Construction company Fortem are assisting Ashgate Croft School in transforming their ‘Pod’ classroom (below) into a new post-16 learning environment and common room area.
The new common room will include a kitchen area which will allow a group of pupils to prepare simple meals and lunches independently, in order to help their transition to life after school.
As part of the refurbishment, Fortem are assisting with electricity and heating systems to meet the needs of the students. New external doors, windows and flooring will be installed, with a new door leading to a fenced garden, creating a safe outdoor place for the pupils.
Richard Windle, Teacher at Ashgate Croft Primary School, said: “As a school we are always evolving to improve our provision and outcomes for our fantastic students. Over the last few years in the current economic climate, this has proved to be very challenging.”
He added: “The work pledged by Fortem to refurbish our common room will increase opportunities and improve the life skills of our students for years to come, this will truly change the learning environment and be a legacy in our school for generations.”
Fortem Solutions Limited deliver a range of planned, preventative and responsive care to property, which includes maintaining 120,000 homes across the UK. Fortem are committed to supporting the local community and work on many projects across the borough at any one time.
The current classroom will be transformed into a new common room area by Fortem
Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s fixtures for the 2020 season have been released, including details of the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.
The club, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2020, will play 17 days of home weekend and Bank Holiday cricket in 2020, with all but one home County Championship match spanning a weekend.
Twenty20 action returns to the picturesque Queen’s Park on Saturday 20 June as part of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, with the Falcons aiming for a seventh-straight win over Yorkshire in the format. The fixture was a complete sell out in both 2018 and 2019, with similar demand expected for 2020.
Prior to the visit of the Vikings, Derbyshire face Worcestershire in a County Championship match at the picturesque Queen’s Park to begin the week-long Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.
Derbyshire will face the Yorkshire Vikings in the newly-structured Royal London Cup at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield on Sunday 26th July. The List A visit by Yorkshire will be the sixth day of cricket in Chesterfield next summer.
Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “We are very pleased to be playing more weekend cricket in 2020, allowing more people to support Derbyshire across all formats.”
“Next year promises to be a special occasion for Members, supporters and everyone associated with Derbyshire as we celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.”
“As part of the celebrations, we are proud to offer a Membership which gives supporters better value for their money at Derbyshire. As well as just under 40 days of regular-season home cricket at The Pattonair County Ground and Chesterfield, we have included a host of exclusive added benefits.”
“As well as our core Membership, we also saw record numbers of supporters backing Derbyshire during the Vitality Blast last summer and with seven home games all handed prime evening and weekend slots, we expect to see demand for tickets surpass that of previous seasons.”
Chesterfield fixtures:
County Championship – Worcestershire – Sun 14 – Wed 17 June
Vitality Blast – Yorkshire Vikings – Sat 20 June
Royal London Cup – Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 26 July
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s prestigious REVO Gold Awards.
Vicar Lane has been acknowledged in the Re:wired category for their innovative use of digital technology which enables the shopping centre to better understand the preferences and behaviours of customers.
The Re:wired award recognises and celebrates the best examples of innovative retail property technology. Vicar Lane has been shortlisted along with big names in the retail sector including Westfield and Savills, highlighting the industry-leading nature of the approach.
The Centre and its owner Alterx have both been working with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The fascinating results have helped to shape the future design and function of Vicar Lane as well as helping to create a better experience for visitors.
The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brands.
The approach has also helped shape the development of the centre’s marketing and promotions, and led to innovations like the giant new screen which opens in St James’ Square next month.
David Goldstein of Alterx explains: “The innovative work with Maybe*Tech has allowed us to actively use social media to monitor and communicate with our customers to understand what they want from Vicar Lane. This has led to us developing a series of successful pop-up events such as flower arranging, cinema screenings and a micro pub to compliment Vicar Lane’s current retail offer.”
Other new technology innovations have seen a partnership with parking specialists Reef, which has led to the Vicar Lane car park being upgraded to be fully automated and ticketless. Number plate recognition and an easy mobile payment enables a faster and frictionless parking system which is more efficient and environmentally conscious.
Behind the scenes, Alterx has set up new in-house communication channels for Vicar Lane retailers. This enables greater visibility on tenant trading performance which allows retailers to make better informed decisions.
The results have also seen increases in pedestrian counts, which is great news for Chesterfield, especially when so many similar towns across the country are struggling.
It has been revealed that the Peak District and Derbyshire has won bronze in the prestigious 2019 British Travel Awards, which are considered the benchmark for excellence in the travel industry and are voted for by the travelling public.
It is the second year in a row that Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire has scooped bronze in the ‘Best UK Holiday County or Region’ category – fending off stiff competition from key contenders Devon, Cumbria and the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, beaten only by Cornwall (gold) and Northumberland (silver).
The announcement came amidst a month of success for tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire after the destination also reached the final of the i news Staycation Awards, which celebrate the quality and diversity of Britain’s thriving domestic travel industry.
Out of over 1,000 entries in total, the Peak District and Derbyshire reached the final three in the ‘Rural Location of the Year’ category alongside Dumfries and Galloway (winners) and Northumberland.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said “It’s been a fantastic month for tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire and we are delighted that our world-class destination has been recognised in these prestigious awards.
“The area saw a 13.5 per cent increase in overnight stays last year with more than 42 million overall visitors – and these awards clearly showcase how the Peak District and Derbyshire is a top-quality choice for both domestic and international visitors. Hopefully, we will achieve even greater things in 2020!”
The Staycation Awards also showcased the area’s dedication to eco-friendly tourism. Hoe Grange Holidays self-catering accommodation, near Brassington, was shortlisted from hundreds of entrants in the sustainable tourism category – with special recognition for its commitment to the environment.
In a further boost to the local tourism industry, luxury lodge holiday park, Landal Darwin Forest near Matlock, was presented with two top awards by UK staycation specialist Hoseasons – including the coveted ‘Best in Britain: Large Resort’ title.
Pronto Industrial Paints in Chesterfield has expanded the size of its Holmewood premises for the second time this year after acquiring an adjoining one-acre site.
A £575,000 funding package from NatWest was used to purchase the land and an empty workshop at its Stainsby Close site, growing it to three acres. Over the next 12 months, the site will be transformed into a training academy, allowing the firm to educate both customers and apprentices on the use of its specialist paints, including compliant coatings, one coat systems and CV systems.
The funding will also support the purchase of new machinery in the main factory to enable Pronto Industrial Paints to increase its production capacity in 2020. The investment will create 10 new jobs, which will increase the size of its staff base to 49 employees.
David Beckford, Managing Director at Pronto Industrial Paints, said: “We are committed to investing in the future of our business by expanding our premises and machinery assets, but also investing in the future of others by educating customers and apprentices on how to use our paints.
“As we transform our expanded premises into a training centre, we are keen to partner with local colleges and support a recognised apprenticeship scheme for Industrial Applicators that will set young people up for a future career in the industry. With the support of NatWest, we look forward to incorporating our additional acre-site into our current premises and renovating it into a fit-for-purpose academy.”
Founded in 1989, Pronto Industrial Paints is a family-run manufacturer of high technology surface coatings, supplying commercial partners and clients with paints specific to their exact needs. The business has doubled in size over the last 10 years and the aim is to continue this growth and double the size of the business again over the next 10 years.
Students from Outwood Academy Newbold have kicked off the first of a year-long programme of Made in Chesterfield events which are designed to introduce young people to careers in the manufacturing, engineering, science and technology industries in the town.
Seven A Level Chemistry students from the school visited Aztec Oils in Bolsover to learn about the company, wider industry and career opportunities available. The students had a tour of the manufacturing facility with particular emphasis on the laboratory where Aztec Oils carries out extensive quality control procedures as well as Research and Development into new products.
Aztec Oils is one of a number of companies operating in the town’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector that have signed up to the Made in Chesterfield.
Launched in 2015 in response to companies in the sector reporting long term recruitment difficulties, Made in Chesterfield has been instrumental in raising awareness of careers in the sector with 3,000 students reached since the campaign began.
As part of the year-long campaign, which is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, a number of companies in the sector will be following Aztec Oils; lead and hosting hands-on tours of their sites and going into schools to meet students and give talks.
Mark Lord, Managing Director of Aztec Oils, commented: We welcome the opportunity to partner with local education establishments to bridge the gap between learning and workplace environments. Aztec Oils is a rapidly growing company and we recognise the real need to encourage youngsters to consider a career in manufacturing. By showcasing the company, we hope to demonstrate what great opportunities there are for well-paid, long term employment with good prospects for career development.”
Kirsty Beggar, a Chemistry teacher at Outwood Academy Newbold who led the trip to Aztec oils commented: “Trips like these really benefit our students. It gives them a chance to see some real-life application of what they learn in their textbook. When they are going through what they’ve learnt and are revising it, they’ll think of this visit to Aztec Oils, what goes on in the labs and what the industry is about.”
All primary and secondary schools throughout North East Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up to the campaign and discover the opportunities in the sector available to current and future school leavers. Employers in the sector are offering school leavers a variety of opportunities, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate training scheme.
Ivan Fomin, Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, highlighted the importance of attracting young people to companies operating within Chesterfield’s STEM sector. He said: “With HS2 on the horizon and Talgo’s recent investment in the town, there is the opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation.
“Made in Chesterfield is playing an instrumental role in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”
Charlotte Land, STEM Ambassador Hub Manager at DEBP, added: “The Made in Chesterfield programme is a brilliant opportunity for young people and teachers to gain an insight into the amazing companies on their doorstep. DEBP work with employers to develop their programme offer and introduce them to local schools.
“The programme is an essential part of our work as a STEM Ambassador Hub to bridge the STEM skills gap through challenging perceptions of engineering and manufacturing by introducing young people to positive role models and work environments.”
Sponsored by University of Derby, the 2019/20 Made in Chesterfield campaign was officially launched at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in November following news that Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has established its UK head office at the facility. At the event, plans were also unveiled for an innovation centre which Talgo has plans to build on land at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.
In addition to the University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is also run in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest and Placing Futures.
Chris Sellars, an Executive Director at Chesterfield-based Banner Jones Solicitors has announced that he will leave the firm after almost 30 years to focus on a new venture in property development finance in the New Year.
Chris Sellars joined Banner Jones Solicitors, formerly Jones & Middleton, in 1990 as a trainee; starting what has proved to be a long and successful legal career.
Later forming part of the management team, he helped to drive the firm’s growth strategy and its success in recent years – with the company now employing in excess of 130 people operating out of offices in South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and London.
Commenting on the news Chris said that whilst it has been a ‘difficult decision’ to leave Banner Jones he was looking forward to embarking on a new chapter of his career.
Simon Wright, Executive Director at Banner Jones, said: “For many years Chris has been a fundamental part of Banner Jones; operating as a highly recognised lawyer with a strong reputation for commercial work and business services.”
“During this time, Banner Jones has also gone from strength to strength, growing from a small ‘high street’ practice to its current status as one of the region’s best-known, award winning law firms – recognised for its no-nonsense, bespoke legal advice and excellent customer service.”
“Further growth is anticipated in the future, with significant plans to invest in recruitment and training of existing staff in the coming months already underway.”
“Whilst Chris will be missed his contribution to the firm to date will continue to be felt for many years; and having seen how passionate he is about his new venture we know this is the right decision for him.”
“We all wish him every success for the future.”
Chris added: “This decision has not been an easy one, but I know that the business is in good hands. Banner Jones has grown immeasurably over recent years and is now in a very strong position with a comprehensive regional presence, a loyal and growing customer base and a dedicated workforce.
“I would like to pass on my thanks to everyone at Banner Jones for their encouragement at this time. I will remain a strong advocate of the work that they do in support of their clients. I am very excited for the next chapter in my professional life.”
Owner of Stanedge Golf Club and PGA Professional, Fame Tate, has received National recognition from the Golf Club Managers’ Association.
During the Golf Club Managers’ Association annual two day National Conference, Fame received a special commendation award for her hard work in regenerating the fortunes of Stanedge Golf Club.
Fame was nominated for Best Newcomer Manager of the Year, along with Kerry Alligan-Sith of Redditch Golf Club, for her achievements after acquiring Stanedge Golf Club and bringing it back from the edge of closure and extinction.
Fame took over Stanedge Golf Club in March 2019 and has transformed the place from a run down clubhouse and golf course, to a thriving facility which is an accessible, warm and welcoming place where people of all ages, gender and backgrounds can come enjoy playing the golf course or socialise in the clubhouse.
Despite being named runner-up, Fame was over the moon to be selected as one of the two finalists and receive a special commendation: “I feel incredibly proud and honored to have received this commendation award, to be recognized for what we have achieved at the club in such a short space of time is incredible. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, members, visitors, local businesses for hole sponsorship and our scorecard sponsors Il Mondo Travel – a massive thank you to my team at the club, I couldn’t have done it without your hard work and long hours, putting Stanedge Golf Club back on the map!”
Fame, who is a PGA professional, has a quite a year in 2019 picking up awards – to add to her commendation was earlier in the year awarded the “Outstanding Achievement” Award at The English Women’s Awards North, and also named as the PGA Female Assistant of the year for 2019.
Fame said: “I had a strong vision in place when I purchased Stanedge Golf Club, which was to break away from the traditional golf club model, making it a venue that is welcoming, affordable, accessible, friendly and fun”.
Commenting on the journey so far, Fame said: “The resurrection of Stanedge Golf Club has not been easy, it really has been a monumental effort by many people who put many unsociable hours into making the club a place people now want to visit and enjoy being at.”
“Since we acquired the club in February, we have attracted over 120 new members and many visitors in response to our various offers, with different groups getting involved in our coaching and learn to play offers.”
“We have recently launched Tyzack’s Bar at the club which is open to the public as well as members and we serve home cooked food daily, including our breakfasts, Sunday lunches and currently starting on our Christmas Fayre menu and programme of activities.”
A round of 9 holes at Stanedge should not take more than a couple of hours and if you have time to spare afterwards you can drop into the friendly and welcoming clubhouse for refreshments, where there is a fully licensed bar and food served daily.
Angie Smithson pledged to meet over 4,000 members of staff when she began working at Chesterfield Royal in September 2019, and she’s on target to do just that.
With visits to all departments and community bases at regular intervals to hear staff concerns and improvement ideas, she is also working around every shift pattern so night staff and weekend workers are also covered.
The voluntary service is growing – with 177 volunteers of all ages bringing their skills and talents to teams. They are invaluable – with last year’s infographic showing just how much they contribute to ‘Royal’ life.
From driving the ‘Royal Rider’ which safely delivers patients who may suffer mobility problems to appointments and wards, to providing valuable and widely recognised ‘end of life’ support, volunteers are a vital part of ‘Royal’ life.
Volunteer Services Manager, Richard Ball commented: “We are incredibly grateful to Angie for taking the time to say thank you to our volunteers and hear their views. This is a team that gives up their own time, day in and day out, to brighten up the days of our patients, and we are extremely proud of all of them.”
More than 50 schools across Derbyshire will benefit from building improvements, thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s £1.6 million funding programme.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet approved proposals to provide 54 Derbyshire primary and secondary schools with joint-funding for maintenance projects costing between £20,000 and £100,000.
The funding has been made available through the Insurance Maintenance Pool Allocations (IMP) for 2019-20 – a building maintenance scheme that generates funding from schools which sign up to carry out repairs and improvements – the majority of which we match-fund.
The current IMP has generated £1,195,800 which has been match-funded with £452,000 from Derbyshire County Council children’s services capital budget totalling the £1,647,800 improvement budget.
It will fund projects at the 54 schools including new roofing, boilers, heating systems, new walls, floors, doors and improved path and pedestrian areas.
Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People said: “We are pleased that primary and secondary schools throughout the county are going to benefit from our IMP joint-funding programme.”
“It is vitally important that our schools have the funding available to carry out maintenance projects so every child can learn in the best possible environment and be inspired to achieve their potential.”
“We’re keen to approve projects like these which highlights our commitment to helping schools achieve their plans, make improvements and prevent the need for costly repairs in the future.”
“These improvements will not only help us ensure that every child has the best start in life but will also have a positive impact on staff, visitors and the local community.”
As part of this round of IMP funding, maintenance projects with a value between £20,000 and £40,000 for primary schools and between £50,000 and £100,000 for secondary schools – which have been deemed a priority by Derbyshire County Council surveying team – have been approved.
Chesterfield housebuilder Avant Homes will build 97 new homes at Egstow Park in Clay Cross, after being granted planning permission by North East Derbyshire Borough Council for the development.
Located off Market Street in Clay Cross, the £23m development will form part of the wider Egstow Park regeneration scheme, bringing more than 825 new homes alongside offices, shopping areas, a hotel, public spaces and woodland.
Avant Homes acquired the 10-acre site from St Modwen PLC and plans to commence groundworks immediately with the first homes expected to be ready for occupation in July 2020. Called Egstow Park, the development will include a mixture of three and four-bedroom modern, design-led homes across 10 different housetypes. Of the 97 homes that will be built, 11 have been designated as affordable housing.
Stuart Rowlands, Managing Director of Avant Homes Central said: “We’re very pleased that planning permission has been granted for our homes at Egstow Park. It is a significant regeneration scheme for Clay Cross and the wider region, and we’re excited to be a part of it. As a Chesterfield-based business we’re proud to continue investing in the area through the construction of much-needed quality homes whilst creating hundreds of jobs for local people in the process.”
“The development is in a prime location, close to the centre of Clay Cross and its range of amenities. It is well positioned to provide easy access to the growing town of Chesterfield, meaning Egstow Park is going to be a highly sought-after new residential neighbourhood.”
This is Avant Homes’ fourth current development in the Chesterfield area. De Rhodes Point in Woodthorpe and Portlands in Creswell have both proven popular with homebuyers, whilst the highly anticipated Waterside Quarter, part of the £340m Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme, is currently under construction (below).
Nick Whittingham Development Director at St Modwen said: “We are very pleased to complete the sale of this prime site to Avant Homes and to see the development get planning. This further accelerates our regeneration of the former Biwater Pipes brownfield site by opening up the Market Street end of the scheme to provide further serviced housing land and areas of public open space.”
Avant Homes Central is located at Holmewood Business Park on Chesterfield Road. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
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