Landmark rail innovation centre taking shape in Staveley
A cutting-edge rail innovation and training centre rises rapidly in Barrow Hill, marking a major milestone for Staveley’s growth.
The steel frame is now under construction to build the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe).
Once complete, the centre will offer a hub for rail sector growth and innovation.
Sited next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it includes classrooms, specialist research and development facilities. As well as a digital laboratory and commercial workshop space.
Collaborative growth
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It is fantastic to see this project coming together so quickly. DRIIVe will help grow our local economy by providing local people with the skills they need to access great careers in the rail sector and will help cement our borough’s position in the sector by attracting new businesses to the area.
Construction of the rail innovation centre began in early June. Stepnell is delivering the project on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.
Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “We’re progressing on schedule with the steel frame now taking shape.
“As we move toward the installation of external cladding, we’re actively engaging with the community to ensure alignment with the ambitions of the Staveley Town Deal and Chesterfield Borough Council. We’re committed to delivering meaningful opportunities for local people throughout the build, through targeted local spend and support for employability.”
Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society works in partnership to develop DRIIVe. It will take on day-to-day management once the centre opens. The centre will reinvest all profits into the Roundhouse site, helping preserve and strengthen community engagement.
Bob Burgess, Director and Trustee at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “We’re thrilled with the works on site. This facility will help local people access new opportunities and ensure that we can continue to help people connect with our heritage at the Roundhouse.”
The centre will support a network of specialist training providers, offering rail-related education from Level 2 through to postgraduate research. Furthermore, it will serve as a base for rail supply chain businesses, providing access to cutting-edge innovation and facilities.
Investing in Staveley’s growth
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s exciting to see works on this project and the wider Town Deal progressing. It has taken time to get to this stage. But hopefully people are now seeing the projects coming out of the ground and will be able to benefit.”
The Staveley Town Deal has provided the majority of funding for the project. It secured £25.2 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. In addition, funding has been provided by Chesterfield Borough Council, the East Midlands Combined County Authority, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
DRIIVe is a first step in the development of the nearby Hartington-Staveley East Midlands Investment Zone site.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “DRIIVe is a powerful example of how we’re turning ambition into action with the East Midlands Investment Zone. By investing in skills and innovation, we’re building the foundations of a smarter and greener economy while making sure that local people are at the heart of our journey. The East Midlands is stepping up as a leader in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable transport – and DRIIVe is proof of that progress in motion.”
To find out more about DRIIVe and the Staveley Town Deal, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Staveley-Town-Deal
Stepnell and Barrow Hill Roundhouse support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
