Elder Way was pipped to the post in the town’s Love Chesterfield Awards last night which were hosted by recent Strictly star and breakfast TV presenter Mike Bushell.
Shortlisted alongside Chesterfield Waterside in the Regeneration category, which was sponsored by town centre business BHP Accountants, the award went to The Glass Yard development on Sheffield Road.
Elder Way, Chesterfield Waterside and The Glass Yard are part of £1 billion of regeneration projects that are happening throughout the borough of Chesterfield.
At the awards, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council announced that further town centre regeneration is planned with upgrades to Chesterfield’s popular and historic outdoor market.
The outdoor market will benefit from better lighting and power, improved access and stall configuration, general paving repairs, new flexible trading areas and repairs to all existing stall structures. The project will also create a space for events and speciality markets.
The improvements to the outdoor market are part of the ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project’ which is funded by D2N2 and will support the creation of 66 jobs across the town centre as well as safeguarding 80 jobs on the outdoor market.
The money has already supported the extension of the pedestrian area at Elder Way and into Packers Row and work is now complete to create more room for outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes.
Despite a stellar line up of awards and winners, all talk at the awards was on a marriage proposal by Giuseppe Barone, co-owner of Sicily Restaurant on Sheffield Road which won Best New Hospitality Business.
Walking up on stage to collect the award, Giuseppe dropped to one knee and proposed to his business partner Monica Sardisco in front of a shocked and delighted crowd.
Giuseppe explained: “The proposal was all planned for if we won but if we didn’t win it wasn’t going to happen. I am very happy – for the award and for Monica saying ‘yes’.”
Sicily Restaurant was just one of 16 businesses, individuals and projects celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards – the first in-person event held in 19 months by Destination Chesterfield.
Almost 50 businesses, individuals and projects were shortlisted across 16 categories, but it was Adorn Jewellers, Chesters Restaurant & Takeaway and CarMats.co.uk that clinched the three headline awards – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.
More than 250 people attended the sell-out black tie awards celebration at The Winding Wheel in the town centre. Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “This year the awards were a celebration on so many levels – recognising entrepreneurial and community spirit, achievement, survival and a marriage proposal – the first in our awards history. I am delighted that the business community was once again able to come together in person, connect with each other and share in each other’s success. It was a brilliant event.”
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “The last 19 months have been a turbulent time for all of us. But our local businesses have shown such resilience; adapting and supporting each other to keep moving forward. They have all achieved so much and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. It is an honour to be able to recognise so many at the Love Chesterfield Awards.”
To see the full list of winners of the 16 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards visit here.
If your business is looking for a prominent town centre location, consider Elder Way. Conveniently located just moments from Chesterfield mainline train station and adjacent to the new enterprise centre and Saltergate multi-storey car park, the stunning former Co-op department store building is the perfect town centre location for your food or beverage business. Get in touch now with our local agent Wilkins Hammond on 01246 232853 to discover what Elder Way can offer you.