Markham Vale expansion underway

One of the country’s largest cranes is in Derbyshire to remove a bridge deck as part of plans to expand the Markham Vale regeneration site.

The ‘Bailey’ bridge over Erin Road is being removed today (Tuesday 12 August) by Mabey Bridge Ltd which has brought its 350 tonne weight limit crane to lift it off its abutments before dismantling it.

The work is part of Derbyshire County Council’s plans to turn the former Seymour Colliery site into prime economic land with the potential to create an additional 2,000 jobs.

It is being funded as part of a £14.2 million cash injection from the Government through its Enterprise Zone grant funding programme following a successful bid through Sheffield City Region’s Local Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport said:

“Markham Vale has already provided a great jobs boost to Derbyshire and we are very excited to be expanding the site further.

“The expansion is part of our long-term vision of creating 5,000 jobs for local people on both sites and we look forward to welcoming businesses by March 2015.”

Erin Road, which will serve the next section of land to be developed, will also be closed for up to six months between Poolsbrook and Duckmanton and Markham Vale.

As well as groundwork for the gas, water and electricity supply, improvements will be made to make sure it is fit to carry traffic to and from local businesses setting up in the area once the site is developed.

A shuttle bus will be running between Poolsbrook and the Staveley and Duckmanton area, providing a connection to the existing bus services while the work takes place.

More than 560 new jobs have already been created at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship regeneration site which is currently home to 28 businesses.

A further 200 jobs have already been announced with the construction of new buildings underway.

Source:Derbyshire County Council