Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield Market Hall is UK’s best

31st January 2014

The new market hall run by Chesterfield Borough Council has been officially named as the UK’s best small indoor market.

The market hall re-opened to customers in October last year following a year-long £4 million refurbishment which saw it transformed into a modern shopping area.

The cost of the redevelopment also included refurbishing the historic exterior and the Assembly Rooms, while creating a suite of offices for businesses on the upper floors.

Since re-opening market traders have reported doing good business and the offices will shortly be fully occupied. The council is also actively marketing promotional and retail space at the heart of the retail area near the cafe.

Now the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) has voted the market hall as the UK’s top small indoor market.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “This is great news for the town as the market hall is one of the iconic buildings in Chesterfield and a key part of our history.

“To secure its long-term future we needed to move with the times. The redevelopment enabled us to deliver the modern, light facilities today’s shoppers want and expect.

“At the same time we were able to keep and restore the historic core of the building, including the beautiful Assembly Rooms on the first floor which not all users may have seen yet.

“By adding offices for start-up and small businesses on the upper floors we have also increased the income being generated by the building while playing a part in creating new jobs and developing the local economy.”

The cost of the project was paid for by £2.1 million of grants from the European Regional Development Fund and the National Lottery, with the remainder coming from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Paul Hind, president of the Chesterfield branch of the National Market Traders’ Federation, said: “The traders have found the new market hall good. It is lighter and the public use it more often.

“The council has taken an old Victorian building and made it fit for purpose as a modern shopping area.”

The redevelopment project was overseen by the council’s asset management partner Kier under the Public Private Partnership with arvato.

Matt Sorby, head of Kier in Chesterfield, said: “Since opening the market hall has proved really successful with occupancy rates above predicted levels and traders reporting good business.

“Having a successful market hall is an important part of attracting both residents and visitors into Chesterfield to shop.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The town has had an amazing start to the New Year with two awards under our belt recognising the hard work of so many people working together to make Chesterfield a come-to destination. The latest accolade for the market hall further cements our position as a contemporary and thriving town centre, earning us national recognition.“

The Assembly Rooms in the market hall are available for hire by the public, community groups or businesses. Further details can be seen athttp://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Chesterfield-Venue-Hire-1014.html

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield’s regeneration team scoops national award

31st January 2014

Chesterfield Borough Council’s regeneration team has been named as Placemaking Team of the Year at the inaugural Placemaking Awards.

Organised by Planning and Regeneration and Renewal and held at the British Museum in London – the awards recognise the projects, plans and people that are making places better through planning, regeneration, urban design, economic development or community renewal.

The win not only recognised Chesterfield Borough Council but also the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield, which is an integral part of the council’s regeneration strategy.

Together Destination Chesterfield and the council’s regeneration team have engaged with businesses through, amongst other things, the Chesterfield Champions Scheme, to attract inward investment and make things happen.

Judges at the awards said: “The visionary leadership and can-do attitude had resulted in an inspiring narrative of getting things done.”

Councillor John Burrows, Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This award is another national recognition of the fact that Chesterfield is a town going places.

“It recognises a real team effort between business and the public sector to make Chesterfield a better place. When devising and implementing regeneration plans or marketing the town to investors and visitors there is a lot of detailed work that happens which the public never hears about.

This award recognises that hard work and the benefits it brings to our town in terms of creating jobs, improving the local economy and ensuring we punch above our weight compared to others in the region and beyond.”

Delighted with the award, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “From the outset Destination Chesterfield has been a team effort involving not just the campaign’s marketing team and Chesterfield Borough Council but also the business community and the many champions who actively support the campaign.

“Without their commitment we would not have made the measurable impact we have in making Chesterfield a come-to destination for investors, businesses, visitors and residents. Our experience at Chesterfield Waterside is that the town’s increased profile is generating a lot of occupier interest. I am delighted that the award recognises everyone’s commitment and hard work.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on developments in and around Chesterfieldvisit www.chesterfield.co.uk and for information about Chesterfield Borough Council’s regeneration services visitwww.chesterfield.gov.uk and click on business.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield

CASA Hotel celebrated as Top 10 UK hotel by TripAdvisor

30th January 2014

Casa Hotel, Chesterfield’s only independently operated 4 star hotel, has put Chesterfield on the map after being named as one of the UK’s Top 10 hotels by review site, TripAdvisor, for a second year running.

