Monday 28th October 2013

It has been one of the town's flagship regeneration projects - and today, Chesterfield Market Hall opened its doors for the first time after the £4m refurbishment of the interior, and the cleaning and restoration of the external façade.



The scheme, funded mainly through grants from European Regional Development Fund and a lottery grant has taken a year to complete - with the keys handed over on time and on budget.

Whilst the renovations were taking place, traders were re-homed around the town, with the majority in specially erected cabins in New Square.

They had been promised that although trade would be disrupted for one Christmas period, it would be only the one and they can now look ahead to a festive season in a settled and permanent environment.



At 9am this morning, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council John Burrows, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield - Cllr Paul Stone and Barbara Wallace, (pictured above) cut the ribbon to signify the Hall was open for trade.



The first shopper through the doors, Amy Aubrey, (above), was presented with the ribbon, signed by Cllr Burrows, The Mayoress (below) and The Mayor.



The main retail hall has been transformed with a glazed atrium above first floor level providing natural light (below) and the 1970's extension on New Square has been redesigned to be more in keeping with the original Market Hall.



It will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am - 5pm. The butchers and café will open from 8am.

Cllr Burrows said he was delighted that the traders were now back where they belonged and that the project was complete, telling The Chesterfield Post that, "It's a great day! We're proud of the work and the people involved. It's been a first class effort from start to finish from everybody. Thanks to the traders for being so patient - hopefully they'll now begin to recoup some of the money they've not been getting in the last few months. It's an excellent finish and we're all extremely proud.

"It was on time and on budget - and they were promised not two Christmases and we've managed to avoid that.

"The office space is upstairs - and there are still some spaces available if people want to come and work in a contemporary building. It's 21st century inside but the Victorian façade on the outside has been retained and improved - and its an excellent finish that we've all managed to achieve and credit's due to everybody.

"Almost all the people came back but we have a new café, a coffee house - and it's nice to see Aunty Dot's back along with the New Dawn who have just come in."

One familiar face in the Market Hall for half a century has been Iconic sweet shop Aunty Dot's and owner Neil Johnson,(below) told us, "It feels great! It's been a lot of hard work. We've had a difficult year but we're proud of it now, it looks very good. It looks lovely.



"Everyone's made a fantastic effort. I don't know how some of the stallholders have got through it this last year - but we just want a good run up to Christmas now and to let everyone know we're here!"

Neil admitted that they were looking forward to a fresh start after finding life difficult during the last year in the cabin on New Square, "It's been difficult, it's affected business quite a lot, but Aunty Dot's has been here 51 years, so we hope to be here another 50! I'm proud of my staff, they've worked hard - they've come in on their own for no pay to get it ready and I couldn't be prouder of them!"

Chris Hodkin from Hodkins Butchers is also happy, "It's good to be back! It's been a long year and we've struggled in the old premises, so it's nice to be back and it's all brand spanking new. It's brought it up to date and they've done a fine job. I love it! It's been very stressful getting it ready but we've got there. Large glass of wine I think tonight!"

And shopper, Mrs Booth from Chesterfield said she loves it, "I liked it as it was before, but I love it now! It's lovely. I missed it being in the centre of town and I'm glad it's back."



Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has also given his seal of approval to Chesterfield's "magnificent" newly-refurbished Market Hall.

Commenting on the opening, Mr Perkins said: "The newly developed Chesterfield Market Hall is a magnificent building, showing the Council's commitment to indoor markets and the high street. Once again Chesterfield is bucking the national trend, building on its rich past to sculpt the future."

Mr Perkins added: "I congratulate Council Leader John Burrows and his Labour-led administration for seeing this landmark project through."

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