Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to complete a consumer survey to help us to learn more about how you use services in our town centres.
Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.
The quick survey will ask you to tell us about markets you have visited, which high streets you visit regularly, eating out and your choice of entertainment.
Please spend a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.
The survey will close on 12 May 2022.
At the end of the questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two tickets to see the ‘Crooked Spire Medieval, Murder-Mystery Musical’ on its opening night at the Pomegranate Theatre on Thursday 19 May 2022.
Chesterfield will host a regular Vegan Market in 2022 that adds to the line up of specialist Sunday markets held in the town.
The Vegan Market is run by Rainbow Monkey Events Ltd and the first one will be held on Sunday 8 May from 10am to 4pm in New Square. There will be a wide selection of vegan traders both from Derbyshire and from further afield.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The specialist Sunday markets are proving really popular amongst both visitors and residents. It’s great that we’re working with another partner to increase the variety of Sunday markets.”
Chesterfield Vegan Market will offer an amazing range of vegan products including cakes, chocolate, dog treats, fudge, jewellery, household goods, clothing, pies, pizza, plastic free and zero waste solutions and a selection of hot food.
There will also be animal charities and rescue centres promoting the services they offer and a selection of vegan artists and creatives selling their artwork. Everyone is welcome at the market whether they are vegan or not and visitors are also able to bring along their canine companions.
Sam Brundish, founder of Rainbow Monkey Events, said: “We have chosen to run some of our ethical vegan events in Chesterfield as I have a long connection with the town – I attended Chesterfield College for my Foundation Degree and I’ve been eating at Elliott’s since I first went vegan 20 years ago! And, having previously traded at the vegan markets which were run in 2019, we are keen to bring a regular vegan market to the folks of Chesterfield and beyond!
“We have already booked in a number of exciting stalls so whether you are new to veganism or interested in any aspect of it from the tasty food to the animal rescues which are local to you, we welcome you all to Chesterfield Vegan Markets starting in May 2022.”
Specialist Sunday markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.
On 8 May the Chesterfield Vegan Market will take place in New Square whilst the Record Fair takes place in the main market.
Future dates for the Chesterfield Vegan Market are Sunday 10 July and Sunday 4 September. All taking place in New Square from 10am to 4pm.
Find out more about the market at www.rainbowmonkeyevents.co.uk and follow the company for regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Young entrepreneurs in Chesterfield are being invited to set up shop and become a market trader for the day as the popular Young Persons’ Market returns to Chesterfield market.
The Young Persons’ Market is a national initiative being run across England, giving people aged between five and 25 the opportunity to increase their business skills and Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging local young people to get involved.
Young people are invited to open a stall in Chesterfield town centre and become a market trader for the day, selling second-hand products that they have created or bought.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The next generation of businesspeople are key to the future of Chesterfield’s economy, and the Young Persons’ Market is a great way of giving them a platform to develop their skills and passion for business.
“If you prefer buying instead of selling, you’re also welcome to come along and browse the stalls for new toys, books or clothes or grab a homemade gift for a loved one. You’re sure to find a bargain and you’ll be helping to support our young entrepreneurs.”
Chesterfield has successfully run a Young Persons’ Market for over five years. This year’s market is taking place on Sunday 24 April, Sunday 26 June, Sunday 28 August, and Sunday 30 October.
Each market takes place between 11am and 3pm. Market traders should be set up by 11am, as no cars are allowed in the marketplace during trading times.
Any children that are under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day.
UK footwear retailer Shoe Zone, is set to open a new store in Chesterfield on 1st April.
Located on the popular Packers Row, in the heart of Chesterfield town centre, the brand-new location will be offering a wide selection of footwear and accessories for men, women and children.
The new store will, for the first time ever, be stocking popular brands such as Lotus, Heavenly Feet, Jana Softline, S’Oliver and Gola, as well as Shoe Zone’s signature affordable shoe and accessory range.
Shoe Zone’s new Chesterfield store will give shoppers easy access to some of the most in-demand shoes of the season. From walking boots to canvas shoes to cosy slippers, it will feature something for everyone, for every occasion and for every budget.
Lisa Carline will continue her role as store manager. Opening Monday to Saturday 9am – 5:00pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm, the newest addition to Shoe Zone’s growing portfolio of stores will provide more choice for shoppers in the local area.
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive at Shoe Zone, said: “We’re excited to launch the new store in Chesterfield and offer customers access to our popular range of trendy and affordable shoes and accessories.
“We’ll be offering shoppers a fantastic selection of offers and styles, from brands such as Heavenly Feet and S’Oliver, perfect for the spring season. We can’t wait to welcome customers, old and new, into the store!”
Shoe Zone’s new Chesterfield store opens on 1st April. Shoppers are reminded that the UK retailer offers both a student discount and a public sector discount, in-store and online.
Packer’s Row recently welcomed another new store, with Rebel Menswear expanding into the former Greggs bakery unit after trading for many years at their former Burlington Street premises. Find out more.
Chesterfield Town Centre is home to many retailers, from nationally recognised brands to dozens of quirky, independent shops. Find out more about shopping in our historic town centre and market at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/
Start-ups, consolidation and inward investment has resulted in 310 more businesses being established in Chesterfield post pandemic than prior to March 2020.
“We’ve come through the pandemic in pretty good shape and demand for commercial space has gone through the roof,” said Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council who was speaking at the town’s annual Celebrate Chesterfield event.
“However, the Levelling Up funding is important to getting our high street back to where we want it to be. We need to work together like never before post pandemic.” he added.
Chesterfield has received nearly £20 million of Levelling Up funding to transform Chesterfield Town Centre. The funding, which is being matched by £6 million of investment from Chesterfield Borough Council will underpin the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield improvement plan.
The delivery of the improvement plan is expected to increase land value in the town centre by 16% and shop occupancy levels to more than 90%, resulting in increased spending which will support the creation of around 100 new jobs in the town centre.
“We’re immensely grateful for the Levelling Up funding. It will make a big difference to the town centre to support our growth ambitions.” said Dr Bowen.
The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield programme will see key spaces in the town centre regenerated and reimagined, including Market Place, New Square, Burlington Street and Packers Row, Corporation Street and the George Stephenson Memorial Hall.
The refurbishment and remodelling of the George Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together a theatre, cinema, bar, café and exhibition space in one asset to allow greater cultural inclusion and participation.
In addition to the creation of new outdoor dwelling and entertainment space, the town centre will have a new lighting strategy and greater data connectivity to enable digital way finding, smart street lighting, predictive maintenance, environmental monitoring.
Dr Bowen added: “We want to celebrate the town’s identity and spaces and seating for people and events in the public realm that will encourage people to stay and dwell longer and spend more in the town.”
Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield complements Chesterfield Borough Council’s Masterplan for Chesterfield Train Station. At the event it was revealed that construction on a new southern link road into Chesterfield Train Station will begin later this year as part of the council’s commitment to create ‘a sense of arrival’ in the town.
Construction of the new road follows the relocation of Jewson builders’ merchants to a new purpose-built site on Sheffield Road from its current position on Spa Lane next to Chesterfield Train Station. Demolition of the Chesterfield Hotel will also commence later this year.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “2022 is already proving to be a landmark year for Chesterfield with the construction of the Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place, both symbols throughout the pandemic that Chesterfield is always open and ready to do business.
“Alongside regeneration projects and new developments, Chesterfield Borough Council is invested in supporting the future of young people and local residents. We want better jobs and more jobs for local people. Our local labour clauses in contracts have created more than 800 local jobs in the last year alone with many of them being apprenticeships.
“We are fortunate to have both Chesterfield College and a University of Derby campus in the town centre which, together, are supporting more than 10,000 students and apprentices helping us have a skilled work force to attract further businesses to invest in the borough of Chesterfield.”
Now in its twelfth year, Celebrate Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with The University of Derby and sponsored by Central Technology and Markham Vale. It is one of the most hotly anticipated business events in the area and this year welcomed around 250 delegates to the Winding Wheel.
Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, who led the event said: “Once again Celebrate was truly that – a celebration of all that is happening right now in Chesterfield and in the future. We continue to prove that we are a town punching above our weight and that reflects in the levels of funding we are attracting as well as the many new businesses that are choosing to make the town their home.”
As well as Dr Huw Bowen, speakers at the event included Professor Warren Manning – Provost Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, Stephen Wenlock – Joint Growth Unit Manager, Chesterfield Borough Council and representatives from two town centre businesses, Emma Stevenson from M’s Gallery and Andy Jupp from Paperstarlights, who have benefitted from the Digital High Street initiative.
People searching for work in Northern Derbyshire are being invited to a recruitment event, where they can meet employers and find out more about local job vacancies and training schemes that lead to employment.
The recruitment event is on Wednesday 30 March between 10am and 12pm in Chesterfield market place. Following on from two previous successful events held last year, Chesterfield Borough Council and DWP Jobcentre Plus are partnering with Bolsover District Council and North East Derbyshire District Council, to ensure it provides the right opportunities for local job seekers.
Previous events, held in September and November last year, have led to around 100 job offers with almost 80 people starting a new job thanks to the recruitment events.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The events last year showed that job seekers want to engage directly with businesses to find out more about the opportunities available to them. We are pleased to be able to host events such as this, that can help individuals find out more about the jobs available locally. It’s important that we continue to help promote the many opportunities in the area to local people and working with our partners will help ensure we can bring more people and more employers together.
“If you’re looking for work, then this event is here for you. You will be able to find out more about current opportunities and may even find your next job on the day.”
Paul Munday, Employer Adviser at DWP Jobcentre Plus Derbyshire, said: “After the success of the last two recruitment events held in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, we are very excited to be running a third on Wednesday 30 March with further support from North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council. This event will be a great opportunity to support the DWP’s Way to Work Programme and give north Derbyshire Residents the opportunity to speak to local employers and find sustainable employment.”
Councillor Jeremy Kenyon, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said, “We have hosted some fantastic online job fairs previously with our partners, helping to secure employment for our local communities.
“This next jobs fair is a great way for local businesses to take part and share their vacancies with us so we can help residents with employment opportunities and progress their career to the next level”.
Cabinet member for economic growth at Bolsover District Council Councillor Liz Smyth said: “It is so important to provide opportunities for people to engage directly with employers and learn more about what opportunities are out there. Holding this jobs fair in person means job seekers can meet recruiters and make those vitally important connections which could lead to employment.”
The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.
There will be lots of opportunities available on the day from a range of sectors including, hospitality, social care, engineering, logistics, transport and many more.
As well as job opportunities there will also be several apprenticeship providers who are currently recruiting for new apprentices. An apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to earn while you learn and can help people at any stage in life.
Derbyshire Careers Service will also be attending the event to promote training courses but also advise job seekers on how they can get support with their CV and interview techniques.
The Derbyshire Times is teaming up with local retailers to encourage readers to support Chesterfield town centre businesses – and save them money at the same time.
The paper is running a set of vouchers in its March 17 edition which will give readers the chance to claim money off purchases at stores at the Vicar Lane, as well as free drinks – and even free parking at the shopping centre’s car park.
Derbyshire Times editor Phil Bramley said: “We know the cost of living crisis is hitting us all – as well as our local town centre shops, as customers count the pennies.
“That’s why we’re launching the new campaign to help support our high street – AND save readers money when they spend with local businesses.
“The aim is simple, we are encouraging all readers to make a conscious decision to shop locally and spend some time and money with Chesterfield’s shops, businesses and independent traders.
“In return, they’re offering exclusive money-saving deals to thank you for your support, and to help us all with the rising cost of living.
“The vouchers are valid at a number or stores on Vicar Lane, from a free cuppa at the Vintage Tearooms to money off the latest fashion from Ministry and Bon Marche, there are great offers to save your cash – whilst you support your local high street too..”
Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is a modern, open-air shopping centre home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield town centre: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/chesterfield-town-centre/
The Derbyshire Times and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
(Above photo) Vicar Lane Shopping Centre (Top Right photo) Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor
A new shop specialising in popular ‘bubble tea’ drinks has opened on Cavendish Street in Chesterfield Town Centre.
Boba Shack offers a huge range of ‘pick & mix’ bubble tea drinks options as well as a pre-mix menu for those that are unsure of what to order.
The beverage, which has become popular in recent years orginated in Taiwan. It is an iced fruit or milk tea drink which traditionally includes soft and chewy tapioca pearls. It has evolved over the years and now includes the addition of popping bubbles and various other fillings and toppings.
Boba Shack owner, Philip Price explained why the drink has rose to prominence: “It is essentially popular because it fills a gap in the market in terms of dink options. Consider someone wants a drink, either for refreshment or flavour. The options before bubble tea were essentially a canned or bottled drink from a shop or a cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate from a café. Bubble tea sits in the middle of these. Much more flavoursome and exciting than a can of pop and much more tuned to the younger market than a hot cup of coffee.”
Philip also explained how the idea to open the shop came about: “Myself and my business partner Steve Smith were looking for something new to do in Chesterfield afer a few years of virus affected businesses. I realised that over the past two years my daughter has been persuading me and her sister to drive her all the way to Meadowhall and back just to buy a bubble tea. It struck me that if something is so much of a draw then it must be something worth investigating.
“After a short period of research and analysis we decided that Chesterfield should be able to support its own bubble tea shop, even with a much smaller population than Sheffield. So we made the decision to open. Signed the lease for an empty shop on the 4th Feb and opened 15 days later on the 19th. There were a few very long days to make that happen.”
Both Philip and Steve are excited to be bringing another unique offer into Chesterfield Town Centre: “The response and feedback has been amazing. We’ve enjoyed queues outside the shop on numerous occasions in just our first few weeks of opening, and we’ve even been told that we are becoming a reason that people are visiting the town centre. A real destination of sorts for local people, which we feel is a great thing for the town centre and will help other businesses and traders.”
“I think we are seeing a small turn in attitude as new and exciting things start to appear on the town centre. We hope we can play our small part in revitalising the town centre. We are not a franchise or big brand. Just a couple of old blokes who live in Chesterfield and have a real passion to make it an exiting and vibrant town. We’ve invested a lot of time, effort and money into getting up and running, but hopefully, the wonderful people of Chesterfield will appreciate not having to travel for their Bubble Tea anymore.”
A new fishmonger, which brings in products fresh from the docks at Grimsby is now trading on Chesterfield’s marketplace.
Chris’s Fresh Fish can be found every Thursday between 9am-2pm on Chesterfield Market, serving a range of products to customers.
The stall has been trading weekly in town since 10th February, after previously trading on smaller markets elsewhere. The business also does door-to-door deliveries.
The range of products on offer includes: Haddock, Cod, Salmon, Plaice, Skate, Lemon sole, Sea bass, Sea trout, Tuna, Sword, and Halibut.
A variety of smoked fish is also available at the stall, including Smoked haddock, Smoked cod, Smoked mackerel and Smoked salmon. Alongside that, customers are able to purchase a variety of prawns, including cold water and king prawn varieties.
Chris Peart, owner of the stall said: “I’m really excited to be meeting the people of chesterfield. I’ve been there for three weeks so far and it seems to be going really well.”
The trader added that there was potential to expand trading hours into Saturday on the market if there was enough customer demand.
More information about the stall, including various offers can be found on the Chris’s Fresh Fish Facebook page
Elsewhere, you can find a wide range of products at exceptional value at Chesterfield Market including fruit and vegetables, clothes, fabrics and household goods. General Markets take place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the traditional market as you browse a variety of stalls selling food, fashion, home ware and gifts. It boasts fresh seasonal produce, friendly market traders and value for money goods.
An independent men’s’ clothing business which has traded in Chesterfield Town Centre for more than 20 years has expanded into a new store.
Rebel Menswear is a family-run business, known for being based on Burlington Street for the last two decades, but has now moved into a larger unit on the corner of High Street and Packer’s Row after outgrowing the previous premises.
The shop was previously occupied by Greggs, before the national chain’s expansion onto Burlington Street, allowing Rebel to showcase even more of it’s product range in-store.
Brands available to buy at Rebel include designers such as Pretty Green and Armani, and the store features a suiting and shirting department, as well as selling jeans and footwear.
The new shop will be spread over two floors, with the ground floor showcasing brand collections including Mastrum, Marshall Artist, EA7 and plenty more.
The first floor will house the suits, shirting and shoes department leading onto a men’s lounge area, which will have a relaxed feel for wedding parties and groups.
Store owner Raj Dhir commented: We have upcycled a lot of the material that has been used and the look of the store will be something completely different to anything there is in Chesterfield or nationally.
“Our aim is to create a shopping experience engaging in the senses, in a relaxed environment where our customers can pop in for chat or for a two-hour shopping experience. We believe in Chesterfield, and that’s why we are spending roughly £500,000 on the store.
“Chesterfield as a community and town centre has always supported us so it’s only right we invest back in the town centre and community. We believe the future of Chesterfield Town is bright and will only get brighter as more investment is made into the town centre.
Rebel’s new store is planning to officially open on Saturday, 5th march at 11am but in the meantime are open for wedding bookings.
A new pop-up shop is being offered to traders in Chesterfield’s iconic Market Hall, alongside a wide range of business support opportunities.
The Market Hall in Chesterfield is home to a wealth of businesses and is based in the heart of Chesterfield, and even more businesses are being offered the opportunity to be based there too.
Chesterfield Borough Council has a number of options available for local retailers looking for a new location for their business, whether they are looking for a short-term trading solution or a longer-term base.
There is currently a pop-up shop offer available to new traders who would like to be based inside the Market Hall. The pop-up offer is £60 per week and the stall can be held for a maximum of three months, with no minimum term.
After the maximum of three months at the pop-up rate the tenant will be offered the opportunity to remain (conditional to signing up to a full lease at the full rate for that stall).
As part of the package, Chesterfield Borough Council also offers access to free business support for pre-start businesses or businesses in their first year through the Vision Derbyshire Scheme. The Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme is open to people who live in Derbyshire who are starting their own business or have recently set up a business in the last year.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “A team of local expert business advisers at Vision Derbyshire are in place to offer free advice and support so this could have huge benefits for your future business planning.
“Council officers can also discuss access to the Digital High Street Campaign for businesses that are eligible which could allow you to develop a website equipped with the latest forms of payment and consider options such as “click and collect” if you do not have this set up already.”
Each of the stalls inside the Market Hall can also be rented on a permanent let basis also, the start dates for this can be negotiated at the enquiry stage.
For more established businesses, there are currently two larger external shops on the outside of the Market Hall available for permanent lease also.
To find out more about the temporary pop up-offer or more permanent solutions inside or outside the Market Hall, businesses are encouraged to contact 01246 345 255 or email claire.cunningham@chesterfield.gov.uk
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