Town centre regeneration work to start next month

A multi-million pound regeneration project is due to start in a Derbyshire town next month.

The Staveley 21 project includes the construction of a new landmark building in the town centre, improvements to the market square and rejuvenation of the high street.

The £6m scheme is being funded as part of the government's Towns Fund.

Chesterfield councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres, said: “This is a really exciting project for Staveley and will help ensure that the town can thrive for generations to come.”

Work will begin in November with the removal of a disused toilet block on the market square.

Once completed, the building will house Staveley Library on the ground floor and the upstairs will provide space for new businesses.

An enlarged marketplace, which will aims to offer a wider variety of outdoor events, will also be completed as part of the project.

The proposals include new tiered outdoor seating to support an open-air theatre and "natural play equipment" to help attract more families.

New paving, lights, street furniture and plants will also be put in place along with new signs.

There is also a shop front improvement grant scheme for businesses based in the town centre where up to 80% of the costs can be funded.

Sarvant added: “This project will transform Staveley town centre and encourage more people to visit to support both existing retailers and market traders.

"The project will help expand the town centre offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.

“We’re trying to minimise the disruption caused in the town centre to ensure that businesses can continue to trade and will be ready to benefit from the improvements once work is complete."

Other projects proposed as part of the wider Staveley Town Deal, include the development of the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) - a rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill - and the re-opening of the nearby railway station.

A restoration of a 850m (0.52 mile) section of the Chesterfield Canal is also proposed and the renovation of Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club's clubhouse as a sports education centre.

The council said it hoped to complete the projects by March 2026.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.