£1 billion of investment for Chesterfield over the next 10 years
We regularly hear about new investment in Chesterfield;
whether this is Markham Vale, Peak Resorts, Chesterfield Waterside or by one of
our expanding local businesses. But
recently, at the Celebrate Chesterfield event it was calculated that the total
amount of money being invested in the
town over the next 10 years is actually £1 billion. There was an audible intake
of breath in the room, when that level of investment was announced, proving
once again that Chesterfield is punching well and truly above its weight.
This investment will bring lots of homes, leisure
facilities, restaurants and businesses, etc to Chesterfield which, importantly, will create jobs, 1000s of them
in fact. With jobs comes more spending power in our local economy- Everyone in
our town will benefit. The future for Chesterfield is very exciting, however we
must not lose sight of what we have now. It is important to support the
businesses that are already within the town and help them continue to thrive so
they will be around to reap the benefits of the £1 billion of future investment.
The annual Chesterfield Retail Awards organised by
Destination Chesterfield, are a great example of how we strive to celebrate and
support businesses in Chesterfield. I am delighted to see that so many people
have got behind the awards once again and nominated their favourite retailers.
We’ll be announcing the winners of the Chesterfield Retail Awards in June.
However, it is my
view that every one of Chesterfield’s retailers should be commended. By way of example we heard at the
Celebrate event that plans for the former Co-op building are in the pipeline
and I, like everyone else, look forward to seeing an important building brought back into use.
Whether or not you nominated a business for the Retail
Awards my plea to you, to keep Chesterfield thriving now, is for you to Shop
Local. Independent retailers in the town centre, along Chatsworth Road and
Whittington Moor have everything you could ever need. You name it - fruit and
vegetables from the market, gifts, clothing, furniture, jewellery, we really do
have it all. Our town’s mix of retailers – independents alongside high street
chains, are what sets us apart from other high streets. We have variety that
others are lacking and this is the reason why people travel from the Peak
District, Buxton, Dronfield, South Sheffield and even Leicestershire to shop
here. But let’s make sure we support our independent retailers. Chesterfield can
enjoy its modern awakening now, not in ten years’ time.
