What
a prosperous year Chesterfield has had and our employment figures bear this
out. For the first time since records began the town’s unemployment figures
fell below the national average in August.
I
do believe that this year has been a turning point for the town, with so many
developments in the pipeline totally more than £1billion of investment taking
place within the Borough over the next 10 years. Much of this investment is
already underway with contractors on site at Peak, Chesterfield
Waterside and Markham Vale. Following the competition of the first phase of
housing at Chesterfield Waterside, 2016 will see work on the exciting second
phase begin.
The
marketing and hard work during 2015 has paid off, as I believe that Markham
Vale Business Park has become the go to destination for national and
international investors relocating here and creating hundreds of jobs with more
set for next year. I personally find this very exciting for the Chesterfield’s
young people as it is giving them more choice and opportunity. Ahead of these
exciting developments, Destination Chesterfield has worked hard through the
Made in Chesterfield festival to raise awareness of the jobs and careers
available in the manufacturing sector so that companies relocating and
expanding here have a ready and able workforce now and in the future.
As
well as all the developments already underway, hopefully, 2016 will see plans
for the former Co-op department store take shape and become a reality. The
redevelopment of such an iconic town centre building has the potential to
enhance the town’s offering, helping us attract further town investment and
make us the go to destination for shoppers and tourists.
There
is no doubting the development potential of Chesterfield but it’s also
important to recognise what is already here – the hundreds of independent
businesses that have weathered the economy and survived and many of these were
honoured at the Chesterfield Retail Awards and Food and Drink Awards this year.
Both awards were our most successful yet with more nominations received than
ever before and each award ceremony larger than the previous year yet still a
sell-out. The events are now well established in the town’s social calendar and
a great example of the many independent businesses that combine to make
Chesterfield such a unique and going places town.
What
a great year it’s been Chesterfield, let’s make 2016 even bigger and better.
