Investment News | 16 February 2021
Hundreds of jobs move closer after gateway plan green light
A project to create a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire, which could create around 850 new jobs, has taken another important step forward.
Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet recently approved the HS2 Master Plan, a project that would see the transformation of an area between Chesterfield town centre and the train station.
The proposals are designed to make the most of the once-in-a-generation plans for a High Speed Rail (HS2) link at Chesterfield.
The plans have now been put out for public consultation, with residents, businesses, train passengers and visitors to Chesterfield invited to have their say.
The consultation, which is being held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions, closes on 8 March.
Among the key proposals is a series of new development plots to accommodate a mix of uses with the potential to generate a minimum of approximately 850 jobs.
It also proposes a number infrastructure improvements, for both vehicles and pedestrians, along with a new 550-bay multi-storey car park.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Despite the challenging economic times posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Chesterfield is not standing still and we’re pressing ahead with our £1 billion growth programme – carving out a prosperous future for our borough, while creating jobs and homes for local people.
“Our HS2 Station Master Plan is a key element of this work and we’re now asking for local people, businesses, train passengers and visitors to give us their views to help shape the future of our town.
“We want to create a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire and the Peak District, to better connect this key site to our town centre, and to bring unused and underused land back to life for the benefit of local people.
“The proposals also have sustainability at their heart – setting out infrastructure improvements to support cycling, walking and better access for public transport.
“Our proposals also seek to harness the once-in-a-generation opportunity presented to our region by the HS2 project – a chance to cement Chesterfield’s position as a thriving place to invest and do business.
“But it’s important to note that this plan can be delivered ahead of – and independently to – the national project if needed.”
The proposals can be viewed at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/HS2-station-master-plan.
