Author: CrushDesign

Markham Vale Enterprise Zone expansion announced by Sheffield City Region at MIPIM

Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone has announced plans to increase its size by almost a half including Markham Vale in Chesterfield.

The news follows extensive talks between local leaders and Government officials to negotiate the deal, which will see Zone expansions in Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield and Markham Vale, as well a new site at Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.

The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been brokering this deal with Government, which will mean that investors looking to set up in the Sheffield City Region will be able to access tax breaks across a new range of prime sites.

The existing Enterprise Zone sites totals 145 hectares, and this will add 70 hectares, which now gives the Zone a total area of 215 hectares.

The LEP has focused on attracting modern manufacturing and technology companies to the City Region by offering the opportunity to collaborate with world class manufacturers and universities in the area, as well as offering the top level of government tax incentives.

The announcement will be made today at MIPIM, where the LEP is showcasing the Enterprise Zone to an audience of 20,000 influential decision makers from the international property market.

James Newman, Chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP, who is currently at MIPIM in Cannes, said:

“I am delighted that the Government has listened to the LEP and enabled us to expand our Enterprise Zone to include additional strategic sites, including the land next to Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

“Since the launch of our Enterprise Zone in 2012, 18 new companies have located on our Enterprise Zone with 345 jobs already created on site and around 300 set to be created in the coming months.

“Businesses have been attracted to join our modern manufacturing and technology community which offers outstanding transport connectivity, a highly-skilled talent pool and the best UK Government tax incentives available.

“Now that our expansion has been confirmed, the LEP will be working closely with partners to ensure that the new sites can boast our full package Enterprise Zone benefits including simplified planning, superfast broadband and global promotion at international events.”

Local Growth Minister Kris Hopkins said:

“The Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone is creating a world class centre for modern manufacturing and technology.

“Expanding the Enterprise Zone will help to grow a community of world class businesses, which already boasts names like Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Firth Rixson and bring more investment, jobs and a boost to the Sheffield City Region economy.

“This is part of our long term economic plan to back business and enterprise right across the country, and it will help Sheffield City Region to grow stronger to build more homes and create more jobs to harness the talents of hard working local people.”

Source:Sheffield City Region

Posted in Development

Businesses invited to celebrate the town’s success at free breakfast event

Local businesses are invited to share in the success of the town’s inward investment campaign, Destination Chesterfield, at the Proact Stadium on Wednesday 19th March from 7.30am – 10.30am.

Spaces are limited and businesses are being urged to register now after nearly 200 people attended last year’s event.

The free breakfast event, which is aptly named ‘Celebrate Chesterfield,’ will look back over the campaign’s success during the last 12 months as well as announce plans for the forthcoming year.

Speakers at the event include Cheryle Rolfe of Staveley-based family engineering firm, DC Rolfe, which recently secured a business growth grant to secure the future of the company for a third generation.  Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of Franke Sissons, which is one of the latest business to sign up to the Chesterfield Champions scheme, will also present at the event.

There will also be a Question Time Panel including Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, George Cowcher, Group Chief Executive of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, Trevor Clay, Principal at Chesterfield College and Graeme Huston, Editor of the Derbyshire Times.

Destination Chesterfield was established in 2010 during which time it has engaged the business community as Chesterfield Champions, in actively supporting the marketing of the town and driving investment and bringing it to the attention of national investors.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The engagement of the local business community has been instrumental in the tremendous success of Destination Chesterfield during the last three and a half years. To ensure ongoing success it is important such businesses are aware of the difference they have made and share in the achievements of the town and its commerce. They will also receive important updates at the event on Destination Chesterfield’s plans and the regeneration sites across Chesterfield. I would urge as many local businesses to attend.”

The campaign, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has secured funding until 2015.  Peter Swallow added: “I am very much looking forward to the event. The town has achieved so much since Destination Chesterfield was launched, not least on-going investment, and the jobs it has brought with it. We have more than 140 Chesterfield Champions who are committed to making the area a great place to live, work and invest now and beyond 2015.”

