Chatsworth owners’ business buys Peak Shopping Village
NEW stores and jobs have been promised at Derbyshire’s Peak Shopping Village.
The retail site, at Rowsley, between Matlock and Bakewell, has been bought by the owners of the Chatsworth Estate.
The Devonshire Property Group, which represent the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, said it decided to invest in the venue because it had the longterm potential to become an “exciting retail leisure destination” for visitors to o the Derbyshire Dales area. .
There are six empty retail units at the outlet as the impacts of coronavirus continue to cause havoc for many businesses.
But the group said it has ambitious plans to open new stores and create new jobs for local people.
Stephen Vickers, CEO of Devonshire Property Group, said: “We believe Peak Shopping Village has exciting potential and we see a bright future for jobs and growth.
“Our ultimate aim is for the site to realise its full potential as an important contributor to the fabric of the local economy, and we will be developing our plans for achieving this in the coming months.” Between 80 and 100 people are already employed at the site across more than 30 businesses, but there are hopes this will grow.
The group said it will work on “revitalising” the customer experience at the shopping village immediately.
This will include making some essential repairs and redecorations to make the site more attractive to customers and firms. The Duke of Devonshire’s son, Lord Burlington, said: “Our team has the experience and ex expertise to help to re reinvigorate Peak Shopping Vi Village so that it’s a better ex experience for shop owners an and those who use the office sp space.
““We are determined to make it the t best it can be, both for our local communities and for the experience of visitors to the are area.
““For us, it’s an exciting, longterm investment in Derbyshire, at t the gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate,” he added.
The purchase also includes the nearby conservation area and nature trail managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The Devonshire Group said it will aim to support the charity in the future with a renewed education focus and experience for visitors to the shopping village.