But there are many reasons to be optimistic about the town’s fortunes once the pandemic has eased and life has regained a little more normality.
Plans are still being made to open new venues and businesses, and some have even managed to launch in recent times despite all the upheavals of 2020.
Here are nine places you can look forward to visiting.
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1. The Bradbury Bar and Bistro
'High end' bar and bistro The Bradbury, on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield, should be a place to look forward to once lockdown ends and dining in becomes an option again. In November bosses submitted a licensing application to Chesterfield Borough Council. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Chesters 2
Chesters, the fish and chips restaurant on Sheffield Road, has revealed plans to open a second location - on the Markham Vale services site - in spring 2021. It will offer a seaside-themed restaurant and a takeaway counter as well as a separate drive-through lane. The new investment will cost over £1 million and will create more than 30 local jobs. Photo: Marisa Cashill
3. El Cafe Verde
El Cafe Verde opened on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, in June when it could still only offer takeaways - and because of subsequent restrictions the business hasn't been able to operate at full strength for much of its existence so far. The café specialises in catering for allergies and intolerances and is run by Gemma Hannan-Power with her three daughters. Photo: Brian Eyre
4. Martino's
Italian restaurant Martino's launched on Derby Road in Chesterfield town centre in August. Its menu includes seafood pastas, calzones and pizzas. The image shows the site of the restaurant before Martino's took it over. Photo: Google