Market place to open as part of £17.8m scheme

Leaders say the development will allow Heanor Market Place to realise its potential

A new market place which forms part of a £17.8m investment scheme is set to officially open in a Derbyshire town.

Heanor Market Place in Amber Valley has undergone a major overhaul with support from the government's Future High Streets Fund.

The other projects as part of the investment include the regeneration of the former Heanor Grammar School into a multi-use venue for business and events and the development of 40 "affordable town centre family homes".

The open day event is set to take place on Sunday from 10:00 BST to 16:00

'Bright future'

The revamped outdoor space also includes improved pedestrian routes, increased bus access, large planted areas and a resurfaced 22-space car park with larger accessible bays.

Chris Emmas-Williams, leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said the development "took longer than initially planned" due to "unforeseen challenges" but the space will mark "the beginning of a bright future for the town".

"Heanor Market Place can now fulfil its true potential for the community and for visitors," she said.

The government’s Future High Streets Fund was established to help towns across the country respond to changes in retailing and to regenerate town centres back in 2019.