Development

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 in early September.

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

Barrow Hill Memorial Hall reopens following major refurbishment

Barrow Hill Memorial Hall has officially reopened following a major refurbishment, creating a modern community hub for residents.

The refurbished hall features a community pantry, bar and café, family hub, physical activity space and health hub, providing residents with opportunities to access support services, socialise and stay active.

The hall was officially reopened on Saturday, 22nd August 2026, at a community event which brought residents together to celebrate the refreshed space.

Originally built as a workmen’s hall in 1863, the refurbishment has been led by Barrow Hill Community Trust with funding from the Staveley Town Deal and East Midlands Combined County Authority, among others.

Charles Paxton Markham donated the building to the community as a war memorial in the 1920s, and a trust has managed it ever since.

Simon Redding, chairperson of Barrow Hill Community Trust CIO, said:

“It is wonderful to see the first phase of the Memorial Hall refurbishment finished, with local people enjoying the facilities and benefiting from the new services on offer. As a community-led charity, we will continue to develop these services hand in hand with local people – who are at the heart of all that we do.”

Funding through the Staveley Town Deal has supported the creation of the new health hub and social space, alongside improvements to the building, including its roof, heating and electrical systems. These upgrades will support future phases of development.

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

“The Trust have created a fantastic hub that will make a real difference in the community. This refurbishment will give the building a new lease of life and provide an inviting space where everyone in the community can access a wide range of services. Our aim through the Staveley Town Deal has been to create a place where people can start, stay and grow – this project embodies that by ensuring members of the community can thrive at every stage of their life.”

East Midlands Combined County Authority funding has been used to create the family hub and physical activity space, as well as providing match funding to support further bids to refurbish the first floor.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:

“Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities have the investment they need to shape their own future. This refurbishment has breathed new life into an important local building, creating a welcoming space where people can meet, stay active, access support, and build connections.

“I’m delighted that money from my investment fund has helped create the new family hub and physical activity space, while supporting the Trust to unlock further investment. I’m committed to backing projects that strengthen our communities and help make the East Midlands a place where people are proud to live, work, and raise a family.”

Barrow Hill Community Trust is planning further phases of the refurbishment, which will focus on the first floor and include a reading room and community venue.

Discover more developments taking place across Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Find out more about Barrow Hill Community Trust: www.barrowhill.community/home

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Chesterfield Canal restoration progress showcased to more than 200 people

More than 200 people have seen the progress of the Chesterfield Canal restoration in Staveley, with the latest section of works now nearing completion.

On Tuesday, 18th August 2026, the Chesterfield Canal Trust led guided walks through the restoration site, allowing visitors to see the engineering work taking place along a 450-metre section of the historic waterway.

A group of journalists were taken through the site in the morning, before members of the public were welcomed in the afternoon. Demand for the public walks was high, with all 180 tickets sold in less than 24 hours.

Rod Auton, Company Secretary, Publicity and Membership for Chesterfield Canal Trust, said:

“It was fantastic to see such a strong response to the opportunity to visit the restoration works, with all 180 public tickets selling in less than 24 hours. It was a great opportunity to show people the progress that has been made and give them a first-hand look at the work taking place to bring this section of the Chesterfield Canal back to life.

There is a huge amount of work involved in restoring this short section, so it was particularly rewarding to share the progress with the people who have been following the project.”

The works form part of a wider £6 million restoration project, supported largely through the £25.2 million Staveley Town Deal. The project is helping to reinstate a section of the canal, alongside improvements to the surrounding routes and infrastructure.

Bringing the canal back to life

Although the section being restored is relatively short, it includes a number of complex engineering features.

The former Hartington Railway Bridge abutments have been reinforced with a concrete base, while the new Keith Ayling Lock is being installed further along the route.

The lock features gates made from Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP), using recycled wind turbine blades. The Trust believes these are the first gates of their kind to be used on a narrow canal in the UK.

A specially designed pumping system is also being installed to raise the water level into the restored section. It has been designed to allow fish and eels to pass through safely.

Further along, work is taking place around the foundations of a former mineral railway bridge, while the future Bellhouse Bridge will feature a stop gate allowing a section of canal to be drained quickly if required.

Bellhouse Basin is also being reconstructed at its original height, around two metres above the level to which it had previously subsided.

The restoration is an important part of the wider regeneration of Staveley, helping to bring the historic waterway back into use while creating improved routes through the area.

With the latest works nearing completion, the walks provided a first-hand look at the scale and complexity of the work taking place to bring this section of the canal back to life.

For more information on the canal restoration and more developments taking place across Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/staveley-town-deal-projects/chesterfield-canal-restoration/

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