New hotel creates 38 jobs in Derbyshire

Some 38 jobs are set to be created after the multimillion-pound transformation of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way in Chesterfield was completed by Jomast Developments.

The 92-bed hotel, which is in the building’s upper two floors, has been handed over to Premier Inn ahead of its opening by the hotel chain on 11 April.

The building was acquired by Jomast Developments in 2016 with work on the new hotel beginning last year.

Premier Inn is the first occupier of the building and paves the way for Jomast to redevelop the basement and ground floor into leisure and hospitality space.

Mark Hill, commercial property director at Jomast Developments, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to preserve such an iconic building in Chesterfield. The position and location of the site at times has been challenging but our ongoing collaboration with Chesterfield Borough Council has enabled us to bring this much-loved building back into use. I am confident that Premier Inn will be a welcome addition to the town centre and the Northern Gateway Scheme.”

Marie Dukes-Brown, new openings project manager for Premier Inn, said: “We have been seeking a presence in Chesterfield town centre for many years. Being a few days away from opening our doors is a really exciting moment for us, and we can’t wait to welcome the first guests to our latest format Premier Inn in the heart of town.”