Award winning start to the year for Chesterfield

It can be easy to forget, but a little recognition can go a long way and really does make a difference. For three years Destination Chesterfield and the Borough Council have worked hard to shout about everything that is great about the town, encouraging businesses and people to live, work and invest here. It really is a joint effort.

We were delighted therefore when our efforts were officially recognised recently at the inaugural UK Placemaking Awards, where the Chesterfield Borough Council’s regeneration team was named as Placemaking Team of the Year. Some of the support team involved in achieving this significant result for the Town attended the Awards Ceremony  in London in order to accept the award.

The awards recognise the projects, plans and people that are making places better through planning, regeneration, urban design, economic development or community renewal.

From the out-set Destination Chesterfield has been a team effort involving not just the campaign's marketing team and the Councils Regeneration team, but also the business community and the many Champions who actively support the campaign. Without their commitment we would not have made the measurable impact we have. The Placemaker award is a pat on the back for everyone who has actively participated in the Destination Chesterfield marketing campaign.

The awards and national recognition for Chesterfield didn’t stop there. Less than 24 hours later Chesterfield’s Market Hall was officially named as the UK’s best small indoor market. Since the Market Hall re-opened after its £4 million refurbishment it’s fair to say that opinion has been divided on the new look.

However, the results speak for themselves. Since re-opening market traders have reported doing good business, with significant increases in turn over, and the office space  above the markets will shortly be fully occupied. The council is also actively marketing promotional and retail space at the heart of the retail area near to the cafe.

Just look at other successful  towns and cities  and you will discover that it is the ones that are constantly evolving and investing who thrive- Our Market Hall is an excellent example of both. It is developments such as this and the forthcoming Chesterfield Waterside project that are putting the town on the map and bringing it to the attention of investors who, in turn, are creating opportunity for residents as well as future generations.

Only two months in to 2014, we have already celebrated success. If we are to maintain this good news throughout the year and beyond we must not lose sight of the fact that making our town a success is a team effort - the Placemaker award is testament to that.