Author: Dom Stevens

£4 million secured for multi‑year housing decarbonisation programme

26th March 2026

More than £4 million is set to be invested to help improve the energy efficiency of homes across Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been successful in securing funding through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 and the Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG), via the Midlands Net Zero Energy Hub consortium, enabling a three‑year decarbonisation project that will see upgrades made to homes across the borough.

The funding will support a wide range of energy-efficient improvements that enhance comfort, reduce energy use for council tenants and homeowners, as well as helping make homes more affordable to run in the long term.

Of the total funding awarded to the council, £3.3 million has been secured via the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 scheme and will be invested into making energy‑efficiency upgrades to council’s existing housing stock.

Work will include the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps, loft insulation, heating controls and ventilation upgrades – all of which will help tenants reduce their energy bills and lower their carbon footprint.

The council will contact tenants directly to let them know if work is scheduled for their home.

A further £1.1 million of funding has been secured through the Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG) scheme and is available to eligible homeowners and private landlords to make improvements to their homes.

To be eligible for funding through the Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG) residents must be an owner-occupier or a private landlord, have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G, and meet one of three measures set out by government. More details on eligibility for private properties can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/warm-homes

RE:GEN Yorkshire and East Midlands have been appointed by the council to deliver the project, building on an established partnership between the two organisations that includes the successful delivery of other housing improvement programmes.

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “With the funding we’ve secured through both the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3, and the Warm Homes Local Grant, we can ensure that both council tenants and homeowners across the borough feel the benefits of energy efficient improvements as they contribute towards warmer homes and lower energy bills. It’s an investment not just in buildings, but in the wellbeing and comfort of our residents.

“This three-year decarbonisation project marks an important step in our commitment to becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050, as we work to improve the energy efficiency of homes right across the area.

“I’m looking forward to working with RE:GEN again and seeing this project take shape over the next three years.”

Chesterfield Champions, RE:GEN will be the main partner delivering the project across Chesterfield, overseeing everything from the initial checks and planning, right through to installation, resident support, and aftercare.

Tom Nicholson, Commercial Director at RE:GEN Yorkshire & East Midlands, said: “This is a huge opportunity for us at RE:GEN to bring our forward-thinking regeneration expertise to Chesterfield. We’re incredibly proud of our growing partnership and look forward to doing our part to create more sustainable communities and deliver solutions that will make a real difference for generations to come.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Culture and community at the forefront of Chesterfield’s vision for the future

18th March 2026

Chesterfield’s vibrant cultural identity and the community impact of ongoing regeneration took centre stage at this year’s Celebrate Chesterfield conference.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and supported by Vines Legal and Stepnell, the event highlighted how culture, creativity and placemaking are becoming core drivers in the town’s long-term economic strategy.

Emily Bowman, Managing Director at Junction Arts, showcased Chesterfield’s expanding creative programme, demonstrating how local arts, events and heritage initiatives are boosting wellbeing, attracting new visitors and driving footfall into the town centre.

Emily also outlined the borough’s ambition to become a Town of Culture, as part of its wider cultural strategy. If successful, the ambition is that the programme is led by the community working in partnership and with support from the Pride in Place Town Board and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“Chesterfield’s ambition to become Town of Culture is an exciting moment for our borough. It gives us a platform to celebrate who we are: our heritage, our creativity and our people, and to showcase the cultural energy across the borough.”

The conference also highlighted how regeneration continues to reshape the borough, with Chesterfield now benefiting from a £2 billion investment pipeline. Chesterfield Borough Council Chief Executive, Huw Bowen, who retires in May, reflected on eighteen years of place-led leadership and stressed the importance of long-term partnership in achieving regeneration milestones.

Further demonstrating the power of local collaboration, Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, shared how Town Deal projects are already supporting communities, with a new video showing the benefits beginning to be felt across Staveley.

A panel featuring Vines Legal, Stepnell and Chesterfield College Group explored the role businesses play in delivering social value, showing how employers are boosting skills, apprenticeships, volunteering and local supply chains to ensure residents actively benefit from the borough’s growth.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:

“At Celebrate Chesterfield, we have not just talked about ambition. We have heard real stories of impact. The public, private and community sectors are working together to support the economy and people of Chesterfield.”

Delegates also received a copy of this year’s Chesterfield Storybook, a publication capturing the town’s achievements and future vision. A digital version is available at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/celebrate/chesterfield-storybook/

The event was accompanied by the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Expo, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, where local businesses showcased their work and built new connections. The exhibition highlighted the strength and diversity of Chesterfield’s business community.

Discover more about what is happening in Chesterfield at www.chesterfield.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Chesterfield businesses unite to inspire and develop the next generation of talent

5th March 2026

Chesterfield employers, apprentices, educators and the public sector are calling for more early‑years engagement and clearer career pathways to help young people build lasting futures in key sectors.

Businesses across Chesterfield say developing talent now requires earlier engagement, stronger pathways and cultures where young people can grow in confidence and skills. This was the central message from employers, apprentices and educators at a recent Destination Chesterfield Round Table held at Chesterfield College.

Apprentices were clear that early exposure matters. Niall Dalton from Dalton Roofing said, “You don’t hear anything from any business when you are in those early years, by Year 11 you’re asked what you want to do, and you don’t really know.”

Tom Hayward, an apprentice at MSE Hiller emphasised the importance of showing progression: “What’s the future of being an engineer? Give an idea of where you can go with that job.”

Employers agreed, noting that many traditional practical subjects, such as woodwork, mechanics, and metalwork, have been reduced or removed from schools. Jay Walters from Paragon Products said, “We used to do woodwork, we used to do metalwork. You don’t see any of that now.”

Businesses recognised a proactive approach in Chesterfield, driven by the work of the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership and other stakeholders. Careers Made in Chesterfield was highlighted as a success story in addressing this gap. Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Manager at Chesterfield Borough Council, described meeting a young person who believed he’d have to “go to London” to be an architect, unaware of opportunities available at local firms. This insight directly inspired the Careers Made in Chesterfield programme, which delivers awareness of careers across Construction, Manufacturing and Health Care Sectors.

Employers also praised the award-winning Construction Skills Hub as a model for engaging young people earlier and reducing learning barriers. The Construction Skills Hub is an innovative training centre based on The Devonshire Group’s live construction site at Mastin Moor, giving learners real-world experience in joinery, brickwork, groundworks and electrical installation. Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council with Chesterfield College the Devonshire Group and the University of Derby, it aims to support more than 5,000 people with practical training and clear career pathways over the next decade.”

Luke Mantel, Director of School, Construction, Plumbing, Electrical and Automotive at Chesterfield College, described removing the “fear factor” of classroom maths and English by embedding them into hands-on activities “We take learners that don’t study maths and English for the first six weeks, we remove that barrier.”

Work experience also remains a powerful tool for inspiration. “We ask they do a week’s work experience to try it first. We might not be right for them, they might not be right for us,” said Ros Fomin of MSE Hiller.

Peter Lawrence from East Midlands Chamber noted growing demand for non-digital, hands-on work among older apprentices, too, illustrating a broad shift in work preferences post‑pandemic. Many seek “something that feels real” rather than purely screen-based environments.

The roundtable also celebrated results from ongoing programmes, including Made in Chesterfield, which offers hands-on experiences for students to visit manufacturing businesses. Dom Stevens, Head of Destination Chesterfield, shared that 4,000 young people have engaged with local businesses through the initiative.

Across employers, educators and training providers, one theme was consistent: earlier engagement, real experiences and clear pathways help young people see their future working, living and thriving in Chesterfield.

If your business would like to get more involved in highlighting career options and inspiring the next generation of workers, discover more how at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/engage-with-schools-and-colleges/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills

Chesterfield employers say apprenticeships are critical to growth and competitiveness

10th February 2026

Businesses across Chesterfield say apprenticeships are no longer “nice to have”, but essential to business sustainability, knowledge transfer and future competitiveness.

That was the message shared during a recent roundtable hosted by Destination Chesterfield at Chesterfield College.

Employers from construction, engineering, manufacturing, landscaping, planning, and public services discussed how apprenticeships have become central to their growth strategies and warned that unless young people receive adequate support and training, future workforces are at risk.

For engineering firm MSE Hiller, apprenticeships are embedded in long-term growth planning. Ros Fomin explained that the company aims to recruit two apprentices a year to support knowledge transfer and ensure continuity as experienced engineers retire.

Landscaping specialist NT Killingley expressed a similar commitment. “We’ve essentially been doing apprenticeships for 52 years,” said Gareth Dillon, Managing Director. “38% of my staff started knowing nothing and are now working at every level of the business. Without young people coming in, our business would have folded decades ago.”

Phil Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing, added that apprenticeships have enabled the company to grow sustainably over 36 years, with most of the team progressing through the business from entry level.

Chesterfield Borough Council also highlighted apprenticeships as a key workforce strategy. Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Manager, said: “It enables us to build a sustainable and diverse workforce. We’ve got apprentices across all service areas.”

Employers praised the fresh thinking apprentices bring. Jay Walters, Customer Care Manager at Paragon Products, shared the example of a 17-year-old Business Improvement and AI apprentice who rebuilt a critical customer service tracking system. “You can’t buy that enthusiasm, that knowledge at such a young age,” he said.

Apprentices from MSE Hiller and Dalton Roofing spoke about the value of hands-on mentoring. Niall Dalton, apprentice at Dalton Roofing, said: “It’s good to look at everyone around you. Our site manager is skilled in his craft, and I spend a lot of time with him, learning everything he knows.”

Tom Hayward, an apprentice at MSE Hiller, described how supporting an apprentice has helped him build confidence and early leadership skills. He said: “I’m guiding a new apprentice through his first job; and he views problems completely differently from me. I found a lot of personal growth in terms of junior leadership.”

Chesterfield College, the University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber noted that post 2017 apprenticeship reforms have strengthened employer involvement. “It’s allowed employers to help co-develop apprenticeships,” said Peter Lawrence, Senior Business Advisor of East Midlands Chamber. “That makes a difference to retention and progression.”

The message from Chesterfield businesses this National Apprenticeship Week is clear: apprenticeships are essential for developing talent, driving competitiveness and supporting the local economy.

For more information on apprenticeships in Chesterfield, visit the Apprentice Town website. This includes support for employers and apprenticeship vacancies.

Apprentice Town is delivered by the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership in association with Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills

Five investment opportunities in Chesterfield

9th January 2026

Chesterfield is entering a major phase of regeneration, with a £2 billion investment pipeline set to deliver 7,800 jobs, 3,900 homes, and an estimated £473 million boost to the local economy.

At a recent Investment Round Table, Chesterfield Champions highlighted five projects they believe will have the biggest impact on the town’s future. Here’s what to watch:

Spire Neighbourhood

An ambitious regeneration project revitalising areas east of the town centre with new housing, green spaces, and improved connectivity.

“The Spire neighbourhood will bring forward a cultural quarter alongside new homes, creating a new attractive place to visit and live within our town centre ”, Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Development partners are being sought to deliver high-quality housing and living spaces. Around 500 new homes per year are planned across the borough over the next 15 years.

Discover more about town centre living in Chesterfield

East Midlands Investment Zone

Chesterfield is part of this strategic initiative led by the East Midlands Combined County Authority, offering tax incentives and infrastructure investment to accelerate growth. The Hartington Staveley site covers over 100 hectares of brownfield land near the M1 corridor and will support advanced manufacturing and green industries.

“Being part of the East Midlands Investment Zone opens up significant opportunities for businesses and developers.” – Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Learn more about the East Midlands Investment Zone
Explore more about Hartington Business Park
Discover more about Hartington Commerce Park

Markham Vale

One of the region’s most successful industrial and logistics hubs, Markham Vale continues to attract national and international businesses thanks to its prime location near the M1.

“Markham Vale is a key driver for employment and investment in the area.” – Tom Wragg, FHP Property Consultants

New developments include:

ARK: 90,200 sq ft across 3 units
Nova: Two large industrial units totaling 730,000 sq ft, creating over 700 jobs

Discover opportunities at Markham Vale

Chesterfield Town Centre

Plans to improve the town centre and surrounding areas include upgrades to the Market Place, Stephenson Memorial Hall, and investment opportunities at Chesterfield Waterside, Spire Neighbourhood, and the Station Masterplan Area.

“The Waterside development creates a positive first impression when you arrive by train; it shows things are happening.” – Catherine Wenborne, Vines Legal

These projects aim to create a welcoming environment with better public spaces, modern offices, hotels, leisure and retail opportunities, new homes, and improved transport connections.

Discover more about Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield
Learn more about Chesterfield Waterside
Read about the Station Master Plan

Peak Resort

A world-class leisure destination on the edge of the Peak District, designed to attract visitors and boost Chesterfield’s tourism economy.

“Peak Resort will be a fantastic addition for Chesterfield. It will keep people spending locally rather than just passing through to the Peak District.” – Ruth Whiteman, Peak Project Solutions

The construction platforms for the sites have been developed in 2025, with the first phase scheduled to open by 2028.

Discover more about Peak.

Invest in Chesterfield

Explore commercial property opportunities and learn more about Chesterfield’s regeneration projects at: chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search

For a full overview of developments in Chesterfield and Staveley, visit: chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Chesterfield businesses back ambitious plans for town centre transformation

8th January 2026

Backed by a £2 billion investment pipeline, Chesterfield is redefining its future with bold town centre transformation plans to reshape the town’s economy, communities, and identity. Local leaders say optimism is high as Chesterfield looks to 2026 and beyond.

Town centre transformation

Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambition goes beyond economic growth. Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, outlined plans for the town centre. She said:

“We’re creating a cultural quarter, more town centre living, and imaginative uses for spaces like the Pavements Shopping Centre. Chesterfield will be a place where people continue to want to spend time and feel proud to call home.”

Major reinvestment is already underway as landmark retail sites find new purpose including:

Former Wilko store: Purchased by J.B.S.L. Holdings, with plans for a 70-unit aparthotel, two retail units, a coffee shop, gym, and business centre
Historic Eyres furniture store: Set to become a mixed-use development featuring 20 apartments and 10 commercial units, creating a vibrant hub for residents and businesses
Former Marks & Spencer building: Acquired by ALB Group, introducing new retail units and upper-floor residential space (subject to planning approval).

Tom Wragg, Associate Director at FHP Property Consultants, which advises on retail and leisure property across Derbyshire, sees this as a sign of progress.

He said: “The retail market is evolving. Investors like ALB are bringing creativity to repurpose spaces; that’s a huge opportunity for Chesterfield. The former Marks and Spencer site is a prime example of where we can introduce new uses that keep people in town longer.”

Skills and innovation driving growth

As Chesterfield’s town centre evolves, the demand for skilled workers and innovative approaches grows. The Construction Skills Hub in Staveley and the new Advanced and Life Sciences Centre at Chesterfield College are equipping young people with expertise in construction techniques, skills that will help bring town centre projects to life. Ruth Whiteman, owner of Peak Project Solutions, explained:

“We’re focusing on modern construction methods and innovation. It’s about preparing young people for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

Business confidence is growing alongside these regeneration and skills initiatives. As new developments reshape the town centre and local training hubs prepare a skilled workforce, firms see Chesterfield as a place to invest and grow.

Peter Lawrence, Senior Business Advisor at East Midlands Chamber, which supports hundreds of local firms, believes the narrative is shifting. He said:

“Chesterfield isn’t just a gateway anymore, it’s a place to relocate, grow and stay.”

A thriving future

The coming year will see continued investment across Chesterfield, with projects creating new jobs, improving public spaces, and supporting local businesses. These developments are expected to enhance the town’s infrastructure and provide additional opportunities for residents and visitors.

Discover more about developments taking place at chesterfield.co.uk/developments.

Image by @steelcitydronepilot

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, Skills

Chesterfield’s year of investment: confidence, collaboration and £2bn of opportunity

4th December 2025

Chesterfield isn’t just planning for growth, it’s delivering it. With a £2bn investment pipeline and regeneration projects already transforming our town, 2025 has been a year of visible progress and optimism. From major schemes to cultural initiatives, our town is building confidence for the future and creating opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

Our latest roundtable discussion with Chesterfield Champions discussed progress in 2025.

A year of progress

This year’s Chesterfield Investment Summit, attended by 200 delegates, showcased a £2 billion pipeline of projects and 7,800 potential jobs. Once complete, these developments will bring an additional £473 million in GVA to the local economy.

The summit, organised by Destination Chesterfield, brought together businesses, developers, investors, and public sector leaders to share plans for regeneration and growth. Attendees left “buzzing,” as one put it, because of the scale of investment and the commitment to benefit the people of Chesterfield.

Voices of confidence

For Ruth Whiteman, who launched Peak Project Solutions from her Chesterfield home this year, the Chesterfield Investment Summit was a turning point. She said:

“The room was full of people who care about Chesterfield and want to help it thrive. As a new business owner, that sense of shared purpose gave me confidence that this is the right place to grow.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, summed up the Council’s proactive approach to regeneration, from bringing forward office developments during the pandemic to driving forward town centre regeneration and meet the changing needs of the high street. Cllr Gilby said:

“We pride ourselves on providing leadership. Coming out of the pandemic, we made sure people could see cranes in the sky and optimism in the air. Chesterfield is alive and well and getting on with things.”

Catherine Wenborne, MD of Vines Legal, who moved her business from London, echoed this confidence. She said:

“I’ve never lived anywhere with this level of pride and ambition. It’s refreshing and exciting.”

Transforming spaces

That optimism is visible across our town. One Waterside Place, the office development at Chesterfield Waterside, is now fully occupied, with further opportunities for hotel and residential investment. The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, built during the pandemic, has become a hub for modern businesses seeking flexible, high-quality space.

In Chesterfield, the first phase of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project is complete, refreshing the Market Square. In Staveley, the Town Deal is breathing new life into the heart of the town with new community facilities.

Richard Sherwood, Director at Chesterfield-based Roy Peters Estates, said:

“The Chesterfield marketplace refurbishment is fantastic. You walk through town, and it feels vibrant. We should give credit for what’s happened.”

Driving economic growth

Alongside town centre regeneration, strategic sites are powering economic growth.

Markham Vale continues to attract industrial and logistics investment, with new speculative development bringing forward more space for growth.

The East Midlands Investment Zone sites at Staveley will create opportunities for advanced manufacturing and green sector businesses to invest and grow.

Tom Wragg, Associate Director at FHP Property Consultants, sees this as a positive sign. He said:

“The development around Markham Vale, all the industrial schemes going on brings employment and people into the area to live, which ultimately supports the town centres.”

Beyond buildings

Regeneration isn’t just about bricks and mortar. Investment has also focused on experiences that bring people together. The Animate Chesterfield public art project has created a new mural from internationally renowned artist, Peachzz, alongside a heritage arts trail, a town centre projection mapping project, and a new sculpture for Staveley town centre.

Events and a Christmas Tipi at Chesterfield Market have added colour and atmosphere to our town centre, creating spaces where people want to stay longer.

Behind the scenes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to local labour clauses has created 395 jobs for residents and injected £11 million into the supply chain in 2024-2025, alongside 44 apprenticeships.

For businesses like Willmott Dixon, which recently broke ground to build a new £30 million custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary, social value is central to their work. Jolene McLaren explained:

“We’re committed to supporting apprenticeships and community initiatives alongside major projects. It’s about making sure investment benefits everyone.”

Peter Lawrence, Senior Business Advisor with East Midlands Chamber, echoed that investment is not just about attracting new businesses but supporting those already here. He said:

“Chesterfield is a great place to relocate to with so much investment going in, but also a great place to retain, and looking at the retention of people that already live here and businesses that are already here.”

Looking ahead

As 2025 draws to a close, Chesterfield can look back on a year of progress that has strengthened its economy, enhanced its public spaces, and built confidence for the future.

Discover how you can be part of Chesterfield’s growth story at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Property and Construction

Sheet Anchor Evolve expands Chesterfield portfolio

25th November 2025

Sheet Anchor Evolve, part of M Core, has completed the acquisition of 9, 11–13 Market Place in Chesterfield, further strengthening its investment presence in the town. The property comprises two retail units, let to Card Factory and Primark, occupying a prominent position in the heart of Chesterfield.

This latest purchase follows Sheet Anchor Evolve’s acquisition of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in June this year, as part of its ongoing commitment to invest in and enhance Chesterfield’s town centre offering.

Chris Daly, Director at Sheet Anchor Evolve, part of M Core said, “This acquisition builds on our long-term investment in Chesterfield and reflects our confidence in the town’s continued evolution. We’re increasingly focused on creating mixed-use environments that bring together retail, leisure, workspace, and residential elements.

“At Vicar Lane, we’re currently undertaking a strategic review to explore how we can enhance the tenant mix, improve public spaces, and introduce complementary uses. Our goal is to ensure the centre continues to serve the community while remaining relevant and resilient for the long term”.

Sam Cohen, Asset Manager at Sheet Anchor Evolve, will oversee the management of the property. The transaction was completed by solicitor Andrea Livingstone of Clarke Willmott on behalf of the landlord, with Brad Maher from Cited acting as agent.

For further opportunities at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, contact Sam Cohen at scohen@saevolve.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Festive season launched in Chesterfield

24th November 2025

The Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On event took place yesterday, 23 November, entertaining thousands of residents and visitors and launching an exciting festive period in Chesterfield.

Visitor’s enjoyed street entertainment, Tipi Christmas, a market, funfair, the opportunity to meet Bluey, Merry Baubles Trail, and the stage show that entertained the crowd before the festive lights were switched on.

The stage show took place outside the Town Hall this year due to the exciting renovation works taking place in the town centre. Following the stage show, people were led back into the Market Place by a musical procession hosted by the LED drummers.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On event was a huge success with visitors enjoying lots of free entertainment throughout the day. There aren’t many places you can go to enjoy no-cost activities, so I’m delighted that the variety of street entertainers and stage shows was able to attract so many

people into the town centre to enjoy their Sunday.”

Chesterfield is encouraging the whole family to discover something new this festive season, including a unique range of activities that are taking place for the first time in the heart of the town (including many that are free).

The planned entertainment is once again expected to attract thousands of visitors to Chesterfield. Highlights this year include an impressive light experience at the Church of All and Mary All Saints (the Crooked Spire), storytelling with Santa, a cosy tipi to share a drink with friends at Chesterfield Market, and the Festival of Christmas Trees.

You can keep up to date with these and other activities happening in Chesterfield across the festive period here: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Stay, Visiting

East Midlands Investment Zone celebrates first year of growth

12th November 2025

Thousands of jobs are set to be created across the East Midlands thanks to a “once-in-a-generation” growth and investment initiative.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority is now celebrating a major milestone this month as the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) marks its first year of activity.

The 10-year programme aims to unlock millions of pounds in investment, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities, and laying the foundations for thousands of high-quality jobs in the region.

Launched in October 2024 with £160 million of funding from the Government, EMIZ is designed to supercharge growth across the region by focusing on two key strengths: clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands Investment Zone provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the people in our region – and in just 12 months we are already seeing the results.

“Thanks to £160m of Government funding, we are investing in the skills, innovation, and infrastructure that will create thousands of well-paid jobs and make the East Midlands a magnet for clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing.”

The programme aims to attract at least £383m in private sector investment and generate up to 4,300 skilled jobs – driving inclusive economic growth for communities in the region.

Investing in places, people, and potential

The first year of EMIZ has seen progress across its three designated strategic sites – Infinity Park in Derby, Hartington Staveley near Chesterfield, and Explore Park near Worksop – as well as a number of supporting projects across the wider region.

Key achievements include:

Hartington Commerce Park in Chesterfield: outline planning permission has been granted and initial work has started on industrial and warehouse developments on the 20-hectare site.
Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) in Chesterfield: enabling works to support the region’s growing rail cluster.
Research & Innovation Sprint: the University of Nottingham has created innovation roadmaps and supported 15 cutting-edge projects testing innovative products and processes for the green economy and advanced manufacturing.
Skills Sprint: the University of Derby has shaped a skills pipeline to connect local people to high-value careers.
Nuclear Skills Academy: feasibility work on a second academy at Infinity Park Derby.

Together, these projects are helping to unlock brownfield land, boost local supply chains, and strengthen the region’s position as a leader in green growth and advanced manufacturing.

Mayor Claire continued: “This first year has built strong foundations for the future, and we are determined to go further – attracting more private investment, supporting local businesses to grow, and ensuring every community can share in the benefits of this new era for our region. This is inclusive growth in action.”

Next steps

As the East Midlands Investment Zone moves into its second year, the focus will be on:

Building the pipeline of new projects to keep up momentum.
Bringing forward investments identified in the EMIZ Strategy and Investment Plan for funding approval.
Working with local partners to deliver infrastructure, training programmes, and innovations which unlock further opportunities for residents and employers.

With its ambitious vision, strong local partnerships, and long-term commitment from Government, the East Midlands Investment Zone is set to keep powering growth in the region for the next decade and beyond.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

£25 million investment fund launched to power growth across the East Midlands

10th November 2025

The East Midlands Combined County Authority EMCCA has announced the opening of its Autumn 2025 Investment Fund, making up to £25 million available to support projects that will drive growth, create jobs, and improve lives across the region.

The announcement was made at EMCCA’s October Investment Committee meeting. The fund will back strategic, deliverable projects that align with the region’s ambition to build a fairer, greener, and more prosperous East Midlands.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a major milestone for the East Midlands. By launching this £25m fund, we are backing the brilliant ideas that deliver real results for local people.”

Supporting inclusive growth across the region

This funding round follows the EMCCA Board’s approval in September of a new “twin-tracked” investment approach – supporting both short-term deliverable projects and longer-term strategic programmes that can make a lasting difference.

About 75 project proposals were received though the expression of interest call, representing about £160m of investment opportunities – demonstrating strong demand and ambition across the East Midlands.

A shortlist of projects will now be invited to bring forward full businesses to secure investment.

Mayor Claire said: “We want to see bold, practical projects that will shape the future of our places and our people. This is about supporting businesses to grow, improving skills, and investing in the places we’re proud to call home.”

Looking ahead to a new way of investing

Alongside this funding round, EMCCA is evolving its investment approach. Future funding rounds will move towards a thematic, place-based approach. EMCCA will work closely with public and private partners to develop project portfolios that focus on shared priorities rather than traditional open competitions.

Potential focus areas include:

Town-centre and place renewal.
Strategic employment and innovation sites.
Skills and training infrastructure.
Culture, heritage, sport, and rural development.

Accelerating progress

This new funding announcement builds on the progress EMCCA is already making in the region. EMCCA is delivering significant capital investment projects to support the East Midlands Growth Plan.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction