Chesterfield Borough Council is proud to announce it will once again be the headline sponsor for Chesterfield Pride 2022.
After the successful partnership in 2021 the council has teamed up with the organisers of Chesterfield Pride again to back the annual family-friendly event which supports and celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Chesterfield Pride takes centre stage at Stand Road Park on Sunday 24 July from 12pm until 7pm. Nadine Coyle of Girls Aloud fame will be the headline act this year with support from acts including Jo O’Meara, Kelly Wilde and local musician Alfie Darlin.
Donna Reddish, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – corporate, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.
“Since 2015 the organisers have worked so hard to ensure this event can thrive in our town and it is truly open for everyone to have fun packed day filled with positivity.”
Dan Walker, Chesterfield Pride organiser, said: “We are so excited to have Chesterfield Borough Council as the events Main Sponsors. This partnership will help us deliver a fantastic event for everyone to enjoy and also highlights the council’s commitment in supporting the LGBTQ community.”
Family-friendly music and comedy acts will feature on the council-sponsored Main Stage, with entertainment running throughout the day.
There will also be a cabaret stage, fairground rides and a variety of stalls hosted by local organisations as part of the day’s line-up.
The strengthened partnership is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support Chesterfield’s LGBTQ+ community.
For more information about the event, or to buy tickets, please visit the Chesterfield Pride website or search ‘Chesterfield Pride’ on Facebook.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, watch this short video to hear from current apprentices at Chesterfield Borough Council talking about how the opportunity has benefitted them.
Search the current apprenticeship opportunities available at Chesterfield Borough Council by clicking here.
Apprenticeships provide opportunity to learn on the job
Chesterfield College provide over 50 different apprenticeships, individually designed to support yours and your employer’s needs and career goals.
Georgie McGregor completed her Level 3 Performing Arts and Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy courses at Chesterfield College, before discovering a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship opportunity at the college.
With the support of her family, she chose an apprenticeship to gain more confidence, knowledge, and experience for the job role she wants.
She commented: “I am very lucky to have the support I do from my family. I have changed my mind many times about what I want to do for a career and my family has supported me every time.
“I have always enjoyed learning. I know that by doing my apprenticeship I am gaining the experience and knowledge I need to work in the area I want to. It makes the learning much easier. I am part of a team that is so welcoming. I consider it a big family and I like that most about my apprenticeship.”
Georgie aims to continue to progress in her apprenticeship and eventually wants to move into full time employment with her current employer.
Find out more about apprenticeships at Chesterfield College by clicking here.
Apprenticeships support career development
Derbyshire County Council is one of the biggest employers in Derbyshire and offers apprenticeships across a range of vocational areas including ICT, catering, civil engineering, adult care, trading standards, business administration, road working, learning and development, outdoor education, surveying, landscape and more.
Stuart started his apprenticeship journey with a Level 2 apprenticeship in Business Administration; the skills, knowledge and experience gained has enabled him to progress, culminating in a level 7 apprenticeship. Now he is teaching apprentices himself and sits on the Apprentice Panel of the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education, which is helping shape apprenticeships for the next generation.
Since entering the workplace and completing his initial apprenticeship, he has moved between roles and industries and been promoted numerous times. He explained: “I have worked in manufacturing, the NHS, within an academy trust and now with a local authority council.
“Apprenticeships are challenging, but hugely fulfilling courses that build the skills employers and apprentices need to really succeed in the workplace.”
Despite having many years work experience and an established career, Stuart is now using a Level 7 apprenticeship to further develop his career.
He explained: “My current apprenticeship was an advertised CPD opportunity while remaining in my then-current role as School Business Manager. The chance to gain a recognised qualification as an investment in my future was too good to miss.
“I am now three-quarters of the way through my apprenticeship and have recently secured another promotion – I am now teaching apprentices of my own!”
You can search for current apprenticeship vacancies on the Derbyshire County Council website by clicking here.
Overall, a career in public sector provides a diverse range of job roles that cater for every skill set and apprenticeships can help to provide an excellent platform to progress within the sector
People are being encouraged to have their say on a multi-million pound project to revitalise Chesterfield town centre – helping the borough thrive for generations to come – with the launch of a public consultation.
The £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme aims to transform the look, feel and flow of the town centre – creating a contemporary market town that has better connections between key public spaces, and a more attractive physical environment.
It includes plans for significant improvements to Chesterfield’s historic market grounds, along with proposals that will help maximise the potential of the iconic Crooked Spire as a key attraction for visitors, while also re-imagining town centre spaces for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.
Together with the £17m refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which received planning permission in March 2022 – the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the national levelling up fund at the end of last year.
The latest designs for the scheme were approved by the council’s Cabinet this month and are out for public consultation from 24 May to 8 July 2022 before a final Master Plan is developed.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re really excited to share our proposals for the town centre with the residents and businesses of Chesterfield, as well as those who work in and visit our borough.
“This is a chance for people to learn more about the plans and our vision for the future – and then tell us what they think, to help shape the final proposals.
“It builds on the consultation we held last summer, seeking views on plans to revitalise our historic market. Overall there was strong support for our ambition but some issues about the stall layout and size were raised – we have worked really closely with market traders, listened to their views and updated our plans based on their feedback, so having your say really does make a difference to the future of the town.”
People can take part in the consultation online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/town-centre-consultation or visit an exhibition which is on display in the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square (Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm) during the consultation period, where paper copies of the plans and survey will be available to view.
Cllr Sarvent added: “Chesterfield has been a flourishing market town for hundreds of years, but like places everywhere, we must address the challenges that the increase in online shopping presents to the future sustainability of our town centre.
“Our town has so much to offer, and we want to harness and build on this to create a town centre that remains vibrant, and relevant in today’s world.
“This project, together with the scheme to refurbish our historic Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum, will transform the experience for those visiting the town centre, and help sustain the economic future for the wider borough.”
Levelling up funding is being used to extend the council’s planned regeneration of the market grounds, with extra investment now centred on key public spaces and the connections between them – including Burlington Street, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Spire Walk, Market Square and New Square.
It is proposed that new paving, seating, lighting, and street furniture will combine with more greenery, to create better-looking and better-connected spaces which people can enjoy and socialise in.
The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will complement work to regenerate the Northern Gateway and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.
Key areas of focus are:
Corporation Street – a tree-lined boulevard with improved paving and lighting will transform this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum.
Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy our iconic Crooked Spire.
Rykneld Square – the proposals seek to make better use of this open public space – providing a better connection with the Crooked Spire, improving the feel and flow of this area.
Burlington Street – proposed upgrades to paving, planting and lighting will create a more attractive main route – better connecting the Market Place and High Street through to Rykneld Square and Spire Walk.
New Square and Market Place – a multi-million pound investment will revitalise Chesterfield’s historic market. The plans will create a modern, vibrant town centre experience with additional space alongside our traditional markets to host outdoor events and speciality markets. The council has worked with local traders to develop a revised market stall and layout design for the main market, and to consider how New Square could be used to complement the town centre offer in future.
Packers Row – under existing plans, in place before the successful bid for levelling up funding, this area will also undergo improvement, following the completion of similar public realm works at the nearby Elder Way. Plans include improved lighting and paving, with an overhead light canopy to add character.
Respondents to the public consultation will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.
The work will be carried out in phases and is due for completion in 2025.
People are invited to meet ‘George Stephenson’ and learn about his life, his famous inventions, his mining connections and his link with Chesterfield at an event in the town.
Chesterfield Museum and Holy Trinity Church have partnered together to deliver this free event with a George Stephenson reenactor on Saturday 11 June from 10am to 4pm. As Chesterfield Museum is currently closed for refurbishment the event will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Newbold Road.
Holy Trinity Church is George Stephenson’s final resting place and people will be able to see the stunning stained-glass window commissioned by his son, Robert. There will be fun for all the family with talks, children’s activities and the chance to handle objects such as a model of the famous `Stephenson’s rocket` and a replica cucumber straightener!
Refreshments will be available, and there will be outdoor stalls offering crafts, cakes and a tombola.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed it is fantastic that we can partner with organisations like Holy Trinity Church to ensure everyone can still learn about our heritage. We’re planning more events like this over the next few years whilst Stephenson Memorial Hall undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.”
Reverend Jill Hancock of Holy Trinity Church said: “It’s great to be working with Chesterfield Museum to help local people connect with our town’s heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about George Stephenson and show both his final resting place and the incredible stained-glass window that was commissioned in his honour. I hope lots of people come along because there will be activities for the whole family to enjoy.”
Stephenson Memorial Hall is being transformed with a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town centre.
The refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall is projected to cost around £17 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and a further £695,00 from the Arts Council. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.
Under the proposals the refurbished hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.
The event is free to enter with donations being given to Hope House Homeless Centre.
Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging residents and visitors to ‘save the date’ as details of some of the key events happening in and around Chesterfield town centre this year are announced.
Designed to provide fun and unique experiences for our Chesterfield community, this year’s events programme will continue to support local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time in and around the town centre.
More details of each event will be published over the coming months, but key dates to note include:
2-5 June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: A whole host of activities will be taking place across the borough to mark the Queen’s Jubilee – including during the celebratory bank holiday weekend which runs from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The town centre will be decked with Jubilee-themed decorations, with events and activities running at the council’s venues – people can check www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jubilee for the latest information.
26 July – Medieval-themed Fun Day: The popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with families invited to kick start the summer holidays with a day on Tuesday 26 July. It’s a chance to step back into the Middle Ages and see Chesterfield’s history and heritage brought to life.
27 October – 1940s Market: Fans of all things vintage will welcome news that the flagship 1940s Market is also confirmed for 2022 – with crowds expected to don period dress and flock to the town on Thursday 27 October. The event is a highlight in the national calendar for fans of this era and is held on a Thursday to tie in with Chesterfield’s much-loved Flea Market.
20 November – Christmas Lights Switch On: Looking toward the festive season, the traditional Christmas Lights Switch on event will be held on Sunday 20 November in the town centre – and if people want to get their festive celebrations organised already, early-bird tickets for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, are now on sale at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk (the show runs from Tuesday 6 December to Tuesday 3 January 2023).
Chesterfield Borough Council’s events programme is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that’s great about the town, while supporting the trading ambitions of local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “As we all enjoy the return to a more normal way of living, it’s fantastic to see this line up of popular events which always bring Chesterfield to life – and create an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for our amazing local businesses.
“We are funding a range of flagship events which always prove immensely popular and create a chance for residents and visitors alike to create lasting memories in and around our historic town centre.”
Motor Fest, which last took place in August 2019, will not be supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event had become very popular, meaning the scale has become too large for the town centre and as a result poses a risk to public safety. In particular the significant number of vehicles, attendees and other activities within the pedestrianised town centre, could make it difficult for emergency services to gain suitable access. The council is committed to supporting the organisers to search for a more suitable venue.
More information about the Love Chesterfield events programme will be published on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield and also on social media channels using the #LoveChesterfield hashtag.
Local people are invited to take part in this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition and mark the Platinum Jubilee in style by showcasing flowers that are purple, red, white or blue.
Chesterfield in Bloom takes place annually and includes three different competitions for residents to take part in: the council’s tenants gardening competition, the allotment competition, and the general Chesterfield in Bloom category.
Although it is not essential for those entering to grow or showcase their gardens and allotments with a link to the Jubilee celebrations, Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to help us to mark this once in a generation event.
If your garden is brimming with plants and colour, you grow your own vegetables, or you have a hanging basket that you are really proud of, we would love to see it.
Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “You don’t have to be green fingered to enter the competition. We would encourage anyone to get involved as showcasing what you do in your garden to other people can be really rewarding.
“There are a range of events happening in the town centre to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee so we thought it would be a great idea for people, if they are looking for ideas, to include a few themed flowers, pot plants or any other ideas they may have in colours linked to the national event.
“There is a thriving allotment community in Chesterfield, and we would like to encourage our growers to share their hard work with us as part of the competition.”
If you fancy entering the general Chesterfield in Bloom category, you could choose to complete your application about your front garden, back garden, your container garden/hanging basket or your pub/restaurant garden. You can also nominate a neighbour or company into the competition.
The council is also repeating its popular competition for residents called ‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ that aims to find the best sunflowers in the borough.
There are three entry categories:
Tallest sunflower – from the top of the soil to the top of the flower (please make sure your picture is taken next to a tape measure).
Largest Sunflower – the largest flower head based on diameter or width (please make sure your picture is taken next to a ruler or tape measure).
Most Sunflowers – plant with the most sunflower heads (please try to make sure all flower heads are visible in your photo).
To enter please send a picture of your sunflower, stating your name and the category you wish to enter to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk
‘Chesterfield’s Still Blooming’ will run from until Sunday 11 September 2022.
Cibo Bistro, Fat Pig BBQ, Little Dessert Shop, WiseGuys, and Snowflakes Desert Shop are all set to open imminently. Additionally, the Market Hall has welcomed four pop-up stores – Hobson’s Choice, Sparky’s Treats, The Little Ark, and Adelante Antiques. While the outdoor market has welcomed new traders, including Chris’s Fresh Fish, The Flower Girl, Tina’s Make & Mend, Soul Nuah Soapery, Marples Gifts, Lillie’s Cake Shed, Chocolate Elements, Slacknbaggy, Cakehole Bakehouse and Magesh.
Louise Spence, Bistro Supervisor and Coordinator at Cibo which will open later this month on Low Pavement, said: “We hope with the support of the people of Chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!
“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people. We hope the kind people of Chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”
Praising the town, Anthony Foster is the owner of one of the new businesses which has opened in the last 12 months, Barkworthy Dog Emporium in Theatre Yard. He said: “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.”
In addition to new businesses, since 2021 nine businesses have also expanded into larger premises in the town centre, these include Rebel, Pizza Pi, Vintage Tea Rooms, Bee-Orchid and Twelfth Craft.
Raj Dhir, owner of Rebel Menswear which expanded into a new larger unit on the corner of High Street and Packer’s Row in March added: “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.”
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great to welcome new businesses to Chesterfield town centre and celebrate those who are expanding and investing in our town. We’re making a significant investment across our town centre which will further boost business confidence by attracting more visitors and shoppers. Our town centre will be the go-to place to live, work, socialise and shop.”
Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is due to open for business shortly – further boosting activity in the town centre.
The council also secured almost £20m of Levelling Up Funding to improve and regenerate key public spaces and improve the look, feel and flow of the town centre – while also refurbishing the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – as part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. The work is set to start in spring 2022 and be completed by 2025.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Chesterfield is a town of opportunity, and we have the partners and collaboration in place to drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment.”
New town centre businesses
Cawa Bakery – Lower Pavement
Cawa Bakery – ChesterfieldTrain Station
Alberts Jungerer Bruder – Stephenson Place
Boba Shack – Cavendish Street
Fireaway Pizza- Knifesmithgate
Barkworthy Dog Emporium – Theatre Yard
Kooca – Beetwell Street
Merkur Slots- Vicar Lane
Caprinos Pizza – West Bars
Brows – Lower Pavement
Bet Extra Casino – Lower Pavement
Coffee Co – Beetwell Street
The Lucky Magpie Salvage – Hollis Lane
The Hidden Knight – Soresby Street
Chesterfield Escape Rooms – Soresby Street
Chesterfield VR – Soresby Street
Chesterfield Gamezone – Soresby Street
Imrans Diner – Cavendish Street
The Dirty Habit – Holywell Street
New Market Hall businesses
Adelante Antiques
Hobson’s Choice
Sparky’s Treats
The Little Ark
New market traders
Chris’s Fresh Fish
The Flower girl
Tina’s Make & Mend
Soul Nuah Soapery
Marples Gifts
Lillie’s Cake Shed
Chocolate Elements
SlacknBaggy
Cakehole Bakehouse
Magesh
Relocation / expansion
Shoe Zone – Packers Row
Pizza Pi – Vicar Lane
Vintage Tea Rooms – Vicar Lane
Twelfth Craft – The Shambles
Bee Orchid – Packers Row
Rebel – High Street
The Job Centre – Vicar Lane
Woodheads Café – Theatre Yard
Businesses due to open soon
CIBO Bistro- Lower Pavements
Fat Pig BBQ – Saltergate
Snowflakes Desert Shop – 12a Saltergate
Little Dessert Shop – Holywell Street
WiseGuys – Packers Row
A new bridal shop is also set to open its doors in The Shambles
An ambitious project to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – which is home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum – has been boosted by £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.
The funding has been secured by Chesterfield Borough Council and will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet. This funding will complement the Government’s Levelling Up Funding and investment from the council which aims to create a modern cultural attraction in the heart of the town centre.
Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities. The £17.5 million project will also protect the Grade II listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve received more support for our multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Stephenson Memorial Hall. This funding will help ensure we realise our ambitions of creating an accessible cultural experience, allowing more of our residents and visitors to access this building to enjoy performances and learn about our heritage.”
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director of Arts Council England, said: “Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting and creative work to the public.
“We’re pleased to be investing in seven projects in the East Midlands – from replacing well-worn seats in auditoriums and purchasing the latest digital technology to installing ecologically friendlier lighting and making buildings more cost-effective. Funded work includes updating access facilities designed to ensure a more welcoming experience for visitors.”
As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country. The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. From Barrow-in-Furness to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access.
A multi-million pound project to revitalise Chesterfield town centre – helping the borough thrive for generations to come – is set to be considered by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme aims to transform the look, feel and flow of the town centre – creating a contemporary market town that has better connections between key public spaces, and a more attractive physical environment.
It includes plans for significant improvements to Chesterfield’s historic market grounds, along with proposals that will help maximise the potential of the iconic Crooked Spire as a key attraction for visitors, while also re-imagining town centre spaces for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.
Together with the £17m refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which received planning permission in March 2022 – the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the Government’s levelling up fund at the end of last year.
The latest designs for the scheme will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on 17 May and, if approved, the proposals will be subject to a consultation period running from 24 May to 8 July 2022 before a final Master Plan is developed.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield has been a flourishing market town for hundreds of years, but like places everywhere, we must address the challenges that the rise in online shopping presents to the future sustainability of our town centre.
“Our town has so much to offer, and we want to harness and build on this to create a town centre that remains vibrant, and relevant in today’s world.
“This project, together with the scheme to refurbish our historic Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum, will transform the experience for those visiting the town centre, and help sustain the economic future for the wider borough.”
Levelling up funding will be used to extend the council’s planned regeneration of the market grounds, with extra investment now centred on key public spaces and the connections between them – including Burlington Street, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Spire Walk, Market Square and New Square.
It is proposed that new paving, seating, lighting, and street furniture will combine with more greenery, to create better-looking and better-connected spaces which people can enjoy and socialise in.
The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will complement work to regenerate the Northern Gateway and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.
Key areas of focus are:
Corporation Street – a tree-lined boulevard with improved paving and lighting will transform this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum.
Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy our iconic Crooked Spire.
Rykneld Square – the proposals seek to make better use of this open public space – providing a better connection with the Crooked Spire, improving the feel and flow of this area.
Burlington Street – proposed upgrades to paving, planting and lighting will create a more attractive main route – better connecting the Market Place and High Street through to Rykneld Square and Spire Walk.
New Square and Market Place – a multi-million pound investment will revitalise Chesterfield’s historic market. Our plans will create a modern, vibrant town centre experience with additional space alongside our traditional markets to host outdoor events and speciality markets. The council is working with local traders to develop a revised market stall and layout design for the main market, and to consider how New Square could be used to complement the town centre offer in future.
Packers Row – under existing plans, in place before the successful bid for levelling up funding, this area will also undergo improvement, following the completion of similar public realm works at the nearby Elder Way. Plans include improved lighting and paving, with an overhead light canopy to add character. Work here is set to start in spring 2022.
Councillor Sarvent added: “We have been successful in pulling in millions of pounds of extra funding into our borough over the last 18 months, which is fantastic news for local people. It will complement the significant investments that we and our partners are already making and puts Chesterfield town centre in a strong position for the future.
“We want Chesterfield to continue to be the go-to place and we’re confident that, taken together, the widespread improvements will achieve this by creating a contemporary market town that builds on our proud history and heritage.”
The work will be carried out in phases from spring 2022 and is due for completion in 2025.
Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is only a few weeks away and residents and visitors are being encouraged to support our local retailers during the bank holiday weekend.
There are a number of events taking place across Chesterfield to help mark this historic milestone, as well as the market place and Market Hall being adorned in special Jubilee decorations, and the Market Hall Café offering a special Jubilee themed menu.
Local businesses are also being asked to consider taking part in the Best Dressed Window Competition over the bank holiday weekend, that will be judged by the new Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Tony Rogers.
If you are a business owner and would like to take part, you can use any materials you like to dress the window, but it has to have a Jubilee theme. Judging will take place on Friday 3 June 2022.
The campaign is centred around our town centre, high streets and shopping areas and aims to encourage everyone to discover or rediscover the great shopping, hospitality and leisure experiences we have on our doorstep.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are going to be a fantastic way to not only mark the Queen being the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service, but it is also a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come into the town centre to enjoy some of the events on offer, check out the Jubilee decorations, do some shopping and spend time in each other’s company.
“Following the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important for us each to do our bit to help support local businesses. I think there is going to be a great atmosphere in the town centre on the bank holiday, and we are encouraging as many retailers as possible to take part in our best dressed window competition to help us to celebrate this fantastic occasion.”
The council is also calling on residents and visitors to join in with the celebrations and has put together a programme of activities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy, including a tea dance, a fun-fair, and a royal exhibition. Residents and visitors can keep up to date with all of the events and activities planned over the Jubilee weekend by visiting https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/queens-platinum-jubilee
Councillor Tony Rogers is set to begin his term of office as Chesterfield’s 381st Mayor, taking over the position as the borough’s civic head for the coming year.
Councillor Rogers will be sworn in at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday 11 May.
On the following Saturday (14 May) Chesterfield residents are invited to come and celebrate Chesterfield’s new Mayor at the annual Civic Parade which will take place in the town centre.
Councillor Rogers said: “I am proud to be representing the residents of the borough of Chesterfield and would like to thank them for their continued support. I hope to meet as many residents as possible over the coming year.”
The Civic Parade is an opportunity to celebrate the new Mayor. The parade will leave from the Town Hall at 10.40am and will head through the town centre to the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire) where there will be a service at 11am. At noon the parade will return to the Town Hall.
There will be several dignitaries from across Derbyshire in attendance at the parade, along with Freemen, Aldermen, and Former Mayors of Chesterfield, and organisations such as the Chesterfield Sea and Royal Marine Cadets will be out in force.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the parade and Church service, with seats being allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Originally from South-West England, Tony was born in 1938 and after leaving school he worked as an agricultural merchant at South Devon Farmers Limited, where he trained to be a manager and sold farming goods. At the age of 17, Tony was called up to serve in the British Army for two years. Upon return from his national service, he set up his own company, Tony Rogers Agricultural Ltd, selling animal feed, before managing Hotel Kildare, his family’s business in Kingsbridge, Devon for 15 years.
He married his wife Sharon in 1979 and together they moved to Chesterfield in 1990. Tony and Sharon now have eight grandchildren who they love to spend time with, and a rescue dog, Lottie, who came from Bulgaria to become part of the family.
Tony was elected as Liberal Democrat councillor for Moor ward and has served the community through several terms of office for over 11 years. Tony has dedicated a lot of his time to being on the board of trustees and the chairman of Hope Springs recovery centre, which was a day centre for residents recovering from alcohol and drug addiction and the associated mental health issues.
Sharon Rogers will serve as Mayoress for this coming civic year. Sharon was born in Michigan in the USA before moving to Nottingham in the 1950s. She followed a career in nursing, specialising in paediatric nursing and children’s intensive care, eventually becoming a Senior Sister. At the age of 21, Sharon was the youngest doubly qualified sister in the UK.
In retirement she worked as Manager of the Hope Springs Recovery Centre where she also served as a Trustee until it closed in 2019. She is currently an active board member for The Volunteer Centre in Chesterfield.
Councillor Rogers and his wife replace Councillor Glenys Falconer and Councillor Keith Falconer, who served as mayor and consort for an extended term of office due to the pandemic from October 2020 until April 2022.
Councillor Mick Brady will serve as Deputy Mayor, and the Deputy Mayoress will be Councillor Suzie Perkins.
The Mayor carries out civic ceremonial duties and chairs meetings of full council. They are elected on an annual basis by full council.
