Chesterfield communities are set to benefit from almost £20 million of investment following official Government approval of the town’s Pride in Place regeneration plan – unlocking a decade of improvements shaped directly by local people.
Chesterfield is among a select group of areas chosen to receive long-term funding through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, designed to help communities shape their own future and improve the places they live.
A regeneration plan was put together by the independent Chesterfield Town Board following extensive engagement with local people. The plan is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, as accountable body for the programme, but all decisions about how the £19.5 million is invested will be made by the Board.
A clear priority identified by local people was further improving the vibrancy, safety and attractiveness of the town centre. The Board has already acted on this feedback, allocating early Pride in Place funding to support an expanded programme of town centre events over the next two years, and a three-year funding package for enforcement officers to carry out visible patrols to help improve feelings of safety in Chesterfield town centre. Both of these initiatives are supported with match funding from Chesterfield Borough Council.
Dominic Staniforth, local business leader and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said: “We’re delighted to receive confirmation of our Pride in Place funding. This is a milestone moment for Chesterfield – one that will help unlock the ambitions of local people and turn their ideas into reality.
“This investment means we can further develop projects that will deliver the kinds of improvements that our communities have told us they want to see, and tackle issues that matter most to them.
“We’re already supporting the delivery of a wider range of town centre events, along with enforcement officers to carry out visible street patrols to help improve feelings of safety. These were two things local people told us were most important to them, which is why the Board invested money in these areas quickly.
“Local people’s priorities will also be used to help us develop more projects which centre around strengthening Chesterfield’s role as a vibrant and viable town centre. Investments will reinforce the town’s distinctive character and appeal, making it a more enjoyable place to spend time in, and one that local people feel proud of.
“We must once again say thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our consultation and engagement activities so far, and we will continue to work with local people to further shape plans for where this investment will be best spent, and where we can support the transformation which is already well advanced across Chesterfield town centre.”
Potential future projects – which will be explored and developed through further engagement with local people – include:
- A new visitor experience celebrating the iconic Crooked Spire
- A new space from which community groups can operate and provide key services for residents
- Investment in more space for creative businesses and artists to start up and grow, driving footfall and creating animation
- Revitalising our historic Shambles quarter, creating a visitor friendly and safe environment at the heart of the town
- A focus on tackling empty units and re-thinking retail space to provide health and other key public services
Councillor Amanda Serjeant is the deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and represents the council on the Board. She said: "Our strong community and business networks here in Chesterfield have been key in developing this plan. Everyone has worked together to understand and invest in what Chesterfield people have told us what matters to them – with Government approval now paving the way for projects to start, and more to be further developed.
“Our plan builds on the growth and investment that Chesterfield has seen in recent years, and there is a real sense that things are happening.”
Toby Perkins, Chesterfield MP, said: “We all want communities that we can be proud of, that show our uniqueness and strengths, and reflect what local people want, which is exactly what Pride in Place is already helping to deliver in Chesterfield.
“I am very proud of the work put in by the Chesterfield Town Board and the ten-year plan is going to transform our town centre and bring in thousands of extra visitors.
“Chesterfield is already a wonderful place to live, but the Pride in Place programme is building on what makes our town special, helping to retain and enhance our historic centre, and to create an environment where businesses can flourish.”
The Chesterfield Town Board – made up of local business and community representatives alongside public sector partners – will continue conversations with residents and businesses over the coming months, including targeted engagement with young people and under‑represented groups. Funding will be delivered in stages over the next decade.
