Development

Newly refurbished mental health ward opens at Walton Hospital

His Majesty’s (HM) Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire led a celebration for the official opening of a newly refurbished ward for older adults with functional mental health issues in Chesterfield as part of a long-term investment project aimed at improving patient experience and healthcare outcomes.

Developed by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Bluebell Ward – which is situated at Walton Hospital site in Chesterfield – provides mental healthcare for 12 older adults with acute mental health needs. The service has been transferred from the mixed-age Hartington Unit, which had dormitory-style accommodation.

Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE formally opened the newly refurbished Bluebell Ward during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, praising the importance of having a ward which reflects the needs of older adults with mental health needs in the north of the county.

The refurbished ward was the first of the six facilities to open to patients in the Making Room for Dignity programme, which will remove all dormitory-style accommodation to completely revamp the mental health inpatient facilities in Derbyshire. After a collaborative effort, Bluebell Ward has been refurbished with a £2.8 million investment to create an optimal environment for patients to receive specialised mental health care.

Mrs Fothergill spoke at the opening event and said: “It’s been an honour to meet so many people who have been involved in the creation of this wonderful new ward and it’s fantastic that we now have a specific older adult acute mental health facility in the north of the county.

“I understand that this wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment of so many.”

The building and refurbishment programme has also been led largely by the contributions of a range of partners including input from staff. The purpose-built facilities offer sensory environments and access to more green spaces, promoting the benefits of therapeutic activity.

Each service user has their own en-suite bedroom and control over their environment, with the ability to adjust the lighting and temperature to suit their needs. The new facilities also provide greater access to outdoor and green spaces.

Selina Ullah, Trust Chair at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was enthusiastic about the recent development at the opening of the event, describing the new site as “a significant moment not only in Trust history but also for Derbyshire as a whole.”

Selina said: “This is a transformative improvement in the care we provide to people in Derbyshire with mental health needs. Bluebell Ward provides a wonderful, modern environment for older adults accessing our services. The bespoke facilities promote privacy and dignity, with individuals having access to their own bedrooms alongside a range of therapeutic activities taking place within shared spaces. The benefits have been felt by our colleagues and visitors, as well as by people using our services.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many patients sharing their enthusiasm for having their own rooms, where they can control their environment at the click of a button. I am hopeful that prioritising privacy will result in more favourable outcomes for our patients.”

The important milestone event was led by Trust CEO, Mark Powell, and included a range of talks on project developments as well as a plaque on display located in the ward’s reception area.

Mark said: “I’m really pleased to see our older adults’ services being provided from this newly refurbished ward. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of those under our care.

“We’ve received lots of positive feedback from patients, colleagues, carers and visitors during the five months the ward has been open, with comments outlining the positive difference the new environment has made to people’s care and recovery.

“All of this, of course, could not have been achieved without the dedicated, determined and hard-working teams. I would also like to say a big thank you to the many staff that have contributed to the successful completion and move to Bluebell Ward.”

The ward became fully operational in January after undergoing refurbishments made by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Bluebell Ward has been designed to meet the unique mental and physical health of older adults with conditions like schizophrenia and acute clinical depression.

Les Ralph, a member of the EQUAL Forum at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which is a forum for those with lived experience and their carers, also shared his thoughts. He said: “To have Bluebell Ward, dedicated to providing extra support to our more mature patients has always been high on everyone’s wish list. The EQUAL Network thanks everyone involved in making this all possible.”

Patients and staff at Bluebell Ward were also in attendance and joined by Toby Perkins – local MP for Chesterfield, the Integrated Care Board and partners at Derbyshire Community Health Services who provide services from the site at Walton Hospital.

The programme’s other two new builds are the Derwent Unit, a 54-bed unit at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, which opened on 18 March, the Carsington Unit, a 54-bed unit at the Kingsway Hospital site in Derby, which is set to open soon; and Kingfisher House, a psychiatric intensive care unit for male patients located at Kingsway Hospital in Derby.

The two refurbishment projects aside from Bluebell Ward are Audrey House at Kingsway in Derby set to open soon; and the Radbourne Unit, at the Royal Derby Hospital.

