Chesterfield retail news Archives - Destination Chesterfield

We Are Spaces Ltd expands commercial property portfolio with acquisition of high street property

5th June 2024

A prominent building in the heart of Chesterfield’s retail centre is set to undergo extensive refurbishment after its acquisition by the Commercial Interior Design and Build company We Are Spaces.

The three-storey property, located alongside the old Marks & Spencer building, spans an impressive 3,355 sq ft and features independent pedestrian access to the upper two floors.

Having acquired the Grade II listed building for an undisclosed sum via auction earlier this year, We Are Spaces is committed to maintaining it as a commercial space with the aim of attracting smaller businesses that can drive footfall and increase spending within the town centre.

The deal was completed with legal advice and support from leading regional law firm Banner Jones’ commercial property team, and the property was purchased through the auction house Mark Jenkinson.

Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces, stated: “As a business, we are committed to projects that reinvigorate the high street, particularly those that bring derelict buildings back into commercial use. Having acquired the site earlier this year, we are now in the early stages of the planning process, with refurbishment works expected to start within a few months.”

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

We Are Spaces, which specialises in commercial transformation and interior design, added that plans to sympathetically refurbish the High Street building will factor in its heritage and history, whilst also incorporating state-of-the-art technology to ensure it meets the latest sustainability and environmental standards.

Ben Couch from Banner Jones’ commercial property team, who advised We Are Spaces on the acquisition, said: “We are delighted to have worked alongside the team at We Are Spaces to support their latest acquisition.

“As a fellow Chesterfield Champion it’s great to have been involved in yet another project that will fundamentally improve the High Street’s commercial offering, benefiting not only local businesses and the local community, but also the local economy.”

Ben Couch, Banner Jones Solicitors

The acquisition bolsters We Are Spaces’ existing portfolio and, upon completion, will complement Chesterfield Council’s ongoing commitment to reinvigorating the high street through its Vitality and Viability of Centres plan, which includes the revitalisation of the town centre and the new Waterside scheme.

Amy Revell added, “We are dedicated to maintaining this unit as a vibrant commercial space that will help drive footfall, attract more out of town visitors, and bolster the local economy by contributing to Chesterfield’s dynamic business environment.”

Banner Jones is a leading law firm in Chesterfield, offering expert legal advice to businesses in commercial property, business acquisitions and mergers, employment, lease agreements, and other services. As Chesterfield Champions, they support local businesses and contribute to community growth.

We Are Spaces and Banner Jones support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Marks and Spencer confirms expansion into larger Chesterfield store

30th March 2022

Retail giant Marks and Spencer has committed further to its future in Chesterfield, by announcing plans to expand into a larger premises in the town.

The company has officially announced it will be moving to the former Debenhams store on the Ravenside Retail Park, which is a purpose built unit. It means M&S will be expanding its range of food, clothing and homeware to shoppers in Chesterfield.

Craig Baldock, Regional Manager for M&S said: “We’re excited to announce our plans to open a brand new, larger M&S store at Ravenside Retail Park, which will offer local customers in Chesterfield a much bigger range of M&S products across our Foodhall and Clothing & Home departments. The new store will be finished and open to customers later this year.

“We believe this is the right decision to ensure we can deliver the very best M&S offer for customers in Chesterfield and the wider local area. We will keep the community updated as the works progress.

“Shopping habits are changing, so we’re rotating our store estate and this investment in Chesterfield is part of our work to ensure we have the right stores to offer our customers a brilliant shopping experience.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Marks and Spencer moving to Ravenside Retail Park represents a significant investment in our borough, creating more jobs and demonstrating confidence in the growth of the local economy. A new, expanded M&S store will mean they can offer a wider range of products and have a modern store that is fit for the future.

“Whilst the move is disappointing for our high street, we are making significant investments in this area to ensure we can create a modern, vibrant visitor destination which builds confidence in the town – including our ambitious town centre regeneration plans which are moving forward after we secured nearly £20m from the Government’s levelling up fund.

“The council does not own the building currently occupied by Marks and Spencer but we will work with them and the landlord to explore alternative uses for this key town centre building.”

The move is the latest in a line of new openings and expansions into the town, such as Rebel Menswear, Boba Shack and Pizza Pi.

To find out more about the fantastic range of independent retailers and nationally recognised brands in our town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/