Have your say on Chesterfield station HS2 rail link plan for town centre

Chesterfield Borough Council says the plan, linked to the controversial HS2 high-speed rail project, will create a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire and could generate around 850 new jobs.

The HS2 Station Master Plan was approved by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday and will now be put out for public consultation.

Residents, businesses, train passengers and visitors can have their say between February 8 and March 8.

The proposals – which can be viewed in a virtual exhibition – are designed to make the most of the plans for a High Speed Rail (HS2) link at Chesterfield.

Buses stranded in snow chaos

Council leader Coun Tricia Gilby 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.”

Visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/HS2-station-master-plan or call 01246 959707.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor