About Chesterfield

Chesterfield business leaders call for further investment in skills and innovation to enhance the visitor experience

3rd July 2025

As Chesterfield’s visitor economy continues to grow, access to the right talent and support for businesses is essential.

At a recent table hosted by Destination Chesterfield at Dronfield Hall Barn, business, heritage and tourism leaders from across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire gathered to explore how it can develop the next generation of hospitality and cultural professionals, while embracing emerging technologies such as AI.

One key theme was the need to address skills shortages in certain parts of the sector, particularly in technical hospitality roles such as chefs and kitchen staff.

“Front-of-house isn’t a problem, there’s lots of interest in those roles from students or people seeking a secondary income,” explained Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. “But chefs remain a challenge. Some businesses are recruiting from overseas and offering on-site accommodation. We want to see more young people viewing it as a rewarding and skilled career path again.”

Peter Lawrence from East Midlands Chamber confirmed the same pattern in other industries:

“We hear it time and time again, especially from bakeries and craft food producers. It’s a constant challenge. That’s why we’re working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council to get employers in front of skills boards and into conversations that matter.”

Chesterfield’s visitor economy is benefiting from broader regional support through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), delivered by East Midlands Chamber. Peter highlighted the relevance of this work to the local sector.

“We’ve supported over 100 businesses in the Chesterfield area alone,” he said, “providing mentoring, coaching, and practical support to drive growth and sustainability. It’s about equipping businesses to face today’s challenges while planning for tomorrow.”

Across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, the impact has been significant:

4,790 unique businesses supported.

598 new jobs created and 504 safeguarded.

401 firms adopted new-to-the-business technologies or processes.

143 new businesses launched.

“We’re seeing real traction in areas like digital transformation, decarbonisation, and upskilling,” Peter added. “The key now is connecting these opportunities with employers and individuals in the visitor economy.”

Participants highlighted the value of work experience placements and early exposure as recruitment tools.

“We had a 14-year-old on placement recently who was fantastic,” said Alan Powell of Dronfield Heritage Trust. “It’s a way to give someone an opportunity and see if there’s a future there.”

“The best recruitment route for young people is work experience,” added Jo Dilley. “But we need more businesses going into schools and engaging with students before they’ve made their career choices.”

Creative and cultural sectors are no exception. Emily Bowman of Junction Arts noted: “There’s very little creative curriculum left in schools. Many young people get turned away from the arts or leave town to find opportunities. But it’s a real job—we run apprenticeships and placements, and we’re competitive because not many do what we do.”

SA Photography owner Scott Antcliffe, a former teacher, shared his belief in the power of early engagement: “I’ve worked in underprivileged areas where four or more career engagements reduce the likelihood of a young person becoming NEET by 80%. It’s about breaking down stereotypes. There are lots of creative, achievable options out there if we just show young people what’s possible.”

While staffing pressures have eased since the pandemic’s peak, sector leaders expressed concern about the long-term impacts of cost inflation, tax changes, and business closures.

“Staffing isn’t the main issue now, but we may not feel the full financial impact until autumn,” Jo Dilley noted. “Some mid-tier attractions are now closing two or three days a week. It’s a real challenge when National Insurance thresholds and rising costs disproportionately affect hospitality and tourism.”

To support resilience, some organisations are finding creative ways to train and retain staff. Chesterfield FC CEO John Croot shared one such success: “When we couldn’t find kiosk staff, we spoke to the stewarding agency. They said they’d handle both. That became a new model—we’d use stewards for hospitality in the first half, and they’d steward in the second. It’s worked well for us.”

Croot added that regular off-season training has helped develop staff internally and prepare the club for future growth. “It all comes down to training. We’ve got ongoing development in place now. It’s much better than it was at the height of the staffing crisis.”

As businesses across Chesterfield look to future-proof operations, many are exploring the role of digital tools and AI in supporting growth, efficiency, and customer experience.

“We’ve transitioned to Ticketmaster, and younger staff have led the way in showing others how to use the new system,” said Croot. “We’ve also used technology to improve matchday efficiency and reduce waste.”

AI’s marketing applications were another hot topic.

“We’re pushing out support to ensure businesses are aware of the positives and negatives of AI,” said Jo Dilley. “It’s a great tool for marketing—creating itineraries, writing adverts, and streamlining content. But young people are savvy and will expect us to keep up. It’s about staying a step ahead.”

Peter Lawrence pointed to AI’s long-term potential for data-led decision-making: “The cost of these tools is going down, and take-up will increase. From understanding customer spending to 24/7 optimisation, businesses can work smarter. It’s a matter of adapting.”

However, some warned that AI has its limits. “As a writer, I can spot AI content a mile off—and so can editors,” said Antcliffe. “It can’t replicate first-hand experience or passion. There’s still a huge value in authentic storytelling.”

“AI won’t replace hospitality jobs,” Dilley added. “This is a people-focused industry. We still rely on human connection.”

Croot agreed, noting the global reach of Chesterfield FC’s human stories: “We’ve had 20 games streamed internationally this season. After a recent televised match, I was getting messages from supporters in Canada and Thailand saying they had spotted me! That emotional connection? No AI can replicate that.”

While new tools and tech present exciting opportunities, round table attendees agreed that the greatest success still comes from working together.

“This sector is seven days a week,” Dilley concluded. “To grow it, we need businesses that are open, welcoming, and ready. But we also need to make sure we’re building the right training, support and infrastructure—and working together to get it right.”

Businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire looking to access business advice and support can find out more about available schemes in the local area here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Businesses who are looking to engage more with and inspire young people can discover opportunities to support careers guidance at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/engage-with-schools-and-colleges/

The businesses featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Skills

Young voices shape festival through comedy

2nd July 2025

Year five pupils from Abercrombie Primary School in Chesterfield swapped their usual lessons for laughter last month, taking part in a high-energy comedy masterclass that also marked the start of their exciting new role as ‘Festival Budding Investigators’ (F.B.I.) for the Chesterfield Children’s Festival.

Delivered by local arts charity Junction Arts, the session was led by professional comedian and magician Dominic Woodward, AKA Wacky Woody, who brought jokes, magic, and creativity to the classroom. The workshop aimed to introduce children to the art of comedy while kickstarting their involvement in shaping future editions of the popular family festival.

During the day, pupils explored what makes people laugh, learned how to construct the perfect punchline, and had the chance to write and perform their own comedy sketches. The session also included improvisation exercises and caption-writing challenges designed to boost creativity and confidence.

Junction Arts is working closely with the year five class throughout the next 12 months, giving them a voice in the development of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival. As official ‘F.B.I. agents’, the children will attend cultural experiences, participate in creative workshops, and provide feedback and ideas to help ensure the festival continues to grow and reflect the interests of young people in the town.

Their first mission? To evaluate the 2025 Chesterfield Children’s Festival, taking place on 26th and 27th July at Queen’s Park. Now in its third year, the free event celebrates imagination, play and the magic of childhood, offering a wide variety of activities, performances, and experiences suitable for children aged 0–16.

Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “Our goal with the Children’s Festival is to bring high-quality arts and cultural experiences to Chesterfield and inspire young people with something new. Over the past three years, we’ve introduced everything from silent discos and catwalk shows to giant arcade games and live movie experiences. The comedy workshop was a fantastic start to the children’s journey as our team of Festival Budding Investigators. Dominic was genuinely impressed with some of the jokes they came up with! Their ideas and honest feedback are vital to keeping the festival fresh, relevant, and exciting for years to come.”

Mrs. Johnson, Year 5 teacher at Abercrombie Primary, added: “The children absolutely loved the workshop. There were laughs throughout the day, but they also learned a lot, particularly about using homophones in comedy. It was amazing to see them grow in confidence, with every child performing something by the end. We’re all looking forward to being part of this journey with Junction Arts.”

Dominic Woodward said: “It was a pleasure to visit Abercrombie Primary School and deliver a Comedy Workshop for Year Five. What a great class. They let their imaginations run wild and expressed themselves and their personalities through comedy. It was great to hear jokes about their pets, Minecraft, Spiderman and of course – poo! (kids’ favourite subject to joke about!) It was wonderful to watch how even the children who weren’t as confident came up with excellent gags and even had a go at performing them!”

For more information about the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, visit: https://junctionarts.org/whats-on/chesterfield-childrens-festival/ or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK

Chesterfield Children’s Festival is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Our town offers the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Look forward to the return of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival or enjoy a night of stargazing at Chesterfield Observatory. Step back in time at a medieval exhibition, discover ghostly tales on a haunted pub tour, or soak up our vibrant food and music scenes.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

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

Planning application submitted for 53,000 Sq. Ft. industrial unit at Markham Vale

2nd July 2025

Developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a planning application for the second phase of ARK, a £27million GDV scheme at its flagship M1 industrial and logistics development, Markham Vale.

ARK is being delivered by Origin, a joint-venture partnership between HBD and Feldberg Capital.

Markham Vale is a landmark 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. An award-winning development, it sits at the heart of the motorway network with direct access to the M1 via J29a.

It has created more than 2,600 jobs since work began and counts Bilstein Group, Great Bear, Smurfit Westrock and Sterigenics among its occupiers.

Work began earlier this year on the first phase of the new development, which consists of four units from 17,000sq ft to 36,000sq ft. Henry Boot Construction is the contractor for phase one, with the first four units due to complete late 2025. The second phase of ARK will deliver the final 53,000sq ft unit, with work expected to start on-site in Q4 subject to planning permission being granted.

Origin is committed to delivering ESG-compliant I&L space, with ARK meeting stringent sustainability benchmarks, targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating.

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “Working with Derbyshire County Council, HBD has delivered 2.5 million sq ft at Markham Vale, creating a very successful industrial and logistics destination. With established demand from logistics and manufacturing businesses, it’s very positive to be able to bring forward a further 53,000sq ft unit at ARK.”

Jamie Acheson, Managing Director of Feldberg Capital, commented: “The submission of planning for ARK’s second phase represents a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with HBD. This 53,000sq ft unit will complete our vision for a best-in-class industrial development at Markham Vale, addressing the clear market demand we’re seeing in this prime logistics location. As Origin continues to expand its portfolio of ESG-compliant assets across the UK, ARK exemplifies our commitment to developing sustainable, future-proof industrial spaces that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.”

If you are looking for commercial property in Chesterfield discover more at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search/

HBD support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Chesterfield shortlisted for national circular economy award

1st July 2025

Chesterfield has been named a finalist in the Let’s Celebrate Towns awards, shortlisted for the Circularity Champion category in recognition of its pioneering work in sustainability and the circular economy.

The award, run by Visa and supported by the British Retail Consortium, celebrates towns leading the way in reducing waste, reusing materials, and supporting sustainable business practices. Chesterfield’s nomination, submitted by local MP Toby Perkins, highlights the town’s growing reputation as a hub for green innovation and community-led environmental action.

Toby Perkins MP said: “I am delighted that Chesterfield has been shortlisted for this award and is being recognised for our local efforts. The Chesterfield community has wholeheartedly embraced the principles of the circular economy. It’s a cause that residents care deeply about, with many regularly contacting me to express their support for local initiatives.”

If successful, Chesterfield will receive £20,000 to invest in a local community project, further strengthening its commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth.

Chesterfield Borough Council has played a central role in championing the circular economy, supporting grassroots organisations through local community grants. One standout initiative is Transition Chesterfield’s Eco Hub, a dedicated space for workshops, events and talks that empower residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

The town is also home to the monthly Repair Café, a volunteer-led project that helps residents fix broken items, reducing waste and building community resilience. Meanwhile, the Chesterfield Crafters Bazaar brings together local artists and makers to buy and sell surplus materials, promoting reuse and collaboration across the creative sector.

These initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but also foster a vibrant, connected community, making Chesterfield an attractive place to live, work, and invest.

Let’s Celebrate Towns is now in its third year and showcases towns across the UK that are helping businesses and communities to thrive. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the House of Lords on 16 July.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

One Derbyshire, two councils: have your say on the future of local government

30th June 2025

People across Derbyshire are being asked to have their say on how local council services are delivered in the future, as part of the biggest change to local government in 50 years.

A proposal drawn up by Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils, together with Derby City Council, would see the 10 councils that provide services across the county replaced with two councils – one covering the north of the county, and one covering the south.

Now, people and organisations across Derbyshire are being asked for their views about the ‘One Derbyshire, two councils’ proposal as part of a public consultation running until 10 August 2025.

The decision to launch a local government reorganisation process was taken by central government, which wants to simplify how councils are organised across the whole of England and make them more efficient – reducing costs while delivering services that are better, and more joined-up.

The government asked local councils to work together to draw up initial proposals for their area and it is now time for local people to have their say, before proposals for Derbyshire are finalised and submitted to government later this year.

In a joint statement, the Leaders of Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils, and city council, said: “The current structure of local government in Derbyshire dates back to 1974 and the way people live their lives has changed beyond recognition since then.

“Government has asked councils to work together to come up with plans which modernise and simplify council structures, so all services are run by single authorities and they’re easier for people, communities and businesses to deal with.

“Our proposal recognises that Derbyshire is a large county with differing needs – and in considering the options, we’ve put local people and places first.

“With one council covering southern Derbyshire and one covering northern Derbyshire, we believe we will have councils that are big enough to deliver efficient services, but close enough to listen and respond to the needs of our communities.

“We know local identity – at both a county and area level – is really important to people. The proposal for two councils will maintain our county’s historic border, including the city of Derby, which is a key centre of economic growth. And although the council boundaries will no longer exist in the way they do now, our communities and places will remain – that sense of belonging is about the people who make up a community, not lines on a map.

“We now want to hear from people and organisations across our communities. This is your chance to help shape how services will be delivered in your local area, and how your place fits into the wider plans for Derbyshire.”

In places like Derbyshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure.

This means that some services are delivered by a borough or district council, and others are provided by Derbyshire County Council. Within Derbyshire, there is also Derby City Council which is a ‘unitary’ council providing all services to the communities it serves.

Between them, these councils are responsible for a vast range of local services. The county council provides services like social care for children and adults, education and transport, while district and borough councils are responsible for services such as bin collections, planning, and leisure centres. Derby City Council provides all of these council services to the communities it serves.

Under the proposal, two new councils would be created, each responsible for delivering all services in their local area – one in the north and one in the south.

There are three possible options for how the area currently covered by Amber Valley Borough Council could be included in the new structure: placed entirely in the northern council, entirely in the southern council, or with different parishes joining each of the two councils, depending on where they may best fit.

Early forecasts* suggest that this new structure of local government in Derbyshire could save between £56m and £93m over five years, through reduced duplication of services, fewer council buildings, fewer councillors and senior officers, and being able to achieve better economies of scale when buying and delivering services. However, at this stage, the councils are rightfully cautious and careful in relation to financial projections, as there remains much to be assessed and understood as the local government reorganisation process progresses.

The Leaders added: “Our proposal also supports a strong Derbyshire for the future – creating councils which can develop more strategic approaches to economic development, regeneration and county-wide infrastructure, while working closely and more efficiently with the new East Midlands Mayor and East Midlands Combined County Authority, which guides large-scale investment across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”

The views of people and organisations will feed into the development of final proposals, which must be considered by existing councils and submitted to Government by 28 November 2025.

Government will then review the proposals for Derbyshire and for twenty other county areas across England, before making final decisions in the Summer of 2026. If the Government accepts the proposals for Derbyshire, elections for the new shadow authorities would take place in 2027 and new councils would start to operate by April 2028.

To find out more about local government reorganisation in Derbyshire and give your views in the consultation, please visit and complete the online questionnaire.

The online questionnaire will take around 10 minutes to complete.

* Note: These figures are estimated using figures of similar Local Government Reorganisations. They do not take account of Derbyshire’s particular circumstances and are indicative only.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Record numbers celebrate Sparkle Night Walk’s 10th anniversary

30th June 2025

A record-breaking number of walkers stepped out to turn the streets of Chesterfield pink for the 10^th anniversary of Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk.

More than 3,500 supporters took on the annual 10km walk, sponsored by Magpie Beauty, which started and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s stadium on Saturday 28 June.

This year’s event smashed the previous record of 3,404 participants set in 2024 as a total of 3,500 people turned out to walk for the hospice.

