About Chesterfield

Our Chesterfield Champions reflect on a year of achievements

26th December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on another year of progress and achievement.

Chesterfield continues to be recognised as a great place to live, named one of the happiest places to live in the East Midlands by The Guardian and the Rightmove Happy at Home Index. It 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.  Thanks to its excellent schools, our strong community spirit and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

Throughout the year, progress has continued on the transformation of Chesterfield and Staveley town centres, the extension of the Chesterfield Canal, and the preparation of development platforms for the first phase at PEAK Resort.

We spoke to our network of Chesterfield Champions who have shared their businesses’ biggest successes from the past twelve months.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group

“Starting work on our employment scheme at Markham Vale (NOVA) with our joint venture partner HBD has to be the highlight of the year for Devonshire Property Group. This scheme will see over 700,000 sq ft of high-quality employment space delivered at Markham Vale employing in the region of 700-800 people. We’re due to complete the initial ground works early in 2026 and will accelerate our marketing campaigns to attract occupiers and investors in the New Year.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield

“This year has been transformational for Chesterfield. We’ve moved beyond planning into delivery on the ground — bringing regeneration projects to life — and we’re already seeing the benefits for our residents and businesses. Major milestones have been achieved, including the revitalisation of Chesterfield’s main market square – breathing new energy into the heart of our town. Key initiatives, such as the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle, have begun, positioning Chesterfield at the forefront of future rail innovation. Together with the Chesterfield Town Board, we’ve set clear investment priorities to further boost long-term prosperity for the town.

Other examples of this real-life impact include our ongoing commitment to providing decent homes for local people, with new homes in Staveley ready to welcome families; and we’re strengthening our communities through the provision of funding for grassroots and community groups – supporting them to continue their vital work.

Overall, this has been a year of achievement, momentum, and pride – working together with our strong local networks – to make Chesterfield a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.”

Julie Richards OBE, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Principal of Chesterfield College

“Supporting over 6,000 students and apprentices to learn, grow and take their next steps has undoubtedly been our proudest achievement. As a college group, we’ve also continued to strengthen partnerships with hundreds of employers across the region, ensuring our curriculum genuinely reflects industry needs and future workforce demand.”

Paul Flitter, Founder and Director, New Oak Estates

“We are delighted to have been identified as one of the top estate agents in the UK for the second year running. We feature in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2025 – the most comprehensive review of UK agencies.””

Kriston Harvey, Director, Rodgers Leask

“As someone who has called Chesterfield home for over 40 years, I am particularly proud of our involvement with Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and seeing the recently completed Market Square re-open. This vibrant update to the town centre’s public realm blends repurposed cobbles with new feature paving, subtly honouring the market’s heritage through a carefully chosen material palette.”

Natalie Burkinshaw, Founder, CRUSH

“We won a series of awards, including the Transform Awards Europe and German Design Awards for our rebrand of Ziemann Holvrieka, as well as being personally shortlisted and winning two women’s business awards.”

Laura Jo, Owner, Adorn Jewellers

“We’re thrilled to have celebrated a milestone: 15 years of business in the heart of the town centre. The high street has certainly changed during that time. We’re hopeful that the growth of town centre living, combined with footfall driven by social media and online discovery, will ensure we continue to thrive here in Middle Shambles for many years to come.”

Neil Beaumont, Sales Director, Custom Solar

“Since our acquisition by MITIE two years ago, we’ve tripled our workforce and continued to grow. Our focus has been on delivering high-quality installations, meeting our clients’ carbon reduction goals, and maintaining the company’s ambitious growth trajectory.”

Heather Hearn-Poole, SEO Manager, FWD Motion

“Over the past year, we’ve grown and developed our pool of talent in both SEO and Channel Marketing to ensure that we continue to be at the leading edge of digital marketing.”

Anna Meer, Director, DLP Planning

“Quite recently, we have become an employee-owned trust. We have noticed a real difference across all our offices, in terms of the drive and commitment that everyone has in sharing how the company grows.”

Dawn Brown, Owner, Rose Cottage, DogLand

“We’re thrilled about the progress we’ve made towards opening a second DogLand site at Woolley Moor. After the serious floods in 2023, our Rose Cottage facility was severely damaged and required many repairs and TLC. But thanks to our hardworking team and supportive community, we were able to come back bigger and better than ever.”

Claudia Risorto, Apprentice Solicitor, Banner Jones Solicitors

“One of our proudest achievements at Banner Jones Solicitors has been securing a place in the Legal 500 rankings. Additionally, we rank 1^st in Chesterfield for the volume of property transactions we handle.”

Katie Snodden, Head of Sales, Bridge Help

“This past year has been record-breaking for Bridge Help, with the highest number of enquiries to date. Increased investor support allowed us to launch exciting new products and grow our team with two new hires as we continue to scale.”

For more information on Chesterfield Champions, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/Chesterfield Champions

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home

A calmer Christmas and New Year in Chesterfield

22nd December 2025

Hopefully, your gifts are wrapped and plans sorted, so you can relax into Christmas and enjoy the simple pleasures Chesterfield offers. Remember to take the time to stop and take note during the busy season because our town centre looks so magical in December. Our twinkling lights and festive art trail welcome you to our shops, cafes and market tipi.

And when the New Year arrives, why not try to keep that gentler pace? January offers a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

Instead of chasing big resolutions, I plan to focus on people and experiences that bring joy. A quiet stroll together works wonders, and Chesterfield’s winter walks – like Linacre Reservoirs, Chesterfield Canal or the Five Pits Trail – make it easy to enjoy frosty landscapes close to home.

If you’re looking for cosy indoor moments, drop into our friendly town centre cafes.

For somewhere different, visit Board and Bean for a winter’s afternoon of games and conversation. They hosted us recently during the Social Fuse Festival, our annual event that celebrates community creativity and purpose-driven innovation. It was the drop-in space for meeting new people and sharing ideas. Board and Bean creates a hub for creativity and community, and you’ll feel welcome from the moment you walk in.

For something cultural, why not enjoy a show?

The Winding Wheel Theatre hosts a fantastic programme, from festive pantomimes to live music and comedy. January brings a mix of music and comedy to brighten up winter evenings – from The Ultimate Classic Rock Show to Jason Manford. Check out what’s on and make a night of it.

I’m also planning to get crafty in the New Year.

Junction Arts’ festivals, workshops, and events give people the opportunity to be creative, learn new skills, and build stronger communities. I loved stepping out of my comfort zone at a lantern-making workshop recently. It reminded me that creativity is about enjoyment rather than perfection. Later in 2026, my team will work with Junction Arts to host our own workshops when we reopen the Rectory. I’m looking forward to plenty of creative challenges before then.I loved stepping out of my comfort zone at a lantern-making workshop recently. It reminded me that creativity is about enjoyment rather than perfection. Later in 2026, my team will work with Junction Arts to host our own workshops when we reopen the Rectory. I’m looking forward to plenty of creative challenges before then.

As the New Year begins, instead of piling on the pressure, why not choose one small thing that brings you joy? Meet a friend for a warm drink, wander through our market, try a new craft, or book tickets for a local performance. Chesterfield offers plenty of ways to slow down, connect, and feel part of something real.

Discover local events, theatre listings, walking routes, and more ways to enjoy our community at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Christmas, Home, Leisure

HBD sells Markham Vale site to Litton Properties

18th December 2025

HBD, part of Henry Boot, has sold a 2-acre trade park site at Markham Vale to Litton Properties.

Markham Vale is one of HBD’s most successful industrial and logistics schemes. The M1-linked development is a joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. The development has created more than 2,600 jobs and is home to occupiers including Smurfit Kappa and Bilstein.

Litton Property Group will start construction in the first half of 2026. The scheme will deliver over 30,000 sq ft of trade counter and other commercial space. Flexible units from 3,817 sq ft will be available. The site sits opposite the M1 service area.

Based in Bakewell, Litton Property Group specialises in retail, leisure, regeneration and business uses. Its portfolio includes retained developments and strategically acquired sites. The business manages these assets for long-term redevelopment or asset management.

Hamer Boot, Executive Director at HBD, said: “As a well-established I&L scheme and with direct access to the M1, Markham Vale presents an ideal trade park location. This trade counter site is a good fit for Litton Property Group, who will now bring the development forward in 2026.”

Mark Twelves, Managing Director of Litton Property Group, said: “Markham Vale Trade Park will deliver a new benchmark for trade counter, warehouse and light industrial accommodation in Derbyshire. Our purchase and the development of the site sends out a strong signal that Derbyshire is a place that helps business to establish, grow and thrive. With a growing workforce, new housing nearby, and strong regional links, it is perfectly positioned for ambitious businesses.”

HBD is progressing several new developments at Markham Vale. These include Nova, a 732,000 sq ft industrial and logistics scheme. The project is a joint venture with Devonshire Property Group. The BREEAM Excellent development includes two units and could create up to 800 jobs.

Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital, has completed phase one of the ARK scheme. Capital Angling now occupies the first of four units. The team has submitted a planning application for phase two. This will deliver a further 53,000 sq ft ESG-compliant unit.

HBD is one of the UK’s most established property developers. It has a strong track record, solid financial backing and a reputation for delivery. As a result, This has made it a partner of choice for local authorities, investors and developers.

Additionally, with a £1.3 billion development pipeline, HBD operates from six UK offices. It focuses on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.

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

New energy-efficient homes for local families

16th December 2025

More local families are set to move into brand-new, affordable, and energy-efficient homes in Middlecroft and Staveley, as Chesterfield Borough Council continues to expand its housing supply across the borough, building on Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey, which named Chesterfield one of the happiest places to live in the East Midlands for the third year in a row.

Earlier this year, the council handed over the keys to four bungalows on Ringwood Avenue and Court Place, and now even more local families will benefit from the completion of a further nine new homes in the area.

The final phase of the project includes four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way, two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close, and three two-bedroom houses at Aston Court, all of which will be let to residents on the council’s housing register.

All homes are designed to achieve an A-rated EPC and are equipped with air-source heat pumps to provide hot water and underfloor heating, eliminating the need for gas boilers.

Solar panels have also been installed, designed to generate more energy than the homes are expected to use.

Each property features open-plan kitchens and dining areas, generous storage, and well-proportioned bedrooms. Large windows maximise natural light, while high-quality insulation and energy-efficient installations help create a warm, comfortable, and cost-effective living environment.

Outside, each home has a private garden for children to play and families to enjoy, along with dedicated parking. The bungalows have level access and are designed so lifts or ceiling hoists can be added in the future, allowing tenants to live independently for longer.

Fortem Solutions Ltd has delivered the project.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said:

“We’re really pleased that this project is now completed and are ready to hand over the keys so that even more local families can enjoy their new homes.

When planning for these new build homes, we wanted to ensure that we can provide homes that meet the needs of our tenants both now and in the future – providing homes for life. That’s why we’ve designed these bungalows in a way that adaptations, such as installing lifts and hoists, can be installed easily should they be needed in the future which ensures people can live independently in their homes for longer.

All of the homes also have A-rated energy efficiency, meaning that they can keep their homes warm throughout the year, whilst keeping energy bills down.”

Russ Gale – Senior Project Manager at Fortem Solutions Ltd, said:

“Our team has delivered eight adapted bungalows and five houses that are thoughtfully designed to support modern living and future needs. Not only do they look great, but they also provide long-term comfort, accessibility and help to reduce fuel poverty.

To support Chesterfield Borough Council’s net zero targets, we have introduced air source heat pumps, solar panels and underfloor heating. Now all homes have A-rated EPC’s, demonstrating their efficient energy performance.

It has been a privilege to play our part in supporting Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver new homes to residents and, we wish every family many happy years there.”

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

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

St Mary’s RC High School crowned East Midlands’ top comprehensive

15th December 2025

St Mary’s RC High School, based in Newbold, has been named Comprehensive School of the Year in the East Midlands 2026 by The Sunday Times Parent Power school guide.

This award highlights the school’s outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as its commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for students.

The accolade follows an excellent year in 2025. At Key Stage 4, 73.3% of St Mary’s pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs, the highest figure in Derbyshire. The school also posted an Attainment 8 score of 59.6, again topping local league tables.

Success continues at A level, with the school’s 2025 results placing it in the top 10% of schools nationally.

Adding to its credentials, St Mary’s retains ‘Outstanding’ ratings from both Ofsted and the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI), underscoring excellence in teaching, pastoral care, and leadership.

Maria Dengate, Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic High School, said: “This is an extraordinary achievement for our school, the East Midlands encompasses Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. To be recognised for our success, across such a large area, is testament to our wonderful pupils and truly outstanding staff, who work tirelessly to educate and support our young people.”

Chesterfield is a great place to bring up a family, it offers many schools that Ofsted rated as outstanding and good. Friendly schools will support your child to make memories and friends for life. The town is also ranked as the second best place in the UK to raise a family and the happiest place to live in the East Midlands.

Discover more about living in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Skills

Christine Durrant to become Council’s next Chief Executive

12th December 2025

Chesterfield Borough Council is set to welcome Christine Durrant as its new Chief Executive when current chief, Huw Bowen, retires next May. The appointment is due to be confirmed at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 17 December.

Christine currently serves as the council’s Deputy Chief Executive, having been a key member of the senior leadership team since 2019. She brings more than 30 years of local government experience, including 19 years in senior leadership roles, and previously worked at Derby City Council, finishing as Strategic Director for Communities and Place as well as, Deputy Chief Executive.

Her appointment follows a thorough assessment process, including a skills evaluation and a final interview, after which the council’s Member Appointments Panel recommended her for the top role.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “I’m delighted that Christine has been recommended for appointment as Chesterfield Borough Council’s next Chief Executive.

“Christine has already served the council with distinction for the past six years. During this time, she has built an excellent reputation as a leader and manager, for delivering strong public services and for forging effective relationships with the council’s many partners.

“With local government reorganisation just over two years away, Christine is also well placed to lead the council at a time of significant change – carrying forward the respected legacy of our outgoing Chief Executive, Huw Bowen, when he retires in May.”

Christine has over 30 years’ experience in local government, with the last 19 years’ in senior leadership roles. Prior to joining Chesterfield Borough Council, Christine worked for Derby City Council for over 20 years, and in her final years as the city council’s Strategic Director for Communities and Place, and Deputy Chief Executive.

Christine, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to find myself just one step away from being appointed as Chesterfield Borough Council’s next Chief Executive. It will be a privilege and honour to take up the role in May.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the council. It is a great place to work with committed councillors and dedicated staff that are as one in relation to wanting to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of life of local people.

“As well as ensuring that the council continues to deliver for its communities, one of my top priorities will be to work with the Leader of the Council to ensure that the council, its residents and businesses are well placed to benefit from the government’s planned reforms of local government within the area of the county of Derbyshire.”

Christine will take up the role of Chief Executive on 4 May 2026, subject to her appointment being approved by Full Council.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Chesterfield is once again named happiest place to live in the East Midlands

11th December 2025

Chesterfield has been ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

The annual study asks thousands of people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live. This year, more than 19,500 residents took part, sharing what truly contributes to their everyday happiness.

Rightmove found that the factors most strongly linked to a positive sense of wellbeing are the simple things that make daily life easier, safer and more enjoyable. Green spaces continue to be among the most valued features in the index, offering places to relax, exercise and connect with nature. The study also revealed that people living close to a national park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty typically report higher levels of happiness.

Our town continues to stand out as a place where people feel proud to live. Many contributors said that Chesterfield gives them a strong sense of pride, belonging and community. Access to green landscapes remains particularly important, with those living near the Peak District National Park especially likely to report high levels of wellbeing.

Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield Board Member Ryan Wilkes said: “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, and that’s without mentioning the abundance of picturesque outdoor spaces on our doorstep!”

Earlier this year, Chesterfield was also named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, as well as being 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 also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments and regeneration projects, including the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood, which will bring more new homes.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Tesco set to open in former M&S store

10th December 2025

Tesco has been confirmed as the first tenant for the former Marks & Spencer building on High Street in Chesterfield.

Following a significant investment programme by property developer ALB Group in 2–8 High Street, the ground floor has been divided into three retail units, with Tesco securing the central space.

The 5,000 sq ft unit will be transformed into a Tesco Express. The handover is expected at the end of January 2026, with the retailer signing a 15-year lease.

Situated opposite the historic 800-year-old Market Place and adjacent to Primark, the building is one of the most recognisable on our town’s main shopping street.

ALB Group is progressing work to rejuvenate the building ahead of Tesco’s fit-out. Alongside the new supermarket, two additional ground-floor units are being created within the same block, both around 5,000 sq ft. These units are reportedly attracting significant interest from national and regional occupiers, suggesting continued demand for well-located space in our town.

Arran Bailey, Managing Director at ALB Group, said: “This deal is another example of our commitment to breathing new life into key town and city centres across the UK. The former M&S site is in a prime location, and securing Tesco is a huge vote of confidence in Chesterfield’s high street.”

Oliver Marshall of FHP Property Consultants said: “The letting to Tesco adds to the revitalisation of the heart of the town and shows the continued appetite for well-positioned, quality retail space in busy high street locations. This unit is right in the heart of the town, surrounded by other strong retailers, and we’re confident it will perform extremely well.

We also have two further units of c. 5,000 sq ft remaining in the building on the ground floor of the building, facing the Market Place. Whilst we have had some good interest, we are keen to discuss this with any other interested parties”.

Businesses interested in letting the available spaces of the building can contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk

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

Ten-year plan launches to boost jobs, skills and wellbeing across East Midlands

4th December 2025

A ten year plan has been launched to help thousands more people across the East Midlands access good jobs, boost earnings, and improve health and wellbeing.

The Get East Midlands Working Plan (2025–35) sets out a vision for inclusive growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, focusing on three priorities:

Training and employment support: Connecting residents to sustainable jobs through targeted skills and health support.
Joined-up delivery: Coordinating action across employment, health and skills partners.
Removing barriers: Tackling challenges such as transport, housing and health access.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, launched the plan, meeting participants who have completed work-training with East Midlands Railway. She said:

“This is about real people, not just statistics. It’s about a mum who wants to return to work but needs childcare, a young person looking for their first chance, or someone recovering from illness who wants to feel confident again. These people deserve public services that are in their corner, and this plan shows what that will look like in practice.”

Developed by the Get East Midlands Working Partnership – including East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), NHS, councils, employers and colleges – the plan builds on EMCCA’s Inclusive Growth strategy to ensure economic progress reaches every community.

Targets for 2035 include:

Raising employment to 80% (around 60,000 more people in work)
Creating and supporting 100,000 local jobs
Tackling barriers such as poor health, low skills and transport challenges
Boosting productivity and pay

Mayor Claire added:

“The East Midlands is a region of potential: potential which will only be unlocked if everyone plays their part. This is the bedrock of inclusive growth: that everyone’s contribution to our society and economy is valued and respected.

“The Government has set us a challenging target to achieve, but it is one we are embracing – because most people are better off in work and we will be a region where more people live that reality.”

The plan will evolve over time, with regular reviews to keep it relevant and focused on improving lives across the region.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

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

4th December 2025

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

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

A year of progress

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

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

Voices of confidence

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transforming spaces

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

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

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

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

Driving economic growth

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond buildings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

Popular bubble tea store expands to our town centre

3rd December 2025

JoJo’s Bubble Tea, the vibrant Taiwanese-inspired drinks brand with a Western twist, has officially announced the opening of its newest store in Chesterfield’s The Pavements Centre. Renowned for its fruity flavours, signature bubbles, and creative drinks menu, the brand continues to build momentum as it expands into new locations across the region.

Founded by 19-year-old Doncaster-born director Keedan, JoJo’s Bubble Tea first launched in the heart of Doncaster, where it quickly grew into a much-loved local favourite. The brand’s fun, colourful identity and customer-focused approach helped it stand out, creating a loyal following that has supported its journey of steady growth. Now, the team is excited to bring the JoJo’s experience to Chesterfield, marking the next step in its expanding presence.

The new store aims to offer more than just high-quality drinks. At the centre of the brand’s philosophy is a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all individuals. JoJo’s Bubble Tea proudly champions the LGBTQAI+ community and ensures that its stores are fully accessible for disabled customers. Its menu also reflects this inclusive approach, offering vegan and vegetarian alternatives so that everyone can enjoy the flavours and customisations the brand is known for.

“We see big visions for Chesterfield and its community,” says Keedan. “This new location is an exciting chapter for us, and we can’t wait to share our drink culture and inclusive atmosphere with everyone who walks through our doors.”

With its warm and friendly customer service, bold and playful flavour combinations, and a brand ethos centred around positivity and personality, JoJo’s Bubble Tea aims to bring something fresh and uplifting to Chesterfield town centre. The Pavements Centre provides a central, accessible location for the business to connect with both local residents and visitors.

As the team prepares to open its doors, JoJo’s Bubble Tea is looking forward to becoming part of the town’s thriving mix of independent and national retailers. Chesterfield customers can expect a welcoming environment, a colourful menu filled with choice, and a brand built on community values.

www.facebook.com/JoJosChesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure