Completed Developments
Over the last few years, Chesterfield has seen the completion of many new developments that have already transformed the town into a more desirable place to invest and live.
These include:
If you are a developer looking to bring forward a major scheme Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning team will be able to assist you.
Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe)
Following a £6 million investment, the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) opened in July 2026. Located next to Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the modern rail innovation and training centre features classrooms and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and high-quality commercial workshop space.
DRIIVe supports a network of specialist training providers, offering rail-related education from Level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.
Barrow Hill Memorial Hall
The refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall has created a modern community hub with enhanced facilities for local residents. The hall officially reopened in August 2026.
The refurbished hall features a community pantry, bar and café, family hub, physical activity space and health hub, giving residents opportunities to access support services, socialise and stay active. The refurbishment was led by Barrow Hill Community Trust, with funding from the Staveley Town Deal and East Midlands Combined County Authority, among others.
Northern Gateway
The Northern Gateway scheme – which was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council in July 2016 to improve the town’s northern entrance and create 500 jobs – is now complete. An enterprise centre for start-up and medium-sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park is now a thriving hub for growing companies.
St Helena’s Campus – The University of Derby
In October 2016, the University of Derby opened the doors to its new campus at the St Helena building, formerly Chesterfield Girls High School. Built in 1845 from local stone, this striking Grade II listed building has been transformed to provide state of the art, world class university facilities that will inspire future generations of Nursing, Health, Business, Computing, Law and Engineering students.
Queens Park Sports Centre
The Chesterfield Borough Council-run centre opened fully in January 2016. Chesterfield residents can now benefit from an enhanced new Queen’s Park Sports Centre which has been built on Queen’s Park Annexe.
Gateway Enhancement
Funding of £500,000 was secured from Barratt Homes and the European Regional Development Fund to deliver the Chesterfield Gateway Enhancement Scheme. Gateway enhancements are targeted improvements at key junctions which act as entrances to the Town Centre. The scheme, completed in Autumn 2014 saw the installation of the Growth Sculpture on Horns Bridge roundabout and improvements to the station link between the entry of Chesterfield Railway station and the town centre.
Ravenside Retail Park
Over the past couple of years it has seen large retail businesses investing in Chesterfield with the opening of Debenhams, Maplins. Asda Living and HobbyCraft. Next have also expanded their store on the site.
Chesterfield Market Hall
Chesterfield Market Hall underwent a £4 million redevelopment and opened in October 2013 to provide 45 internal and external retail units, 22 offices, a central café/coffee shop and conference facilities.
Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre
The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre has combined the current outpatient chemotherapy and day unit services in one purpose-built centre The new chemotherapy suites have the space and equipment to treat 25 people at one time, a marked improvement on the current oversubscribed capacity of 8.
Macmillan has worked with the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to improve the lives of people affected by cancer in the region in order to address the challenges faced by a hospital with a reputation for excellent patient care, dedicated staff and volunteers.
