Author: CrushDesign

Squadron Medical Takes Occupation at Markham Vale

Construction of Squadron Medical’s new 41,000 sq ft Design and Build facility at Henry Boot Development’s Markham Vale scheme is now complete. The new facility will be the medical supplies distributor’s national distribution centre and headquarters.

Squadron Medical operated from 3 smaller units in Staveley andChesterfieldbut soon realised their need for expansion space so took advantage of Henry Boot Developments’ “Try Before You Buy Scheme” allowing them to have a short term lease at Markham Vale’sWaterloo Courtscheme whilst their new facility was being built.

The bespoke facility, which includes 9,000 sq ft of offices, has taken just 26 weeks to construct and features a full height glazed reception area and a fully fitted state of the art warehouse. Ben Ward of Henry Boot Developments comments “This is another great success story for Markham Vale and Squadron Medical’s presence on the site will be a real credit to the scheme. The building achieved an EPC rating ‘B’ and linked with the ‘Very Good’ BREEAM accreditation is a very efficient building.”

Source:Markham Vale

Posted in Development

Inspired Investment to drive Chesterfield forward

Destination Chesterfield recently held its latest ‘Inspired Investment’ event to update local businesses and the media on the progress of the regeneration schemes in Chesterfield.

The event, held at the Casa Hotel included Ellen Cutler, Director of Investment from Sheffield City Region, who highlighted their plans to attract investment to the area and how they will work with partners in Chesterfield to maximise the benefit to the local area.

Other updates were given on Chesterfield Waterside, Markham Vale and theNorthern Gateway. Chesterfield Waterside has recently secured £2.4million from the Sheffield City Region’s Growing Places fund. This will allow the new canal link to be built on site which will in turn enable the construction of the housing element to commence.

The Northern Gateway development which will extend Chesterfield town centre with new shops, restaurants and a cinema aims to take Chesterfield into the top 100 shopping destinations in England. Chesterfield Borough Council will be announcing their preferred development partner in May, ahead of a full planning application being lodged in the autumn with the development planned to be completed in 2015.

Markham Vale was recently awarded Enterprise Zone status by Sheffield City Region and has seen continued investment including Squadron Medical’s new 40,000 square foot facility and the 100,000 square foot national distribution centre for Andrew Page Ltd.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said “It is to the Town’s great credit that despite the economic climate, Chesterfield’s regeneration schemes continue to move forward. It is important for Destination Chesterfield to not only promote these opportunities for investment externally, but that we also communicate the content and importance of these developments to the people who live and work in Chesterfield.”

Destination Chesterfield’s next ‘Inspired Investment Event will take place in September and is exclusively available to ‘Chesterfield Champions’. To find out how to become a ‘Champion’ and more about Chesterfield’s regeneration schemes visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

Image supplied courtesy of the Derbyshire Times

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s revamped Visitor Information Centre nominated as a finalist in the 2012 Visit England Awards for Excellence

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre has been named as a finalist in the Visitor Services category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012.

As a finalist the Centre now goes forward to the glittering Awards Ceremony which is being held on 22 May 2012 at Athena, an art deco gem located in the heart of Leicester’s cultural quarter.

The Information Centre will have to wait until then to find out which award they will receive. All finalists are guaranteed to receive either a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award. The other Information Centres in the Visitor Services category are Bodmin, Greenwich, Harrogate and Manchester.

Commenting on the finalists James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said: “I would like to congratulate all those nominated as VisitEngland Awards for Excellence finalists this year. This is no small achievement in a year when we have received a record number of submissions. The quality of submissions this year has been outstanding and Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre can justifiably take credit and pride in earning a place at the top of their category in England. I wish everyone all the best for the final in May.”

Cllr Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Chesterfield Borough Council said: “We’re delighted to have reached the finals of these prestigious awards and thanks must go to all the staff at the Centre who provide a quality service to visitors throughout the year. Tourism is such an important part of our local economy so it’s good to know that our visitor services are being recognised by VisitEngland.”

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

New look gateway signs to Chesterfield will shout about town’s events

New welcome signs have this week been installed on the key gateways into Chesterfield. The signs, incorporating the Destination Chesterfield branding which is based on the crooked spire, have interchangeable sections that will allow major events and the historic market to be promoted.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The impression we give visitors when they arrive in Chesterfield is vital. The objective of our Warm Welcome Campaign is to improve the arrival at key gateways into the town and also turn them into promotional opportunities.”

The Warm Welcome Campaign, which was an idea by the Chesterfield Champions, the network of businesses in Chesterfield that support and shape the activity of Destination Chesterfield, aims to provide a more consistent and contemporary welcome to the town. The signs are the latest public realm improvements which follow the refurbishment of Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre, new canopies on Chesterfield Market and upgrades to car parking signage. Future projects include improving roundabouts, bus shelters and the coach station.

“The unique idea of these new signs came from a Chesterfield Champions meeting. As local businesses we recognised that many potential visitors to the town drive straight through on their way to and from the Peak District without stopping. By upgrading the signs to include the latest events and to promote the market we can now use the signs to attract people into the town centre,” said Steve Gordon of Banner Jones Solicitors, a Chesterfield Champion.

Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “We want people to receive a consistent message about Chesterfield through the branding they see before they visit the town, when they arrive and while they are here. This all helps to give Chesterfield a unique identity and is one of many projects that the Council is working in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to achieve.”

The production and the erecting of the eleven new signs, costing £10,000, have been funded through the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Destination Chesterfield project.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield markets give a warm welcome

Chesterfield’s outdoor market stall canopies have been given a fresh new look that reflects the Destination Chesterfield branding. The 200 canopies have all been replaced with striking colours and a special welcome message on each corner.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Our markets are one of the biggest attractions for the town so it’s logical to welcome visitors through the use of the market stalls themselves.

“We also believe very much in investing in the markets so the new canopies will hopefully play a part in making the town centre more attractive but also reflect our commitment to the town’s heritage.”

Paul Hind, market trader and President of the Chesterfield branch of the National Market Traders’ Federation said: “I think the new canopies look great. They were in need of an upgrade and it’s good to see money being spent on such an important part of the town’s shopping offer.”

The cost of the canopies was covered by the Destination Chesterfield project through the European Regional Development Fund.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield bids to be a Portas Pilot

Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council is submitting a bid for Chesterfield to become a Portas’ Pilot town

Up to £100,000 of government cash is on offer for 12 towns to pilot the scheme, which was set up after Mary Portas led a review on revitalising town centres. Local government minister Grant Shapps has described this as a “golden ticket” for town centres.

Against the national backdrop Chesterfield is performing well with high retail occupancy rates and developer interest in the town.

Chesterfield’s Portas Pilot bid is about the future of the town, ensuring that this success and interest continues. The key themes in the bid are the development and growth of new and existing town centre businesses, the historic market and creating a balanced evening economy.

Cllr John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “The Portas Report highlighted the importance of markets for towns. Chesterfield Market is at the heart of our bid alongside our independent and high street traders.”

As part of the bid a short video will be submitted, the Chesterfield film entitled ‘Actions Speak Louder Than Words’ includes local residents and businesses supporting the application in a black and white silent movie.

If successful a Town Team will be carefully selected from the Chesterfield Champions and other town centre businesses to manage the delivery of the project and the future of the Town Centre.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “This bid will allow us to use the public and private sector expertise from the Chesterfield Champions to ensure our town centre remains vibrant and adapts to compliment the future developments in the town.”

Chesterfield will find out if it has been successful in its bid in May.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s revamped Visitor Centre open for business

The doors were opened today (Friday 16th March) on Chesterfield’s new look Visitor Information Centre. The Centre has recently undergone a £40k refurbishment from the Destination Chesterfield project with funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

The Centre was opened by Councillor Peter Barr, Mayor of Chesterfield, MP Toby Perkins and James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland.

The refurbishment includes a new-look interior that reflects the Destination Chesterfield branding, a dedicated section on “Our Future” which features images of developments coming to the town, and quotes from famous people associated with the town including George Stephenson, Bess of Hardwick, Gordon Banks and Lady Baden-Powell.

Councillor Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “The whole interior is a lot more welcoming and open so people can find information quickly. The use of quotes from famous people inside and outside gives visitors and residents a new connection to the town which hopefully inspires pride and interest in what Chesterfield has to offer.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “I think the refurbishment looks fantastic. The whole Centre makes a great first impression for people visiting the town and will certainly help in our aim to promote Chesterfield as a modern, vibrant and contemporary destination.”

David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, added: “Chesterfield’s rebranding of its Tourist Information Centre as a Visitor Information Centre, linking in with the work of Destination Chesterfield, illustrates the importance of tourism as a key tool in economic regeneration and the town’s growing role as an eastern gateway to the Peak District.”

The Centre welcomed 155,841 visitors in 2011, an increase of over 12,000 from 2010. The Centre has won the English Tourist Board’s National England for Excellence Awards in 2005 and 2009 and 95% of people interviewed in a customer satisfaction survey last year thought that the service offered was either good or excellent.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

A different view for Chesterfield Tourism Centre

Chesterfield Borough Council has given approval for a revamp of its award-winning Tourist Information Centre (TIC). The refurbishment which will be carried in February is one of a number of projects by Destination Chesterfield to update key gateways into the town. The revamp will give the Centre a more vibrant, modern and customer-friendly location that showcases Chesterfield at its very best.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “The impression we give visitors when they arrive in Chesterfield is vital. The objective of our Warm Welcome Campaign is to improve the arrival at key gateways into the town.”

The £40,000 funding for the refurbishment of the centre and Destination Chesterfield’s other gateway improvements is from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Cllr Nick Stringer, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Chesterfield Borough Council said: “So many people use the Centre every year, but the building is looking somewhat tired inside so we’re pleased to work with Destination Chesterfield to use this ERDF money to bring the Centre up to date and create something that will set a high standard for the rest of their stay in Chesterfield.”

Local agency and Chesterfield Champion, Crush Design, were appointed to manage the project and have created a striking new look for the Centre that embraces the new visual identity for Chesterfield.

Natalie Brammer at Crush Design said: “It’s been a really interesting project to work on as there are so many different aspects to the TIC. Making the design and functionality work together has been a challenge but we’re delighted with the final look.”

The revamp will also introduce a new feature to the exterior of the building which will tell a short story about four famous people associated with Chesterfield and will include George Stephenson, Gordon Banks, Lady Baden-Powell and Bess of Hardwick.

The TIC welcomed 155,841 visitors in 2011, an increase of over 12,000 from 2010. The Centre has won the English Tourist Board’s National England for Excellence Awards in 2005 and 2009 and 95% of people interviewed in a customer satisfaction survey last year thought that the service offered was either good or excellent.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

Century of Champions for Chesterfield

Destination Chesterfield has a century of members for the Chesterfield Champions scheme. Southside Magazine, United Cast Bar Limited and Places and Faces Magazine are the latest businesses to support the project.

Southside Magazine, who are the 100th Champion, spontaneously joined at Destination Chesterfield’s Celebrate Chesterfield Event after hearing the future plans for the Town.

Simon Moreman, Publishing Manager of Southside Magazine said “There are so many exciting projects coming forward for Chesterfield, we as a business have a key role to play in helping the town to promote these changes and wanted to be involved.”

The Champions support the future development of Chesterfield through support and guidance to Destination Chesterfield on how they promote Chesterfield.

James Brand, Sales Director of United Cast Bar Limited said “We are a large local employer and plan to grow further, if the business community can work together to improve Chesterfield and its profile this will increase the opportunities available to companies in the town.

Beverley Bearder, Managing Director of Places and Faces Magazine said “We are keen to support the development of Chesterfield especially the growth of its speciality businesses. Through the support of our magazine we will assist in raising the profile of the town across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said “it is great that 100 businesses of all sizes and from all sectors support our approach to promoting Chesterfield. A year ago we launched the scheme and we thank the first 100champions for their support and look forward to working with the current and new champions in the future.

Destination Chesterfield which is funded through money from the European Regional Development Fund, is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield as a modern contemporary destination. This approach to promoting the town sees the local business community playing a central role in its success by leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, and businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.

Further information about the Destination Chesterfield project and the Chesterfield Champions Scheme can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

A Warm Welcome to Chesterfield

Front line staff this week became the town’s first ambassadors as part of a new initiative launched by Destination Chesterfield.

‘Chesterfield Ambassadors’ is a scheme for front line staff in the town and recognises the important role they play in shaping the impressions of Chesterfield to visitors who are here on business and pleasure.

The workshop developed by Chesterfield Champion, Evolution Training highlights useful facts about Chesterfield, the town’s regeneration plans alongside the importance of good customer service.

The first ambassadors included street cleaners, security guards and restaurant staff, but the work doesn’t stop with the workshop; Ambassadors will be kept up-to-date with the latest news and events in the town so they can share this information with their customers, colleagues, families and friends.

Peter Swallow chair of Destination Chesterfield said “The first impressions visitors receive will shape their opinion of Chesterfield. We want front line staff to be confident to talk about Chesterfield and the exciting plans for the future.”

Chris Ash, Director of Evolution Training said “As a Chesterfield Champion it has been great to be able to use our expertise to develop this workshop. We look forward to working with Destination Chesterfield in creating the network of ambassadors and the important role they have in promoting Chesterfield.”

Destination Chesterfield will be looking to recruit more Ambassadors in 2012 and if you would be interested in becoming involved contact Dominic Stevens at Destination Chesterfield on 01246 207207 or visit www.chesterfield.co.uk.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Visiting