850 jobs a step closer as rail gateway masterplan approved

Plans to create 850 jobs in the centre of Chesterfield have taken a major step forward.

Chestefield Borough Council has approved plansto transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Train Station – creating a gateway to North Derbyshire and setting out potential sites for development – including the potential for a HS2 link in the town.

The HS2 Station Master Plan will now be put out for public consultation. Residents, businesses, train passengers and visitors to the town can have their say between 8 February and 8 March.

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.”