Celebrate Chesterfield is free to attend however spaces are limited and places should be confirmed online by Friday 14th March atwww.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Route confirmed for Chesterfield Marathon

Organisers have officially confirmed the 26-mile route for the Chesterfield Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, September 14, in aid of children’s charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK, along with other local charities and good causes.

The Chesterfield Marathon, which is set to be one Chesterfield’s biggest mass participation events in more than 30 years, will begin and finish at Queen’s Park in the town centre, while taking in most of Chesterfield and surrounding area.

Runners will head through the town centre onto the A617, before looping around Williamthorpe Ponds on to the B6039, towards the A632 and then the A61 heading for The Casa Hotel towards Sheffield Road where the half marathon will finish.

From there the route heads towards Whittington Moor and near to Cobnar Wood before turning around towards Newbold and the B6150, through Ashgate onto the Old Road and back into Queens Park.

Runners can take part in a full marathon, half marathon and a relay race, where four competitors take a share of the course.  There will also be a fun run for parents, children and anyone wanting to take part in shorter distances up to two miles around the town centre. Fancy dress is welcome!

More than 1,000 people are expected to take part with entries now open for all events.

In addition to the running events there will be a fun fair, Blackpool Children’s Circus, human statues, children’s entertainers and street entertainment, plus market stalls, food and beer tents, live music and a firework display in Queen’s Park for all members of the public to enjoy.

Mike Hyman from Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK is one of the race founders. He said:

“We want the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon to be open to all ages and abilities. This is why we have arranged a series of races at varying distances to accommodate as many people as possible.

“The event will stimulate the economy in Chesterfield and will be an annual event where we are able to generate the foundations to support the growth of Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK – helping more children and their families plus local charities and good causes.”

Chesterfield based children’s cancer charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK was founded by Mike and June Hyman.  The charity has helped more than 65 families in three years, specialising in securing Proton Therapy treatment for children with different forms of cancer and at the same time helping and funding living and accommodation for patients who receive government funding for their treatment.

Proton Therapy is currently unavailable in the UK, but plans are now in place to establish new facilities in London and Manchester within the next six years to provide the treatment.

Sponsors and supporters of the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon 2014 include Utopia Tableware, Casa Hotel, Natwest, BRM Solicitors, Stopfords Accountants, Spire Marquees, Forever Living, Peak FM, Modiri Chartered Accountants, Caldic, One Health Sharks, Red Butterfly, Klasse Spa, Holywell Healthcare, MLS, Traffic Management Services (Retford) Limited and MK.

Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Police, Destination Chesterfieldand Derbyshire and Nottingham Chamber of Commerce have all given the race their backing.

To sign-up for the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon visitwww.chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Follow the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon on Twitter @CDMarathon2014 and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ChesterfieldDerbyshireMarathon.

(Pictured (left to right): Andrea Hooley from Chesterfield Marathon, Alison Bridge of MLS and Bill Wilson, June Hyman and Mike Hyman from Chesterfield Marathon.)

Source:On behalf of Kids ‘N’ Cancer by HR Media Ltd

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Holdsworth expansion brings more jobs to Markham Vale

Construction of a 17,900 sq ft distribution warehouse and cold-store for Holdsworth has commenced on site at Henry Boot Development’s Markham Vale scheme.

Family owned Holdsworth, who supply food to caterers across the UK, originally purchased a 15,000 sq ft unit at Markham Vale in 2009.  However, the company required a larger facility to house its cold-store and chose the Markham Vale location once again.

Director, Rupert Holdsworth commented: “We chose to expand our operation at Markham Vale based on the quality of build at our existing site and also due to the excellent transport links and ease of access to the site”.

Initially the new premises will be utilised by existing Holdsworth staff whilst their base in Tideswell undergoes essential maintenance and repair work. Once the works at Tideswell are complete Holdsworth plans to continue to operate from both depots creating additional jobs at Markham Vale.

Ben Ward of Henry Boot Developments commented: “It’s great news that Holdsworth, an established Derbyshire company, has chosen to expand at Markham Vale. We are also in detailed discussions with a number of other occupiers and hope to be able to release details soon.”

Source:Henry Boot Developments

Posted in Business, Development

Business centre expansion supporting work to bring 5,000 jobs to Chesterfield

A business centre which is playing a vital role in the drive to bring thousands of jobs to Derbyshire is to be extended in a £975,000 scheme.

The Markham Vale Environment Centre is at the heart of Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale regeneration site close to junction 29A of the M1.

The former coalfield site is eventually expected to employ around 5,000 people. It is already home to 28 businesses employing over 400 people.

The Markham Vale Environment Centre is powered by on-site renewable energy and is at full occupancy – providing environmentally friendly work spaces for 12 small businesses.

Its meeting rooms are used by firms already on site and by businesses planning to relocate to Markham to recruit and train staff.

The £975,000 investment will see the centre double in size, bringing more workspace and offices. The bulk of the cost will be met through a £611,520 European Regional Development Fund Grant, with the county council contributing £363,480.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: “The Markham Environment Centre has been a huge success and continues to play a key role in our work to deliver jobs for Derbyshire people.

“The centre’s expansion will double the amount of space available for use by companies which are already on site and those thinking of setting up at Markham to bring jobs for local people.

“This adds to the strong foundations which we’ve put in place to ensure Markham Vale is in a position to flourish as the economy picks up and is the latest in a string of recent positive announcements.”

Earlier this month Markham Vale received a £14.2m boost after successfully bidding for Government cash to turn dormant sites into prime economic land.

The funding will be used to develop the northern part of Markham Vale site, including a new link road, where the former Seymour Colliery site once stood.

Markham Vale has been granted Enterprise Zone status by the Government, meaning firms moving to some areas of the site can apply for Enhanced Capital Allowances – offering tax relief for major investment in plant and machinery.

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Business, Development

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

Posted in Development

FIRST STAGE PLANS FOR CHESTERFIELD WATERSIDE

Acting on behalf Chesterfield Waterside Partnership, a joint venture between Urbo Regeneration and Chesterfield Borough Council, HOW Planning has secured reserved matters planning approval for the first phase of the £300 million mixed use regeneration scheme in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

The site, known as Chesterfield Waterside, is made up of land within the A61 and Chesterfield Canal Corridor and the planning approval for 19 new homes marks the first element of the extensive scheme which is set to be delivered over the next few years.

Says Liz McFadyean, Senior Planning and Environmental Consultant at HOW Planning:  “This is a fantastic result which will see work get underway at the new Chesterfield Waterside site.  The overall development will open up a huge area of redundant land, transforming it into a thriving new district, helping to create new jobs, providing new housing as well as services that will help support these homes.”

Chesterfield Waterside is being delivered by specialist regeneration developer, Urbo Regeneration which is controlled by Chesterfield based Bolsterstone PLC and Arnold Laver Group and comprises an employment and residential led mixed-use regeneration scheme covering 25ha site and creating approximately 2000 jobs.

HOW carried out all planning and retail work for the initial outline planning application which was approved in March 2011

In addition to new residential, retail, office and leisure accommodation the development will include new canal link into the Chesterfield Canal will enhance the waterside environment and will be complemented by open space including a linear park and eco-park as well as high quality new public realm space.

Peter Swallow, Chairman of Chesterfield Waterside commented:  “This is a large and complex scheme and it is great to see things moving.  A lot of hard work has been put into every stage of the project and HOW has led an extensive professional team in all planning stages. This is a fantastic result and allows us to get underway with delivery phase, which is likely to be a period of 10-15 years.’

Source:Chesterfield Waterside

Posted in Development

Chesterfield Market Hall is UK’s best

The new market hall run by Chesterfield Borough Council has been officially named as the UK’s best small indoor market.

The market hall re-opened to customers in October last year following a year-long £4 million refurbishment which saw it transformed into a modern shopping area.

The cost of the redevelopment also included refurbishing the historic exterior and the Assembly Rooms, while creating a suite of offices for businesses on the upper floors.

