About Chesterfield

Chesterfield Marathon runner registration at Casa Hotel

Runners taking part in the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon are being asked to collect their race number for the event in the two days leading up to the big day.

 

Official registration for the marathon will take place at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on Friday 12 September between 10am and 9pm and on Saturday 13 September from 10am to 5pm, where runners can pick up their race number with disposable chip time attached.

 

Everyone will also be provided with a race day goody bag which will include an official t-shirt, water bottle and additional items.

 

A full information pack has been sent to runners via email this week, which provides details about the registration process, race route, as well as an update on water stations, car parking, baggage storage, timings, first aid, festival zones and event activities across Queen’s Park.

 

More than 1,500 people have already signed-up to take part in the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon, which starts and finishes at Queen’s Park in the town centre.

 

Runners can take part in a full 26-mile marathon, half marathon, fun run or relay race, with the main events starting from 8:30am. Anyone interested in entering any of the distances needs to sign up before August 31, however fun run registrations are open right up until the day of the event.

 

Each runner will be presented with a medal on the finishing line, with a trophy presentation for certain categories.

 

Chesterfield-based Kids ‘n’ Cancer UK is the primary charity for the race, but a number of additional cancer related charities and good causes will also benefit from the race.

 

Entry into the events costs £45 (full marathon), £35 (half marathon), £100 (relay), and £5 (fun run). Runners raising £200 for Kids ‘n’ Cancer will be able to gain free entry.

Anyone unable to pick-up their race number and chip should contact Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon on 01246 236 566. For more information or to sign-up for the race visit www.chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk

 

Source:Chesterfield Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield

Plans for extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre approved

Plans for extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre approved by Councillors at their meeting on Tuesday 19 August.

Members of Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans for the new centre, which will be built on the site of Queen’s Park Annexe, subject to planning conditions.

The council has applied to Sport England for a grant of more than £1 million to extend the plans for the new sports centre.

This would allow the main swimming pool to be extended from six to eight lanes, to increase the number of sports courts to eight and extra activity studio space.

This would enable more activities to take place at the same time than is possible in the current sports centre.

Plans for extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre approved and are welcomed by Councillor Amanda Serjeant

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “Now the plans for the extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre are approved, we are able to move on with the project, with work expected to start on site next month.

“We are currently waiting for the outcome of our bid to Sport England for the new centre and we hope to be able to share this imminently.”

The council has appointed Morgan Sindall, who built the Arc Leisure Centre in Matlock, as the contractor to deliver the project with a commitment to provide employment opportunities for local people.

It is anticipated the new centre should be complete by the end of 2015. The current Queen’s Park Sports Centre would remain open until a replacement has been constructed.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Paving the way for more Markham Vale development

Work to open up a new section of the Markham Vale regeneration site started today with a £1.2m road refurbishment project.

Erin Road, which will serve the next section of land to be developed on the site where the former Seymour Colliery once stood, will be closed for up to six months between Poolsbrook and Duckmanton and Markham Vale.

As well as groundwork for the gas, water and electricity supply, improvements will be carried out along the section of road stretching just over half a mile to make sure it is fit to carry extra traffic travelling to and from local businesses setting up in the area once the Seymour site is developed.

A shuttle bus will be running between Poolsbrook and the Staveley and Duckmanton area, providing a connection to the existing bus services while the work takes place.

A bridge carrying an old haul road over Erin Road will also be demolished. The ‘Bailey’ bridge − a temporary bridge made of prefabricated steel truss panels bolted together − was used by colliery vehicles travelling to and from the former pit.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, Councillor Joan Dixon said:

Developing the next phase of Markham Vale is the next step in our long-term vision of attracting more business and industry, creating 5,000 jobs for local people.

“We are pleased we can finally start work to prepare the land and get plots in place for further development by March 2015.

“We will be working hard to get this work done as quickly as possible and if we can reopen the road sooner, we will. I hope road users will bear with us while this important work takes place and apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused.”

The work is being funded as part of a £14.2 million cash injection from the government to turn the former Seymour Colliery site into prime economic land with the potential to create more than 2,000 more jobs.

More than 560 new jobs have already been created at the county council’s flagship regeneration site which is currently home to 28 businesses. A further 200 jobs have already been announced with the construction of new buildings underway.

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

More new homes for Chesterfield

Plans have been announced by Miller Homes Midlands for a further 63 homes to be built at Chesterfield’s popular housing development, The Portlands.

New two, three and four-bedroom properties will form phase two of the development, which is situated on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield.

Amongst the new properties released for sale is the three-bedroom Montgomery style property, which boasts a master bedroom with ensuite and French Doors that open onto a generous garden.

The Portlands, Chesterfield is set in an ideal location with excellent commuting links to nearby Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield. The development also offers the buyer a countryside escape, with the Peak District being just a short hop away.

Paul Walters, Associate Director for Miller Homes Midlands, explains how phase two offers the perfect opportunity for those looking to get on the housing ladder:

“Phase One of The Portlands continues to be extremely popular with first time buyers and we are still experiencing high interest levels. With Phase Two, we have sold five properties in just three days so it shows how well received the development is.

“We are beginning to see confidence return to the housing market and with the government-backed Help to Buy scheme, making a move to a newly built home has never been easier.”

For more information on The Portlands, visit the sales centre, open Thursday to Monday 10am-5pm, or call 0808 250 6460.

Source:Tank PR on behalf of Miller Homes

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

New department store to open in Chesterfield

Boyes will be opening the doors to its new store in Chesterfield this Thursday 24th July.

Located on Cavendish street in what was the old Zanzibar nightclub, this will be the company’s 51st store and will offer the people of Chesterfield quality branded products at great value prices.  Boyes Chesterfield will stock everything from toiletries, toys, stationary, tools, housewares, home furnishings and clothing for all the family, as well as their range of wool, dress fabrics and haberdashery.

Management and staff are very excited and looking forward to welcoming customers to the new Boyes store in Chesterfield. Robert van der Heijden, Marketing & New Store Development Director says “The opening will be a great celebration packed with lots of fantastic Opening Offers such as fabulous Lego watches for only £4.99  and Free giveaways, so come on down and grab a bargain.”

Source:Boyes

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Funding deal to create 28,000 jobs in the region

A £320 million cash boost has been secured by local leaders from the public and private sector to create over 28,000 jobs and training for 40,000 people across the Sheffield City Region (which includes Chesterfield).

This is the fifth most substantial Growth Deal that any city region local enterprise partnership (LEP) has made with government as ministers make their announcements for the 39 LEP areas across England.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was in Sheffield City Region on Friday (4 July) to confirm the final investment during a visit to a local business, which is already benefiting from investment from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The new funding will enable the City Region’s leaders to create a £130 million Skills Bank, which will provide training for 40,000 people in the Sheffield City Region, including between 5,000 and 7,500 apprentices.  The funding will also be used to build new facilities at existing colleges, including a brand new British Glass Academy.

£50 million of the funding will mean that the LEP can extend its highly successful business investment and support programme and create 4,000 new jobs for local people.

James Newman, Chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP, said:

“Sheffield City Region is getting a bigger share of the new funds than we might have expected and is clearly punching its weight when it comes to newly devolved powers and funds from Government.

“Our Growth Deal is the first step on a journey to enable the Sheffield City Region to take control of its own economic destiny. This is a strong start and, although we have not got everything we wanted, we have done well and we look forward to working with Government to increase their trust in our LEP so we will be able to take even more of our own funding and strategic economic decisions in the future.”

Photograph: LEP Board member Paul Houghton shakes hands with DPM Nick Clegg with the SCR Strategic Economic Plan, at Chapmans Agricultural in Sheffield

Source:Sheffield City Region

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Sculpture to transform Hornsbridge Roundabout

Work to transform a key gateway into Chesterfield town centre is set to begin after planning permission was granted by Chesterfield Borough Council.

An eight metre-high sculpture by local artist Melanie Jackson will start to be installed at Hornsbridge Roundabout from July with completion expected by the end of the year.

The design, which was voted for by residents and Chesterfield Champions, features a wheel, or cog, integrated into the landscape showing the borough’s industrial heritage with an opening bud or flower rising out of the centre.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “It’s good that work is about to start on Hornsbridge island.

“This is a key gateway into Chesterfield when you drive into the town centre from the M1 or when coming into or leaving the town by train and is a great opportunity to showcase what is great about Chesterfield.”

John Dillon, Managing Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “Community investment is extremely important to us as a company and we are really excited to be involved in a project which promises to have such a significant impact on the landscape of the town itself.”

The project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Barratt Homes.  This funding can only be used to make environmental improvements to install public art at key sites and entry points to the town centre.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

More than 1000 entries for Chesterfield Marathon

A 67-year-old man from Clay Cross has become the 1,000th person to sign up for the Chesterfield Marathon.

John Edward Bee, a former member of North Derbyshire Running Club, will take part in the 26-mile distance event on September 14.  While an experienced runner, it will be the first full marathon for John, who has taken part in a number of half marathons, 10km and 5km races in the past.

John said: “I’m hopeful I can finish the full distance, but whether I can run all the way is another matter!  It’s really all about taking part and showing support for charity.  I just really hope I can finish before everyone else has gone home!

“I was going to keep entering the Chesterfield Marathon a secret from the running club’s members, but I may need to rethink that now! It’s great to be the 1000th entry.”

Daniel Lane, Landlord of John’s local pub, the George and Dragon in Clay Cross, has already offered him a generous sponsorship amount, which John is aiming to at least match as his own sponsorship target.

Daniel added: “John has taken part in the pub’s own charity event – the ‘Dragon Run’ – a five-mile annual race in and around the Clay Cross area for a number of years.  John is yet to be beaten in that race, despite his humble attitude towards his own running ability. We have every confidence he will do very well in the Chesterfield Marathon.”

The Chesterfield Marathon is set to be one of the biggest participant events in the town for more than 30 years. It is in aid of children’s charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer, along with other local charities.

Mike Hyman, founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer and the Chesterfield Marathon, says: “We are delighted to pass the 1,000th entry milestone for the race.  Interest in the event is really growing with entrants coming in daily.  It should be a fantastic day for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.”

Runners can take part in a full marathon, half marathon, fun run and a relay race, where four competitors take a share of the course.

In addition to the races, fun activities will be taking place at Queen’s Park throughout the day.  The Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon post-race celebrations kick off straight after the fun run finishes with entertainment and live bands managed by Red Butterfly, John Proctor fairground rides, an inflatable arena and sport fun with Premier Sports. The day will finish with a finale of fireworks by Pyrotex award winning professional firework displays.

Entry into the events costs £45 (full marathon) £35 (half marathon) £100 (relay) and £5 (fun run) and anyone raising £200 for Kids ‘n’ Cancer can gain free entry.

To sign-up for the Chesterfield Marathon visitwww.chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Source:Released on behalf of Kids ‘N’ Cancer by HR Media Ltd

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Music fans flock to the Proact

Thousands of music fans enjoyed two fabulous concerts last weekend at Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium.

Legendary Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones, who was supported by Andrew Cole and Toploader, attracted a crowd of 12,253 on Saturday night while Party at the Proact the following day was attended by 5,495 people.

Sir Tom Jones belted out a string of his hits from over the decades in a set lasting around 90 minutes.  Celebrating his 74th birthday on the day of the concert, he told the audience that being on stage singing was the best way to mark the occasion.

Party at the Proact was opened by Tich at around 4.30pm on Sunday and featured superb performances from Ms Dynamite, Union J, Katy B, Lawson and Labrinth before headline act Tinie Tempah closed the show.

Spireites Chairman Dave Allen was delighted to hear such positive feedback from those who attended the shows.  He said: “I thought Tom Jones was outstanding and the fans clearly enjoyed his performance. The mainly younger audience at Party at the Proact were also thoroughly entertained for over five and a half hours.

“Many people have praised the organisation of both events – including the conference and banqueting side – and commented on the great acoustics.  Following on from the success of the Elton John concert two years ago, the Proact is establishing a reputation as being a superb venue for live music featuring some top acts.”

Photograph courtesy of Jamie Whitehouse.

Source:Chesterfield Football Club

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Duke of Devonshire officially opens Chesterfield Market Hall

Chesterfield Market Hall has been officially re-opened by the Duke of Devonshire.

The market hall underwent a £4.3 million redevelopment last year and traders returned in October.

The main retail hall was opened up and transformed by the installation of a glazed atrium above first floor level providing natural light and the 1970s extension on New Square was redesigned to be more in keeping with the original market hall.

In addition to providing a modern and colourful shopping mall downstairs there are 20 offices on the first and second floors, alongside the historic Assembly Rooms, which were also refurbished.

The project was paid for by £2.1 million of grants from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Heritage Lottery and the Derbyshire Economic Partnership, with the remaining cost being met by Chesterfield Borough Council.

As he unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening, the Duke of Devonshire, said: “What a tremendous achievement to manage the market hall in a commercial way but in the interests of everyone who lives and works in Chesterfield.

“It’s the beating heart of this great town – and means that Chesterfield will have even more appeal to visitors. Jobs have been created and it is something to be very proud of.”

Councillor John Burrows, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I am proud that at a time of cuts, when many councils have been forced to scale down their markets, we have been able to invest in the market hall and the independent traders who have a key role to play in the success of Chesterfield.”

Around half of the £4.3 million cost was spent on refurbishing the historic Assembly Rooms on the first floor of the market hall building and creating a suite of around 20 offices on the first and second floors.

The market hall has 43 retail units, of which 91 per cent have already been let.  Many of the previous stall holders in the market hall have returned, along with some new businesses.

The original market hall offices have been updated and all nine of these have been let. The new studio offices on the first floor have also all been let.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “One of the businesses I have spoken to today has taken on 16 people since moving here. Success stories like that can only be good for the town.”

Photo caption: The Duke of Devonshire (right) with Chesterfield Borough Council leader, Councillor John Burrows, and the plaque to mark the official reopening of Chesterfield Market Hall.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Increase in jobs at Markham Vale development

The latest jobs figures for Markham Vale have been revealed – with a further 200 still to come.

The site, which is situated next to junction 29A of the M1, is currently home to 28 businesses and has so far helped to create 565 jobs – an increase of 208 on the previous year.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:

“We are delighted that Markham Vale is going from strength to strength and helped to create many jobs in the last year for local people.

“We are committed to building a strong Derbyshire economy that creates jobs and grows businesses and Markham Vale plays a key role in helping us achieve this.

“The long-term aim is to help create 5,000 jobs and we will continue to work hard to attract more companies to reach this goal.”

New businesses which have recently opened or are set to in the next few months will help to create an extra 200 jobs.

These include Northern Ireland’s biggest egg processor Ready Egg Products which is developing a manufacturing facility and Derbyshire food company Holdsworth which set up a base on Markham Vale four years ago and is building a new warehouse and cold store.

And thanks to funding of £14.2 million from the Government and £12.5m from the county council’s private sector developer Henry Boot Developments Ltd, work has started to unlock a further 81 acres of land on the former Seymour Colliery site.

The work is expected to generate £82 million of private sector investment and create capacity to bring an estimated 2,100 jobs to the area.

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

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