University of Derby academics.”

The deadline for applications for the graduate associate post is Wednesday 16 October. Click here for more information about the project and applying for the post.

Image Credit: Chatsworth House Trust

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Elder Way becomes Chesterfield Champion

11th October 2019

Pledging its continued support to Chesterfield town centre, Jomast Developments, the company behind the multi-million-pound regeneration of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way, has become a Chesterfield Champion.

Jomast’s Elder Way project is now one of more than 180 champions who are helping to drive development of the local economy and raise the profile of the town.

Welcoming Elder Way to the Champions’ line up, Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Elder Way is a pivotal site in Chesterfield that is helping transform the town’s Northern Gateway. I’m delighted to welcome the scheme onboard as a Champion showing that the town is a great place to not only live and work but also invest.”

Since investing in Chesterfield in 2016, Jomast has spent millions transforming the top two floors of the four storey building into a Premier Inn hotel, breathing life into the town’s famous 1930s, Mock-Tudor building and helping create more than 20 new jobs.

Further jobs are set to be created in the town as the basement and ground floor of Elder Way will be developed into restaurant and leisure space.

Part of the Destination Chesterfield campaign, the Chesterfield Champions scheme is funded through support from local businesses and Chesterfield Borough Council which has worked closely with Jomast to regenerate Elder Way.

Mark Hill (right), Commercial Property Director at Jomast Developments, added: “Since investing in Chesterfield we continue to be impressed by the public and private approach to helping the town reach its potential. It is very much a joint effort that is reaping rewards in terms of attracting investment to the town and we’re delighted that Elder Way is able to play a role in this.”

Elder Way is an integral part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Northern Gateway Scheme which includes the new multi-storey car park on Saltergate. Work will also begin on a new enterprise centre for small to medium sized businesses on part of the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

For more details about the development, including available units and business space at Elder Way, click here.

Click here to find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield sees increase in visitor economy

11th October 2019

Chesterfield has seen an increase in the visitor economy of more than five per cent in the last year.

New figures released by Global Tourism Solutions show that tourism in the borough accounted for £184.1 million in 2018 – an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2017.

Each year Chesterfield sees 3.7 million visitors.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are all aware that Chesterfield is a wonderful place to visit and it seems the secret is out.”

“The visitor economy is important for Chesterfield, with so many visitors coming to see our attractions, staying in our hotels, eating in restaurants and cafés and spending in our shops and businesses.”

As well as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the borough is also home to popular attractions including Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House, the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and award winning parks including Queen’s Park, all owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.

In addition there is Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

A planning application has recently been submitted by David Lloyd for Adrenaline World, a visitor attraction at the Peak Resort development at Unstone.

Click here to find out more about leisure in Chesterfield

Click here to see our list of great places to visit in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Celebrity chef in town to host Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

9th October 2019

One of Britain’s much loved and well-known chefs, Brian Turner CBE, will be in town on Wednesday 23 October, when he hosts the sell-out 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the awards ceremony, which is now in its seventh year, recognises the crème de la crème of Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, which includes being one the first chefs on the long running TV programme, Ready Steady Cook, Brian is well-placed to announce the winners of 15 categories at the awards.

Looking forward to the ceremony, Brian commented: “I am delighted to host the seventh annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. It is very encouraging to see these awards not only recognising established businesses, but also up and coming young chefs and apprentices who are the future of this wonderful industry. I am looking forward to being in the company of so many people who share my passion.”

A total of 39 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted across 15 categories, with Bottle & Thyme hoping to retain its coveted title of Restaurant of the Year for a second year running. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, which is being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

On the night, the 260 guests will be welcomed with a selection of canapes served by hospitality and catering students from Chesterfield College, as well as enjoying a delicious two-course meal incorporating local produce – from Derbyshire Bakewell Tart to Dovedale Blue Cheese.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Bottle & Thyme
Ciuri Ciuri Restaurant
Lombardi’s Restaurant

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier Group

The Lilypad Café
H&F Vintage Tea Rooms
Qoozies

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

The Market Pub
The Rectory
The Red Lion at Peak Edge Hotel

Pub/Bar of the Year

Pump & Grind
The Rose & Crown
The Three Horseshoes

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Afat’s Grill
Pig & Pump
Sorbo Lounge

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme
Junction Bar
The Lilypad Café

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Horse & Jockey, Wessington
Orangery Restaurant, Darley Dale
Southgate Brasserie at Van Dyk by Wildes, Clowne

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Cocina at Casa Hotel
Delhi 41
O-Tokuda

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

The Bulls Head, Holymoorside
Chesters
The Six Halts, Clay Cross

Conference Venue of the Year

Casa Hotel
Chatsworth House
Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Jake Parkin
Sophia Johnson
Callum Fitzpatrick

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Edge Events Management Ltd

Crooked Pickle Co
Derbyshire Distillery
Moss Valley Fine Meats

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Denny Pearson
Donna McMahon
Stuart Mcardle

Apprentice Employer of the Year – sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa
Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House
The Tickled Trout

Chesterfield Food Hero – sponsored by Casa Hotel

To be announced at the ceremony

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Franklins & Sons, Magnifica, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd) and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

For more information about the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Half Marathon Road Closures and Parking Restrictions announced

3rd October 2019

This year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 20 October 2019, starting at 9.30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. All the Chesterfield Half Marathon road closures and parking restrictions have now been announced.

