A growing borough: Chesterfield sets out its next investment chapter
Chesterfield is entering a new phase of growth, with public and private sector partners aligned around a shared ambition to deliver new homes, jobs and investment across the borough.
Backed by a £2 billion pipeline and a proven track record, the focus is now on unlocking the next generation of opportunities.
At a roundtable held during UKREiiF, the UK’s biggest regeneration and investment conference, leaders from development, planning, construction, and local and regional government discussed the borough’s future growth.
A strategic growth corridor
At the heart of plans is the Chesterfield–Staveley growth corridor, a major regeneration opportunity within the Canal Corridor part of the East Midlands Combined Authority’s vision for growth.
The corridor has the potential to deliver 3,900 new homes, 7,800 jobs and £473 million in annual GVA, creating a significant economic opportunity for the region.
Rhian Davitt-Jones, Director at CBRE, said:
“There’s a real opportunity to set out a clear vision for growth, linking infrastructure, housing and employment and articulating that clearly to the market.”
Town centre living as a catalyst
A stronger residential offer in the town centre is seen as a key part of that growth.
Rhian added: “Establishing a strong town centre living market is a real opportunity, bringing residential alongside improved amenity will help drive growth.”
Paul Holden, Director at Peak Architects, agreed: “Chesterfield town centre has the opportunity to create a proper community, somewhere people can live, not just pass through.”
Andy Dabbs, Managing Executive Director at Whittam Cox Architects, added:
“A big challenge is retaining people; we need to be creating the conditions that encourage them to stay or bring them back after they leave.”
A diverse investment pipeline
Alongside housing, the borough is bringing forward a broad mix of employment and commercial development.
The East Midlands Investment Zone, which includes the Chesterfield–Staveley site, is expected to attract at least £383 million of private investment to the region.
Major schemes, including Waterside, the station masterplan and continued development at Markham Vale, provide a strong and varied pipeline of opportunity.
Liam Hawkins, Operations Director at Maylim, who recently opened an office in Chesterfield, said investment is already influencing how businesses view the town:
“The standard of design and the projects being delivered are of scale and design-led quality, which was attractive to us.”
Clarity and confidence for investors
For investors, clarity of ambition and ease of doing business are critical.
Tom Wheldon, Executive Director at HBD, said: “What’s the ambition? What do you want to be known for? And how do you sell that clearly because capital flows to the places with the least friction.”
Alex Hyams, Head of Mixed-Use Asset Management at Milligan, added: “In Chesterfield, the fundamentals are strong, and there is still significant potential to unlock.”
A competitive and connected location
Chesterfield’s location, close to major cities and on the edge of the Peak District, continues to strengthen its appeal.
Shaun Lunn, Director at AtkinsRéalis, said: “It’s a really attractive place, the opportunity is how we sell that even better.”
Ken Harrison, Director of Spatial Development at East Midlands Combined County Authority, commented: “It’s about connecting places, communities and opportunities and creating plans that can adapt over time.”
Delivering sustainable growth
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We want to grow our population, create jobs and make sure communities benefit from that growth.”
With clear priorities, strong partnerships and a growing pipeline, Chesterfield is well-positioned to attract further investment.
As Andrew Byrne, Group Development Director at Devonshire Group and Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:
“There is a huge opportunity here, and it comes from continuing to work together.”
Developers and investors are encouraged to explore current opportunities at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments
