Author: Dom Stevens

‘We want to continue our collaboration to achieve Chesterfield’s ambitious plans’

18th May 2023

Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dom Stevens highlights how partnerships in both the public and private sectors continue to push forward the town’s extensive range of regeneration projects.

I have spent this week at UKREiiF – the largest real estate and investment event in the UK, attracting over 6000 delegates from the public and private sectors.

Team Chesterfield went to the event to share our ambitious new growth strategy with the property sector.

It has been a busy week of meetings and events, discussing the opportunities in Chesterfield and raising awareness of the Borough. The true success will be known in the coming months and years, as we develop relationships alongside the continued progression of £2 billion worth of regeneration projects.

One of the strands of the Chesterfield place story is creating connections. People tend to think of this as being about our excellent transport links, our supply chain, and our location next to the Peak District.

It is much more than just that!

Throughout history, Chesterfield has built positive relationships to bring forward growth and investment. We have a clear growth strategy, projects to deliver those ambitions and want to continue collaboration to achieve these ambitious plans.

On Tuesday, Dr. Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council highlighted these ambitions, alongside the importance of strategic thinking and collaboration at a packed panel discussion in the Harworth Pavillion.

Later that day, Joe Battye, Director of Economy and Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council delivered a case study about the Staveley Growth Corridor, highlighting the role of two local authorities and the private sector to bring forward community-changing regeneration.

Members of our Chesterfield Property and Construction Group came together to launch our new investment prospectus, and it was brilliant to catch up with so many of them over the week.

You can view the prospectus here.

It was also great to see Chesterfield highlighted in the Midlands Engineering Portfolio. The document included the transformation of our historic town centre, the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside scheme, and the forward-thinking masterplan for Chesterfield station.

A collective voice for the region is a huge opportunity that could be brought about by devolution in the East Midlands. A joint event organised by D2N2 LEP, Marketing Derby, Invest in Nottingham, and ourselves explored the opportunities.

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP highlighted that the deal would ‘move Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire into the Premier League.’ Meanwhile, Andy Dabbs, Chair of Chesterfield Property Group said the deal needs to embrace public and private sector collaboration, and pool expertise and resources to underpin long-term plans. He added: “It’s a real opportunity to change the perception of our region.”

Chesterfield has a strong heritage of being inventive and delivering innovative approaches. From the first disposable nappies and the drills that made the Channel Tunnel, to being the proud home of railway innovator, George Stephenson!

On Thursday, it was brilliant to hear Tarah Gear from Milligan, highlighting another innovative project in Chesterfield – The Gateway at Peak.

The project is a pioneer in supporting the Peak District National Park and Chesterfield, in terms of the environment and social inclusion. It was particularly exciting to hear that brands which have already signed up are changing their approaches, to fit with the ethos of this exciting development.

As Tarah told the panel, they want this development to have ‘a lasting legacy’ and be the ‘ancestor’ that future generations respect.

In an increasingly noisy marketplace, ‘Team Chesterfield’ has articulated why our area is a wonderful place to live and work. However, don’t just take our word for it! As The Spectator reported this week, ‘A new property powerhouse is emerging’ in North Derbyshire.

Thank you to the dedicated and driven partners who continue to work with us and support Destination Chesterfield in raising the profile of the town. Keep a look out for the Chesterfield Investment Summit which returns this October. Once again, the event promises to provide several exciting updates on Chesterfield’s vast regeneration opportunities.

Chesterfield events company wins multiple awards for bringing board games to life

22nd November 2022

Chesterfield headquartered Noonah were recently crowned winners at the The Event Technology Awards.

Noonah and Hasbro were crowned winners of the Best Tech Partnership and Best Use of Technology for Engagement and Interaction. Noonah, the UK’s leading event technology supplier, partnered with global play and entertainment company, Hasbro, to deliver a two-part campaign across two of its much-loved classic gaming brands, Monopoly and Cluedo.

Matt Franks, Director at Noonah said “I’m incredibly proud of my team for our work with Hasbro, and the awards serve as a fantastic reminder of all the hard work and dedication from the team. It means a lot to be recognised for both the innovation and delivery of an ambitious project which pushed the boundaries in the ever-popular world of product personalisation.”

Hasbro wanted to incentivise customers, old and new, to engage with the classic, family games of Monopoly and Cluedo. The aim was to create strong, emotional connections with the brands, achieving national reach and significant brand exposure in the run-up to Christmas.

Noonah, use their knowledge to personalise the family classics and bring them to life. They based ‘Monopoly by You’ pop-up in London’s Selfridges department store and took the ‘Cluedo Family Edition’ on tour, visiting Smyths Toys’ most popular Superstores. .

Noonah completely transformed an ordinary horse trailer into a custom-built Cluedo printing station to be towed around the country, reaching families across the UK via Smyths Toys. At the same time, they built giant dice and life-size Monopoly board flooring that led Selfridges customers into the Monopoly By You experience.

Noonah staff supported customers at every step, helping them design their boards on the app and inviting them to watch as our bespoke printing technology brought their creations to life.

Both these campaigns received top tier broadcast, national and lifestyle press coverage, including on This Morning’s ‘Ultimate Christmas Gifts’ with Philip and Holly which was watched by over 1 million people.

Noonah supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

100,000 sq ft warehouse available at Markham Vale

22nd November 2022

A 102,515 sq ft industrial and distribution facility at Markham Vale, the popular 200-acre prime industrial park in Chesterfield has become available.

Commercial property agents Knight Frank and CPP have been appointed to secure a new occupier for the unit, which is partially racked and has a multi-tier mezzanine floor in situ fronting directly onto the M1 motorway at Junction 29a.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank and head of the Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Given the strategic location immediately adjacent to Junction 29a, the site is easily accessible to the South Yorkshire and East Midlands regions, with direct connectivity to the M1 and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.

“It is directly visible from the M1 at J29a and is ready for immediate occupation having the benefit of extensive fit out, being partly racked which could be further extended and a multi-tier mezzanine arranged over three levels which can be removed if not required. The premises also have heating and lighting throughout, office accommodation and canteen area.

“Given the shortage of such sized units in the region, we expect good interest.”

Availability of units 50,000 sq ft plus across South Yorkshire and NE Derbyshire region has declined by 12% on an annual basis, to stand at 1.2 million sq ft at end-September 2022 (units over 50,000 sq ft). This brought the vacancy rate for the region down to 2.1%, from 2.5% in Q3 2021.

Stuart Waite, Director in CPP’s Nottingham office, added: “The occupational market continues to perform well, with robust tenant demand set against an extremely limited supply of good quality, modern warehousing stock. We are already experiencing good levels of interest in the building due to its strong fundamentals.”

The unit, which features 98,222 sq ft of warehouse space and 4,100 sq ft of office space, forms part of Markham Vale, a 200 acre prime industrial and distribution park and is finished to a high specification.

Markham Vale has proved a huge success with current occupiers such as Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilsteen, Gist, Meter Provida, Daher Aerospace and Holdsworth Food.

For further information contact Rebecca Schofield or Harry Orwin-Allen at Knight Frank on 0114 272 9750 or Stuart Waite at CPP on 0114 273 8857.

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

New business lounge unveiled in Chesterfield

21st November 2022

Business growth and support company, Great2, hosted a successful launch event to unveil their new Business Lounge at their co-working space Great2Work in Chesterfield.

The event was well-attended with local businesses expressing their delight at the Business Lounge. “It is a great addition to the area, there isn’t a facility like this in the town”, “the meeting rooms and training suite are just what I need”. The new Business Lounge at Hayfield House (on Devonshire Street, off Holywell Street) is thought to be the first of its kind in the area.

The event heard speakers including Dom Stevens of Destination Chesterfield who highlighted the investment plans for Chesterfield, Andy Ball CEO of Great2 defined the ethos behind Great2, the new Business Lounge and why he is so passionate about helping local businesses to grow. Front of House, Hannah Finney revealed how memberships and bookings operate at Great2Work.

There was also an opportunity for our guests to network with the other local businesses attending the event over a drink and nibbles as well as a tour of the coworking space and meeting rooms. The lucky winners of our raffle prizes included John Batty of Paperclip who won the Casa Hotel B&B voucher, Paul Chapman from S40 Local who won a free Great2Work Business Lounge membership for 1 month and Mike Jones from the HQ who won a free Great2Work Day Pass for our coworking office in Chesterfield.

The Business Lounge was developed to attract freelancers, micro and small businesses to the town centre. Giving them a comfortable place to go for informal meetings with colleagues or clients and a place to work from in between meetings. With a monthly membership of £50 and no tie-ins, you can come and go as you please (no need to book). WiFi is included and there’s an ‘honesty box’ for refreshments.

