chesterfield town centre

1940s Market returns to Chesterfield this week

Chesterfield’s 1940s Market returns during half term with lots of entertainers for the whole family to enjoy.

Taking place on Thursday 28 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve worked really hard to put together a packed schedule of entertainment and to ensure there is something for the whole family to enjoy. It is one of our most popular town centre events and I hope lots of people will come along and support our local businesses and traders.”

Kalamazoo Dance Band will be performing in New Square at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Etienne Curtains and Blinds have entered into the 1940s spirit and booked the Daisy Belles to sing outside their shop at 10.15am, 12.15pm and 1.45pm.

Find all the timings for the event below:

In the Market Place, there will be a display of classic cars, a vintage fire engine and displays about the Land Army and 1940s mining. An escape artist will also be performing at 10.35am, 1pm and 3pm.

Next to the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square a replica Spitfire will be on display all day. Singer Jayne Darling will be performing at 10am, 11.30am and 1.45pm. Johnny Victory another singer will also be appearing at 10.45am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

The Market Place will host the flea market with singers Natasha Harper and Kyle Evans taking it in turns to perform outside Santander. The Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Glenys Falconer will be judging Market Trader costumes at 1pm and then presenting the prizes at 3pm.

Chesterfield Museum will also be open as usual from 10am to 4pm where visitors can learn more about the town’s history, including a final chance to visit the Put That Light Out exhibition, which finishes on 30 October.

The exhibition looks at life in Chesterfield during World War Two, featuring displays and objects that will help visitors learn more about rationing, holidays at home, the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Home Guard. Entry to the museum is free but donations are welcome.
The 1940’s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

There is lots of parking available in Chesterfield during the event, full details of both council owned and private car parks can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/car-parks

Visitors are also being encouraged to use public transport to attend the event, options available include trains and busses.

Find out more about the event by visiting: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/1940s-chesterfield-flea-market/

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Rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield

Residents in Chesterfield are encouraged to get together this half-term and rediscover everything that’s great about the borough.

Whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new, residents are being urged to seek out shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that are unique to the borough – and the October half-term break is the perfect chance for the whole family to get together and rediscover what’s great about Chesterfield.

As well as supporting local businesses, there’s also plenty to keep the whole family entertained this half-term, including the return of the popular 1940’s market on Thursday 28 October.

Families can also enjoy a trip to Chesterfield Museum where they will have a final chance to check out the popular ‘Put That Light Out’ Exhibition and discover what life in Chesterfield was like during World War Two. There’s also a chance to explore the stories, experiences and contributions of the African and Caribbean Community in Chesterfield in the latest exhibition, ‘Chesterfield Black Stories’ which is presented in partnership with ACCA.

More information on events during half-term can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/half-term-in-chesterfield.

The ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign was launched earlier this year by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions eased, to encourage residents to celebrate Chesterfield’s local businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There’s lots to love here in Chesterfield and we love shining the spotlight on our local businesses. Since the launch of our Love Chesterfield campaign earlier this year, and as restrictions eased, we’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and we’re urging everyone to continue shopping locally and safely.

“The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for our local businesses so it’s important that we continue to support them as much as we can.

“In the town centre alone, there are around 200 independent retailers where you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products that you simply wouldn’t find anywhere else. Add to these to the numerous markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone to discover.

“And not forgetting the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available, Chesterfield has a quiet food revolution happening so you’ll be spoilt for choice when dining out in the borough.”

More information on dining out in Chesterfield can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s a very exciting time for the town in its recovery from the pandemic. The Love Chesterfield campaign is a great opportunity for people to rediscover the town centre and all that it has to offer.

“With lockdown restrictions lifted and Christmas only weeks away there has never been a better time to get out and about and support local businesses in their recovery. From places to eat and drink to major retailers and quirky independents shops and market stalls, there is a multitude of reasons for people to Love Chesterfield as a place to shop and socialise.”

As part of the Love Chesterfield campaign, businesses are being supported to boost their profile. Independent shops, bars and eateries are among the businesses encouraged to take advantage of a new #LoveChesterfield support pack, featuring a range of free marketing materials which they can use to collectively celebrate the unique products and experiences available in the borough.

The pack includes a range of customisable images and resources for businesses to use on their social media, posters and window vinyl designs – all of which can be downloaded for free at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/business-support-pack.

The Love Chesterfield awards took place on Wednesday 20 October. The awards celebrate the town’s favourite food, drink and retail businesses, and also recognise outstanding local entrepreneurs, regeneration work, business contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability. More information including details of the winners can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

 

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Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On promises fun for the whole family

Residents and visitors can get into the festive spirit as Chesterfield’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On returns for 2021.

There will be a variety of entertainers performing throughout the day and a market that will allow shoppers to grab a Christmas bargain. The event takes place on Sunday 21 November from 12 noon to early evening, with the switch on happening at 4.45pm.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On is one of our most popular events attracting thousands of people each year and for many families it is a Christmas tradition.

“We’ve got lots planned this year to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day. I am delighted that it could return this year, and I hope lots of people will come along and have a great day out whilst shopping local and supporting local businesses.”

The stage show will be held in New Square and there will be a variety of different performers including choirs, dancing robots and children’s characters.

A market will run alongside this event in the Market Square and the Market Hall will be open so shoppers can start picking up presents from local businesses.

Market stalls are available to book for this event, these can be booked for £15 by visiting:  www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

The Christmas Lights Switch On is a key element of the Christmas in Chesterfield campaign which aims to encourage people to visit Chesterfield town centre and support local businesses this Christmas.

Other activities planned include the return of the Amazing Magical Santa House and Elf Trail which were very popular last year. A series of walkabout entertainers including stilt walkers, carol singers and tap-dancing turkeys. The Crooked Spire will also be hosting its Christmas Tree Festival and Beauty and the Beast pantomime will be at the Pomegranate Theatre.

More details on the entertainment schedule will be released closer to the event. Find out more at:http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-christmas-market-and-lights-switch-on/

 

Chesterfield Christmas Market and Lights Switch on

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Famous ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture set to visit Chesterfield

Chesterfield is the latest town to be chosen as one of the locations across the country hosting the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression.

The visit follows the monument’s other visit to the county in October 2019, when more than 200,000 people came to see the structure outside Derby Cathedral

Known as the ‘Knife Angel’, the spectacular 27ft sculpture, made from up to 100,000 bladed weapons collected in knife banks during police amnesties across the country, will be based next to the Church of St Mary and All Saints on Church Way in the town, from Monday, 4 October.

Created in collaboration with all 43 police forces, the Home Office, Anti-violence groups and hundreds of families who have been affected by knife crime, the monument is a symbol of the nation’s intolerance to violence and aggression.

It was created by the British Ironwork Centre, by sculptor Alfie Bradley to highlight the impact knife crime has on people, families and communities.

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: “The Knife Angel is a powerful statement on the struggle to curb knife crime and prevent more families from suffering senseless pain and loss.

“A number of partner organisations worked together to make the sculpture’s first visit to Derby possible and we are proud to see the Knife Angel back to the county, this time in Chesterfield.

“The Knife Angel vividly reminds us not only of the devastating consequences of violence but also our collective responsibility to take action and change the future for the next generation. I hope that the Knife Angel presence in Chesterfield provides educational value for many families and youth organisations by helping to initiate difficult conversations about violence and knife crime and questioning the tragic loss of so many lives.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m really pleased that through the Community Safety Partnership we can support the visit of the Knife Angel to Chesterfield.

“It not only serves as a poignant memorial to reflect on and commemorate lives lost through violence across the UK, it will also serve to engage people and help educate them to ensure that knife crime does not become an issue locally. There will also be a series of engaging sessions for young people including community theatre that aims to further strengthen this message.”

Chief Superintendent, Hayley Barnett, who is in charge of policing in the north of Derbyshire, said “We are very happy to be supporting the visit of the Knife Angel to Chesterfield.

“The visit of the structure to Derby two years-ago was a success, in that it gave people the opportunity to reflect on the implications that violent crime has on the victims, families and in-fact all those affected by knife crime in-particular.

“We had lots of feedback asking to try and bring the powerful monument back to the north of the county and so we are pleased that Chesterfield has been chosen as the latest location.

“Our work to prevent violent crime, particularly those crimes involving weapons such as knives continues through the year with intelligence-led operations and supporting the education of young people in-particular in the dangers of carrying a knife.”

In support of the visit we will be holding and backing a number of events including: a ‘drop the knife’ performance held at Spring Well High School by the Salt Mine production company, several public engagement sessions at the Knife Angel and a knife disposal bin will be at the monument on a  Monday-Wednesday-Friday  between 11am and 2pm.

For more details of these related events, follow the local Safer Neighbourhood policing team on Facebook @ChesterfieldTownCentreSNT and Twitter @ChesterfieldSNT

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Vicar Lane Shopping Centre to host spooktacular Halloween

Visitors to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield should prepare themselves for a right howl this Halloween as the Centre is set to celebrate the spookiest night of the year.

Families are encouraged to head to Vicar Lane’s pumpkin patch from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 23rd October, where they’ll be able to take their pick of a great collection of pumpkins and get a menacing makeover from the face painter. All completely free.

Vicar Lane has also teamed up with fellow Chesterfield Champion, Salute Prosecco to offer customers the chance to celebrate with a special outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus on the big screen on Saturday 23rd October at 6:30pm.

Spaces are limited and are expected to go fast, so anyone interested in the event is being advised to book early to avoid disappointment: https://www.salute-prosecco.com/open-air-cinema-packages.

Food and drink packages are also available to purchase from Salute, including pizzas and cheeseboards.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Chesterfield to Vicar Lane to help us celebrate Halloween. We’re sure it will be a spooktacular day of fun!’’

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is  home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. It is also the home to popular independent cafes, such as The Vintage Tearooms and Qoozies.

There’s plenty happening across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire throughout the October half-term and during Halloween. Find out more about what’s on in the town on our half-term page here: Half Term in Chesterfield | Destination Chesterfield

For more activities taking place across Chesterfield, head over to our events page: Chesterfield Events | Destination Chesterfield

Salute and Vicar Lane support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New Chesterfield store can provide portraits of your pooch

A new shop has opened in Chesterfield catering to every need of our canine companions, providing portraits, natural treats and remedies, handmade collars, personalised dog-themed gifts, luxury toys and much more.

Barkworthy Dog Emporium can be found in the Theatre Yard area of Chesterfield Town Centre, after owners Anthony and Carole Foster decided to relocate to the town from Manchester.

Anthony said: “We moved to Chesterfield from Manchester in July this year with the intention of escaping the congestion and overcrowding of city life. We had heard about Chesterfield and its historic roots but were unprepared for how clean and unspoilt it really was.

“It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do. Set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

Anthony says the shop was almost exclusively online, with the new store being the couple’s first bricks-and-mortar venture. Anthony explained that one of the things that drew them to the town was the efforts to drive more visitors into the town as part of the #LoveChesterfield campaign:

“We were heartened to see stilt-walkers in flowing robes, flower displays and colourful entertainment designed to entice shoppers back to the area. We understood this was undoubtedly part of a concerted campaign, and such efforts could only be beneficial for anybody wanting to set up business here.

“It seemed that people liked to shop local, to see and feel the products they were buying and the wealth of small businesses prospering cheek-by-jowl with the usual retail giants bore that out. We spoke to stallholders and small business owners, who naturally bemoaned the tribulations of a difficult year, but were generally satisfied and optimistic for the future. This gave us hope and confidence.