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Local groups set to benefit from further grant funding

Local community groups and voluntary organisations in Chesterfield are set to benefit from a share of £220,000 in grant funding to help deliver grassroots projects that will improve life for local people.

After successfully launching its Community Grants Fund scheme in 2023 – which has already seen over 76 groups receive a share of over £310,000 – Chesterfield Borough Council is now inviting further eligible groups to apply for the funding that will help them to deliver key projects that benefit the local community.

Since the launch of the scheme, funding has been used to deliver projects that support resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help to tackle food poverty and social isolation, or support people to get in to work.

It is also supporting projects that will reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Applications for funding from the scheme are now open for eligible groups to apply. The deadline for applications is 20 June 2025.

More information on the eligibility criteria and details on how to apply can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Since the community grants scheme was launched in 2023, we’ve already helped a significant number of groups to deliver initiatives that are having a positive impact in our local communities, and we’ve really enjoyed watching these come to life.

“We are lucky to have so many groups here in Chesterfield that help to improve the lives of local people, so we’re really pleased to be able to offer additional funding that will help even more organisations deliver their plans.”

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wishing to apply for the grant. If you would like any help or guidance with submitting a bid, please contact the team on:

The grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded a further £1.1m through the UKSPF, to deliver a range of projects until March 2026. The funding was allocated to the council by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

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MTM Products invests in innovation to improve efficiency and product range

MTM Products, a trusted manufacturer of labels, graphic overlays, metal nameplates, vinyl cut decals and more, is taking steps to improve its efficiency and broaden its product range.

The Chesterfield-based manufacturer, known for providing reliable solutions across various industries, has made significant investments in advanced equipment, automation and leadership.

These commitments are designed to maintain the high standards expected by their customers, while strengthening the company’s long-term success.

To expand its production potential and efficiencies, a new flat-bed cutter has been acquired through the Made Smarter government initiative.

This initiative supports manufacturers in adopting advanced digital technologies by connecting UK manufacturing industries to the digital tools, leadership and skills they need to drive sustainable growth.

Alongside this, to help MTM Products improve efficiency, further investments have been made into state-of-the-art CO2 and fibre laser equipment. This will not only cut down on production time and enhance product quality but will also provide the flexibility to handle a wider range of projects.

Improving operations was another key focus for the company. To do this, MTM launched a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system in March 2025.

The new system will now automate, streamline and improve communication across departments at the production level, resulting in faster turnaround times for customers.

March also saw the appointment of a new operations manager, whose role is to sharpen the focus of operations and maintain the high standards that MTM’s customers expect.

Bringing fresh expertise and a strong desire to drive operational growth, this new hire aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to increase internal capabilities while continuing to deliver high-quality solutions.

“Our investment in leadership is just as important as our investment in technology and is essential to maintain operational efficiency,” said Mark Niblett, Managing Director of MTM Products.

These investments are not just about boosting capabilities, but as a proud member of Made in the Midlands and MAKE UK, it’s about driving long-term growth within the business and the local community.

“By investing in innovation and local talent, we’re reinforcing our commitment to being a trusted UK manufacturer,” continued Mark Niblett.

Customers now have access to a wider range of cost-effective solutions, each designed to meet the unique needs of the industries MTM Products serves, ensuring reliability even in the most demanding environments.

Other investments aim to enhance quality control and increase precision, maintaining the high level of consistency and reliability that MTM Products is known for. Combined with its new ERP system, MTM is working to streamline its production and delivery processes, so it can continue to meet customer deadlines with ease.

Find out more about MTM Products at: https://www.mtmproducts.co.uk/contact/

MTM Products supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, Skills, Uncategorised

The Eden Project launches energy development with Custom Solar

Chesterfield’s Custom Solar has worked with one of the UK’s main nature attractions to further improve its green credentials.

The Eden Project, an educational charity, world-class garden and global leader in sustainability and environmental storytelling, has launched a new 140 kWp roof-mounted solar PV system on its state-of-the-art plant and education facility, Growing Point.

This marks a significant next step in further reducing the charity’s carbon footprint and working towards its goal to become climate positive by 2030 and follows the launch of the UK’s first deep geothermal well since 1986 at the site in Cornwall, which provides heat to Growing Point, the Biomes and offices.

The solar project has been funded through Zestec Renewable Energy’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model, exemplifying the Eden Project’s commitment to environmental innovation, and is being delivered by Custom Solar.

Well-known for its large Biomes and vast surrounding gardens housing thousands of plant species from across the globe, the Eden Project has long been a model of energy efficiency, biodiversity, and community engagement. Now live, this phase of its solar energy initiative is forecast to generate c.145 kWh of clean electricity annually, boosting the energy supply at the Eden Project, whilst saving 32 tonnes CO2e – the equivalent of 29 UK homes’ annual electricity usage – which supports wider initiatives towards its carbon reduction targets.

Zestec worked in partnership with Custom Solar, part of Mitie, whose expertise in delivering integrated solar solutions, ensured the smooth management of the engineering design, development and installation of the solar PV system.

The addition of this new solar PV system reinforces the Eden Project’s mission to help educate the public on the critical importance of sustainability and the accessibility of renewable energy. Embracing solar power not only contributes to further decreasing the Eden Project’s carbon footprint and its target to be climate positive by 2030 but is also actively supporting the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

Charles Sainsbury head of regenerative sustainability and energy at the Eden Project, said: “This solar installation is a powerful example of how we are advancing our mission to demonstrate ways in which we can take positive action for the planet and embrace renewable energy solutions. By building on our existing renewable energy infrastructure and literally harnessing the power of the sun, we are taking a significant step toward achieving our carbon reduction goals. This project not only enhances our energy resilience but also underscores the vital role renewable energy plays in addressing the global climate crisis.”

Simon Booth, CEO of Zestec Renewable Energy, said: “The Eden Project has always been a pioneer in sustainability, and we’re thrilled, along with Custom Solar, to work alongside them on this important initiative. This 140 kWp system is just the first phase of a multi-phase project that will see even greater levels of renewable energy deployed across their site. We’re proud to offer businesses the power to make a difference to their energy consumption and sustainability objectives.”

Gary Sucharewycz, Managing Director of Custom Solar, part of Mitie, said: “We’re proud to have supported the Eden Project’s ambitious sustainability mission with this innovative solar PV system, expertly designed to fit the unique architectural design of the Growing Point planting nursery. We look forward to continuing to work closely in partnership with Zestec and Eden Project on site-wide solar deployment, bringing our expertise in delivering specialist solar solutions to accelerate the Eden Project’s clean energy goals.”

Custom Solar supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Vision unveiled for hundreds of thousands of jobs, new homes and £4.6bn economic boost in the East Midlands

Hundreds of thousands of jobs, a £4.6bn boost to the regional economy and 52,000 new homes are at the heart of Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward’s roadmap for growth to be launched this week.

The new vision for development across the East Midlands is being revealed at UKREiiF in Leeds, the UK’s biggest investment and infrastructure expo, which attracts more than 15,000 delegates from business and government.

It joins the dots between a series of massive development opportunities across the region covered by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The Vision also includes the UK’s only inland freeport and incentivised enterprise zones in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Together, the developments in the new East Midlands Spatial Vison will:

  • Create 100,000 full time jobs
  • Deliver 52,000 new homes
  • Boost the East Midlands economy by £4.6 billion
  • Unlock 4.2 million square metres of commercial space

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I am proud of the region the East Midlands is. We are – simultaneously – a £55 billion economy, a world-leading centre for manufacturing and technology, a place of astonishing natural beauty, and a region of internationally resonant heritage.”

“However, pride is not passive, and our Vision for Growth shows what this region has the potential to become. This potential will be realised through a set of substantial commercial development opportunities that we will be sharing at UKREiiF.

“We are focusing on three in particular: the Trent Arc, which connects Nottingham and Derby, the Canal Corridor, which spans Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and the Supercluster, which focuses on three of our decommissioned power stations. These opportunities are a path to prosperity that builds on our existing, unique assets – and I look forward to sharing them with you.”

The Vision has been drawn up with the support of Areli Group, the investment and development specialist whose team has delivered a series of successful landmark schemes across the UK, including the internationally-renowned regeneration of Battersea Power Station in London.

Areli Group CEO Rob Tincknell said: “This is the most significant vision project we’ve been involved in. When you look at the East Midlands’ industrial strengths, the development assets it has, and the fact that it’s now got a Mayor leading from the front, then this is one of the UK’s most deliverable growth opportunities.