More information about the Chesterfield Half Marathon

View the routes of the Chesterfield Half Marathon and 5 mile Run

In accordance with traffic authority regulations for Derbyshire County Council, an order has been made prohibiting and restricting the use of certain roads and road junctions by vehicles in order to facilitate the safe holding of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

The event will require the closure of roads and road junctions, car parking restrictions as well as the suspension of a number of Traffic Regulation Orders between 04:00 until 16:00 on Sunday 20^th October 2019.

A full list of closures, including approximate times, is provided below.

The organisers would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your support of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE CHESTERFIELD HALF MARATHON 2019

PARKING RESTRICTIONS FOR THE CHESTERFIELD HALF MARATHON 2019

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is pleased to be working in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the 3^rd annual Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Two elements of A61 Corridor Scheme secure D2N2 funding

1st October 2019

Two projects to improve transport links through the A61 Growth Corridor Scheme will now benefit from D2N2 funding.

The Sustainable Transport project has been awarded £1.69 million from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund of the total £2.12 million cost whilst 21st Century Transport’s £3.75 million total cost will benefit from £3 million Local Growth Fund injection.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan said of the news: “Creating strong and faster transport links across the north of our region are key to helping the economy of our region grow, particularly with work on the nearby North-Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone continuing at pace.”

“D2N2 has a strong commitment to clean growth and maintaining our natural assets, therefore I’m delighted that the projects we’ve funded as part of the A61 Growth Corridor will make it easier for local people to cycle to work as well and help make the air they breathe cleaner.”

With a number of significant residential and employment developments proposed within the corridor including Peak Resort and the Avenue, both projects form part of the larger Transport Mitigation Strategy for the area and aim to improve the resilience of the local transport network.

A more resilient transport network will lead to additional investment in the area including more employment opportunities and a greater number of homes, allowing the area to become more productive, more prosperous, and more inclusive.

This package of measures will provide infrastructure improvements and reduce commuter journey times, provide sustainable transport routes, and also ‘unlock’ further opportunities for major housing and employment growth along the A61 corridor through Chesterfield and into north-east Derbyshire.

Furthermore, as part of D2N2s commitment to clean growth, the improvements to the transport network will prioritise active travel, cycling, and pedestrianisation through new and upgraded paths and cycle routes.

Once works are complete in 2021, residents and local businesses will also benefit from a technology package which will include bus real-time information for bus passengers, car parking guidance and information, and CCTV.

The ‘A61 corridor’ into and through Chesterfield was among the first of D2N2’s named Growth Deal projects.

In addition to The Sustainable Transport and 21st Century Transport projects, the A61 Corridor scheme also includes 3 additional elements: The Chesterfield Station Masterplan, The Avenue Southern Access, and Clowne North projects.

Each element of the plan will be accessed by the D2N2 Investment Board ahead of any final decision on funding allocation.

D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It has been allocated more than £250m in LGF funding from the Government, to part-fund infrastructure projects which directly help its area’s economy and create jobs.

Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. By 2021 Government will have invested over £12billion through the Local Growth Fund, allowing Local Enterprise Partnerships to use their local knowledge to stimulate economic growth across the country.

Local Growth Minister Jake Berry said of the project securing funding: “This Government is committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and throughout the UK as we leave the EU on October 31.

“Supporting the development of a more resilient transport network is just one of the ways that the Government helps local communities to thrive. The Local Growth Fund’s £4.69 million investment will drive economic development within the area – tackling traffic congestion, improving air quality and enabling greener transport choices”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Independent giftware and home décor store to open at Vicar Lane

26th September 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is delighted to announce the opening of a brand new independent giftware and home décor store, ‘Shop Indie’ at the centre on 1^st October.

The ethos of Shop Indie is to showcase fabulous products from independent makers and designers from across the UK.

The collection includes unique handmade jewellery, stationery, prints & art plus baby & child décor, cards for every occasion and a selection of gifts available to personalise.

Lisa from Shop Indie said, “As an independent maker myself, I have been constantly impressed by the talent and creativity of people from across the UK. After being in business the last 10 years, John and myself have seen a massive shift towards online shopping which we have so far embraced. However, nothing beats being able to see the detail and work that goes into every product in person, and we wanted to bring this back to the high street.”

Lisa added: “Chesterfield has a lovely range of independent shops already, and we feel that the town would be a great fit for us. We look forward to giving the people of Chesterfield the opportunity to discover something a little different on their high street.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “Shop Indie really does offer our customers something special on their visit into Chesterfield. As the high street only continues to face increasing pressures from the rise of online shopping, it’s imperative that we offer our customers a unique and high quality shopping offer, which stores like ‘Shop Indie’ provide.”

The addition of ‘Shop Indie’ to Vicar Lane brings a high-quality, exclusive product offering to the heart of Chesterfield, offering customers greater choice when shopping for a special gift or new addition for their home.

Click here to find out more about town centre shopping

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting