Chesterfield councillors to consider HS2 regeneration plans

Chesterfield Borough Council is to consider plans next month to transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Train Station.

The HS2 Station Master Plan is to go before the council’s cabinet on 2 February and, if approved, will be subject to a four-week public consultation starting on 8 February.

The proposals set out a vision for the future development of the area and are also designed to make the most of the once-in-a-generation plans for a high speed rail (HS2) link at Chesterfield.

Key proposals include:

• Establishing the principle of new development plots to accommodate a mix of uses with the potential to generate a minimum of approximately 850 jobs
• A new station link road (a through route) between Brimington Road and Hollis Lane with improved public transport access
• Closure of the A61 on-slip road
• A new public ‘boulevard’ for pedestrians and cyclists (including segregated cycle lanes) leading from the station to Corporation Street
• Replacement of the existing A61 footbridge between the station area and Corporation Street with a new wider bridge, including a segregated cycle route
• Suggested changes to Corporation Street to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists whilst retaining vehicle access to businesses
• A ‘transport hub’ including a multi-storey car park (with around 550 bays) and charging points for electric vehicles
• A cycle hub with e-bike hire and secure cycle parking
• An overall layout that has the potential for a higher quality of natural habitats including more tree planting
• A new station forecourt to better accommodate buses, coaches, taxis and a drop off/collection point
• A continuous cycle link from Hollis Lane area through to Crow Lane

If approved, the proposals will be subject to a four-week consultation period running from 8 February to 8 March.

‘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,’ said council leader, Cllr Tricia Gilby.

‘Our HS2 Station Master Plan is a key element of this work. 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.

‘Our proposals also seek to harness the once-in-a-generation opportunity presented to our region by the HS2 project – a chance to cement Chesterfield’s position as a thriving place to invest and do business,’ added Cllr Gilby.

‘But it’s important to note that this plan can be delivered ahead of – and independently to – the national project if needed.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay