Business

City Taxis return as partners of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k

City Taxis are returning as partners of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, including reprising their role as Title sponsors of the City Taxis Fun Run which takes place on the 10k race day 16th October 2022.

The Fun Run forms part of the race day activity, and anyone can take part on the 1Km course around Queens Park which will start after the 10k race has left the park at 10 am.

Sacha Skinner, Marketing Manager of City Taxis, said: “We are so excited to be back sponsoring the City Taxis Fun Run at the Chesterfield 10k for 2022.

“The event last year was a fantastic day where we saw so many inspirational people taking to the course with the aim of helping worthy charities and the incredible work they do.

“We are so proud to support the event, helping to raise its profile and in turn benefit the charities. It’s important to us that we give back to the communities we serve, and this is such a great event to do that.

“City Taxis will also be returning as sponsors of the Fun Run, which sees families and children get involved in the action. You can even bring the family dog!”

John Timms, Event Director, added: “Last year City Taxis were integral to the success of the event, from providing the lead vehicle to their sponsorship of the City Taxis Fun Run.

“It’s a much-loved part of the race day, and we welcome everyone to join in. It’s open to all regardless of age or ability and you will go home with a well-earned specially designed medal.”

Once again City Taxis are providing the lead vehicle for the 10k race. This year the vehicle is a hydrogen-powered second generation Toyota Mirai with water as its only emission. Not only will it contribute to the event being more environmentally friendly but will also benefit the crowd of runners behind the vehicle.

Runners in this year’s 10K are fundraising in support of local charities including Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and The Redbrik Foundation.

Entry is just £5 for the City Taxi Fun Run on race day at the race information point, or you can register in advance for the Fun Run or the 10K at www.chesterfield10K.com

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

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Great2Work launches initiative giving businesses the chance to trial co-working space for free

Chesterfield’s Great2Work has unveiled the launch of a new ‘golden ticket’ scheme, giving local businesses and start-ups the chance to try out their innovative co-working space.

The team at Great2Work are giving out a Golden Ticket to 10 individuals, which is a free Day Pass to use the co-working space in Chesterfield. Once that person has used it, they then pass it on to someone who they know that can then use the free Day Pass.

Based at Hayfield House on Devonshire Street, the vibrant community at Great2Work enjoys access to a wide range of amenities, support services, meeting rooms, networking and social events as part of their flexible membership plans.

Ideal for local small businesses and entrepreneurs, the professional and friendly environment and services help people connect, collaborate and work productively.

Lynne Pope, Social Media and Content Specialist at Great2Work commented: “Our ethos at Great2 is to nurture small businesses – to help them grow by providing office and meeting space alongside business support services. This Golden Ticket promotion raises awareness of who we are and how we can help by encouraging local businesses to come into our coworking office and to meet our talented team.

“Introducing more businesses to our community and to coworking will undoubtedly lead to opportunities that otherwise may not have happened – we know small businesses often grow through building their networks and relationships.

“Plus, it’s always nice to get a freebie – especially from a friend or someone you know and trust. We’re asking people to pass on the tickets once they’ve used them to people in their networks that they think will benefit from a day at Great2Work”.

Great2Work  supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Regeneration Award shortlist announced for Love Chesterfield Awards 2022

Construction projects across Chesterfield are paving the way for the regeneration of the borough, but only one will be named the winner of the Regeneration Award at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Badger Croft, Belvedere House and One Waterside Place have all been selected as finalists for the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants – for their innovative developments.

Badger Croft is described as the ‘largest council housing development in a generation’ in Chesterfield. The £4.1m development has seen 21 brand-new properties constructed on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green.

The development is providing families with modern homes that have been designed for a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Increased levels of insulation throughout and electric vehicle charging points have been installed on properties with driveways to support lower carbon transport options.

Gary Holmes, Contracts Manager at Henry Boot Construction commented: “We are delighted that Badger Croft has been shortlisted for the Regeneration Award. We have a long-standing affinity with Chesterfield; we’re based just up the road in Dronfield, and a lot of our people were born or live in Chesterfield.

“With Badger Croft, we have increased the supply of affordable homes available and transformed a former brownfield site, enabling 21 local families to move into their new homes. We have also worked hard to give back to the wider community by working closely with Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to enhance landscaping works and boost biodiversity.”

Belvedere House Care Home, built by Crown Care Group and located on St Augustine’s Rd, provides care services to its residents and luxurious living accommodation. With 64 bedrooms and a range of facilities for residents to enjoy, including a cinema, tearoom, bar and brasserie, garden room, hair salon and extensive landscaped gardens.

The care home opened its doors earlier this year and has generated up to 50 jobs within the local area.

Shiva Sheikholeslami, Care Home Manager at Belvedere House commented on being part of the final three for the Regeneration Award: “This selection reaffirms that our brand-new care home has positively impacted the Chesterfield community. This means a lot to us; it’s humbling and reassuring.

“We feel positive and assured to witness businesses flourish, areas develop, and new life spread throughout the region. Through regeneration, Belvedere House looks forward to sustainable development and prosperity – we are excited and lucky to be able to experience this growth.”

One Waterside Place will be a landmark building as part of the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside development, creating jobs and modern, high-spec office space for businesses to occupy.

The office accommodation within Basin Square has been designed to a Grade A specification which incorporates BREEAM Very Good Rating, LED lighting and two passenger lifts. They will also provide cycle parking facilities on site, encouraging a greener commute to work.

Tom Swallow, Development Manager, Bolsterstone Group PLC, which is the company developing the Chesterfield Waterside scheme, commented: “It’s a really exciting time to be part of the regeneration projects within Chesterfield.

“I’m delighted that One Waterside Place is shortlisted for the Regeneration Award; this is a great news ahead of the building welcoming tenants later this year.”

The requirements for the award include either a single business or a collective of businesses that have supported or delivered high quality spaces through regeneration, refurbishment, redevelopment, or improvements to the built environment within a 6-mile radius of Chesterfield town centre.

Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group brings together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

The collaboration of the Property and Construction Group has allowed Chesterfield to thrive in its plans to develop the town, with new housing and residential developments to Grade A office spaces becoming available to help make Chesterfield the place to invest, work, live and play.

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Regeneration Award winner will be announced alongside the winners of 15 other categories at the black-tie event being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre on 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Business Wise Accountancy and Tax, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), , Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and SMH Group.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Lomas & Mitchell Architects featured on TV’s Grand Designs

Chesterfield’s Lomas and Mitchell Architects, a firm specialising in low-energy design recently featured in an episode of Grand Designs.

Broadcast next Wednesday, 28th September on Channel 4 at 9pm, the project featured a new, multi-generational home built on a small-holding in Derbyshire.

Jillian Mitchell, one of the directors at Lomas and Mitchell Architects, has been closely involved with the project. She commented: “The building design is a modern interpretation of a Derbyshire Longhouse, often a long, narrow building housing humans, animals and farm machinery.

“At the heart of the Longhouse is the kitchen and dining area, where everyone meets to prepare food and eat together.  With our project, a generous open-plan space will enable the whole family to gather.”

The building is a refined barn, with profiled cladding and a steel-framed structure.  Vertical fins – not yet installed, so they won’t feature in the programme this time – mirror the ‘hit-and-miss’ timber often found in barns to protect cattle and sheep from direct sunlight.  The dramatic roof planes relate to angles in the surrounding countryside and the building is anchored into the landscape on both levels.

Jillian added: “We have been privileged to work with a great team on this project, and have delivered this building in spite of the challenges from the pandemic, the shortages in materials and the on-going war in Ukraine.”

Jillian is also involved as Vice-Chair of Chesterfield’s Property & Construction Group, which brings together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills across the town.

Read Jillian’s recent blog on how the group is coming together to highlight the importance of sustainability across the town.

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

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Platinum Spas uses latest technology for ‘augmented reality’ hot tub experience

Chesterfield-based Platinum Spas, part of Superior Wellness has announced its latest venture into a 3D AR (Augmented Reality) hot tub experience.

This latest feature will enable customers to not only be able to have a 360 view of the Premium range Tokyo hot tub but also view the hot tub in their own space and the process is really simple. This will allow people to make an informed decision on whether the hot tub is the right choice for them.