Since re-opening market traders have reported doing good business and the offices will shortly be fully occupied. The council is also actively marketing promotional and retail space at the heart of the retail area near the cafe.

Now the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) has voted the market hall as the UK’s top small indoor market.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “This is great news for the town as the market hall is one of the iconic buildings in Chesterfield and a key part of our history.

“To secure its long-term future we needed to move with the times. The redevelopment enabled us to deliver the modern, light facilities today’s shoppers want and expect.

“At the same time we were able to keep and restore the historic core of the building, including the beautiful Assembly Rooms on the first floor which not all users may have seen yet.

“By adding offices for start-up and small businesses on the upper floors we have also increased the income being generated by the building while playing a part in creating new jobs and developing the local economy.”

The cost of the project was paid for by £2.1 million of grants from the European Regional Development Fund and the National Lottery, with the remainder coming from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Paul Hind, president of the Chesterfield branch of the National Market Traders’ Federation, said: “The traders have found the new market hall good. It is lighter and the public use it more often.

“The council has taken an old Victorian building and made it fit for purpose as a modern shopping area.”

The redevelopment project was overseen by the council’s asset management partner Kier under the Public Private Partnership with arvato.

Matt Sorby, head of Kier in Chesterfield, said: “Since opening the market hall has proved really successful with occupancy rates above predicted levels and traders reporting good business.

“Having a successful market hall is an important part of attracting both residents and visitors into Chesterfield to shop.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The town has had an amazing start to the New Year with two awards under our belt recognising the hard work of so many people working together to make Chesterfield a come-to destination. The latest accolade for the market hall further cements our position as a contemporary and thriving town centre, earning us national recognition.“

The Assembly Rooms in the market hall are available for hire by the public, community groups or businesses. Further details can be seen athttp://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Chesterfield-Venue-Hire-1014.html

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield’s regeneration team scoops national award

Chesterfield Borough Council’s regeneration team has been named as Placemaking Team of the Year at the inaugural Placemaking Awards.

 

Organised by Planning and Regeneration and Renewal and held at the British Museum in London – the awards recognise the projects, plans and people that are making places better through planning, regeneration, urban design, economic development or community renewal.

The win not only recognised Chesterfield Borough Council but also the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield, which is an integral part of the council’s regeneration strategy.

Together Destination Chesterfield and the council’s regeneration team have engaged with businesses through, amongst other things, the Chesterfield Champions Scheme, to attract inward investment and make things happen.

Judges at the awards said: “The visionary leadership and can-do attitude had resulted in an inspiring narrative of getting things done.”

Councillor John Burrows, Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This award is another national recognition of the fact that Chesterfield is a town going places.

“It recognises a real team effort between business and the public sector to make Chesterfield a better place. When devising and implementing regeneration plans or marketing the town to investors and visitors there is a lot of detailed work that happens which the public never hears about.

This award recognises that hard work and the benefits it brings to our town in terms of creating jobs, improving the local economy and ensuring we punch above our weight compared to others in the region and beyond.”

Delighted with the award, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “From the outset Destination Chesterfield has been a team effort involving not just the campaign’s marketing team and Chesterfield Borough Council but also the business community and the many champions who actively support the campaign.

“Without their commitment we would not have made the measurable impact we have in making Chesterfield a come-to destination for investors, businesses, visitors and residents. Our experience at Chesterfield Waterside is that the town’s increased profile is generating a lot of occupier interest. I am delighted that the award recognises everyone’s commitment and hard work.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on developments in and around Chesterfieldvisit www.chesterfield.co.uk and for information about Chesterfield Borough Council’s regeneration services visitwww.chesterfield.gov.uk and click on business.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield

CASA Hotel celebrated as Top 10 UK hotel by TripAdvisor

Casa Hotel, Chesterfield’s only independently operated 4 star hotel, has put Chesterfield on the map after being named as one of the UK’s Top 10 hotels by review site, TripAdvisor, for a second year running.

The Spanish influenced hotel, which boasts 100 luxury rooms, the award winning Cocina Restaurant, Barca Bar and state of the art conference and wedding facilities, has been named as the 9th best hotel in the UK, based on consumer reviews via the TripAdvisor holiday review website, which enables visitors to rate their stay based on sleep quality, service and more.

From those travelling to Chesterfield seeking a luxurious break away, to those simply visiting to enjoy a drink and dinner in the bar and restaurant, Casa Hotel prides itself on focusing on those small details that make a big difference.

Out of a total of 571 reviews on the site, 84% said that their stay was ‘excellent’, with 97.7% saying that their stay was ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. Many visitors praised the service from the hotel staff, the quality and comfort of their sleep and value for money.

Steven Garcia Perez, Owner of Casa Hotel said:

“To be recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the UK’s Top 10 hotels is a fantastic achievement and I am incredibly proud of each and every member of staff at Casa for their contribution towards this accolade. What really stands out in all of the comments on TripAdvisor, beyond great value for money and a comfortable night’s sleep, is the level of service visitors received during their stay with us.  There are countless anecdotes of the Casa team going the extra mile and this award is a great testament to their continued hard work.

“Being listed in the Top 10 really puts Chesterfield on the map as an up and coming place to visit and we hope that this will help drive tourism to the town and surrounding areas in 2014.”

Source:Casa Hotel

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Cash boost for Markham Vale Enterprise Zone

Sheffield City Region’s Enterprise Zone is set to receive more than £14 million to speed up the delivery of vital infrastructure for the Markham Vale logistics development.

The money will come from a £100 million ‘nuts and bolts’ fund designed to transform land at enterprise zones across the country and fast-track new jobs in key industries, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced today.

As part of the Government’s long term economic plan, 12 bids have been shortlisted from locations across the country to share the cash pot.

Markham Vale, a leading logistics and distribution park off the M1, could win up to £14.2 million.  The grant will generate a further £95.7m of private sector investment, create more than 2,100 jobs and build new access roads, around 16,720 sq m of commercial floor space, and unlock a further 33 Ha of land for development.

The £100 million set to be released by Government will fund projects such as road building, refurbishment, utility supply and land clearance to unlock previously dormant areas and turn them into prime economic sites that attract new businesses and develop local economies.

Across the country the funding for road building, refurbishment, utility supply and land clearance will lead to 3.5 million square metres of land being brought back into use and the creation of 124,000 square metres of new commercial floorspace by 2015 (over 10 football pitches).  In addition 10km of new road and 2 new bridges will be constructed, reducing congestion for residents and increasing the access to new Enterprise Zone sites for business.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:

“Enterprise zones are at the centre of our long-term economic plans to build a stronger, more competitive business environment and a better future forBritain.

“This funding will give these areas the infrastructure they need to attract more investment, support the growth of local businesses and create up to 3000 jobs for hardworking people across the country.”

James Newman, Chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“The UK economy will be getting an excellent return on this investment from Government which will help to unlock more than £80 million of new business investment and over 2,000 new jobs for the Sheffield City Region.

“The Government’s decision to invest £14 million in our Enterprise Zone will be welcomed by international investors looking to set up in the Sheffield City Region. This important funding will enable us to meet unmet investor demands by making improvements to our Enterprise Zone at Markham Vale, including medium-sized business units and developing larger areas for bigger investors.

“Improvements at Markham Vale will help us to build on the success of our Enterprise Zone, which in its first year attracted 15 new occupiers, created 228 new jobs and was picked out as the number 1 UK free zone by the Financial Times.”

Since they opened for business in April 2012 Enterprise Zones have laid firm foundations for success, attracting international companies, building centres of excellence in key industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, and delivering the infrastructure and training that will ensure that Britain continues to be competitive and successful on the global stage.

In total they have:

·         attracted 250 businesses

·         secured £1.1 billion of private sector investment

·         created over 7,000 jobs.

Source:Sheffield City Region

Posted in Development