The Spanish influenced hotel, which boasts 100 luxury rooms, the award winning Cocina Restaurant, Barca Bar and state of the art conference and wedding facilities, has been named as the 9th best hotel in the UK, based on consumer reviews via the TripAdvisor holiday review website, which enables visitors to rate their stay based on sleep quality, service and more.

From those travelling to Chesterfield seeking a luxurious break away, to those simply visiting to enjoy a drink and dinner in the bar and restaurant, Casa Hotel prides itself on focusing on those small details that make a big difference.

Out of a total of 571 reviews on the site, 84% said that their stay was ‘excellent’, with 97.7% saying that their stay was ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. Many visitors praised the service from the hotel staff, the quality and comfort of their sleep and value for money.

Steven Garcia Perez, Owner of Casa Hotel said:

“To be recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the UK’s Top 10 hotels is a fantastic achievement and I am incredibly proud of each and every member of staff at Casa for their contribution towards this accolade. What really stands out in all of the comments on TripAdvisor, beyond great value for money and a comfortable night’s sleep, is the level of service visitors received during their stay with us. There are countless anecdotes of the Casa team going the extra mile and this award is a great testament to their continued hard work.

“Being listed in the Top 10 really puts Chesterfield on the map as an up and coming place to visit and we hope that this will help drive tourism to the town and surrounding areas in 2014.”

Source:Casa Hotel

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Celebrations for two Chesterfield Champions at Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards

24th January 2014

The county’s finest food and drink businesses were crowned last night at the prestigious Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards, including two Chesterfield Champions. Italian town centre establishment, Calabria is the proud winner of Best International Restaurant and Peak Edge Hotel, situated on the outskirts of the town, once again scooped Gastro Pub of the Year.

Joint owners of Peak Edge Hotel, Jo and Damian Dugdale commented:-

“We have a great team at The Peak Edge Hotel at the Red Lion and are thrilled to be winners for a third year running. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Celebrity chef Valentine Warner presented winners in a total of ten categories at the Derbyshire County Council run awards with their accolades at Chesterfield Football Club’s Proact Stadium.

The full list of winners are:

Restaurant of the Year
Darleys Restaurant, Darley Abbey

Best International Restaurant
Calabria Cucina, Chesterfield

Gastro Pub of the Year
Red Lion Bar and Bistro, Stonedge

Traditional Pub of the Year
The Dragon, Willington

Tea Room/Coffee House of the Year
No. 6 The Square Tearooms, Buxton

Café of the Year
Naughty and Nice, Bakewell

Best Derbyshire Breakfast
Fresh Basil, Belper

Best Family Friendly Venue
Scrumdiddlyumptious, Wirksworth
Foresters Bar and Restaurant, Darley Moor

Best Newcomer
Samuel Fox Country Inn, Bradwell

Local Food Hero
Steve Croot – Croots Farm Shop, Duffield

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

“Derbyshire has so many fantastic food and drink businesses that it is getting harder each year to pick a winner.

They all play an important role in the Derbyshire’s economy and we are delighted that our awards give them all much deserved recognition.”

The Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards were sponsored by HSKS Greenhalgh Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors and Holdsworth.

Entries were judged on a number of criteria including the quality of food and drink served, customer service, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus.

They are then judged by an independent panel of food specialists and each short-listed venue had a mystery shopper visit.

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield

UEFA HEAP PRAISE ON SPIREITES

18th December 2013

Chesterfield FC officials have received a glowing endorsement from UEFA following the European Women’s Under-17 Championship, which featured four games staged at the Proact Stadium.

The club hosted the final of the tournament, which saw Germany beat Spain in a penalty shoot-out after the two sides were tied at 1-1 at the end of normal time.

Tournament director Adrian Bevington praised the club’s handling of the matches. He said: “Chesterfield FC have been fantastic hosts of the UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship and provided us with a great stadium for a final of this level.

“We have been really impressed with the modern facilities. The staff worked really hard to provide a great service to UEFA, The FA, the players and the fans who attended the matches.

“The final was a wonderful occasion and Chesterfield FC and their partners should be proud of the grand event they staged.”

The stadium previously hosted men’s England Under-21 and Under-19 matches.

Source:Chesterfield FC

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s best in food and drink named at awards ceremony

31st October 2013

Chesterfield’s very best food and drink establishments and producers were honoured at glittering awards ceremony hosted by TV chef and presenter Ainsley Harriott on Wednesday 30^th October.

10 business and individuals across 11 categories were named as Chesterfield’s finest at the sell-out awards ceremony held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

On the night, Calabria restaurant, based on Glumangate took three of the titles including the prestigious Chef of the Year award which went to Nicholas McNerney.

The Town’s first ever Food and Drink Awards were organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College. More than 50 nominations were received across 11 categories and only 16 businesses and six individuals shortlisted for the awards.

Café / Tea Room Of The Year – sponsored by NatWest

Stephensons Coffee & Tea House

Gastro Pub Of The Year – sponsored by Jumble Design

Barca Bar at Casa Hotel

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones

Ryan Lee – Peak Edge Hotel

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by In the Works PR

Tramway Tavern

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

The Andalusian

Best Customer Service – sponsored by Franke

Calabria

Chesterfield Producer of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce

Teresa Lambarelli’s

Chef of the Year – sponsored by Redbrik

Nicholas McNerney –Calabria

Chesterfield Food Hero

Ayres Fruit & Veg

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Mr Sparkles

Calabria

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Northern Tea Merchants

Peak Edge Hotel

Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dominic Stevens said: “The inaugural Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards was a resounding success thanks to the support of town’s hospitality sector, Champions, sponsors and everyone who nominated. I am thrilled we have delivered what Chesterfield requested –recognition for its thriving food and drink economy.

Images from the event

Video by Derbyshire Times from the event

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield wins a national tourism award

13th May 2013

Chesterfield has been voted Coach Friendly Town or City of the Year at the annual Coach Tourism Awards.

The national awards scheme – organised by trade magazine Coach Monthly, and hosted by television presenter and travel and tourism expert, Judith Chalmers – recognises excellence and innovation across the coach tourism industry and includes tourist destinations and attractions.

The award follows Chesterfield also being awarded coach friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK in February.

Chesterfield Borough Council provides reserved parking for coaches, town centre guides for visitors as well as proper rest facilities for drivers.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, received the award in front of more than 450 tourism industry professionals.

She said: “With its rich heritage, Chesterfield has long been a destination for tourists from across the UK and the world.

“This award, and the recent coach friendly status from the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, consolidates the tremendous work carried out by our staff to provide good facilities for coach parties and make the town clean and attractive for both residents and visitors.”

For more details about coach parties, call into the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square or call 01246 345777.

Stuart Render, editor of Coach Monthly, added: “The Coach Tourism Awards is the only national awards scheme to focus specifically on the coach tourism community.

“Delivering a quality welcome to coaches, their drivers and their groups is becoming more and more important as destinations or attractions look to encourage more visitors and customers.

“Chesterfield was up against many of the UK’s leading destinations and visitor attractions so this is therefore a well-deserved and a significant achievement.

“Our winners are at the forefront in delivering excellence across all sectors of the industry, helping to raise the quality of customer service and quality across coach operators, destinations, visitor attractions and tourism industry suppliers.”

For details of all the winners and finalists go to www.coachtourism-awards.com

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Businesses called on to support Town’s marketing campaign beyond 2015

3rd April 2013

Destination Chesterfield has called on businesses to take a more active role in supporting the Town’s marketing campaign as well as have a greater say in how it is promoted.

The appeal was made at the Celebrate Chesterfield event held at the Proact Stadium on Thursday 28^th March, where more than 200 members of Chesterfield’s business community gathered to celebrate the success of the marketing campaign. At the event, Destination Chesterfield announced a number of future marketing initiatives showcasing the town’s retail, food and drink and manufacturing sectors as well as support for new businesses.

Chesterfield Champion Vittorio Risorto, owner of Calabria restaurant on Glumangate, welcomed the marketing initiatives for the town’s food and drink sector. He said: “Chesterfield’s restaurant culture is steadily growing, with an increasing range of places to eat as well as some excellent local breweries and bars. They play a critical role in the local economy. I welcome any marketing initiatives that will promote our food and drink sector, both within the town and further afield.”

Since Destination Chesterfield launched in September 2010 against the backdrop of a cool financial climate, the town has shown growth across the board and bucked the national trend for declining high streets.

Cllr John Burrows, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, praised the town’s go-getting attitude to marketing itself in a tough financial climate, saying: “We could have chosen to bunker down and ride out the recession, but we didn’t. We chose to be proactive and forge ahead with our marketing plans and this shows in the recent employment, tourism and retail figures.”

Headline facts and figures about the town at the Celebrate Chesterfield event included:

· Unemployment decreased by 0.5%

· 11% increase in jobs in the tourism sector

· 1000 jobs to be created on the town centre’s extension, the Northern Gateway site

· £3.1m funding secured to start the first phases of residential and commercial development at Waterside

· 11% increase in tourism spend in the local economy

· An additional £1/2 million spent in local economy as a direct result of the Christmas marketing campaign

· 100 new Ambassadors on board to ensure visitors to the town receive a warm welcome

· More than 120 business have joined the Chesterfield Champions scheme

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, welcomed the news commenting: “We’re still a challenged town and Borough; however the figures show that we are moving in the right direction. That is why Destination Chesterfield is so critical in actively communicating everything we have to offer to potential inward investors, whether it’s excellent transport links, a good choice of commercial property or a burgeoning local economy. By marketing what the town has to offer and supporting the businesses already here we can create stable, fulfilling employment opportunities.”

At the event Mr Bowen called on businesses to actively support the marketing campaign by becoming Chesterfield Champions. He said: “Our Chesterfield Champions scheme enables us to harness the confidence in our business sector and promote the positive news within it to a wider audience.”

With funding secured from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) until December 2015, Destination Chesterfield is keen to get as many businesses on board with its Champions scheme to ensure the marketing campaign’s on-going success.

The Chesterfield Champions scheme is open to all businesses and offers a number of benefits, including PR and marketing support and networking support. Companies interested in joining Destination Chesterfield’s Champions scheme should visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions or contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email info@chesterfield.co.uk

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Businesses invited to celebrate town’s success at a special event

5th March 2013

Local businesses are invited to celebrate the success of the town’s marketing organisation, Destination Chesterfield, and hear the exciting plans for the next three years at a special breakfast event being held at the Proact Stadium on Thursday 28th March from 8am – 10.30am.

‘Celebrate Chesterfield’ will outline the achievements of Destination Chesterfield since it was launched at the same venue back in October 2010.

Representatives from two of the area’s more recent success stories, Avoca Systems and Shorts Accountants, will be speaking at the Celebrate Chesterfield event.

Avoca Systems has recently secured a share of the regional growth fund for Sheffield City Region. At Celebrate Chesterfield, Avoca will be outlining its plans to create and safeguard jobs in the local area following the expansion of the company’s provision of exported products and services to theMiddle Easthealthcare market.

The Destination Chesterfield project recently secured further funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to enable it to continue until at least December 2015.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: I am very much looking forward to the event. The town has achieved so much since Destination Chesterfield was launched, not least on-going investment, and the jobs it has brought with it. We have more than 100 Chesterfield Champions who are businesses committed to making the area a great place to live, work and invest now and beyond 2015.”

Celebrate Chesterfieldis free to attend however spaces are limited and places should be confirmed online by Friday 22nd March atwww.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield celebrates its success

5th December 2011

Over 130 business leaders met in Chesterfield this week to hear about the latest plans for the town’s future growth and development.

The ‘Celebrate Chesterfield’ event, run by Destination Chesterfield, gave delegates an overview of the project’s success over the past 12 months to raise the town’s profile as a modern contemporary destination.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Since we launched Destination Chesterfield last year there has been a lot of activity to increase awareness of the project, grow support from local businesses and start to make an impact regionally and nationally about what Chesterfield has to offer.

“We’ve achieved a great deal over the past 12 months and phase two of the project will now concentrate on the investment opportunities available with the ultimate aim of attracting new businesses, jobs and growth for the borough. We will also introduce an Ambassadors scheme for people who have first-hand contact with visitors to Chesterfield so they are informed and kept up-to- date on what’s happening in the town.

“The fact that over 130 people attended the event today is testament to the interest out there within the business community to see Chesterfield succeed. Despite the harsh economic times we are more than keeping our heads above water and are extremely positive about the borough’s future.”

For more information on Destination Chesterfield visitwww.chesterfield.co.uk

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Development