Peak Resort development starts on site

Infrastructure works have begun on Peak Resort, the integrated leisure, health, sport and education resort on the 300 acre Birchall Estate in Unstone, Chesterfield.

Chesterfield business NT Killingley Ltd have been awarded  the contract for the initial infrastructure works at Peak Resort.

The £400k contract consists of the construction of a new 2.5km Greenway Route, installation of 5km of timber fencing and access points, 1.5km of native hedgerows plus improvement works to the existing car park.

This infrastructure works are being supported by £2.8 million of funding from Sheffield City Region’s Infrastructure Fund to build the A61  access, the new public footpaths and bridleway network around the site and the site security.  The funding will facilitate the connection of the property to the bicycle and footpath networks into the National Park, the town, the city and the countryside in between.

Once complete the resort will be one of the UK’s flagship tourist and educational destinations outside of London.

The resort aims to draw international and city based tourists to the region by providing world class accommodation and hospitality services linked to all the attractions and experiences the Peak District National Park and the Sheffield City Region already offers.

Phase one of the development which will be complete in spring 2019 and will include:

• The Gateway Dome and event space
• Four types/price bands of overnight accommodation from the sports hostel to the five-star clubhouse hotel.
• University campus affording national and international students the chance to apply their course work into real life learning and earning opportunities.
• Medical/clinical spa focused on mobility and rehabilitation, wellness and beauty.
• 300 acres of park and woodland incorporating wildlife and activity trials with the spectacular treetop walkway which offers far reaching views of the Peak District National Park and surrounding countryside.
• Other facilities will be determined as the scheme progresses.

Rupert Carr, founder of Peak Resort, said: “A 28 year commitment is now taking shape.

“This would not have been possible without the persistent and consistent support of Chesterfield Borough Council and now, critically, Sheffield City Region.

“Throughout three decades of shifting economic and political circumstances all the local authorities particularly North East Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire County Council as highways authority, have helped to keep the show on the road – a big thank you all round!

“Growing the overnight visitor economy around but outside of the National Park will offer visitors real experiences and local people real jobs.”

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This project is going to be a game changer for Chesterfield and its economy because it will put the area firmly on the UK tourist map and bring more visitors to the town.

“We have worked with Rupert Carr and his development partners over many years to make this project a reality and it is fantastic to see that work by the developers now bearing fruit.

“The fact work has begun on the project is a direct result of our involvement in Sheffield City Region and the £2.8 million grant we have helped to negotiate to carry out the phase one works. It shows the direct benefits that Chesterfield gets from having a seat at the Sheffield City Region table.”

Sir Steve Houghton, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said: “Through the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund (SCRIF), we are making sure that every pound we invest maximises economic growth, boosts businesses and creates more and better jobs.

“So far, SCRIF has created almost 600 jobs in Sheffield City Region and is on track to create 30,000 more by 2021. The Peak Resort, which will create 1,300 jobs opportunities for local people, is excellent news for Chesterfield and Sheffield City Region residents.”

Chris Scholey, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board Member, said: “This £400 million resort will create 1,300 new jobs and it is excellent example of how the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund (SCRIF) is working to leverage private and public sector investment more effectively.

“Our robust approach to prioritising and selecting the highest standard of programmes for funding, including the Peak Resort leisure complex, is helping us to build a truly competitive centre of business excellence.”

Peak Resort is a joint venture partnership between UK development company Peak Worldwide and US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group.

Find out more about the development