The Bigger Picture - closures and gateways

[Salter]

With all the recently announced impending closures of retail premises in Chesterfield, should we not be expecting the town to respond accordingly.

The Northern Gateway (which is of course not a gateway at all - who, other than locals, would come into Chesterfield that way) proposes a 75,000 ft2 supermarket (just 1 mile from Tesco, Sainsbury's and soon Asda? and on the same side of town), a new hotel (we've just had 3 newish ones and I don't believe demand is exponential), another cineplex (Chesterfield can't possibly need 2?). It takes away 800 parking spaces during its development but promises 800 new (but almost certainly higher cost) underground ones (and that adds a lot of cost to the build in itself). Creating 1000 new jobs - where will they park (don't tell me - they will all use the bus)? A £50 million scheme privately funded - will it happen? And who actually pays for that - ultimately the shoppers of course.

Then there's the closures - co-op, eyres, post office, hmv, etc etc - all in what was the heart of the town centre. 96% occupancy rate - not for long - now let's get that statistic by square feet! These places should be redeveloped before considering expensive new builds.

My Mum went to town to pick up a bit of ribbon recently - the parking cost more than three times the ribbon. I pointed out she could have got it much cheaper online, delivered the next day without all the hassle. She wants to support local shops and there are certain purchases you don't want to make online. I do think current parking costs are not helping the town centre and things seem to be poised to get worse, not better.

We live in a competitive world and the town centre has to compete (to a greater extent) with online shopping, out of town shops and of course neighbouring towns.

I think the strategy needs reviewing in these austere times.

[Old Cruser]

I agree about the parking costs and prefering to use the shops than on-line Salter.
As pensioners we have started to use our bus pass unless we need heavy stuff because of the parking costs.
Not sure how long we will have the bus pass for - but getting some use out of it whilst we can 

[therealjr]

Who comes into town from the Northern Gateway?
Anyone from Dronfield and South Sheffield.
Also if you dont turn off Lordsmill Street/ St Marys Gate anyone coming in from the M1 or Derby Road will end up at the Northern Gateway

[Slacker]

I've parked on the Donut during the times it's free for Chesterfield residents yet very few seem to be taking advantage of this, surely if just popping in to get something that's the ideal time to go?

[Pete]

I'd forgotten all about that Andy - and it's still in my glove compartment.