“When we saw the empty shop on Theatre Yard in the Low Pavement area, with its high vaulted windows and niche appeal in a creative little space, it immediately felt as though our vision had found its natural home.”

Following that, Anthony was quickly in touch with Chesterfield Borough Council’s commercial property team, to explore the possibility of moving into the new store.

He explained: “We set about pursuing a lease from the council for this property, which in addition to being perfect for our new venture, serendipitously housed a huge statue of a dog outside!

“Claire and Hannah from the council were incredibly helpful, answering our questions and taking the time to keep us apprised at every stage. Claire even responded to one email inquiry on a Sunday evening, when I imagine most people would much rather be relaxing in front of the TV with a glass of wine!

“Knowing we were dealing with real people who were just as invested as ourselves made all the difference in coming to a decision to choose Chesterfield for our business.”

The store is now open to visitors, and Anthony explained why the store will provide a unique experience for dog-lovers in Chesterfield and beyond:

“Carole is the trustee of a charity which rescues and rehomes unwanted Sled Dogs and Northern breeds, while I am an artist specialising in pastel portraits of wildlife and pets.

“Dedicating part of the shop as a studio and sitting in the window at my easel seemed a good way to attract visitors, while Carole’s contacts with various artisan pet suppliers through her charity work stood us in good stead to bring products and services to the area that are a little different to the standard fayre purveyed through the chain pet stores.

“As well as artisan treats, dog deli style birthday cakes and gift boxes, we have a wealth of handmade items, collars and leads and also personalised mugs, bags, cushions and photo gifts upon which patrons can have their favourite pet pictures imprinted.

“We treat our dogs like family, spoiling and pampering them, always looking for that one gift or treat that makes their tails wag that bit harder. Our overarching ambition for Barkworthy Dog Emporium is to embrace with the community of Chesterfield a shared love of pets and create a local, friendly, accessible port of call for all their dog’s needs.”

You can find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search/

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Vicar Lane encourages visitors to enjoy a ‘Blind date with a book’

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has teamed up with The Works and Waterstones to bring an innovative initiative to the shopping centre, aimed at getting more local people to enjoy reading.

In celebration of National Read a Book Day, customers can enjoy a Blind Date with a Book – completely free.

From Monday 6th September, Vicar Lane is encouraging people to head to St James Square where they’ll find a ‘Reading Zone’, complete with beanbags and deckchairs, and the Blind Date with a Book set up.

Locals can have a read of the brief synopsis on the wrapped books, and pick one that takes their fancy.

The Reading Zone will be in situ at the shopping centre in the heart of Chesterfield for the week.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said ‘’We’re excited to celebrate National Read a Book Day with the launch of Blind Date with a Book.

“We all lead busy lives and it’s hard to remember to leave time for ourselves, so by setting up a Reading Zone at the shopping centre, we hope people will be encouraged to take time out of their day to sit down and read a book!’’

The latest initiative comes off the back of the popular Summer Zone at Vicar Lane, which saw residents treated to some of the best sporting action on the big screen in St James Square over July and August, along with pop-up bars and food vendors.

The centre is home to a wide range of both quirky, independent shops and cafes, sitting alongside well-known national high-street retailers. Find out more about the shopping centre here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Council bids for £20m of Government money to further boost Chesterfield town centre transformation and cultural offering

Plans to create a modern and extended customer experience at the Stephenson Memorial Hall – which houses Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre, and Museum – are at the heart of a bid for almost £20m worth of Government funding submitted by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The council’s bid to the Levelling Up Fund makes the case for an allocation of £11m towards the costs of a £15.6m project to remodel and refurbish Chesterfield’s ‘striking’ Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Under the plans, the refurbished Hall would bring together under one roof an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum offering, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

If successful, the remaining £8.5m would be immediately allocated to further regenerate Chesterfield’s historic town centre, with investment centred on four key public spaces – Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Market Square and New Square – and how these are connected to one another.

These spaces would be re-imagined for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings in a programme that will aim to complement the offering at Stephenson Memorial Hall and other key town centre assets such as the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire) and Market Hall Assembly Rooms.

The funding would enable delivery of a vastly improved public realm alongside new seating, landscaping, lighting, and signage, and a step change in digital connectivity.

The proposals are the next stage of the council’s ambitious plans to transform Chesterfield town centre and make sure the borough’s market traders, retailers and other employers are strongly positioned to recover from the long-term economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We recognise the need to invest in Chesterfield town centre to make sure it remains a vibrant place for generations to come – providing great opportunities and experiences for local people and businesses, and keeping Chesterfield on the map as a go-to place for visitors.

“We’re already making significant progress on our £1bn borough-wide growth programme to create new jobs for local people, support new business start-ups, improve employability through better skills provision, revitalise former industrial sites and attract new investment.

“But our ambitions don’t stop there. Here in Chesterfield, we have a compelling story to tell and a prosperous future ahead of us – one which we firmly believe is deserving of further investment as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

“The council’s bid seeks funding to invest in another round of ambitious projects which will further bolster our work to transform how Chesterfield town centre looks and feels, while creating a flagship visitor experience in one of the town’s most iconic and striking buildings.”

The Government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund is open to local councils to support investment in town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets.

Chesterfield Borough Council expects to hear in November 2021 whether its bid has been successful.

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Local Work Experience Programme a Huge Success at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s recent work experience programme has been hailed as a huge success, after independent retailers helped with providing a 10-week work course for learners from Shirebrook.

The programme, put together by Shaun Brown, Centre Manager of Vicar Lane, and Sandra Currey, Programme Development Worker for Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES), saw five young learners from Shirebrook work with the centre’s independent outlets (Qoozies, Nana B Baby Boutique, Shop Indie and Gorilla Garms), as well as the Centre Management team.

The programme helped the learners to broaden their horizons, raise their aspirations and understand the reality of the world of work.

Each week, the learners began their day with an introductory session at the Centre Management Suite, before heading off to work in the participating independent outlets from 10am until 3pm. They then ended the day back at the Centre Management Suite where they reflected on their day’s work.

Taking part in the work experience programme has enabled the learners to bridge the gap between their education and the world of work, and helped them to find out more about potential career paths that are open to them.

The Shirebrook learners, said:

  • ‘’The programme has gone very well, I was quite nervous at the start but once I met Shaun, I felt a lot more comfortable and as the weeks kept going, I starting to feel a lot more confident. The placement has helped me decide what I want to do in the future.’’
  • ‘’My favourite part of the placement was getting to know all the staff and being able to get along with everyone because they are so friendly – I was offered an apprenticeship opportunity, and this has boosted my confidence.’’
  • ‘’Doing this work experience has helped me gain the confidence to work with the general-public, and work in a professional manner and to be able to handle working under pressure.’’
  • ‘’I have really enjoyed the online side of the business – it has been interesting tracking the customers who shop online and sending emails to them to let them know their order is on the way.’’
  • ‘’My placement has been amazing – this programme has helped me with talking to new people and has improved my confidence.’’
  • ‘’My placement has been great! I have gained confidence and learnt how to deal with difficult situations in a professional way.’’

Carole Healey, Programme Development Manager, said: “I was extremely impressed by the care, support and professionalism of Shaun. The fact that in order to facilitate our learners to the best of his ability and support them, Shaun also undertook to gain a teaching qualification in record time!”

“The inspirational way in which Shaun engages with our young people and the staff who have hosted them in their chosen work placements, is very evident. I could see for myself the difference it made. I witnessed the increase in confidence and maturity that this programme has given them.

“I would like to thank Shaun and everyone involved in this programme. The impact on these young people cannot be underestimated and I know they will carry this experience as a positive in their lives.”

Sandra Currey, Programme Development Worker, said: “Shaun was instrumental in setting up initial meetings with the employers and encouraging them to take part in the work experience pilot and he has taken an active role each week by delivering an excellent induction and several Nearpod lessons based around health and safety to ensure that learners were prepared for the world of work.”

“Shaun went over and above our expectations and undertook the Award in Education and Training qualification before the placement started to ensure that he delivered a professional service for our learners – we can’t thank him enough.”

“Shaun has enhanced the Study Programme curriculum by his involvement and everyone at DACES hopes that the project can continue in the future.”

Bev McKenzie, Study Programme Worker and Tutor, said: “Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and Shaun Brown have been tremendous in providing our students with the best possible work placement for their Customer Service qualification and work experience.

“Shaun supported them throughout the process and communicated with the tutors regularly so to ensure the project ran smoothly. We have created a great working relationship with Shaun and look forward to working with him in Sept 2021 when our new cohort are on board.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Love Chesterfield Community Market Launches

People are being invited to show their appreciation for local community and voluntary organisations which provided a lifeline during the pandemic, with the launch of a new Love Chesterfield Community Market event being held this summer.

The family-friendly day will give local charities, community and voluntary organisations a chance to promote their work and raise much-needed funds following the challenges of the last 18 months.

It is being organised by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the new-look summer events programme, and will be a chance for local people to come together and say thank you for the vital support which these grassroots organisations provide to the borough’s residents.

Local groups are now being invited to book their free place at the market, which will be held in Chesterfield town centre on Tuesday 10 August.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Over the last year the community and voluntary sector has been a lifeline for our community and this is our chance to thank them and to help support their fundraising efforts to ensure they can continue the incredible work that they do.”

There will be a variety of stalls, street food, walkabout entertainment and small funfair rides. A competition for the best dressed stall will also run on the day.

Regular market traders will also be able to book a place on the Market for just £10 per stall with all money raised going to the Mayor’s Appeal, which is raising funds for The Volunteer Centre – Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield Samaritans this year.

Local charity, voluntary and community organisations are being invited to take a free stall on the market to promote the work that they do and fundraise. Stalls will need to be prebooked in advance via www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading.

The Love Chesterfield campaign is being run by the council and Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to discover or rediscover the great shopping and leisure experiences that the town centre and high streets have to offer, as restrictions continue to ease. People can find out more at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

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Prominent former council building to be converted into dozens of apartments

A building on the edge of Chesterfield Town Centre is set to be given a new lease of life, with work starting on the conversion of the former North East Derbyshire District Council offices on Saltergate.

The developer, Homes by Holmes has unveiled plans to turn the prominent building into 59 contemporary apartments, with a generous split of three bed, two bed and one bed properties.

Despite being in such a prominent location in the town, the property has stood vacant for over four years. However the company says it plans to bring the building back to its former glory.

The firm has outlined a 24-month build timescale for full completion, with an aim of having the first phase of apartments ready for occupation before Christmas 2022.

Homes by Holmes believes the project will bring countless benefits to the town, including job prospects and work for local businesses, contributing towards the revival of the town centre and high-street retailers with increased footfall, and an opportunity for local residents to get on the property ladder in the face of current housing shortages.

Securing the development also means a lot to the company’s owner, James Holmes, who grew up working on the Chesterfield’s historic markets.

He said: “I’m extremely pleased to have secured this development because of my family’s connections to Chesterfield. I see it as a big responsibility to regenerate the building and the immediate vicinity.

“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built the business into a position that we can make a difference in the town I have such a connection to, particularly in a building that is so high-profile. I really think we’re bringing something better here.

“Subject to us getting planning permission by the end of the month, I would expect the first phase to take around 15 months and we’re hoping for the second phase to only be six months behind that, with a potential third phase taking around a year.”

The company has already taken steps to make the site more pleasing on the eye, including the installation of colourful banners in the windows of the building to celebrate the Chesterfield ‘In-Bloom’ campaign, which aims to make the town a cleaner and greener place to live, work and visit.

To find out more about the wide range of regeneration taking place across Chesterfield, go to https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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