Steve Wicks, Corporate Banking Manager, Handelsbanken, Chesterfield said of the event “Great to see the new Business Lounge. It’s an impressive facility and a great addition to Chesterfield’s offering for quality office/working space.”

Andy Ball, CEO of Great2 commented: “My vision for Great2 is to become the ‘go-to’ partner for local businesses who want to grow sustainably and make a difference. Our new business lounge is a first for Chesterfield and our aim is to give local businesspeople a professional, flexible and comfortable place to work from – keeping businesses in the town and using town centre facilities. The business lounge alongside our coworking space and business support services allows Great2 to provide a full suite of tools to help local businesses grow.”

Great 2 supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Funding available to help Chesterfield residents to service gas appliances

21st November 2022

Residents in Chesterfield could benefit from funding to help service their gas appliances – helping to keep their homes warm and safe.

After successfully helping around 130 households service their gas appliances in the last year, Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded a further £7,000 from Foundations Independent Living Trust, which works in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity, to provide small grants for servicing and repairs of gas appliances within properties.

The funding is available to homeowners who are on low income and / or have a disability, who may not otherwise be able to afford to have their gas appliances serviced.

Eligible residents can get financial help towards the cost of servicing gas appliances, like fires, cookers and heating systems in their homes. Funding can also pay for minor repair work which is needed to enable them to continue using gas appliances in their home safely.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Gas appliances should be safety checked every year and serviced according to manufacturer’s instructions. However, we appreciate this may not be simple for some residents. That’s why we are really pleased to have secured this additional funding, which will help more households ensure they can get their appliances serviced.

“We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise, in particular energy charges, so it’s important we do all we can to support our residents to keep their homes warm and safe. It’s great news that we have this additional funding to help our residents.”

Eligible residents can apply for funding by contacting the council’s private housing team on 01246 345748 or hia@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Find out more about the Gas safe charity funding scheme at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing/private-property/financial-assistance/gas-safe-charity-funding-scheme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust makes ‘ground-breaking’ history for new health and wellbeing hub for colleagues

11th August 2022

Today (Thursday, 11 August) Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust made history by ‘breaking ground’ to mark the huge health and wellbeing hub development for its 4,500 colleagues.

The £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub – designed as a retreat, relaxation area and rejuvenating space for all colleagues at the hospital – is being funded by the Chesterfield Royal Charity and has now raised enough of funds – £1.3m – to begin building work. The work will be supported by construction firm, Stepnall.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “We have some exciting new developments which are great news for our Trust and it’s fantastic that we can mark the start of the building work for the Health and Wellbeing Hub, whilst the £24m Urgent and Emergency Care Development continues to rapidly progress. This all shows that we are very much moving Chesterfield forward with drive and ambition and are continuing to put our patients, colleagues and communities at the heart of all we do.”

Atul Patel MBE, Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Charity, added: “I’m so pleased to announce that we’ve reached the £1.3m funding we needed to begin the building work. We still have a long way to go – we need to raise a further £700,000 to provide the required facilities colleagues have told us will make a difference – allowing us to care for our carers!

“I’d urge everybody who can to make a donation, however big or small. If anybody has any ideas or wants to support us, please do get in touch. We need hospital colleagues to help too – because the more we raise, the more we’ll be able to provide.”

Scott Fullaway, Senior Site Manager and Project Lead for Stepnall said: “To be able to work on this special project for my local NHS Trust is really rewarding; especially because I was born here 32 years ago! This is an amazing project that will support NHS teams and individuals, and I am delighted to be able to work on the building and development of Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s Health and Wellbeing Hub which will support staff now, and generations to come.”

The ground-breaking was supported by Ken Godber, Charity Director; Jeremy Wight, Non-executive Director and Wellbeing Guardian; Atul Patel MBE, Non-executive Director and Chair of the Charity; Hannah Peate, Wellbeing Lead; Les Hayes, Programme Manager; #TeamCRH Wellbeing Champions; and Scott Fullaway and Gavin Coleton from Stepnall.

To support Chesterfield Royal Charity, and raise or donate funds for the health and wellbeing hub, please visit: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/our-charity

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

New paddlesports hire business has launched on the Chesterfield Canal

11th August 2022

A new paddlesports hire business has launched on the Chesterfield Canal.

Equipment will be available for hire from Hollingwood Hub and will initially be open on Saturdays from the 13th August 2022.

