Development

Derbyshire building boom prompts further recruitment for DBCP

Derbyshire’s building boom has prompted Chesterfield Champion Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) to further strengthen its team of building control surveyors.

Experienced building control surveyor Sarah Pearce and trainee building control surveyor Christian Ellis have joined DBCP.

Based out of the company’s Derby office, Sarah and Christian will be covering Derby and South Derbyshire working with builders, architects and property owners in the area.

Christian’s appointment addresses the construction industry’s concerns around a shortage of building control surveyors which could threaten the current growth rate of the UK construction sector. Christian is one of two graduate trainees and a building control apprentice employed by DBCP as it seeks to invest in its workforce at all levels.

Welcoming Sarah and Christian to DBCP, Managing Director Neil Johnson said: “Innovations in building technology and a government pledge to build a million new homes by 2020 all add to the future demands for building control expertise. This is why, as a business, we have really focussed on recruitment in recent months to further add to the resources, skills and experience of the team. We offer a strong service throughout Derbyshire, one that is matched to the current construction boom regionally and nationally.”

Christian, from Wirksworth, has recently completed a Biology degree at the University of Lincoln. He joins the company as a trainee where he will combine work and study over the next two years to complete a Level 4 Diploma in HNC Construction and the Built Environment.

He explained: “I’ve been around building all my life; I even grew up on a construction site and knew it was what I wanted to do when I left university. Although biology and building control seem very difference there are a number of transferable skills to take from my university course to this role.”

In his spare time, Christian likes to play and watch a number of sports and enjoys going to the gym with his friends.

Sarah, from Fleckney, in Leicestershire, has more than 15 years’ experience in building control and joins from Oadby and Wigston Council. She commented: “The move to DBCP has given me the opportunity to focus on my role and provide a great building control service. There is so much behind the scenes support at DBCP which makes it a great environment to work in.”

Outside work, Sarah enjoys cycling and runs her own cycling group on Saturday mornings. She is soon to complete RideLondon, a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for Action Aid – a charity that works with women and girls living in poverty.

DBCP is the recommended building control service provider in Derbyshire and is responsible for ensuring that all new construction, conversions, alterations and extensions are built to a minimum standard and meet certain health, safety and welfare standards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

UKATA re-elects chair for second term

In an unprecedented move, Chesterfield Champion UKATA has elected Graham O’Mahony as its Chair for a second term. Graham will be the only Chair to hold the position for two consecutive terms in the Association’s 10+ years’ history.

Graham is supported in his role by Stuart Miller, who was also re-elected as Deputy Chair at the AGM held on 4 July 2019.

In his position of Chair, Graham will continue to lead the 10-strong Board of Directors, who provide strategic direction and governance to the Association.

Combining this volunteer position alongside his role of Managing Director of ATL Safety Limited, Graham has worked in the construction industry for more than 26 years, delivering asbestos training for nearly 20 years. A pioneer in the field of asbestos training and standards, Graham was an asbestos surveyor and delivered training in asbestos handling prior to the introduction of comprehensive asbestos regulations.

Graham has been instrumental in the development of UKATA since its formation in 2008 and its subsequent growth to become the largest not for profit asbestos training providers association in the UK. As an active board member, Graham has developed a number of UKATA’s industry-leading courses, including the popular Duty to Manage course.

Commenting on his re-appointment, Graham said: “My decision to stand for re-election stemmed from the fact that I feel I have so much more to give to UKATA which will benefit all members. I am delighted to be re-elected to the position of Chair. Together with my fellow board members we are committed to taking UKATA from strength to strength.”

Welcoming Graham’s re-appointment, UKATA Chief Operating Officer Craig Evans, pictured with some of the UKATA team below, added: “Graham’s extensive knowledge of the industry has been key in the development of UKATA. Together we both acknowledge that UKATA can make further impact on improving the industry’s understanding of the dangers of asbestos and we shall be taking a number of exciting developments forward in 2019 and beyond in order to make a very real difference in helping reduce the risks surrounding asbestos.”

UKATA is a leading authority on asbestos training. UKATA approved training is accessible throughout the UK. To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call the team on 01246 824437.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Barrow Hill Roundhouse to restore railway gem

Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield will bring an historic steam locomotive back to life after purchasing the 1880s gem.

The trading arm of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society has agreed to buy the Class 1F Half Cab No 41708 from the 1708 Locomotive Preservation Trust for an undisclosed sum.

The locomotive, which has been on display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield for the last 15 years, will be refurbished and returned to steam, 10 years after the first attempt by the charity to acquire the locomotive with the backing of the National Railway Museum at York.

The Half Cab spent the majority of its working life at the Roundhouse and Staveley Works, where it was allocated for shunting duties, between 1947 and 1965.  It returned to Barrow Hill in July 1998 to star in the Roundhouse’s public reopening following the successful campaign to save the unique building from demolition. The locomotive made several further visits between 1998 and 2002 before returning to its home shed on a permanent basis in 2004.

Mervyn Allcock, Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society spokesperson said: “We have now finalised the deal and are looking forward to bringing the 139-year-old engine out of the shed and back into use with funds we have already set aside and with a fundraising campaign which will be launched in 2020, the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Roundhouse.”

“The restoration and rebuild project will start with a detailed examination of the locomotive in order to understand exactly what needs to be done to bring it back into steam. We are very grateful for the support and advice given to us by Wake Smith which has enabled us to secure the locomotive’s future as an intrinsic part of the Barrow Hill story.”

The Class 1F locomotive was designed by Samuel Johnson, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Midland Railway from 1873 to 1903. Used for hauling freight, shunting and some branch line passenger use, 185 of the class were built in Derby. This particular locomotive was built in 1880, numbered 1418. It was rebuilt about 20 years later and re-numbered 1708.

It underwent another change of identity to 41708 when the locomotive passed into the ownership of British Railways in 1948. By the time it arrived at Barrow Hill in 1947, only 72 of the original 185 locomotives remained in service. By 1961 there were 11 class members and the last five, including 41708, were withdrawn in September 1965. The class only lasted as long as this because the Midland Railway had signed a contract for 100 years in 1866 to provide shunting engines to Staveley Works.

41708 is the only Class 1F to have been preserved. It is also one of only two locomotives which worked at Barrow Hill which have been preserved. The other Barrow Hill survivor is a diesel shunting engine, Class 10 D4092, which is also based at the Roundhouse.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable. Built in 1870, it was threatened with demolition in 1991 when the site was closed by British Rail. It was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers who transformed it into a unique railway museum and events venue.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

Shorts advises on sale of JW Hutchinson Funeral Service

Shorts has acted as lead financial advisors to Alison and Anthony Corbett on the sale of Funeral Directors, JW Hutchinson to A.W Lymn The Family Funeral Service.

JW Hutchinson was established in 1904, and over four generations have served the region’s communities. It was an important consideration to find a buyer with similar values, when the owners decided to sell.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “We are delighted to have advised Alison and Anthony on the successful completion of this transaction, and we look forward to seeing the continuing success of the business under new ownership.”

Anthony and Alison Corbett said “We were extremely happy that when we made the decision to sell J W Hutchinson we were able to agree a sale with another family owned funeral directors, AW Lymn The Family Funeral Service. The families have known each other for generations so we know the company and its clients are in safe hands. We were supported through this from the start by both Shorts and our solicitor, with their help and advice making what could have been a stressful time into a smooth and successful sale.”

Matthew Lymn Rose added “A.W.Lymn The Family Funeral Service are thrilled to have been able to acquire J. W. Hutchinson Funeral Service in Rainworth.  As another family business, having served the people of Rainworth for generations, we felt the fit between the two businesses was excellent.  In the first ten months we have had a complete refurbishment of the premises, the two full time staff members Wendy and David continue to work in the business based at the Rainworth Office, and both have enrolled onto the National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in Funeral Directing course to enhance their qualifications, and the fleet have been updated with a Rolls-Royce ceremonial fleet in keeping with the original vehicles operated by the family firm.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Town unites to tackle Climate Emergency

More than 60 people attended Chesterfield’s first Climate Emergency People’s Assembly which took place on Sunday 21st July.

The day-long event gave those attending the opportunity to voice their concerns on climate change and work together to draw up strategies for taking positive steps as individuals and in communities towards a sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by Clare Gage, a local mum and ceramicist, who through her membership of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been supported to bring people together to form a ‘Peoples Assembly’ and put action into the hands of individuals.

A group ranging in age from 8 to 80 came together for the day and included individuals new to community action, as well as members of local campaign groups. The activities were led by Martin Yarnit and Perry Walker from Talkshop, making sure that everyone has a voice in the matters that concern them. The morning session was used to tease out key issues and establish areas of interest. Groups focused on specific issues such as transport, food production, environmental education and holding to account politicians and corporate business, all to encourage people to adopt new practices to help lessen our impact on the planet.

Some attendees agreed to continue meeting to further develop action plans and a follow-up People’s Assembly meeting will be held in September.

Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant were in attendance, a reassuring sign for the attendees that local council and central government alike are recognising the concern from local people about the issues.

Clare said afterwards: “As the organiser of the People’s Assembly I found it fantastic to see so many people from our town gather together.”

“We tackled tricky questions about how we could make a difference in the face of the climate emergency. Difficult issues were discussed, and we looked for practical solutions.”

“I am proud of how respectful our community was of one another and pleased to see what progress can be made when we come together as a team. This is just the start. Our town can be a place where people are empowered to create positive change.”

Follow up activity will take place in September with a meeting arranged for 15th September at 11am. Find out more at www.facebook.com/createchangechesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Summer, Visiting

Avant Homes searching for local expertise to help deliver 173 new homes in Chesterfield

Chesterfield-based housebuilder Avant Homes Central is searching for local contractors and tradespeople from around the region to help it deliver 173 homes on its exciting new development.

The developer is holding a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event from 10am-3pm on Friday 9 August at Chesterfield Borough Council, Town Hall , Rose Hill in Chesterfield, where interested businesses will be able to meet key decision makers and find out how they can tender to be involved in the construction of its Waterside Quarter development.

Initial earthworks are already underway on the £36m Waterside Quarter development, which is a key part of the £340m Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme on the edge of Chesterfield town centre.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “We want to support Chesterfield businesses and create jobs for local people in the construction of our developments in the town. There are a wide range of opportunities for skilled tradespeople to help us build 173 homes and I’d encourage all local businesses to join us at this event and learn more about how they can tender for the numerous jobs available.”

Opportunities at Waterside Quarter include brickwork, scaffolding, roof tiling, windows, joinery, electrical installation, plumbing and heating, wall insulation, loft insulation, plastering, painting and decorating, wall tiling, mastic and sealants, cleaning, fencing, landscaping and more.

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

“This is an exciting project that will see 173 new homes built in the borough, so I would encourage any local business with an interest in being a part of this project to attend the Meet the Buyer event to find out what opportunities may be available for their workforce.

“In addition to the Meet the Buyer event, Avant Homes will also be hoping to employ apprentices on site to further support skills development in the town.”

Avant Homes Central is located at Holmewood Business Park on Chesterfield Road. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Poster – Meet the Buyer Event – Avant Homes Chesterfield

Avant Homes' Waterside Quarter will offer Chesterfield Waterside

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New car park to open to the public

A new multi-storey car park has been developed in the heart of Chesterfield and will be open and ready to be used by residents and visitors to the town tomorrow (30 July 2019).

The Saltergate car park is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council and is located on Saltergate close to local shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

With 526 spaces, the new car park is open 24 hours and has wider spaces than the previous car park it replaces.

It also has six electric vehicle charging points initially installed but there will be the capacity for an additional 10 as required if demand increases (16 in total).

There are also 32 disabled spaces and 15 parent and child spaces available.

Access to the new multi storey car park is controlled by barriers at both the entrance and exits, with drivers collecting a ticket on their way in to the car park. This ticket will then be needed to come through the pedestrian entrances.

The car park is un-manned but has CCTV running throughout and an attendant can be contacted by pressing the call button on the payment machine if users lose their ticket for example.

Works on the car park have been carried out in a timely fashion and on budget, with this development being part of the  Northern Gateway development which includes the privately-led Elder Way scheme, home to the new Premier Inn hotel, the Council’s new enterprise centre and street improvements to Elder Way and Knifesmithgate.

Councillor (Cllr) Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “I am delighted that the car park is now open and ready for people to use. This secure car park is open 24 hours a day, all year round so I am sure it will serve shoppers, those staying at the new Premier Inn hotel on Elder Way and commuters.”

“Chesterfield Borough Council is committed to serving and supporting communities by investing in new facilities such as this to make the town a great place to live and visit. It’s a priority to make Chesterfield a thriving borough. This is the latest regeneration project that is helping to develop the town centre and I’m confident it will be well-used for years to come.”

“With the number of electric vehicles on our roads rising, we made it a priority to have six charging points available at Saltergate, with this number rising to 16 depending on the demand”.

The Northern Gateway Scheme has been funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

Saltergate car park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Reserved Matters planning approval granted for office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

Only weeks after the green light was given for the construction of 173 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside, permission has been granted to deliver 32,000 sq ft of high quality, grade ‘A’ office accommodation together with ground floor retail space of 5,286 sq ft at the £340million development.

Chesterfield Borough Council has granted reserved matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the seven-storey office building which represents the first step in delivering Phase 1 of the Basin Square neighbourhood at Chesterfield Waterside.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the new office building is the first grade A office building to be delivered in Chesterfield for some time and will provide much needed ‘grade A’  office accommodation for the towns businesses. The sites location adjacent to Chesterfield town centre will enable occupiers to benefit from the full range of  services that the Town can offer. The site is also situated adjacent to Chesterfield train station and benefits from excellent access to the A61, providing an attractive location to businesses throughout the region.

Developer of the Waterside site, Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc, is already engaged in commercial negotiations with occupiers for the majority of the space within the new building.

When complete, the first phase of the £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of residential apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the newly constructed canal basin. Bolsterstone reports significant interest from both investors and occupiers in all aspects of Phase 1 of Basin Square  and hopes to be in a position to make further exciting announcements shortly.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Waterside continues to move forward apace. The granting of reserved matters planning approval for the office building at Basin Square is another major milestone for the development and also Chesterfield’s business community, as the local property market is currently lacking in the supply of high quality, large floorplate office space. It is an exciting stage in the development’s timeline.”

Welcoming the news, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Chesterfield Waterside is a substantial development for the borough with business, retail and resident elements.”

“I’m really pleased to see the development move a step forward with the reserved matters approved for the high-quality office accommodation at Basin Square and look forward to work beginning on site.”

“With its central location and excellent transport links, Chesterfield is a great location for business and we have a proven track record of growing local businesses and for existing businesses locating here and this will complement the current business accommodation in the borough.”

The scheme is making significant progress in 2019 with Avant Homes beginning the construction of 173 two, three and four-bedroom homes at the site. Named Waterside Quarter, Avant Homes’ £36 million development will form part of The Park character area of Chesterfield Waterside and will be the company’s largest site in the Chesterfield area to date.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

For further information about office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside visit www.chesterfieldwaterside.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Speaker line-up announced for 2019 Chesterfield Investment summit

One of the 100 most influential women in technology, Polly Barnfield OBE, is headlining the speaker line-up at the third Chesterfield Investment Summit which is being held on Wednesday 11 September.

Founder and CEO of Maybe*, Polly is part of the UK Government’s High Street Task Force which was launched by High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP on 2 July to support local leaders to revitalise high streets and town centres.

As part of her presentation, Polly will address how Chesterfield businesses can use social media analysis to attract shoppers and revitalise the modern high street.

The free to attend business event, which is being held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield from 8.30am – 12 noon, will give delegates a detailed overview of investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The event is organised by Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Destination Chesterfield and Marketing Derby joint partners in the EU funded Invest in D2N2 project with a focus on promoting Derbyshire both nationally and globally as the place to invest for growth and quality of life. The event is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

In addition to Polly Barnfield, speakers at the event will also include by Peter Storey, Head of Markham Vale at Derbyshire County Council who will update on  the 200-acre business park considered to be Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme and Dr. Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.

As well as the keynote speakers, there will be a networking breakfast, exhibition and a question and answer panel with speakers and local decision makers.

Commenting on the event, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The town is renowned for bucking the trend, from retail figures to tourism, but we must not rest on our laurels. The annual Investment Summit is an excellent opportunity for the business community to come together and understand the investment potential of the town, be enthused for the future and work with each other to ensure we achieve Chesterfield’s potential.”

Places at the free business event are limited and booking is essential. To secure your place, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

Chesterfield Investment Summit 2018

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

Five Chesterfield parks keep their Green Flags

Five of Chesterfield’s parks maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council have once again received Green Flag awards.

The parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, received the recognition from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy after inspections held last month.

The Green Flags were awarded to:

  • Eastwood Park, Hasland
  • Holmebrook Valley Park
  • Poolsbrook Country Park
  • Queen’s Park
  • The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, which are maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, which consists of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m really proud of the quality of the parks and open spaces we have here in Chesterfield.”

“They are appreciated by our residents and visitors and are a credit to the staff and volunteers who work hard year-round to maintain them to the highest standards which have once again been recognised by the Green Flag award.”

This international award is a sign to the public that the green spaces space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Upgrades to Chesterfield Railway Station included in new rail plan

An ambitious new plan for the future of the Sheffield City Region’s rail network has been launched by Mayor Dan Jarvis.

The Integrated Rail Plan, has been welcomed by the Department for Transport. It was produced by Sheffield City Region and its local authority partners, supported by organisations including Transport for the North (TfN).

It sets out a vision for how the region will be better connected by both high speed and conventional rail networks into the future – regionally, across the North, and nationally.

The plan recognises that, while the benefits of national investment in HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), should be maximised, there needs to be ongoing, complementary investment in the local and regional rail and road networks. By doing this, the plan can best improve capacity, reliability, affordability, and journey times for communities and businesses across the Sheffield City Region.

Key elements of the plan include a proposed new Barnsley Dearne Valley railway station, with the preferred location on a site in Goldthorpe; the creation of a new Midland Main Line station in Rotherham; an East Coast Main Line railway station at Doncaster Sheffield Airport; extension of the Tram-Train, the upgrade of the Hope Valley Line; and significant upgrades of the railway stations at both Sheffield and Chesterfield, to accommodate HS2 services.

Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “This is a landmark moment for our region. For the first time, Government, regional partners and our local authorities have come together to welcome a vision for the future of our rail services, creating a Plan that will revolutionise rail travel for our communities.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I welcome the integration and improvements plans of routes between Chesterfield and other locations in the north of the country.

“The arrival of HS2 in Chesterfield is a fantastic opportunity to improve transport links at our railway station and we are confident that our residents will benefit from these changes.

“This also opens great opportunities for local people in terms of our growing economy, new jobs and the improvement of journey times.

“The plan continues to emphasise the importance of delivering the HS2 Station Master Plan, but there are some other initiatives linked to the Northern Powerhouse investment decision that will help to achieve objectives including further track investment and the proposal of services stopping twice per hour in the borough.”

hs2

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development