The introduction of the 3D AR means people can now view the Tokyo hot tub from the comfort of their home before actually making the trip out and visiting one of the Platinum Spas retailers.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “It will also be a great benefit to our partner network as it will enable them to demonstrate this product to a customer even if they do not currently have that particular model in stock.

“One of the benefits of AR is that it increases engagement and interaction whilst also providing a richer user experience. We are continuing to innovate and focus on what our consumers want. This is just one of many steps we are taking to take our marketing to the next level.”

Another benefit of this new technology is that it enables customers to scan, place and view the hot tub at 100% of its actual size. A QR code is scanned on a smartphone camera and people are then free to roam and inspect the hot tub. This will allow customers and partners to see whether or not the hot tub would fit into their showroom, garden room, garden space or wherever they wish.

Sarah added: “Superior Wellness are really excited to launch this new feature for the Tokyo hot tub. The Platinum Spas brand continues to innovate every year with new ideas being introduced to ensure they offer the very best in technology and design.”

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

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Approval granted on widespread improvements for Staveley Town Centre

Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet has given its approval to a new long-term vision for Staveley town centre and an initial £5m package of improvements, to be delivered over the next four years.

A public consultation which took place late last year showed strong support for the draft Staveley Town Centre Vision Master Plan, with 70% of respondents stating that they would be more likely to visit Staveley town centre if the Master Plan’s proposals were implemented.

The immediate improvements planned for Staveley town centre also received a high level of support from the public. These improvements include the regeneration of the Market Square, a shop front improvement scheme, a new and improved link to the canal, a new landmark pavilion building, an enhanced public realm and better signposting of facilities and attractions.

The initial package of improvements will be funded and delivered through the Staveley Town Deal and have been selected on the basis of their ability to improve the current town centre offer, uplift footfall, and prepare the ground for future investment. They are also deliverable within the set timeframe for the Town Deal.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said: “We want Staveley to be a thriving town centre, that attracts both residents and visitors, encourages new business start-ups and supports existing retailers and businesses to flourish.

“We received lots of support for the ideas and proposals that we set out within the draft Vision Master Plan but we cannot deliver everything at once. Our aim is to make best use of the Staveley Town Deal funding to deliver an initial package of improvements that will help ensure Staveley has a bright future as a place to start, to stay and to grow.

“We will continue to work closely with Staveley’s retailers, businesses and residents to ensure we deliver the planned improvements to time and budget.”

The planned improvements, many of which are conditional on receiving planning consent, include the regeneration of the Market Square, which was supported by 77% of respondents to the public consultation. Elsewhere in the Market Square, the disused toilet block will be demolished and a landmark pavilion building with new commercial space created.

The Market Square will also benefit from new paving, lighting, planting, and benches, as well as improvements to Barnfield Close to encourage members of the public to shop and socialise. Ninety percent of respondents to the public consultation indicated that they would be more likely to visit the town centre if there was more space for festivals and events, which the planned improvements are designed to achieve.

The High Street will benefit from a rejuvenation of the public ream, and a shop front improvement grant scheme will encourage retailers to make changes to their store frontages.

There will also be a focus on increased connectivity both to the canal and wider Staveley area with improved signage, paths and cycling hubs. These improvements were supported by 74% of respondents to the public consultation. There will also be enhanced digital connectivity through the creation of a town centre wi-fi network.

As part of the process of developing the draft Vision Master Plan an independent review was undertaken by IntoPlaces Ltd., a team of three High Street Task Force experts. IntoPlaces Ltd. commented that the Vision Master Plan has the capacity to transform Staveley town centre into a vibrant hub by creating new and diverse spaces and enhancing the current offer. The planned improvements have also been supported by Derbyshire County Council.

The next step is for the Council to appoint a dedicated design team to finalise the planned improvements and seek planning consent, where applicable. More details about the future designs and how the community can get involved will be shared as soon as possible.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, added: “It will take time for us to finalise our plans and gain planning consent but we are committed to working with the community throughout the delivery process in order to ensure that we achieve the best possible outcome for Staveley town centre, its residents and businesses.”

Find out more about the Town Deal and the projects that have received funding on the council’s Staveley Town Deal page.

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Community Chesterfield project to further expand its training offer into Derbyshire

After great results, local project Community Chesterfield is now offering free training to even more of Derbyshire’s volunteers, students, and community groups.

As a partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby, Community Chesterfield aims to strengthen the voluntary sector by creating opportunities for the university and community to learn together. Training and Tea are short, convenient, and are held online via Zoom, so that you can make a cuppa and start your day with one of the sessions; each on a specific short subject.

The Lottery funded project has so far provided 2,271 hours of training, which has been fantastically well received. Julie Drury, the Daytime Group Leader at Chesterfield Fibromyalgia Support Group said “I’ve done lots of courses, at some point I was doing one every week or every two weeks…for it to be free training as well for groups like ours and for me personally has been amazing; massive, massive help. It’s given me loads more confidence”.

Due to past success and the positive impact made by this initiative, Community Chesterfield are now widening access to fully funded places. Those working or volunteering for a Community, Voluntary or Third Sector organisation or groups that provide a service to people living in in Chesterfield or Northeast Derbyshire are now eligible for a free place, along with staff and students from the University of Derby. If you do not fit these criteria, tickets will be available to purchase.

“I’m so proud of the success of Training & Tea sessions” says Kate Burns, Skills and Learning Coordinator at Community Chesterfield. “Especially now we’re widening the scope of people that can attend, I’m excited for more people to get involved and develop their knowledge and skills”.

For the next series of topics, chosen by the Derbyshire community, they are going to be welcoming back local Derbyshire based trainer Andrew Deighton from AWD Development Solutions Ltd.

  • 5th October– Working Styles and Preferences
  • 19th October– Building and Developing an Exceptional Team
  • 9th November– Managing Difficult Conversations
  • 23rd November– Facilitation Skills

“The sessions have been really popular, and the feedback has been fantastic. I think that’s because they’re very focused, time efficient and always end when we say they will. People can then get on with the rest of their day” says Andrew Deighton from AWD Development Solutions Ltd.

To find out more or to book your place visit bit.ly/CommunityChesterfieldEventbrite.

To stay up to date with our events and activities, we encourage you to check out our website for our social media links and to sign up to our Newsletter https://www.communitychesterfield.org.uk/.

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

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North Derbyshire’s Mortgage 1st expands offer with launch of new protection services

Mortgage 1st’s exciting growth plans are showing no signs of slowing down as they approach the final quarter of 2022.

The North Derbyshire firm’s ambitious plans have always included a specialist protection arm of the business which will better serve their customers insurance needs whilst offering additional support to their existing advisers.

Mortgage 1st managing director Jon Stones said: “Our aim at Mortgage 1st is to provide the best possible service to our clients and also the proposition to our advisers.  There is no better way to do that than to enhance the protection offering and process we currently have as a brand.  The FCA are looking very closely at advice in general but protection advice seems to be an increasingly hot topic.”

As plans had started to develop an opportunity arose to bring Dave Corbett to Mortgage 1st to help bring Protection 1st to life.  Dave has an impeccable track record within the industry and is incredibly well respected.

Dave Corbett joins Chesterfield-based Mortgage 1st from The Money Group, where he was Recruitment and Brand Development Director. He has also held senior roles as Regional Sales Director at Primis Mortgage Network, and as Regional Business Manager at the Tenet Group.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Mortgage 1st at what is proving to be such a crucial time for the business. To make the move now and to know I am joining a brand that not only stands out in the industry but has genuine ambitions to be the best, is a great personal fit for me.

“Jon and Lisa have built an incredible organisation where the culture and family feel jump out in every interaction.”

As Mortgage 1st continues to welcome new faces to the team every month, total head count will exceed 50 by the end of 2022. With Mortgage & Protection advisers both locally in Chesterfield and across the country working collaboratively together they can continue to offer their growing number of customers a high quality service.

For more information of the services they provide or the vacancies available visit www.mortgage1st.co.uk

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Jon Stones, Mortgage 1st

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Vicar Lane works with Chesterfield organisations to support local residents

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will launch a major community-based campaign this autumn called ‘We Care’.

In a bid to highlight a whole host of local charities and support groups available to the community, Vicar Lane will set the stage for local residents to get the help they need, make meaningful life changes and connect with others to better cope with today’s a difficult times.

All events will be FREE to join throughout September and October and although some might need a registration, there will be no need to book.

On Saturday the 10th September, visitors can attend a ‘public living room’ in front of the large screen at Vicar Lane, where members of the public can chat to mental health workers about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Mental Health Liaison Service and The Georgia Bird Foundation are very proud to be working in collaboration with SoBS Chesterfield, The Tomorrow Project, Mentell, Kakou and a number of amazing volunteers to hold this workshop that’s been inspired and supported by CALM’s Last Photo exhibition in London.

On Tuesday 13th September there’ll be an opportunity to get involved in a panel led discussion celebrating the collective impact that our local social enterprises bring to the community – putting people, purpose and planet first. Speakers include; Hannah Bowdler from Junction Arts, Sian Spencer-Bray from Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic, Jenny Raschbauer from Community Chesterfield and Barbara Tomasella from the University of Derby.

As the weeks go on, there’ll be pop ups and drop ins such as ‘Knit and Natter’. A local group that aims to welcome people who knit or crochet, whatever their level or skill, into a relaxed and calming environment with the opportunity to meet others. Plus, a mindfulness colouring workshop, hosted by Junction Arts. An award-winning community arts charity, focused on building confidence and improving wellbeing for all those who attend.

Events will continue to be announced and pop up around the centre so keep an eye out on https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/ for a full list of confirmed activity over the coming weeks.

Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re proud to be able to work with local community groups and charities to highlight the ways in which people can get support across many areas from Mindfulness to Loneliness. The cost-of-living crisis, combined with a change in season can make this time of year challenging and so we welcome everybody to get involved with the sessions on offer over the coming weeks. As part of a wider project for us to keep the focus on such important topics, we are exploring ways to ensure our staff and tenants continue to get support and training in mental health awareness and we will keep our community up to date with progress we make.’’

Vicar Lane, Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, University of Derby, Junction Arts and Therapy & Lifestyle Clinic support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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The Café at Northern Tea Merchants is open under new ownership

Northern Tea Merchants’ iconic café based on Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, is open under new ownership and with a new name.

Kim Lamin is following a long-held dream of owning her own café and has now achieved this by taking on the reins at The Café at Northern Tea Merchants. Kim has been licensed to use the Northern Tea Merchants’ brand.

She said: “It’s always been my dream to have my own café so when the opportunity arose to run The Café at Northern Tea Merchants, I jumped at the chance. Having been a long-standing customer of Northern Tea Merchants for more than 15 years, I couldn’t say no!”

Kim has recruited three members of staff to help her run the new café – Brennan, Laura and Alida. They bring a wealth of customer service experience to their new roles.

She added: “I feel incredibly lucky to have the best team around me. Our aim with The Café at Northern Tea Merchants is to offer the best customer service, alongside great homemade food and, obviously, the best tea and coffee!”

As well as a wide selection of hot and cold drinks, The Café at Northern Tea Merchant’s now boasts a new menu which includes a range of breakfast, brunch and lunch options, including sandwiches, paninis, salads, home-made quiche, pate, jacket potatoes, cakes and Cream Teas. Afternoon Tea is also available if ordered in advance.

Welcoming Kim and her team, James Pogson, director of Northern Tea Merchants said: “Our shop and café have been a familiar site on Chatsworth Road since 2003 when we first opened. As a customer herself, Kim knows only too well the pleasure of sitting in our café enjoying one of our many teas and coffees while watching the world go by. Nothing beats it!

“We are delighted to have Kim onboard at Northern Tea Merchants. With her enthusiasm and passion, I have every confidence she will make a success of her new venture.”

The Café at Northern Tea Merchants is open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm (serving until 3:30pm), to book a table or order an Afternoon Tea, call 01246 232 600.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Zero-carbon tourist transport network to be trialled in Chesterfield and the Peak District

A pioneering trial is taking place in the Peak District National Park where EV and hydrogen vehicles will run together between multiple destinations and attractions.

The trial is led by the Gateway at PEAK, a major new tourism resort in Chesterfield which has planning for 5,000 overnight beds and 2,800 carpark spaces.

The trial route connects eight key locations and attractions including Chesterfield Train Station, Chatsworth, and the Gateway development, which will act as a hub for PEAK Express when it is due to open in 2025. The route is designed so that there’s no more than 20 minutes between each stop, much like the gondola lifts found in international ski resorts.

Currently 85% of park visitors arrive by car and with interest in the great outdoors and the staycation market booming, the numbers are set to increase. Regional stakeholders are also keen for more diverse groups to access the park and to grow the local economy through tourism. However, this must be done in a sustainable way which doesn’t exponentially increase carbon emissions, threaten community wellness and prosperity, or damage the park’s biodiversity.

Once fully operating, PEAK Express at the Gateway alone, aims to remove 500,000 tourism journeys from the National Park, reducing CO2 emissions by 3.6 million kg pa and provide a national exemplar of sustainable visitor economy growth. The long-term ambition is to see multiple hubs located around the Peak District National Park boundary.

Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said; “We are delighted to be a stakeholder for this ground-breaking trial. Protecting the National Park for future generations and developing more sustainable ways for people to visit is high on our agenda. The PEAK Gateway site outside the National Park is an excellent location for a transport hub. The Peak Express service is a commitment to net-zero and will connect more of the National Park’s attractions without the need for a car, making them more accessible and spreading out the economic benefits of tourism.”

Hydrogen fuel and refuelling stations for the trial are being supplied by the world’s largest hydrogen producer, Air Products. The electric and hydrogen buses will be provided by Toyota where data will be gathered about each technology’s suitability for the varying terrain and refuelling needs. Jon Hunt, alternative fuels manager at Toyota (GB) said; “There is not one simple solution for zero-carbon mobility. That’s why this trial provides us with an exciting opportunity to trial both EV and hydrogen vehicles, assessing which is more suitable to different types of journeys across the park. We will also be looking at optimal ways to provide refuelling and great levels of customer service on board the vehicles.”

Andrew Lavery, Chief Executive of Chatsworth, a key attraction on the route said; “Derbyshire and the Peak District are world-class destinations for domestic and international tourists, and we are thrilled to be part of this trial.  Working with partners we are committed to reducing car journeys and supporting and promoting a more sustainable way of getting to and from the Peak District. There’s also a wonderful connection with hydrogen technology and Chatsworth – Henry Cavendish discovered hydrogen in 1766 and so, this venture is very interesting.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council praised the collaborative efforts of the project team saying: “The value of this partnership is clearly demonstrated when considering significant issues like climate change, which requires collective local commitment and action if we are to make a real difference, and we are delighted to be a key partner in this trial.

“Chesterfield has excellent road and rail connections, making it the ideal base to stay and explore the Peak District from – but we are committed to a net-zero future and this trial is an exciting step forward in how we think about our regional transport links. The trial of PEAK Express at the PEAK Resort, will make it even easier – and cleaner – for visitors to experience the UK’s first national park from neighbouring destinations, like Chesterfield.”

John Milligan, CEO of Milligan developers of the Gateway added; “The PEAK Resort site has been reclaimed from opencast, rewilded and we are investing in its future. PEAK’s proposition emulates the internationally successful ski resort model, providing a mixed range of hospitality, accommodation, retail, wellness and education facilities all served by a zero-carbon mobility service connected to 1,600 miles of trails and world class attractions in the Peak District National Park.

“Milligan has been developing iconic destinations for over 20 years. Our skills lie in curating the right mix of uses which will serve the community and visitors in a sustainable way bringing long term value. This trial is part of the development’s journey to zero and marks an important milestone for Gateway and the National Park.”

The trial has been running since 5th September and will finish on the 16th. The results will be published at the beginning of November. PEAK Express is planned to be fully operational as part of the Gateway at PEAK Resort, due to open in Spring 2025.

Find out more about PEAK at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/peak-resort/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

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