The centre will cater for people experienced in watersports or those who would just like to give something a go.

A range of equipment is available from stand up paddleboards, single and double kayaks and a Canadian canoe.

Explore the Chesterfield Canal for 1, 3 or 6 hours.

Rob Auton from Chesterfield Canal Trust said “We are delighted that this exciting new venture is finally able to start. Kayaking and especially paddleboarding on the canal have increased greatly in popularity in the last two years. Experienced watersports enthusiasts or complete novices are welcome.”

You can book your paddle boarding experience here.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust was recently awarded £5.3 million from the Staveley Town Deal Fund. These works will extend the canal and improve facilities for users.

The canal extension will run for two miles from Hartington Harbour onto the Staveley Puddlebank which runs across the Doe Lea valley. Completing the works will take 3 years.

There will be two miles of multi-use towpath to Renishall. There will be a new lock and two new bridges, and a siphon pipe to take the water from Staveley Waterside (the new name for Staveley Town Basin) to the new canal section and full designs will be prepared for further work.

Staveley Waterside is the first phase of a mixed-use development centred around the Staveley Canal Basin. This will include the creation of an access road, pontoons to create moorings, a café and flexible office and workshop space for small businesses.

Chesterfield Canal Trust support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Summer, Visiting

Last Photo exhibition developed for World Suicide Prevention Day

10th August 2022

A new community exhibition called The Last Photo will be in place in Chesterfield for World Suicide Prevention Day.

This impactful exhibition will share real life stories around mental health and suicide in a safe and supportive space. The event will also highlight the power of art and creativity in supporting people’s mental health and will be showcasing the wonderful work of our mental health community sector.

The Last Photo is organised by Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Mental Health Liaison Service and The Georgia Bird Foundation working in collaboration with SoBS Chesterfield, The Tomorrow Project, Mentell, Kakou and a number of volunteers

Inspired by CALM’s last photo exhibition in London, which saw the displaying of peoples last photos before taking their lives. CALM’s event has raised so many important questions around how suicide doesn’t always look suicidal, and how we can spot signs of when people may be struggling.

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of DVA said “I’m so proud of the initiative Rachel and Ellie have shown to approach this incredibly triggering but important subject, in such an innovative way. They are fantastic advocates for reducing the stigma around mental health and showing us the power of working in collaboration across all sectors of our communities. Please take the opportunity to see the exhibition. Working with others makes anything possible!”

The community exhibition will take place from 5 September until World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10^th September from 10am to 3pm at Derbyshire Voluntary Actions Hub @ Low Pavement.

On Saturday the 10^th September DVA will be holding a public living room in front of the outdoor cinema screen at Vicar Lane, where members of the public can chat to mental health workers about mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

To get involved or to find out more, please email rachel@dva.org.uk or georgiabirdfoundation@gmail.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Barrow Hill Roundhouse confirms details of 150th Anniversary Gala

10th August 2022

Celebrating 152 years of railway history for the iconic Midland Railway roundhouse and the wider railway industry it supports to this day. The three-day event is taking place from Friday 26th August to Sunday 28th August 2022.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is delighted to release further details of its 150+2 Celebration Gala. Tickets are now on sale for this great occasion, which will recreate the British Railways-era Open Days which took place at the Roundhouse in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Highlights include:

GWR 1500 class 0-6-0PT shunting engine 1501, the sole survivor of its class, in steam and working the Barrow Hill shuttle trains from Roundhouse Halt up the Springwell branch line. Our thanks go to the 1501 Pannier Tank Association and Severn Valley Railway for providing the engine for the Gala.

Midland Railway 158A Class 156 2-4-0, from the National Collection, will be on display alongside Midland Railway Compound 1000, the first time for many years that the two Midland Railway locomotives will have been seen together. Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, the charity responsible for the Roundhouse, has signed a three-year loan agreement with the National Railway Museum to enable the locomotive to go on static public display here. The locomotive was previously at Locomotion in Shildon, where it had been receiving conservation work and asbestos remediation. It has strong historic ties to the region; it was designed by William Kirtley and built at Derby in 1866 before being withdrawn in 1947.

GB Railfreight’s Class 69 69003 will be named “The Railway Observer” by the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society during the Gala weekend.

The following diesel locomotives will also be visiting the Roundhouse during the Gala:

Classes 08, 20 & 37 – courtesy of Harry Needle Railroad Company
Class 37 – courtesy of Colas Rail
Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
Class 46 46010 – courtesy of Mr Mike Newton
Class 50 5008 – courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail Services
Class 56 – courtesy of DCRail.
Class 66 66726 “Sheffield Wednesday” – courtesy of GB Railfreight
Class 67 – courtesy of DB Cargo

They will be joined by the Roundhouse’s resident locomotives including:

Class 45 45060 and 45105 (newly painted) – courtesy of Pioneer Diesel Group
The Baby Deltic Project’s D5910 – on display on the turntable
Classes 81, 82, 83, 85 & 89 – courtesy of The AC Locomotive Group

The Roundhouse’s Class 02 D2868 and Class 07 07012, owned by Mr James Williams and Mr Victor Korzienwicz, will operate brake van rides in the Roundhouse yard. The Roundhouse’s Class 03 03066 will support GWR 1501 on the passenger train services.

The Deltic Preservation Society Depot will also be open throughout the Gala weekend.

A variety of railway society stands and trade stalls, food and drink outlets, a range of children’s activities and historical enactments of Roundhouse characters will complete the celebrations of 152 extraordinary years of this unique railway building. There will also be a free shuttle bus service from Chesterfield railway station operating on all three days of the Gala.

Tickets are on sale now from www.seetickets.com. The Gala will be open from 10am to 5pm on each day (last entry at 4pm). Entry tickets will also be available on the day during the Gala. More information about the Roundhouse and forthcoming events including the 150+2 Celebration Gala can be found at www.barrowhill.org.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Gin tasting event raises funds for CSALS

10th August 2022

A gin tasting event at Drone Valley Brewery raised £447 for CSALS, a charity dedicated to promoting and facilitating first aid training.

The money was raised from ticket sales and a raffle held at the event, which featured six Scavelli gins. Those attending took part in a keypad quiz and there was also a ‘Gin or Beer?’ card game.

Elaine Dennison, chair of Drone Valley Brewery, was delighted with the success of the event. She said: “The feedback from all the customers was absolutely brilliant. Everybody enjoyed it and went home really, really happy.”

Pete Bishop, a supporter of Drone Valley Brewery who attended the event, added: “It was well organised, professionally run and for a really good cause. It was absolutely fantastic.”

CSALS’ community facilitator, Debra Johnson, said: “I’d like to thank Drone Valley Brewery for allowing us to host the event, which allowed us to raise awareness of our organisation and generate valuable funds.”

A free online first aid course, provided in association with Virtual College, can be accessed via www.virtual-college.co.uk/prepared.

Drone Valley Brewery, based at Unstone, is a community benefit society which supports local good causes by donating their profits to them.

CSALS support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Training partnership announced by local Hospice

9th August 2022

Chesterfield Champions Ashgate Hospicecare and White Rose Beauty College have announced a new training partnership.

The Hospice provides a range of services to provide care and support patients and their loved ones.

Complementary therapies are treatments patients can have on top of their regular medical care or on their own.

They may be helpful in treating symptoms like pain and some of the undesirable effects of treatments.

As part of the collaboration, White Rose Beauty College have offered an introductory course to complementary therapy to all Ashgate staff and volunteers.

The course provides an introductory to basic body massage, Aromatherapy, Zone Therapy (Reflexology) & Nutrition. A better understanding of the benefits and the use of complementary therapy.

Ali Foster-Ward, Partnership Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare said ” Ashgate is passionate about supporting our staff and volunteers well-being and learning and development and White Rose Beauty College are helping us to do this.”

“Our team of complementary therapists are made up of staff and volunteers. The hospice relies heavily on volunteers, and we have over 600 people performing vital roles across the organisation.”

A range of specialist courses and qualifications to Ashgate Hospicecare’s Complementary Team by White Rose Beauty College.

Ali added “This is a fantastic gesture which offers the opportunity to continue professional development for our team but also saves the hospice money. The money saved in training is then able to be redirected to patient care and the hospice care.”

Jules Slack, Corporate Ambassador of White Rose Beauty College said ” It has been a pleasure to provide training to new therapists and additional courses to experienced therapists. We have also been able to talk to the students about the hospice and help them recruit new volunteers.”.

Ashgate Hospice cares for over 2200 patients and their loved ones each year throughout north Derbyshire. They are an independent charity and need to raise over 72% of our running costs each year.

Ashgate Hospicecare and White Rose Beauty College support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home