Town centre regeneration plan gets green light

Plans to regenerate Clay Cross town centre have reached a major milestone after being awarded planning consent.

The plans by Clay Cross Town Board and North East Derbyshire District Council have recently been granted permission by the local authority’s planning committee.

The approval covers several key elements of the regeneration plans.

They include the creation of a new town square, which will become a public space to be used for markets, seasonal events and as a public forum.

More food and beverage and leisure units will be created along the route from Broadleys, with the pedestrianisation of Market Street creating more public space for visitors.

An existing historic building will be repurposed to offer a food and drink offering and leisure opportunities, while connections through Clay Cross will be improved.

Lee Barnes, chair of the Clay Cross Town Board, said: “I’m overjoyed to see the town centre proposals approved.

“It’s a milestone very personal to me, as a Clay Cross business owner, and someone who has spent a career in regenerating urban areas, so to be able to see the go-ahead for great improvements coming to a town that is local to me, has been a great privilege as chair.”

Councillor Nigel Barker, Clay Cross Town Board member and leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “Following months of hard work and collaboration between officers, members and partners, we’re delighted to see our efforts pay off to earn the approval of a really solid set of proposals that will bring Clay Cross’ town centre into an exciting new era for residents and businesses.

“Clay Cross has not seen significant investment for many years and to be able to now deliver the news that this project will go ahead and put Clay Cross on the map, bring employment opportunities for our communities and having fantastic facilities and a centre for the town is really exciting. I am honoured to be able to deliver this for all of us.”