Sorry , I knew that already. Apparently the local Marine company Cathelco has owned the building for many years. I'm not sure if they are behind the restoration, or whether its a joint spend with Boyes.
It still begs the questions of what do we do with the old Co-op buildings - and indeed the Post Office when it moves to W.H. Smiths?
Does anyone know for sure if the former Co-op is listed in a way that it can't be redeveloped, or demolished, especially as its abandoned now and just going to fall into greater disrepair.
Surely it just can't sit there empty, gradually deteriorating, & becoming a risk to passers by simply because no-one will take on the responsibility of developing it.
I personally think it should be demolished to make way for a central Bus station, but as a bus driver, I would, wouldn't I?
Most of Derbyshire's towns I visit have some sort of integrated Bus station. Not Chesterfield - they are all over the place - Beetwell st, Cavendish St, Stephenson's Place. Try explaining to a person not familiar to Chesterfield (as I had to yesterday) where to catch a Bus to Derby from Stephensons Place. Its easy for me to explain, but not for someone not native to this town to comprehend.