Development

Town leaders secure £500,000 cash boost for Staveley community projects

8th October 2020

Residents in Staveley are set to benefit from a range of community improvements after town leaders secured £500,000 as part of wider plans to regenerate the area.

A new state-of-the-art all-weather sports pitch at Springwell Community College, new play equipment for King George V Playing Field and new CCTV equipment for the town centre are among the projects which will benefit from a cash boost.

The proposal to the government’s Accelerator Fund was submitted by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board.

This initial money will be used to kick-start improvements ahead of the Board’s submission of the Staveley Town Investment Plan, which is currently being finalised ahead of submission to the government’s Towns Fund. The Plan aims to secure up to £25m to help build a stronger economy for the area.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, Destination Chesterfield board member and managing director of local business MSE Hiller, said: “This initial slug of government funding is great news for the area and signals the start of positive change for Staveley.

“These projects align with the Board’s long-term regeneration plans for Staveley, which we will shortly be setting out for government as part of our ambitious Town Investment Plan.

“Our collective aim is to create new jobs for local people and a stronger and more resilient local economy.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair, said: “Being able to invest in grassroots facilities and projects like these now means we can bring real and immediate improvements that will benefit local people.

“These are positive investments in key facilities which support people’s health and well-being at a time when Staveley, like so many towns up and down the country, is struggling to weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s about doing all we can to help our communities build back stronger for the future.”

The projects which will receive funding are:

George V Playing Field – to provide play spaces and outdoor gym equipment
Springwell Community College – installation of a 3G all-weather sports pitch
Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club – to provide drainage for three pitches as part of the Club’s wider pitch redevelopment project
Staveley town centre – to upgrade CCTV equipment in the area
Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) project – to support site development for a new rail training and innovation centre at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

The Staveley Town Deal Board has been established to oversee the development and implementation of a long-term Town Investment Plan for the Staveley area.

It is made up of elected members and senior officers from Chesterfield Borough Council, Staveley Town Council and Derbyshire County Council, both local members of parliament, representatives from local charitable organisations, Derbyshire Police, education leaders and representatives of the local business community.

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

Council leader is lobbying Government to return CrossCountry services

7th October 2020

The Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has written to the Minister of State for Rail about the ongoing reduction in CrossCountry services at Chesterfield Railway Station.

Councillor Tricia Gilby wrote the letter as CrossCountry services have still not been fully restored to Chesterfield Station. There is currently no indication that more services will stop at Chesterfield in the Christmas timetable revision and CrossCountry have continued to refuse to confirm when full services will be reinstated.

Councillor Gilby explained: “I am deeply concerned that the temporary changes made by CrossCountry will become permanent and this will have severe consequences for Chesterfield. Lots of people rely on CrossCountry services to get to work, as well as for leisure and tourism purposes. Whilst the return of peak travel services is important, the effect of cancelling off-peak services will continue to make it difficult for workers and visitors alike.

“We want to work with CrossCountry to find a solution that benefits the people of Chesterfield and is financially viable, but feel that we have reached somewhat of an impasse and require the Department for Transport to step in and help ensure these vital train services are returned to Chesterfield.

“Chesterfield Railway Station is one of the busiest in the East Midlands and arguably the most important railway station in Derbyshire. I recognise that the Covid-19 lockdown did reduce demand for rail travel but other operators including East Midlands Railway and Northern Trains have already reinstated services to Chesterfield at virtually pre-covid levels, whilst CrossCountry continues to try and do the opposite.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has continued to have a useful dialogue with CrossCountry and has recently shared evidence that shows the importance of these services to Chesterfield and the increase in demand that has resulted from schools, colleges and universities returning.

CrossCountry have also shared data with the council that they claim shows stopping at Chesterfield has a negative impact on their services at other stations on the line. However, the council along with industry experts have reviewed this evidence and believe that it shows the delays created are a result of issues around Dore junction as opposed to stops in Chesterfield.

The reduction of services at Chesterfield has been an ongoing issue. In June, Councillor Gilby wrote to the Department for Transport after CrossCountry announced they would be suspending all services at Chesterfield.

It took considerable lobbying against this proposal from the local HS2 Delivery Board, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, local MPs, East Midlands Councils, Chambers of Commerce for the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, Sheffield City Region and Transport for the North, before CrossCountry reversed its decision and re-introduced three peak services at Chesterfield. It was not until September that CrossCountry decided to re-introduce off-peak services on a Saturday and Sunday.

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

D2N2 announces funding for wave of projects across the region

7th October 2020

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, has confirmed funding for seven projects across the region as part of its role of supporting the economy in particular in response to the economic downturn brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

With over £5.75m awarded, the projects will create 462 jobs and support 3273 new learners across the whole of the D2N2 region including in places such as Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Newark, Ilkeston, and Eastwood.

Funding for each project comes from D2N2s Local Growth Fund allocation, a Government fund that enables D2N2 to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting greater numbers of jobs, homes, and learners.

The range of funded projects emphasises the breadth and range of interventions D2N2 has supported in achieving its aim of stimulating the local economy.

They include investments in digital infrastructure, new technology, and supporting the region’s towns in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At £2.2m, the state-of-the-art community and activity village in Newark operated by YMCA Newark & Sherwood has benefited from the largest award of the wave with funding being used to enable social mobility in a district ranked one of the worst in the country for social deprivation.

The other six projects to be awarded funding from D2N2s Local Growth Fund allocation are:

Improvements to Chesterfield’s outdoor market and surrounding public space, as part of a programme referred to as Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, funded in part by £650,000 from D2N2
A new research facility at the University of Derby benefiting from £850,000 and focusing on the effect that foods, vitamins, supplements, and drugs have on the human body
The Smart Wireless Innovation Facility (SWIFt) at Nottingham Trent University which has received £800,000 to add 5G connectivity and infrastructure to the University’s Clifton campus
The Automation and Robotics Centre at West Nottinghamshire College which will provide investment in skills for the future to meet the changing demands of local businesses and will benefit from a £670,000 investment
The refurbishment of Toll Bar House in Ilkeston to create new office space by Erewash Borough Council with and investment of £425,000 from D2N2
The construction of commercial space for SMEs at Mushroom Farm in Eastwood by Broxtowe Borough Council, in which D2N2 has contributed £160,000.

D2N2 Deputy Chair David Williams said: “To overcome an economic downturn of the scale we’re now faced with requires a truly united approach so I’m proud to have worked with partners from across the region to bring these projects to fruition.”

“The projects we’ve funded will help us to not only respond to the needs of today but also to enable our communities to thrive tomorrow by investing in new industries, new skills, and new technology.”

chesterfield-market place

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

How local companies can benefit from Waterside development

6th October 2020

Local companies are being invited to take part in a virtual ‘Contact the Buyer’ event, to find out how to tender for work connected to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield.

Construction of the seven-storey office building in Basin Square, part of the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme is due to commence on 19 October 2020. The building will provide circa 35,000ft² of Grade A accommodation. Britcon, the main contractors would like to speak to local companies to form part of their supply chain on this project.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, as the planning authority, includes local labour clauses within developments of this kind to ensure developers use local suppliers, have apprenticeships and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies, main contractors Britcon are working with Chesterfield Borough Council to encourage local companies to ‘contact the buyer’ to find out about a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project.

Opportunities include:

Precast Stairs
Blinds
Brickwork
Wall Tiling
Concrete Floor slab
Metalwork
Single Ply Roof
Flooring/ Floor Coverings
Screeding
Partitions
Suspended Ceiling
Intumescent Paint
Metsec SFS
Landscaping
Mansafe
Decorating
Road Marking
Roller Shutter & Steel Door
Scaffold/ Edge Protection
CCTV/ Jetting
Glazed Partitions
Steps/ Handrails
External Zinc Cladding at 6^th Floor

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, training, business and skills opportunities.

“Britcon has worked closely with the council to ensure that our borough benefits as much as possible from the opportunities that building this new development will bring.

“I would encourage all local businesses to attend the Contact the Buyer and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces.”

Nick Shephard, Managing Director of Britcon said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the council and will work with them to maximize employment opportunities for local people”

The office development at Chesterfield Waterside has been supported with a £2.7million grant from the Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund (SCRIF).

As a virtual event local companies are being invited to get in touch to express an intertest in any of the opportunities listed with Britcon by contacting Emily Williams via email on emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk with CBC – Waterside Office Accommodation as the subject line of the email. Please ensure you send your expression of interest by Monday 2 November and include the following details:

Business Name:
Trade(s):
Address:
Contact Information (Phone / Email):

To find out more about the Contact the Buyer event please contact Emily Williams on (01246) 959717 or email emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Celebrating 10 Years of Destination Chesterfield

5th October 2020

As we enter the final quarter of 2020 I, like many of you I suspect, am feeling shell-shocked at the issues this year has (so far) thrown at us all.