Walkers have already helped raise more than £280,000 to help fund Ashgate’s palliative and end of life care in North Derbyshire, and there’s still more to come, with donations open until the end of July.

Among those taking part was Nikki Saxton-Maud (38), who walked in memory of her mother-in-law Doreen (71), who died in May last year after receiving community care from Ashgate Hospice.

“They made her feel like the centre of the world,” said Nikki. “I know the nurses have lots of patients, but she was their focus.”

Nikki took part in the event alongside her daughters, Phoebe and Georgie, raising over £600 so far between them.

“We did it a few years ago when it was the Midnight Walk,” she added. “It’s grown a bit since then!”

The event saw participants enjoy live entertainment to kick off the party at 7pm before the walk started at 10pm. The first walkers started crossing the finish line at about 11.10pm.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice said: “This year’s Sparkle Night Walk was extra special as we marked its 10th anniversary, and what a way to celebrate.

“We’ve been blown away by the support once again. Thousands turned out in pink, glitter and bunny ears to walk for someone important to them and raise money for local hospice care.

“Thank you to everyone who’s been with us over the years and helped make Sparkle what it is today. Whether you’ve done one walk or all 10, you’ve been part of the journey and we couldn’t do it without you.

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened at £10 per person, and more than 400 people have already signed up.

Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 31 August, with the walk set to take place on 27 June 2026.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register for the super early bird price of £10 go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

The Sparkle Night Walk is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Next phase of Chesterfield Town Centre improvements to begin

30th June 2025

Work to transform Rykneld Square into a greener space, with more planting, seating and new paving is set to begin.

This phase of the council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project is due to begin on Monday 7 July and should be completed by the end of October 2025. The planned works include the creation of new grassy areas for people to sit in, new paving, specialist planting and a new bin store, which together will help the space more welcoming for visitors and residents.

Whilst these works are ongoing access through the square will be limited and part of Spa Lane car park (next to the decorator centre) will be closed for use as a construction compound.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These works will help enhance the Crooked Spire for visitors and residents by providing a warm welcome to the town centre, it also supports the plans we are developing with our partners about the future use of the Visitor Information Centre.

“There will be some disruption arising from these works, but we are working with our contractor and updating local businesses to try and minimise the impact. Once completed this will be a fantastic new space for Chesterfield residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The works in Rykneld Square include new paving and surfaces to create a more modern public space.

It will also include new seating for visitors to use and new planting to help enhance biodiversity and create a more welcoming space.

A new bin store will be created to help keep the area looking tidy and allow unhampered views of the churchyard and heritage railings.

The pavement that runs along the top of the square will be upgraded, to create a more level surface.

New bollards will also be installed to help make it a safer space for pedestrians along with a new crossing point.

The works are due to be completed by late October 2025 and will be carried out whilst other areas of the town centre are also being regenerated.

To find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and sign up for email updates visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

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

Living in Chesterfield: Why more families and professionals are moving to our Derbyshire town

30th June 2025

In a time when many are rethinking where and how they want to live, Chesterfield is quietly emerging as a compelling relocation destination.

Recently named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, our historic Derbyshire market town is drawing attention for all the right reasons.

Chesterfield has also been recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queens Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal. Thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, it consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments, including a new £78 million scheme by Honey Homes, and regeneration projects like the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood will bring more homes.

But what’s driving this momentum? We spoke to local estate agents and business leaders to understand why young professionals and families are choosing to call Chesterfield home and why now might be the perfect time to join them.

Chesterfield’s national recognition

Chesterfield’s recent national recognition hasn’t come out of nowhere. Richard Sherwood, Director of Roy Peters Estates, has seen it first hand over nearly three decades in the local property market.

“It is no surprise that Chesterfield has been identified as one of the happiest places to live in the recent Guardian article. Chesterfield is a great market town, and it continues to evolve. We are looking forward to the modernisation of the Market Square being completed. We have the Peak District on the doorstep and can be in London or either coast in two hours.”

Richard also points to the town’s independent business scene, like restaurant Bottle & Thyme and Queensbury Financial Advisors and its strong sense of community, reflected in events like the Sparkle Walk for Ashgate Hospice and the Redbrik Chesterfield 10K.

A housing market built on stability and opportunity

While many towns have seen turbulence in the housing market, Chesterfield has remained remarkably resilient. Jessica Risorto, Director at Redbrik, explains how North Derbyshire has responded to national fluctuations with confidence:

“Chesterfield’s property market has weathered the national fluctuations with resilience and growing appeal. Chesterfield has stood out by maintaining its status as an affordable place to live, especially compared to other towns of similar size and location.”

She notes a growing wave of first-time buyers entering the market in 2025, particularly young families.

“Another key trend is the rise in young families settling in Chesterfield. Our town’s schools, parks, and strong sense of community are drawing people in, and we’re even seeing extended families relocating from out of town to be closer to loved ones who’ve already made the move.”

Where people want to live — and why

Chesterfield’s appeal isn’t just about price, it’s about lifestyle. Jess highlights the west side of Chesterfield as one of the most desirable areas, thanks to its character homes, green spaces, and proximity to the Peak District. But she also sees rising interest in areas like Bolsover, Calow, and Brimington:

“These neighbourhoods are fast becoming top choices for buyers, thanks to their evolving communities, increasing investment in local infrastructure, and the quality of homes being built.”

Developers, including Honey, Woodall Homes and Stancliffe Homes, are responding to demand with thoughtfully designed new builds, especially bungalows, which are proving popular with both downsizers and families.

Regeneration with purpose

Chesterfield’s transformation is rooted in long-term thinking. Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Property Estates, sees the town’s regeneration as a model for sustainable, community-led growth:

“The most exciting aspect of Chesterfield’s evolution is that it isn’t driven by speculative development, but by targeted investment focused on long-term value for residents, businesses, and the wider region.”

Projects like the Waterside regeneration are reshaping the town’s economic landscape. Stacey believes these developments will create modern, mixed-use spaces that integrate homes, businesses, and leisure, with better connectivity and public realm improvements.

Adding to this, Stacey has observed a shift in what buyers and renters are looking for:

“I’ve already seen a shift in the types of properties people require. Buyers and renters want more than just a home; they want neighbourhoods that offer lifestyle, connectivity, and value. With renewed investment, we can expect smarter housing developments that blend design, sustainability, and affordability.”

A way of life

For those considering moving to Derbyshire, Chesterfield offers a great lifestyle.

Jamie Wajs, Director at Lime Living, paints a picture of a town that blends convenience with culture and nature:
“Chesterfield offers the perfect balanced lifestyle with a great mix of local amenities and a good offering of educational facilities for families, and we have easy access to open and green spaces.”

“You can enjoy an increasing variety of independent shops, bars, bistros and restaurants in the town centre and along Chatsworth Road.”

He also highlights the town’s growing cultural scene, from the Winding Wheel and the Crooked Spire to the soon-to-reopen Stephenson Memorial Hall, which is being transformed as part of a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor and cultural experience in the heart of our town centre.

And for a true local experience?

“Derbyshire v Yorkshire at cricket, soaking up the atmosphere down at Queens Park.”

Be part of the community

As Chesterfield evolves, its friendliness and community spirit are grounded in the place.

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, believes that’s part of what makes the town so special:

“We’re very pleased to see Chesterfield gaining further recognition as a great place to live. As a lifelong resident, it’s fantastic to see our brilliant outdoor spaces, local businesses and community spirit highlighted.

“If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home.”

Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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

Chesterfield’s first Pottery Festival announced

27th June 2025

Chesterfield will get hands-on this August as Creative Community Pottery launches the first-ever Chesterfield Pottery Festival.

Running through the month, the festival invites people to experience hands-on pottery experiences, from vase-making workshops to a pottery-themed pub quiz. It’s a chance to try something new, get creative and connect with others.

Led by Creative Community Pottery, a local group working to open a permanent pottery space in the town, the festival is designed to be inclusive and welcoming regardless of experience. All proceeds will support the group’s long-term goal of creating a dedicated community pottery studio.

Clare Gage, local potter, said: “This festival brings together Chesterfield’s creative past and present, and looks to the future. You’ll explore our town’s history of working with clay while learning the skills yourself in fun, inclusive activities. Come along and be part of it!”

Festival highlights include:

Vase Making Workshops – Monday 4 August
Learn to shape and decorate your ceramic vase at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Clay Decoration Drop-In – Tuesday 5 August
A relaxed, family-friendly session to make personalised hanging decorations at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Pottery in the Pub – Wednesday 6 August
A pottery-themed quiz night at Holme Hall Inn, one of Chesterfield’s historic potters’ pubs.
Community Pottery Exhibition & Makers Market – Saturday 30 August
A showcase of local creativity at The Assembly Rooms, with work from community groups, archive material from Chesterfield Museum, and a market of handmade ceramics.

Full details and tickets for the festival are available at creative-community-pottery.sumupstore.com.

A Creative Summer in Chesterfield

The Pottery Festival joins an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

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

Chesterfield and Staveley play areas upgraded

25th June 2025

Families in Chesterfield and Staveley are enjoying new equipment at three play areas, which have been recently upgraded after children at local schools were invited to pick their favourite designs.

Parks at Wicken’s Place, Hartington Recreation Ground and Pennine Way have all been upgraded as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ongoing investment in local facilities.

Pennine Way in Loundsley Green now includes an exciting castle-themed climbing frame, swings and a dragon springer. Children at Brockwell Junior School helped pick the final design.

Hartington Recreation Ground in Staveley features new equipment designed for children aged three to 14, including a climbing frame, swings and a sensory play panel. Pupils at Staveley Junior School helped pick this design.

Wickins Place in Mastin Moor is themed around nature and includes a new toddler play tower and a snake swing. It was chosen by children at Norbriggs Primary School.

Councillor Steve Lismore, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Upgrading community facilities like these is a crucial part of continuing to make Chesterfield a better place to live and raise a family. Play areas are an important social resource where children can make new friends and parents can meet. Thank you to all the children who helped us to pick the final designs, and I hope you and all the other children in the area have a fantastic time playing in these parks.”

These new play areas are funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Community Infrastructure Levy, and some additional funding from Veolia Environmental Trust.

The improvements form part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Parks, Open Spaces and Play Delivery Plan, which runs until 2028.

Through this delivery plan, more parks across the borough will be upgraded over the next three years.

Chesterfield was recently named in a list of Britain’s happiest places to live by the national newspaper, The Guardian.

The article highlights Chesterfield’s access to open spaces as one of its major advantages, stating: “Chesterfield sits on the edge of the Peak District and is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England, as well as historic medieval alleyways, churches, museums and grand old buildings. Its blend of urban and rural access (being just a short journey from both the Peak District National Park, and Sheffield and Derby) makes it a popular place to live.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Jack and the Beanstalk is coming to Chesterfield!

25th June 2025

Kick your Christmas celebrations off by coming along to Chesterfield’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Winding Wheel later this year.

The cast of this year’s pantomime have been in town to promote the annual Winding Wheel production, including Jamie Christian, Saturday night’s larger than life character from everyone’s favourite BBC family entertainment show, who will be taking to the stage alongside comedian Patrick Monahan as Simon Trott, magician Nicholas Lee as Fleshcreep, Rachel O’Hare as the Spirit of Cloudland, John Lyons (who stared in A Touch of Frost) as King Crumble, Simon Howe as Dame Trott and Lewis Burrage as Jack.

Jamie Christian, who is one of the lead characters in Jack and the Beanstalk, said: “I’m pleased to be in Chesterfield this Christmas. I’m very familiar with the area as I previously worked for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, so starring alongside the other cast members in Jack and the Beanstalk will be great fun. I’ve been to the Winding Wheel lots of times to watch shows, so being on stage there myself will be different, but something I’m really looking forward to.”

The story will be familiar to many, with Jack needing to find the courage to climb to cloud land to slay a giant to free his village of fear and win the hand of the princess.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The pantomime is a highlight in my Christmas calendar each year as I know it is for many families. I encourage people to plan ahead if they can and book tickets for what I’m sure will be a fantastic trip out that everyone will enjoy.”

Jack and the Beanstalk will be at The Winding Wheel from Friday, 5 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Find out more and get your tickets here: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk-pantomime/

Check out other events happening in Chesterfield.

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