Chesterfield town centre comes back alive as shops reopen

The council has been working closely with local retailers, Market Hall traders, the Pavements and Vicar Lane Shopping Centres to help them get ready for the phased re-opening of the high-street next week.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know that many of you will have spent the last three months shopping online, but now is your chance to come back to the town centre, indulge in some retail therapy and support Chesterfield businesses by shopping local.

“The town centre has so much to offer. From national retailers to small independent stores and of course our outdoor market and Market Hall, there really is something for everyone.

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming you back, as we look to restart our local economy. If every household spends just £5 a week in the town centre, it’s worth an extra £11m a year to Chesterfield’s economy.

“You’ll have the opportunity to browse and buy some of those nice to have items that you simply haven’t been able to get. Father’s Day is just around the corner too, so it’s the perfect chance for you to support our local retailers when you’re out looking for a gift.”

The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre remains the council’s number one priority and people visiting the town centre will notice a number of physical changes that the council has introduced so that everyone feels safe and can enjoy their shopping experience.

Coun Sarvent continued: “We’ve put a number of measures in place around the town centre to help keep you safe when visiting and we politely request that you follow the advice on signage, follow floor markings and respect any queuing systems.

“If you are worried about anything or have any questions, our town centre ambassadors will be on hand to help you.”

The council is also encouraging those who work locally and residents to walk or cycle into the town and is currently finalising plans with Derbyshire County Council to introduce new measures to make this easier than ever before.

Corporation Street and South Place are closed to vehicles to allow more space for cyclists and pedestrians to maintain safe social distancing.

If you do have to travel by car, you can find out where to park by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking-car-parks-and-parking-fines/car-parks-in-chesterfield. You can also pay by card at Saltergate multi-storey car park.

Residents are reminded to use their Resident’s Permit, which entitles them to park for free in most car parks before 10am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Find out more about this here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/parking-car-parks-and-parking-fines/free-parking-for-chesterfield-residents

All of the latest service-related updates will be published in the dedicated Coronavirus information hub: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/coronavirus