“The UK needs to think bigger than ‘development-as-usual’ and that’s exactly what the East Midlands is doing – taking 14 individual investment opportunities and turning them into one connected project broken down into 14 parts.”

Since her election a year ago, Mayor Claire Ward has announced ongoing investments in the East Midland economy totalling £538m including transport, regeneration projects, investment zones and an investment fund.

With the Spatial Vision, the Mayor, Areli and EMCCA have come up with a total of 14 growth opportunities covering energy, industry, transport, placemaking and the region’s growing visitor economy. They include:

  • Canal Corridor – Chesterfield town centre and its mainline rail station, Explore Park Investment Zone, Markham Vale Enterprise Zone, Hartington & Staveley investment zone.
  • Trent Arc – covering Nottingham and Derby city centres, Ratcliffe-on-Soar and Willington power station sites, South Derbyshire Growth Zone, Infinity Park Investment Zone near Rolls-Royce, East Midlands Intermodal Park near Toyota, and the Toton & Chetwynd area.
  • Supercluster – West Burton Power Station (which will host the pioneering nuclear STEP Fusion pilot) and Cottam and High Marnham power station sites.

The Vision also includes emerging proposals for the sustainable expansion of the visitor economy around the Peak District National Park and the Derbyshire Dales, a new destination for leisure, living and business near the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, renewal projects in the towns and village at the heart of the region, and The Loop – a 150-mile trail connecting the East Midlands’ landscape, character, culture and heritage.

Amy Harhoff, CEO of EMCCA, said: “This vision brings forward a series of logical and coherent development opportunities and a joined-up approach to delivery where we will support investors, partners and developers all the way.

“The East Midlands economy has the advanced manufacturing and clean energy opportunities that are going to be vital to the UK’s future growth. Were ready to harness that heft and work with partners to deliver.”

Mayor Claire added: “With the EMCCA team, I’m at UKREiiF to start conversations with development partners who can help us deliver on the huge potential of a hyper-connected region that will have a major role to play in the UK’s future economic growth.”

A delegation of leaders from Chesterfield is currently joining EMCCA at UKREiiF to outline the town’s £2 billion regeneration story. Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield here.

View the latest Chesterfield investment map.

Business leaders give presentation at business and investment conference

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

Active Derbyshire moves to new Chesterfield office

A partnership organisation which aims to get us all moving more has relocated to a new HQ in Chesterfield.

Active Derbyshire has announced its move to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, a modern office development in the heart of our town.

The relocation puts the organisation at the heart of the county, with easy access to the partners and communities it works with.

Active Derbyshire works with a wide range of partners across the county to support and enable people to be active and move more in ways that work for them. The organisation focuses on addressing inequality and making physical activity accessible to everyone.

Chesterfield’s central location offers excellent transport links to all parts of Derbyshire. The new office also sits close to Chesterfield railway station, supporting the organisation’s commitment to active travel and reducing its own carbon footprint.

“We’re thrilled about our move to Chesterfield,” said Stuart Batchelor, Strategic Director for Active Derbyshire. “This location helps us connect better with communities across the county and puts us in an ideal position to support our partners.”

Active Derbyshire is part of Active Partners Trust alongside Active Notts. Together they form one of 42 Active Partnerships working across England to make active lifestyles the norm for everyone.

The team looks forward to welcoming partners to their new base at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

To find out more go to www.makingourmove.org.uk or https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-derbyshire/

Want to discover more about the benefits of relocating your business in our town? Find out more and get in touch today by visiting: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Active Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Fearless Sports expands into prominent new Market Hall unit

A Chesterfield business that began its journey inside the historic Market Hall is marking a major milestone with the opening of a new, larger store on the outside of the building.

Fearless Sports, founded by local entrepreneurs Neil Siddall and Kieran Bolsover, has relocated to Shop 1—just outside the Market Hall and directly in front of the newly refurbished market stalls. The move marks an exciting new chapter for the business, which has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors earlier this year.

Neil explained: “We got the keys at the beginning of April and spent two solid weeks refurbishing the new store—repainting, building our own storage and even renewing all the electrics. It was a big job, but the hard work paid off and we opened just in time for our target date.”

The new location has already had a noticeable impact, with Neil adding: “The difference was instant. We’ve seen a great mix of curious new customers coming in, alongside our regulars who we’ve really enjoyed getting to know. It’s been fantastic to have that continued support while welcoming new faces too.”

The expansion has also allowed Fearless Sports to significantly grow its product range: “Thanks to the bigger space, we’ve been able to add more health supplements, including vitamins, collagen products, and more. We’ve also launched a protein bar where customers can pop in for their daily shake or sample new flavours before buying tubs to take home. And we’ve introduced speciality teas and coffees—with plans to soon add organic milkshakes, smoothies, and healthy food options.”

fearless sports market hall exterior

Neil is optimistic about the future of Chesterfield town centre, particularly as the Market Square regeneration continues to take shape.

“I’m really excited about trading in Chesterfield. The market stall refurb looks fantastic and will definitely attract more visitors. I read recently that visitor numbers are expected to rise above four million this year—that’s brilliant news for everyone in the town.

“Events like the recent 1940s Day are exactly what we need. I’ve never seen the town centre so busy—it was amazing. More events like that will mean more opportunities for local traders, local people, and visitors to all benefit together.”

Fearless Sports is now open in its new unit and welcomes both loyal and first-time customers to explore its expanded range and enjoy the friendly, welcoming atmosphere Neil has created.

Visit Fearless Sports at Shop 1, Chesterfield Market Hall, and see what’s new, or follow the business on social media. 

Find out more about Chesterfield fabulous range of independent shops at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

Chesterfield Champions fly the flag for our town at UK’s largest investment showcase

Chesterfield is taking centre stage at this year’s UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, with a number of local organisations set to represent the town at the UK’s premier trade and investment event.

From regeneration and development to architecture and construction, Chesterfield’s presence will showcase the scale of ambition and opportunity within the borough.

With over £2 billion of regeneration already underway and a growing reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainable development, Chesterfield is ready to make an impact on the national stage.

Leaders from Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group will be sharing their expertise, celebrating local successes, and forging new partnerships that will help shape the future of our town. A delegation from Destination Chesterfield will be joining East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and various regional partners as part of the East Midlands Pavilion.

Hear directly from some of the Chesterfield organisations attending UKREiiF next week, as they share why this event matters—and what it means for the continued growth of our borough.

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

Andrew Byrne, Chair, Destination Chesterfield speaking at conference at lectern

“I’m really looking forward to attending UKREiiF this year to showcase all the exciting opportunities our Town has to offer. With a strong pipeline of development projects, strategic investment sites, and a clear vision for sustainable growth, we are ready to welcome new partners and investors.

“UKREiiF provides the perfect platform to share our ambitions, highlight the unique strengths of our community, and build the connections that will help bring forward transformational projects for the future.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader, Chesterfield Borough Council

Chesterfield Borough COuncil Leader, tricia gilby, smiling at the camera

“Chesterfield is on the rise. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a wave of transformation—and we’re just getting started.

“Our borough is becoming a magnet for innovation, sustainable growth, and talent. From housing and advanced manufacturing to retail and hospitality, we’re inviting investors and partners to be part of Chesterfield’s next exciting chapter.”

Dom Stevens, Head of Destination Chesterfield

Head of Destination Chesterfield wearing formal attire looking at camera in woodland background

“We are very pleased to work alongside East Midlands Combined County Authority and regional partners to showcase the broad range of investment opportunities across our region.

“Working closely alongside our colleagues at Chesterfield Borough Council and our town’s pioneering Property and Construction Group, we aim to showcase the town’s unique £2 billion regeneration story, welcoming conversations with key contacts to discuss the mutual benefits of investment in our growing town. Find us located at the East Midlands Pavilion if you would like to gain further information on what Chesterfield can offer you.”

Ryan Fish, Associate Director, Whittam Cox Architects

Ryan Fish_Associate Director

“Heading to UKREiiF is a valuable chance to explore the current opportunities, challenges, and trends shaping the UK property and construction sector and how they impact towns like Chesterfield. With momentum building under the new East Midlands Mayor, it’s an exciting time for the region.

“As an architect based in Chesterfield, I’m especially looking forward to the town’s £2 billion regeneration story, which highlights its ambitious future. Beyond the main programme, the fringe events offer excellent networking opportunities, so don’t be put off if you haven’t got a conference ticket. It’s a great platform to connect, engage, and influence real change.”

Fay Paterson, Business Development Manager, Stepnell

Fay Paterson, Stepnell

“UKREiiF provides us with the perfect opportunity to highlight the four projects we are involved with in Chesterfield for Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council and to support the region.

“Chesterfield is a very forward thinking town and working on the key projects that we are involved with in Chesterfield and Staveley has provided us with the opportunity to work with the local supply chain and provide work experience to local students.”

Paul Holden, Director, Peak Architects

P Holden Peak Architects

“We’re delighted to be attending UKREiiF, a key event for the built environment sector. It offers a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships both old and new.

“Our recent work at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is just one example of the positive developments taking place across the Chesterfield area. We’re looking forward to exploring what’s ahead and continuing to contribute to the region’s growth.”

Kriston Harvey, Rodgers Leask

Rodgers Leask Kriston Harvey

“Once again, I’m looking forward to attending UKREiiF – my fourth time at this key industry event. The programme grows year on year and promises to provide an action packed few days of panel sessions, workshops, and networking events. I’m looking forward to re-connecting with various existing Clients and industry contacts and hopefully making some new connections along the way.

“It’s great to see that my home town of Chesterfield will be represented by a growing contingent from Destination Chesterfield, Chesterfield Borough Council and members of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group. Chesterfield has continued to deliver on clear and ambitious plans since the last UKREiiF – projects we’ve been involved with include the public realm improvements to the town centre (RHOC), Staveley 21 and the nearby works to Chesterfield Canal, with others due to start on site soon.  Hopefully this ability to deliver will demonstrate to investors that Chesterfield is a safe bet!”

Tracie Seals, Land Director, LandIS

Close up of female in hard hat and orange high visibility jacket smiling to camera

“As a proud ‘Chesterfield Champion’ we will be promoting the benefits of working and living in an area with a diverse and skilled workforce; working with local skills providers we are actively enabling ‘home-grown’ young apprentices to access the workplace, and business communities on the doorstep!

“Chesterfield and surrounds is a compelling central location from which to base our business and wider group activities.”

Discover more about regeneration and investment in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/ or view our latest Chesterfield Investment Map here.

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

Chesterfield named in The Guardian’s happiest places to live in Britain

Chesterfield has been named in a list of Britain’s happiest places to live by national newspaper, The Guardian.

It comes after our town retained its spot as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands in the Rightmove Happy at Home index.

The Guardian article highlights Chesterfield’s access to open spaces as one of its major advantages, stating: “Chesterfield sits on the edge of the Peak District and is home to one of the oldest open-air markets in England, as well as historic medieval alleyways, churches, museums and grand old buildings. Its blend of urban and rural access (being just a short journey from both the Peak District national park, and Sheffield and Derby) make it a popular place to live.

“There’s an annual walking festival in May, and plenty of rambling groups to join. But if hiking isn’t your thing, there is an abundance of other outdoor activities – you can try abseiling, canoeing, caving or scrambling.

A canal side view of people sat on green banks next to holllingwood hub, supported by Chesterfield Canal Trust

“When you’ve finished exercising, there’s a strong independent food and drink scene to enjoy. Bottle and Thyme, a family-run restaurant with a focus on ethical and sustainable ingredients, is a big hit locally.

“George Stephenson, the renowned “Father of Railways” who helped build the first steam train, spent the last 10 years of his life in Chesterfield and is buried inside the town’s Holy Trinity Church.”

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes, said: “We’re very pleased to see Chesterfield gaining further recognition as a great place to live. As a lifelong resident, it’s fantastic to see our brilliant outdoor spaces, local businesses and community spirit highlighted in the national media.

“If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home – and that’s without mentioning the abundance of picturesque outdoor spaces on our doorstep!”

Find out more about living in Chestefield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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New £5.4m development delivers 26 affordable homes in Chesterfield

Dozens of affordable properties have been developed in Chesterfield, bringing new life to a previously disused space.

The former unused land off Swaddale Avenue has been transformed into a thriving community of 26 affordable homes. The development has been officially opened by Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) in partnership with MyPad.

The thoughtfully-designed scheme offers a range of homes, including two-bed bungalows, and two and three-bed houses to rent or purchase via shared ownership. The affordable rent homes have been let to people on Chesterfield Borough Council’s housing waiting list, and will be managed by NCHA. All but the final few homes are already occupied.

The homes have been built sensitively and with energy efficiency in mind. Built by MyPad and designed by Player Roberts and Bell Architects, the homes have been given an energy rating of ‘B’.

The new scheme was officially opened with a celebration event to mark the completion of the development and the positive impact it will have on the local community. It was attended by representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council and MyPad.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and member for the Brimington South ward, said: “We are really pleased to see residents moving into their new homes after NCHA completed their development here in Chesterfield.

“These homes provide a range of affordable options for residents and give them the opportunity to either rent a property or get their foot on the housing ladder. The development has also brought a mix of housing types to the area, including sought after bungalows.

“As a council it is one of our main priorities to increase the number of affordable homes in the area and have a strong relationship with housing providers like NCHA who can help us to achieve this.

“I would like to thank NCHA for investing in our borough, our residents and communities, and I look forward to many more successful developments coming to life in the future.”

This £5.4 million initiative was made possible through a collaborative funding effort between NCHA and Homes England, which aligns with NCHA’s Strategic Partnership for 2021-2028, aimed at delivering affordable housing across the East Midlands.

Allan Fisher, NCHA’s Director of Development and Sustainability, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “We’re delighted to be building much-needed affordable homes in Chesterfield, where demand for quality housing continues to grow. These new homes are part of our commitment to invest in the area and build a strong portfolio of affordable, sustainable homes that support local communities.”

The transformation of the site represents a significant step towards addressing the ongoing need for affordable, well managed housing in Chesterfield.

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an ideal location to live and work: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

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Major milestone in partnership between Banner Jones and Stancliffe Homes

Two Chesterfield Champion businesses are celebrating a key milestone in their long-standing partnership.

Banner Jones has recently advised on the sale of Stancliffe Homes’ 200th property and supported the acquisition of its eighth residential development site.

The announcement highlights the strength of the East Midlands housing market, where sustained demand and ongoing investment in strategic land continue to drive growth in both new build completions and housing starts.

Stancliffe Homes, a privately owned house builder headquartered in Derbyshire, has worked with Banner Jones since 2018, drawing on the firm’s legal expertise across land acquisition, planning agreements, funding, and plot sales. Together, the partnership has supported the delivery of high-quality housing in locations including Worksop, Wingerworth, Bolsover, Tansley and Mansfield.

In March alone, Stancliffe Homes completed 23 new homes across its sites – each built with the company’s hallmark attention to detail and design quality. In the same month, the housebuilder was also awarded the highest award possible by the Housebuilders Federation for customer satisfaction.

The firm also has several live planning applications, including for new developments in Darley Dale, Wingerworth, Calow, Bolsover and Rutland – all of which will continue to contribute to housing growth and local economic activity across the region.

With an ambitious pipeline and plans to deliver a further 300 homes by the end of 2028, Stancliffe Homes continues to play a key role in supporting regional housing delivery and economic growth.

Andrew Fielder, Director and Head of Business Legal Services at Banner Jones, said: “This milestone reflects the success of our collaboration and the strength of the East Midlands housing sector more broadly. We’re proud to be working alongside a developer like Stancliffe Homes, whose commitment to quality and regional investment is evident in every project.”

“Beyond delivering much-needed homes, these developments create jobs, drive supply chain opportunities, and support the growth of communities across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”

Sam Jones, Managing Director at Stancliffe Homes, added: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and our partnership with Banner Jones has played a key role in that. Their team understands the fast-moving nature of residential development and consistently delivers pragmatic legal advice that supports our long-term growth.”

“We’re continuing to invest in land, people, and new opportunities – and with a strong pipeline of projects in planning, we’re looking forward to building on our success throughout 2025 and beyond.”

Banner Jones’ Business Legal Services team supports property developers, landowners and investors with a full range of commercial legal services, from real estate and planning law to corporate transactions and finance.

Stancliffe Homes and Banner Jones support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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