Development

Brimington pub to reopen following £275,000 sports-themed refurbishment

The Red Lion in Brimington, Chesterfield, will reopen on Wednesday, 4th November, following a £275,000 refurbishment that will transform the pub into a new sports venue under Marston’s Grandstand concept.

The pub closed its doors temporarily on Monday, 12th October, while work introduces new facilities designed to bring a stadium-style atmosphere to live sport.

Improvements will include multiple large screens, a new sound system and tiered seating to give customers a better view of the action. The beer garden will also be refurbished, with additional screens allowing customers to watch fixtures outdoors. An app-based ordering service will let customers order food and drinks without missing the match.

The Red Lion will display memorabilia celebrating local sporting achievements and is inviting people to share photographs and items featuring sports stars and teams from the area, past and present.

Once it reopens, the pub plans to show major sporting fixtures across football, rugby, cricket, tennis, Formula 1, darts and horse racing. Dartboards and pool tables will also return, alongside new competition leagues and free recreational sessions.

A new Match Day Menu will offer food suited to watching sport with friends, including chicken wings, nachos and burgers. The drinks range will also be refreshed, with all draught beers available in two-pint cups.

Local sports teams can apply for a Black Card, which offers exclusive deals, unlimited fries on team nights and rewards for celebrating wins at their local pub.

Operations Manager, Claire Bateman, said:

“We’re so excited to show off the new and improved pub! With a calendar of sports up ahead, the Red Lion will be the perfect destination to get involved in a big event atmosphere and soak up the action, especially thanks to some amazing new technology, food and drink offers and events.”

Marston’s has selected the Red Lion for the Grandstand concept because of its existing links with local sports teams, community groups and charities. The refurbishment aims to build on those connections while attracting sports fans from Brimington and the surrounding area.

The concept follows industry research cited by Marston’s, which found that 8.5 million consumers have watched live sport in pubs, with 86% of fans preferring sports pubs for their atmosphere, screens, sound and opportunities to socialise with friends and family.

Located in Brimington, the Red Lion serves the local community and is close to Westwood Woodland and Thistle Park.

For more independent bars and restaurants within Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

For more information or to book a table for the reopening, visit www.redlionbrimington.co.uk

Posted in Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Staveley town centre secures £60,000 funding boost

Plans to improve Staveley town centre are set to receive a further £60,000 boost, with funding left over from projects delivered under budget being reinvested in High Street, Church Street and connections to Chesterfield Canal.

The additional funding forms part of the wider £25.2 million Staveley Town Deal, which supports projects designed to drive long-term economic growth, create skills and employment opportunities, and improve green spaces and the canal network around Staveley.

Managed by Chesterfield Borough Council, the programme aims to create a place where people can start, stay and grow.

Agreed by the Staveley Town Deal Board on Friday, 9th October, the additional funding will build on improvements already delivered through Staveley’s £25 million regeneration programme, helping to make the town centre a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project transformed the marketplace with new paving, lighting, planting, a play space and a pavilion building. The pavilion houses Staveley Library, with business space upstairs. The project also provided grants to help businesses improve their shop fronts.

While Staveley 21 included improvements along High Street, the additional funding will allow further work to enhance the wider town centre and strengthen links to the canal.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:

“Our most recent Town Deal survey, with the community, showed there was strong support for further investment in the town centre and by reallocating this funding which has come back into the programme we can deliver additional improvements, and achieve more of what the community wants to see. These works will build on our momentum to make sure the town is a place to start, stay and grow.”

Further improvements planned for Staveley town centre

The Board will develop a detailed plan for the funding that reflects community expectations. Proposed improvements could include repairing street furniture, improving planting, fixing paving and enhancing lighting along High Street and Church Street. The funding will also help strengthen the connection between the town centre and the canal.

Chesterfield Borough Council will work closely with Derbyshire County Council and Staveley Town Council to deliver the improvements, as responsibility for maintaining the town centre is shared between the three councils.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“Our town centre works have transformed the market place, creating an attractive space that encourages visitors on a day-to-day basis but also provides space for the town centre to host events and activities for the community to enjoy. We’ve already seen new businesses open since the works have been completed.

“The original project plan included proposals to rejuvenate High Street but this additional funding will allow us to do even more to improve the town centre and strengthen the connection to the canal. We want to see Staveley town centre thriving – providing space for businesses to grow and for the community to enjoy.

“We’ve seen lots of positive comments about our town centre project and these works are a key part of our long-term ambition to ensure that Staveley is a place that the community can be proud of.”

A full programme of works for High Street and Church Street will now be developed to ensure the additional funding delivers further improvements for the town centre.

Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal and its regeneration projects: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/staveley-town-deal-projects/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield Investment Summit to Spotlight £2bn Regeneration and East Midlands Investment Zone

Business owners and investors are invited to discover how Chesterfield’s regeneration projects are creating significant investment opportunities and driving growth across the region.

The Chesterfield Investment Summit will take place on Wednesday, 18th November 2026 at Chesterfield College.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the summit will showcase wider growth and investment opportunities in the area, whilst celebrating the success of recent local regeneration projects.

The event, which will be opened by Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, will bring together investors, developers and civic leaders to highlight investment and growth opportunities arising from the developments and regeneration projects that are shaping the town’s future.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:

“The Investment Summit is our opportunity to let everyone know about the fantastic things happening in our borough, from major regeneration projects that are transforming our town through to our investment in skills and business support that help ensure our community continues to benefit from growth. I look forward to meeting with investors and businesses to hear about the fantastic work they do and explain how they can play a key role in shaping Chesterfield’s future.”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, will address the summit, sharing her vision for growth for the East Midlands, including how increased devolution will benefit local people, business and investors.

The summit will also provide updates on the latest East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) investments and the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ).

Focusing on clean energy and advanced manufacturing, the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) will provide various incentives to businesses located within its area, such as grants, business rates retention and tax incentives, aimed at driving economic growth and generating thousands of high-quality jobs.

The East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) operates across three brownfield sites at Staveley, Chesterfield. Hartington Commerce Park is paving the way for future-ready industrial and employment space. The Hartington Business Park, which is already under construction, will provide space for new investors and expanding firms. These sites will benefit from a range of incentives to attract end users in the green and advanced manufacturing sectors. The third site is the former Staveley Chemical Works; this site will be brought forward for development in the future.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:

“Chesterfield is playing an important role in the East Midlands’ growth story, with major regeneration projects creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.

Through the East Midlands Investment Zone and our wider work with partners, we’re helping to showcase the region’s strengths in clean energy and advanced manufacturing, while creating the right conditions for investment, jobs, and long-term growth.

Events like the Chesterfield Investment Summit are a great opportunity to put these opportunities in front of investors and demonstrate why the East Midlands is a place where businesses can grow and succeed.”

Christine Durrant, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield Board Member will provide crucial investment updates on the key regeneration projects and developments taking place in Chesterfield, and outline how Chesterfield’s ongoing and proactive approach to regeneration is unlocking investment opportunities across the region.

The conference will feature a mixed discipline panel of local experts who will share ‘place insights’ on how investing in Chesterfield has helped generate growth and highlight the support available for businesses looking to invest in the region.

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group and Destination Chesterfield Board Member will discuss Creating the Skills Advantage for Inward Investment and provide an update on the new £10 million Advanced Manufacturing & Life Sciences Academy at Chesterfield College.

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group and Destination Chesterfield Board Member adds:

“Having the right skills and talent is an important part of attracting and retaining investment in Chesterfield. Businesses need access to a workforce with the skills to support their growth, and education and training have an important role to play in making that happen.

Our new £10 million Advanced Manufacturing & Life Sciences Academy is a major investment in the future workforce and will help us work even more closely with employers to develop the skills needed for these growing industries.”

To see full event details and secure your place at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, please book online at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/investment-summit/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

New classrooms create more places for Chesterfield pupils

Children in Chesterfield now have access to additional school places and modern learning spaces following the completion of a major expansion at Norbriggs Primary School.

Funded through a £2.7 million investment, the project has created four new classrooms for Key Stage 2 pupils, alongside new toilets, a group room and additional staff parking.

Designed as a single-storey building, the new facilities complement the existing school while providing flexible spaces to support teaching and learning and retaining valuable outdoor space for pupils.

Norbriggs Primary School is one of two schools benefiting from a £4.6 million investment by Derbyshire County Council, alongside Eureka Primary School in Swadlincote.

Growing demand for school places has driven both projects, helping ensure children can access high-quality learning environments close to home.

Modern construction methods and enhanced building performance standards have also been incorporated into the Norbriggs expansion, helping to reduce energy use.

Developer contributions secured by Derbyshire County Council have funded the project, with the new building carefully planned around the needs of the school and its pupils.

Alongside significant investment in housing, regeneration and employment opportunities, improvements to educational facilities help ensure Chesterfield remains an attractive place to live, work and raise a family.

Councillor Simon Mabbott, Cabinet Member for SEND and Education, said:

“Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and having access to a great local school is a vital part of that.

“These new classrooms will benefit hundreds of children over the coming years, providing modern, welcoming spaces where pupils can learn, develop confidence and reach their full potential.

“As communities grow, it is important that we plan ahead to ensure school places are available where they are needed.

“These projects demonstrate our commitment to investing in education and creating learning environments that are fit for the future.”

The completed expansion provides Norbriggs Primary School with additional space to support pupils as demand for places grows, while creating a modern environment for children to learn and develop.

Explore more developments having an impact on our communities across Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Find out more about learning and education opportunities in Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

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

Regional award success for Chesterfield Champions highlights local talent and innovation

Recent award successes from our Chesterfield Champions are shining a light on the talent, innovation and dedication of businesses and organisations across Chesterfield.

Chesterfield law firm shortlisted for five Yorkshire Legal Awards

Anna Cattee CMP Legal

Law firm CMP Legal has been shortlisted for five Yorkshire Legal Awards (YLA), recognising the firm and its team across several categories.

The Yorkshire Legal Awards bring together our region’s legal community to recognise achievements across the sector, with the 2026 awards marking the event’s 27th anniversary.

CMP Legal has received nominations across individual and firm categories, with Executive Director Anna Cattee shortlisted for both Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year and Partner of the Year.

Trainee Solicitor Maya Woolfrey has also been shortlisted for Trainee Solicitor of the Year, while CMP Legal has received nominations in the Corporate & Commercial and Employment Law categories.

The firm has also been nominated as part of a team of advisers for a Rainmaker Award recognising a deal, adding further recognition for the team.

CMP Legal provides legal advice on company and commercial matters, dispute resolution and employment law. Its lawyers also have expertise in construction contracts and healthcare transactions, supporting clients across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and beyond.

Anna Cattee, Executive Director at CMP Legal, said:

“For the firm to be shortlisted for five Yorkshire Legal Awards as well as part of the team nominated in the 2026 East Midlands Rainmaker Awards, is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the talent, dedication and consistently high standards of the entire team.

Following last year’s Corporate and Commercial award win at the YLA, this latest recognition is particularly meaningful. It reflects the firm’s continued growth, commercial success and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and beyond. Everyone at the firm is immensely proud to receive these nominations, and congratulations are extended to all those shortlisted.”

For Maya Woolfrey, the nomination recognises her progress as she continues to develop her legal career with CMP Legal.

She said:

“It’s an honour to be nominated alongside some incredible trainees in the industry. Thank you to everyone at CMP Legal for always supporting me and allowing me to grow and develop my legal career.”

The Yorkshire Legal Awards will take place on Thursday, 8th October 2026 at New Dock Hall in Leeds, bringing together legal professionals from across our region to celebrate the sector’s achievements.

The nominations follow CMP Legal’s Corporate and Commercial award win at last year’s Yorkshire Legal Awards and provide further recognition of the firm’s work and continued development from its base in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Pride recognised at Midlands Enterprise Awards

Chesterfield Pride

Chesterfield Pride has been recognised at the SME Midlands Enterprise Awards, winning the Best LGBTQ Event in the Derbyshire category.

Now in its ninth year, the SME Midlands Enterprise Awards celebrate the achievements of businesses and organisations across the Midlands, recognising their contribution to their industries and communities. This year’s winners were recognised for their innovation, resilience, leadership and commitment to the communities they serve.

The award recognises the continued growth and success of Chesterfield Pride, an annual LGBTQ+ event which welcomes everyone and has grown significantly since it launched more than 10 years ago.

The Chesterfield event now attracts more than 2,000 visitors each year, with people travelling from Chesterfield, across the UK and beyond to attend.

Dan Walker, organiser of Chesterfield Pride, said:

“We are thrilled to win this award and it is a testament to the amazing hard work all the volunteers have put in. The support we have had from the community has always been fantastic and the growth the event has seen over the years has been amazing.”

The recognition comes as organisers begin preparations for the next Chesterfield Pride, which will return to Stand Road Park on Saturday, 12th June 2027.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital recognised for environmental progress

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's Emergency Department

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Emergency Department has been awarded Silver Accreditation through the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) GreenED programme.

The accreditation recognises the department’s work to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining patient care, with progress led by Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr Roshanne Seth and Senior Clinical Fellow Dr Eleanor Jones.

The team worked alongside colleagues across the Trust and DSFS to introduce a range of sustainability improvements, achieving Silver Accreditation a year ahead of the Trust’s target.

Over the last 12 months, the department has:

  • Saved 174,955 sheets of paper by moving to digital patient records, preventing approximately 3,055kg of CO₂e emissions
  • Increased recycling rates, saving an estimated 620kg CO₂e annually
  • Reduced unnecessary glove use by 26% during a three-month pilot
  • Introduced lower-carbon treatment options, including a pain relief option reducing climate impact by more than 99% per use

The department has also identified further opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and costs, including approximately £70,000 in annual savings through removing pre-packaged cannulation packs.

Dr Roshanne Seth, Emergency Medicine Consultant, said:

“I am incredibly proud of our Emergency Department for achieving Silver Accreditation in the RCEM GreenED programme – a year ahead of the Trust’s own target. This has been a genuine team effort, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic support of Infection Prevention and Control and the Royal Academy of Improvement, DSFS, alongside pharmacy, estates, procurement and domestic services. This achievement belongs not just to the ED, but to all these teams working together.”

Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, congratulated the team, recognising their work to reduce emissions, waste and costs within the department.

Explore award opportunities and discover more ways to promote your business by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business/

CMP Legal, Chesterfield Pride and Chesterfield Royal Hospital are among more than 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.

Find out more about our Champions network.

Posted in Business, Development, Home

Walton Hospital expands diagnostic services with £12.7m investment

Walton Hospital’s Community Diagnostic Centre has completed its second phase, expanding access to permanent CT, MRI and other diagnostic services for patients across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The investment includes £5.2 million for the original Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which opened in September 2025, plus a further £ 7.5 million from NHS England to expand the facility.

Delivered through a partnership between Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, the second phase has brought permanent MRI and CT scanners to the site, replacing temporary mobile facilities.

The expansion also includes DEXA scanning and Children’s Audiology services, increasing the range of diagnostic services available locally.

The new CT scanner will also support advanced cardiac CT, bringing specialist heart scans closer to home and supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Since opening, the CDC has delivered more than 71,000 tests and supported community-based services including liver screening, breathlessness services, children’s asthma pathways and urology one-stop clinics.

Patients can also access multiple tests in a single visit, reducing unnecessary travel and making diagnostic services more convenient.

The development supports the NHS ambition to provide more care closer to home, while helping to reduce pressure on busy hospital sites.

Jackie Smith, Chair of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The opening of Phase 2 of our Community Diagnostic Centre is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of partnership working across our local health system.

“In just one year, this facility has already made a significant difference for patients, providing faster access to essential diagnostic tests and helping people receive answers sooner.

“The addition of permanent MRI and CT services, alongside DEXA scanning and Children’s Audiology, further strengthens our ability to diagnose conditions earlier, begin treatment sooner and improve outcomes for the communities we serve.”

Jim Austin, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Walton Hospital, said:

“This is a fantastic development for patients who can now access a wider range of sophisticated diagnostic tests at Walton Hospital. The Community Diagnostic Centre is easy to find from the car park and patients can park for free while they go in for their tests. It really is making patient care more accessible for people in Chesterfield.”

The new facilities form part of a wider network of Community Diagnostic Centres across Derbyshire, alongside the centre at Whitworth Hospital in Matlock.

Explore other developments shaping the future of Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

£700,000 project to transform Chesterfield’s historic Shambles

A new £700,000 regeneration project aims to enhance one of Chesterfield’s most historic areas and bring vacant town centre buildings back into use.

Chesterfield Borough Council will use funding from Chesterfield’s Pride in Place programme, overseen by the Chesterfield Town Board, to enhance the Shambles, attract further investment and encourage more visitors to support independent businesses.

Part of the funding will enhance the Shambles with new street furniture, signage, planting and public art, while most will fund a new grant scheme for businesses and landlords.

The Shambles Building Improvement Grant will help businesses improve their premises, with the scheme designed to enhance the appearance of the area while safeguarding its historic character, bringing vacant properties back into use and improving accessibility.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“The Shambles is a unique part of our town centre and is home to incredible independent businesses. We want to help make these spaces more attractive and encourage more visitors to explore the historic lanes.

“This project will ensure that the town centre remains an attractive place to visit and provides support to help tackle one of the issues that we know matters to our community.”

Small businesses and charities based within the Shambles will be able to claim a percentage of the costs of eligible improvements through the grant scheme. The council will work with businesses and landlords to develop the programme.

An urban design plan has been developed which will guide the improvements to ensure they are sensitive to the historic nature of the area.

The council is now developing detailed plans for the first phase, which will include new street furniture, planting, lighting and public art. Businesses and landlords will have the opportunity to view the plans before work begins on site in 2027.

Dominic Staniforth, local business leader and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said:

“This project reflects some of the key priorities that we identified through our engagement with local people including making better use of vacant premises, creating a welcoming town centre environment and enhancing the historic feel of the town centre.

“We funded this project because we want to work with businesses and provide the support, they need to enhance their premises which will give them opportunities to attract more customers and grow their business.”

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet approved the acceptance of the funding on Tuesday, 22nd September. The project will go to Full Council in October, where members will be asked to formally approve its addition to the council’s Capital Programme.

Chesterfield is benefitting from almost £20 million of government Pride in Place funding to invest in local projects between 2026 and 2036. The Chesterfield Town Board is overseeing the investment and ensuring the views of local people help shape how the funding is spent.

The government approved the board’s regeneration plan in March 2026. The board developed the plan following extensive engagement with local people, reflecting the priorities they identified for the future of the area.

Improving the vibrancy, safety and attractiveness of our town centre emerged as a key priority, with a range of projects and initiatives proposed to help achieve that vision.

To find out more about the Chesterfield Town Board and read the regeneration plan visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/pride-in-place-chesterfield-town-board/

Discover more funding and grants available to Chesterfield businesses: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/funding-and-grants/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure

Refurbishment works complete at Chesterfield theatre and museum

The refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall has transformed the historic Chesterfield venue ahead of its reopening as 1435 later this year.

The transformation of the landmark theatre and museum will see the venue reopen with a 625-seat theatre, an expanded museum with improved facilities for hosting prestigious touring works, two bars and flexible spaces for meetings and events.

The new design preserves the heritage of the building while modernising its facilities to enhance the visitor experience.

Works began in December 2023, with Chesterfield Borough Council’s contractor G F Tomlinson officially handing the building back to the council last week.

The council will now complete the finishing touches ahead of the reopening, including moving museum objects and furnishings back into the building and carrying out staff training.

Chesterfield’s annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, will kick off the new venue’s programme, with more shows and museum exhibitions to follow.

1435 theatre stage

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“We cannot wait to welcome residents and visitors into 1435 later this year. The completion of building works is a major step towards reopening and allows us to start preparing the venue ready for visitors to experience it later this year.

“The transformation of this building will help ensure that future generations can experience heritage and culture in an incredible setting, but we’ve worked hard to ensure that there will still be lots of features that our regular visitors know and love.

“This is an ambitious project for Chesterfield, and it will ensure that we can attract more visitors through an expanded cultural offering in this wonderful building.”

The refurbishment has transformed the space into a modern visitor attraction while preserving the building and safeguarding it for future generations.

The works have included creating a new internal layout, rewiring the entire building, installing a new heating and ventilation system, a new roof and carrying out structural works.

Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said:

“We are proud to have played a key role in the transformation of Stephenson Memorial Hall into 1435, helping to bring new life to one of Chesterfield’s most important historic buildings. This has been a complex and rewarding project, carefully balancing the preservation of the building’s heritage with the delivery of modern, high-quality facilities that will serve the community for generations to come.

“Working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and the wider project team, we are delighted to see the completed venue ready to support arts, culture and community activity in the town centre. 1435 is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership and a commitment to creating a vibrant, accessible and future-ready destination for Chesterfield.”

Introducing 1435

To mark the start of the building’s new future while celebrating its long history, the venue will open as 1435, a name inspired by one of George Stephenson’s greatest innovations: the standard gauge rail track.

Set 1435mm apart, this became the global benchmark for rail travel, carrying people, ideas and opportunities across continents. That same spirit of connection sits at the heart of 1435, which will bring visitors together through arts, culture and heritage while creating fresh links across the community.

Railways reshaped the world – and they reshaped Chesterfield too. The transformed venue now plays a central role in the council’s wider regeneration of the town centre, designed to welcome new audiences and create vibrant spaces that serve local people for years to come.

Councillor Tricia Gilby added:

“Our new identity marks the start of the next chapter for this building. 1435 looks forward while still honouring the past. We want this venue to be a place where connections across the community can be forged, and we wanted to ensure that this aim is reflected in the name.”

Funding the refurbishment

Funding for the project includes £11 million of a £20 million grant awarded to Chesterfield Borough Council through the Levelling Up Fund.

East Midlands Combined County Authority’s capital grants programme has provided £1 million of funding for the refurbishment.

Arts Council England has contributed over £600,000 towards the new ventilation system and Changing Places toilet.

The additional funding required for the refurbishment has been provided by Chesterfield Borough Council, which owns and manages the building.

Find out what’s on at Chesterfield Theatres and across Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Revitalisation of Corporation Street completed

The transformation of Corporation Street, a key gateway into our town centre, has been completed, creating an improved welcome for visitors arriving by train.

Chesterfield Borough Council has redeveloped Corporation Street with new paving, lighting and street furniture. The road now features a new layout with wider pavements and a new one-way system, making the street more pedestrian-friendly.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“These works will help ensure visitors to our borough arriving by train will have a fantastic welcome to the town centre. It will also enhance the street as a destination for the night-time economy and provide a fantastic entrance to 1435 when it reopens later this year.”

The works to Corporation Street have been delivered by public realm specialists Maylim. Some small elements of the road are still to be completed before it can reopen to traffic.

Corporation Street

Liam Hawkins, managing director at Maylim, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have delivered the transformation of Corporation Street, creating a safer, more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly gateway into Chesterfield town centre. This project has particular personal significance for me being born and raised in Chesterfield and still spending a lot of time in the town, and we can see Corporation Street from our Midlands & North office in the Northern Gateway building.

“The project has been led for Maylim by our Senior Project Manager, Tom Taylor, who is also from Chesterfield and continues to live in the town, giving its successful delivery an added sense of local pride. The high quality achieved throughout—from the paving, lighting and street furniture to the careful detailing and overall finish—is a testament to the expertise, care and commitment of Maylim.

“We are delighted to have worked collaboratively with Chesterfield Borough Council and our project partners to deliver an important investment that will make a lasting difference to the town and look forward to supporting future public realm improvements in the area.”

The regeneration of Corporation Street is part of the council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. This major investment in the town centre has included the transformation of Chesterfield Market and Packers Row, along with improvements to lighting across the town centre.

Councillor Kate Sarvent added:

“Our project to revitalise the town centre has transformed public spaces and created better connections across the town. This will open our town centre up for other uses like events and ensure it is an attractive place for both visitors and our community to experience.”

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield also includes enhancing Rykneld Square. Works began last year but have been delayed due to archaeological discoveries which have led to design changes. Work is expected to restart on site soon.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million grant from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which has been shared between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall. Around £9 million has been used for the town centre works, with additional funding from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Visiting

New 65-acre development site launched at Hartington Commerce Park

A new 65-acre development site at Hartington Commerce Park in Staveley has launched, offering up to 410,000 sq ft of industrial, distribution and manufacturing space.

Hartington Commerce Park, which is part of the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ), can accommodate bespoke occupier requirements from 20,000 to 410,000 sq ft.

Located in Staveley, the site benefits from a new entrance off Hall Lane and offers easy access to junctions 29a and 30 of the M1.

Developer Tawnywood has remediated the site and constructed the new entrance off Hall Lane, meaning the site is now immediately developable.

Rebecca Schofield, partner from Knight Frank, which is marketing the site, said:

“Hartington Commerce Park offers flexibility across the site, able to accommodate industrial, manufacturing and distribution opportunities.

“Requirements from 20,000 sq ft up to 410,000 sq ft can be accommodated on site, with units available to let or for sale on completion.

“It is well located with easy access to J29a and J30 of the M1 and has the added advantage of being located in the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) where qualifying occupiers could benefit from additional financial support such as grants, business rates retention and tax incentives. Supporting businesses to scale, innovate, and thrive in the area.”

Simon White from property investor and developer Tawnywood, which has a solid track record of working in Chesterfield, said:

“After several years since purchasing this site, we spent time extracting the coal and mineral measures beneath it and then restoring the land for commercial development. We are delighted to launch the redevelopment phase of the scheme.

“At the moment we are completing the major infrastructure works, including the provision of a significant 5mVa power supply.

“We are particularly excited to have been granted Investment Zone status by EMCCA, which offers qualifying occupiers a number of very valuable financial benefits and will help kick-start this major new employment-creating scheme.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said:

“The Hartington site offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses to establish themselves in our borough and provides some great advantages to businesses. We’ve supported this development through the Town Deal to create new jobs for local people and ensure that Staveley is a place where people can start, stay and grow.”

Supporting growth in Staveley

Hartington Commerce Park is located on the northern edge of Staveley, north-east of Chesterfield and is easily accessible from the M1 motorway at J29a and J30. J29a is an established motorway junction at Markham Vale allowing easy access to the wider road network with the A38 and M18 interchange within easy reach.

The surrounding area is an established location with occupiers including AVK Donkin, Brett Martin and Ariel Plastics.

The EMIZ, backed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) was launched in October 2024 with £160 million of Government funding and is designed to supercharge growth across the region by focusing on two key strengths: clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing.

The 10-year programme aims to unlock at least £383m in private sector investment, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities, and generating up to 4,300 high-quality skilled jobs in the region.

The first year of EMIZ has seen progress across its three designated strategic sites – Infinity Park in Derby, Hartington Staveley near Chesterfield, and Explore Park near Worksop plus a number of supporting projects across the wider region.

Explore more development projects involved in the Staveley Town Deal, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

Businesses looking to invest, expand or relocate can find information on the support available, including funding, grants and business advice, by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Starbucks to open second Chesterfield drive-thru at Alma Leisure Park

A new Starbucks drive-thru will open at Chesterfield’s Alma Leisure Park on Thursday, 17th September, 2026, adding another major name to the popular leisure destination.

The new store, which will occupy the former Frankie & Benny’s unit, will officially open its doors at 10:00am, bringing Starbucks to another prominent location in Chesterfield.

The opening will expand Starbucks’ presence in our town, following the launch of its Meltham Lane drive-thru near Whittington Moor in March 2023. The Meltham Lane store continues to offer drive-thru facilities, alongside mobile ordering and other Starbucks services.

Alma Leisure Park is already home to a range of well-known food and leisure brands, including Dunkin’, McDonald’s and Nando’s, with the new Starbucks adding to the choice available to visitors.

The grand opening will have a strong community focus, with Chesterfield Champion arts charity Junction Arts taking part in the celebrations.

Junction Arts will perform the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the partnership between Starbucks and the local charity.

Rhianna Mayhew, Store Manager at Starbucks Alma Leisure Park, said:

“We are honoured to have Junction Arts performing our official ribbon-cutting ceremony! This partnership highlights our deep commitment to community engagement and celebrates the vital role creativity and the arts play within our barista team.”

Hannah, Development Manager at Junction Arts, will also lead a creative crafting activity at the store, with the session raising funds to support the charity’s community work.

The opening will also offer something for early visitors, with the first 50 customers receiving goody bags containing Starbucks merchandise, premium coffee and discount vouchers.

Starbucks is one of the world’s best-known coffee brands, with stores across the globe serving coffee, speciality drinks and food. The new Alma Leisure Park location will offer customers the option of using the drive-thru as well as visiting the store.

The new opening is also part of further plans for Starbucks in Chesterfield, with another branch planned for Chatsworth Road. The new location is expected to open in spring 2027, further expanding the brand’s presence across the town.

The continued investment from well-known food and drink brands adds to the growing mix of businesses at Alma Leisure Park, strengthening its role as a destination for food, drink and leisure for people in Chesterfield and the surrounding area.

Discover more food and drink businesses to try in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/2026/05/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting