University future for landmark Chesterfield building
The University of Derby is delighted to announce the purchase of a Grade II listed former girls’ school in Chesterfield which will be used to support its growing presence in the town.
The acquisition of the St Helena Centre from Derbyshire County Council provides the University with an opportunity to further strengthen its work with the neighbouring Chesterfield College on Sheffield Road.
Major refurbishment would be required to bring the 2.2 acre site up to standard but, as a former school, many aspects of its layout lend themselves to further educational use.
The University could have the new centre ready by mid-2016.
It will bring new jobs to Chesterfield, business support, business incubation, nursing, engineering and real world learning to the town. The proposal has already been well received by Destination Chesterfield, which coordinates efforts to promote the town.
Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby, said: “We have been working for some time to extend our presence in the town.
“This strategic acquisition extends our options to be of service to the town of Chesterfield and to help the economic development through comprehensive business support to create jobs and bolster the higher education offer already in place there.
“The building itself is a wonderful structure which sits in a perfect location, being so close to town and the college.
“The University of Derby has proved before that it is excellent at taking special buildings and bringing them back to life. You only have to look at the Buxton Dome to realise that. It would be great to see the building returned to its original purpose for education but this is just one of the options open to the University.”
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Council Services, Councillor Brian Ridgway, added: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to give the University the opportunity to extend their work intoChesterfield. This is the best possible use for the St Helena Centre.
“The University will bring new jobs to the area and create opportunities for people from Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover to increase their qualifications and skills.
“We’ve just announced a £14.2m investment in the Markham Vale site and having a more skilled local workforce will make coming to Derbyshire a more attractive proposition for businesses.”
The centre was built in 1911 as a school. The girls’ school closed in the 1990s and the council then used the building as offices until late 2013.
Source:University of Derby