Despite everything, it is tremendously encouraging to see how businesses have adapted in the face of adversity. This isn’t the first time that Chesterfield has faced challenges and it certainly won’t be the last, but it’s how you tackle the situation that counts.

This month, 10 years ago, when Britain was in the grip of a recession, Destination Chesterfield was established.

While other towns and cities battened down the hatches and rode out the financial crisis, Chesterfield didn’t. The town put itself out there and declared itself a destination that was open and ready to do business. This forward-thinking and bold approach will result in the delivery of more than £1 billion of investment to the borough in the next few years.

Despite the world being in a state of flux right now, I think this is a good opportunity to remind ourselves that Chesterfield has not stood still in the months that have passed since lockdown began in March.

Construction of the new Enterprise Centre on the Donut carpark is now underway, it was announced that PEAK is to be the home of UK’s first fully serviced national park gateway, Avant Homes opened the new showhomes at Waterside Quarter, and thousands of children across the borough have been home schooled.

Did you hear the collective sigh of relief of parents across the country when the children returned to school in September? I don’t know about you, but I feel that the country can truly get back to business now that the schools have re-opened.

And as it did 10 years ago, Chesterfield Borough Council has put in place a plan to ensure that the town thrives once more. We have done it before and the people of Chesterfield can ensure that we will do it again – I for one have every confidence that the plan can be delivered.

Posted in Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Local businesses invited to find out more about Talgo UK supply chain

25th September 2020

Local businesses are being invited to take part in an event that will help them understand how to get involved in the Talgo UK supply chain.

The virtual event, focused on supply for train manufacturing and servicing, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 October.

Businesses must submit an expression of interest form by Monday 12 October in order to take part.

Last year Spanish train manufacturer Talgo established its UK Headquarters in Chesterfield and in January they announced plans to develop a training and innovation centre in Barrow Hill. This combined with its investment in a manufacturing plant in Scotland will help ensure the company can access the expertise and knowledge needed to build and export its state-of-the-art trains.

Jon Veitch, Managing Director of Talgo UK, said “I am absolutely thrilled with the interest shown by so many people, businesses and potential long term partners with Talgo establishing here in the UK and especially close to us from the Chesterfield area. I am particularly grateful to colleagues in Chesterfield Borough Council with their continued focussed support and I really looking forward to this next event.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Talgo UK, its investment in Chesterfield will bring much needed good quality jobs. Talgo’s ambition to work with our local businesses and bring them into their supply chain further shows how this investment will bring long term benefits for lots of local businesses.”

The virtual event will begin with a presentation from Jon Veitch, followed by one to one meetings where selected organisations can speak individually with Talgo UK and find out more about the supply chain and contracts available.

Find out more about the online event and how to register here.

Please note: Images were taken in January 2020

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing

D2N2 to provide funding to revitalise the heart of Chesterfield

24th September 2020

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire has approved an investment of £650,000 towards the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project (RHOC).

The funding, provided by D2N2 via its Local Growth Fund allocation, will support the £3.25m upgrade of the improvement works to the outdoor market as well as an extension of the public space in the town’s Northern Gateway area.

The Local Growth Fund enables D2N2, to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting greater numbers of jobs, homes, and learners.

The D2N2 funding will support the creation of 66 jobs as well as safeguarding 80 jobs on the outdoor market.

The upgrades to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway which includes Packers Row, a key pedestrian route into the town centre and Market, will re-balance the space available to the public in favour of pedestrians whilst also encouraging outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes.

The route will also feature a greater number of trees to help improve air quality for users of the street.

The new revitalised outdoor market will include better lighting and power; improved access and stall configuration; general paving repairs; and new flexible trading areas as well as the repair of all existing stall structures.

Overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council, the improvements to Packers Row will be complete by March next year with the redevelopment of the outdoor market due to be completed by November 2021.

D2N2 has provided funding for several infrastructure projects based in Chesterfield including the Hollis Lane Link Road, sites required the development of the HS2 station, improvements to the A61, and the Chesterfield Centre for Higher Level Skills.

D2N2 Interim Chair David Williams said: “D2N2 is pleased to be able to provide funding to revitalise the centre of Chesterfield which is an important step in the ambitious regeneration of the town.”

“Town centres will no doubt have an important role in our economic recovery from the pandemic and the firm commitment to maximising public space for pedestrians and local businesses should be a sign of how our urban centres will evolve in the years ahead.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will allow us to bring new life to our town centre and famous outdoor market, enabling us to attract more footfall and visitor spend, which will help support our local businesses and allow them to thrive.”

“This project will also ensure that the town centre, and the local economy, is well placed to recover as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We want to level-up towns across the country, ensuring they have the investment they need to continue to grow and thrive so that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone.”

“That is why we are investing £650,000 in the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Scheme which will improve the outdoor market, create new jobs, and make it easier for restaurants and cafes to set up outdoor seating.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Planning permission granted for a Health and Wellness Park at PEAK

24th September 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee have granted reserved matters planning approval for the development of a new Health and Wellness Park at PEAK.

The £40 million pound Park will consist of a multi-purpose international standard health and wellness clinic, world class hotel, specialist lodging and therapeutic gardens.

The Park will operate in the international and national health and wellness tourism market. Whilst this scale of facility is available in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland and Germany, the Park will be the first such facility in the UK. The development is expected to open in 2023.

The developer Peak Healthcare Parks Limited has also announced a partnership with UKIHMA for the delivery of the clinical provision. The UKIHMA is the national membership organisation which brings together the very best of UK Healthcare from across the public and private sector.

James Smith, CEO of Peak Healthcare Parks Limited said “We are delighted to be moving forward on this exciting project, our mission is to bring world class health and wellness facilities supported by beautiful and purposeful accommodation into the heart of the country alongside the original National Park. We will be working with PEAK, the local authorities and a leading academic institution as well as our partner UKIHMA to realise this.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The PEAK Resort offers an incredible opportunity for Chesterfield. It will further cement the area as a destination for tourists from both across the UK and the rest of the world, which in turn will create more good-quality jobs in our communities, provide opportunities for our businesses and will stimulate economic growth across the borough.

“The health and wellness centre will be a world class facility, which will specialise in rehabilitation as well as individual health and wellness programmes. Facilities like this are available internationally but this will be a first for the UK. This unique offer will further help ensure that this development receives the status and attention it merits.”

PEAK is an all year leisure, education, wellness and entertainment destination set in 300 acres of reclaimed parkland on the edge of the Peak District National Park and Chesterfield.

Find out more about the development and the investment opportunities available at the site.

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

University and councils team up to help Derbyshire firms create ‘net zero’ homes

23rd September 2020

The University of Derby is joining local partners from across Derbyshire next month to spearhead the ‘green recovery’ by making homes in the county more energy efficient.

Methods and approaches to ‘retrofit’ energy efficiency features in houses across Derbyshire will be the focus of an online Low Carbon Homes conference running over three mornings from 6-8 October, which is being supported by the University alongside Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and South Derbyshire District Council.

The free conference is aimed at local housing associations, developers, suppliers, installers, house builders and community organisations in the D2N2 region.

The event follows the government’s recent pledge of £50 million for local councils to carry out retrofitting work, as well as a list of recommendations made by the UK Citizen’s Assembly for Climate Change for finding local solutions to the challenge.

The goal is to make Derbyshire a ‘net zero’ area in terms of its carbon emissions ahead of the government’s 2050 target.

Dr Fred Paterson, Associate Professor for Sustainable Business at the University’s Business School, will chair the conference.

He said: “As a University with a strong civic commitment to our city and county, we are very pleased to be working closely with our local authority partners to respond to the climate emergency.

“To create a net-zero Derbyshire by 2050, we need to radically shift the energy efficiency of our homes. Domestic buildings in Derbyshire are responsible for 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the county and 9,000 homes need ‘deep retrofitting’ every year for the next three decades.

“That’s 179 homes per week for the next 30 years, so the time for action is now.

“This event provides an invaluable springboard for stakeholders across the region to take action on this important climate change solution.”

The event will focus on best practice in housing energy efficiency retrofit from around the country, looking at benefits, available technology and funding, skills and training, and community engagement.

Dr Paterson added: “This online housing retrofit conference aims to build better understanding of the local ‘net zero’ challenge and our responsibilities for action.

“It will create a platform for genuine collaboration that will support citizens, construction firms, architects, planners, housing associations, educators and public servants to ensure Derbyshire is a thriving, healthy and sustainable place to live in the second half of this century.”

To book a place at the conference, visit https://www.lowcarbonhomes.uk/events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Post-16 virtual careers fair launched to support Chesterfield and North Derbyshire recruitment during Covid crisis

23rd September 2020

An innovative online careers and employability platform, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been launched to help employers reach prospective apprentices in a virtual careers fair amidst the Covid-19 crisis.

The My Future platform aims to plug the careers information gap which has been left by Covid-19 by providing careers information to Year 11 and 13 young people.

It is completely free for young people to use. And showcases up to 100 businesses, education and training providers across 10 zones in a virtual careers fair setting. As well as providing information about the business, apprentice positions with the company are also advertised.

My Future has been developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub.

It is designed to provide support for young people facing uncertainty in their future as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The platform aims to give young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire access to the widest range of high-quality careers advice, employment support, skills and educational programmes.

Chesterfield-based Oasis Studio has designed the platform using innovative 360expo software.

The platform was launched to the business community by Destination Chesterfield at a virtual breakfast event on 23 September 2020.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The development of My Future has led to a truly innovative digital platform providing access to a wide range of careers advice, employment support, apprenticeships, skills and training programmes, all under one virtual roof. I hope that My Future will help young people to build the career and future that they want, so that we can continue to build a thriving borough together.”

Ahead of its launch to employers, careers leaders in the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, which works with 21 schools and colleges within Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, has already reached out to all Year 11 and Year 13 school leavers encouraging them to access the My Future platform.

On GCSE results day more than 150 young people logged on to the platform and spent on average 207 minutes exploring the virtual careers fair.

James Brand, D2N2 LEP board member and Managing Director of United Cast Bar, a Chesterfield-based business which is featured in the engineering and manufacturing zone on the platform, said: “My Future is a fantastic platform which we were delighted to get involved with. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to reach out to young people during these challenging times. The platform will offer real support and guidance to school leavers who have been unable to access the careers information they would normally have had to help them make informed decisions about their future.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, explained: “Everyone has worked tremendously hard to get the platform up and running. We have been overwhelmed by the support and involvement of businesses and training providers to make My Future happen and support local school leavers during this challenging time.”

D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub Lead Dan Heffernan said: “In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given high quality and relevant transitions support. My Future will ensure that we continue to inspire our future workforce, give them advice on their future career prospects, and showcase the types of next steps that are available.

“On behalf of D2N2 LEP I want to thank all of the organisations that have contributed to this project so far, all of whom are helping to transform the skills and employability agenda across North Derbyshire.”

Young people can take control of their future by visiting My Future and learning about the many opportunities available to them at www.myfuture.org.uk.

Employers who wish to have their business featured on the My Future platform should contact Emily Williams Emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk .

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

Bridge Help makes the move to new offices

23rd September 2020

A Chesterfield business has taken an exciting step forward in its growth ambitions.

Short term financing company Bridge Help has secured new office premises in Chesterfield.

The company has taken over the office suite of Dales and Peaks Estate Agents on Old Brick Works Lane, making the move from Bridge House on Hady Hill, Chesterfield. Dales and Peaks has relocated to 131 Chatsworth Road.

Bridge Help has experienced rapid growth since establishing its headquarters in Chesterfield at the start of the year. It has made a number of new appointments in 2020. Most recently, the company welcomed David Fielding to the team as an underwriter.

The move to larger premises enables Bridge Help to accommodate its growing team while observing social distancing measures in the office.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help explained: “Like many businesses right now, our staff are splitting their time between home and office working. However, increasing business, staff numbers and the COVID-crisis has led us to acquire larger premises. It’s a very good move for the business, giving us the space to expand the team further and accommodate social distancing and ensure all team members are safe.”

Despite the pandemic, Bridge Help is seeing no slow down of deals and has used video conference technology during the crisis to complete a number of loan applications, including a £1.2million refinance deal for a development site in Sheffield’s up and coming Kelham Island area.

As well as plans to make further appointments, the company is also shortly to launch its new co-funding proposition.

Chris added: “I am very excited for the future of Bridge Help. The current financial climate has shown a very real need for alternative lenders other than high street banks.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home