Development

New Buildings Progress at Markham Vale

Derbyshire based construction company B and K Building Services Ltd are making excellent progress on constructing the new building for Protec International at Markham Vale.

The steel framework has been completed enabling the placing of roof liner sheets to commence. The sub-base has been trimmed and works will commence shortly on casting the ground floor concrete slab. Other works to start during the month include fixing the wall cladding, the installation of a gas membrane and the installation of foul water drainage and the construction of surface water interceptors and outfalls.

A similar level of construction activity is underway on Enterprise Way on the MV55 speculative development for Henry Boot Developments.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics development located at Junction 29A of the M1 in Derbyshire, a joint venture between Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and Derbyshire County Council.

One of the region’s most successful industrial locations, Markham Vale is home to the likes of Great Bear, Gist, Ferdinand Bilstein and Sterigenics.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “We look forward to welcoming even more businesses at the site very soon and for those looking to relocate or expand, we still have opportunities available so please get in touch for more information.”

Find out more about relocating to Markham Vale and investing in Chesterfield.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

University of Derby rises in Guardian University Guide 2020

The University of Derby, which has a campus in Chesterfield, has risen three places in The Guardian University Guide from 29th to 26th place – its highest ever ranking.

As well as being ranked in the Top 30, Derby has been placed joint third out of 121 institutions for the number of students satisfied with teaching quality – a jump of 18 places in the league table for the metric.    

The University has also been placed in the Top 10 for student satisfaction with its courses and feedback. 

Welcoming the results from today’s The Guardian University Guide 2020, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “At Derby we have worked to deliver a powerful regional university that addresses the needs of our students, region and beyond. This has established us as a leading institution for social mobility, achieved through our academic and student frameworks, and highlighted by this latest Guardian University Guide position.

“This improvement is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, the support of key partners across the region, and our commitment to delivering excellence in teaching and learning, providing an outstanding student experience, and increasing graduate employability.

“It also demonstrates how our Strategic Framework and our values, which we launched almost a year ago to the day, are driving us forward to where we want our University to be – making a positive impact in our city, county and region, creating the next generation of game-changers, and opening doors of opportunity to anyone wishing to access education, regardless of their background.”

As well as an overall ranking, The Guardian University Guide 2020 also produces league tables for each subject area, which has seen some equally impressive performances for Derby.

These include Top 10 rankings for:

·         Accounting and Finance

·         Building and Town and Country Planning

·         Business, Management & Marketing

·         Criminology

·         Hospitality and Event Management

The University of Derby has also been ranked in the Top 20 for:

·         Art

·         Fashion & Textiles

·         Journalism, Publishing & Public Relations

·         Nursing & Midwifery

·         Social Work

The Guardian university league tables, published today, rank universities according to a variety of criteria considered most relevant to students, including students’ satisfaction with the course, teaching, feedback and student-to-staff ratio. Institutions receive an overall score and individual assessments are also given for a whole range of criteria including employability, spend per student and, new for this year, continuation.

Many prospective students rely on annual guides published by national newspapers and elsewhere to decide on where they will study, and Derby showed improved performance across a variety of criteria.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Huge jobs growth at Markham Vale

A record number of 2,236 people are currently employed at Markham Vale, an increase of almost 600 new jobs over the past twelve months.   The figures are the result of Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale Annual Jobs survey.

The 2,236 employees at Markham Vale is now more than the 2,000 people that were employed at the former colliery site in its 1980’s hey day.

There are over 50 companies based at Markham Vale across a range of industry sectors and of varying sizes, with a number of start-up companies employing two or three people and then there are the large multi-nationals employing two to three hundred.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics development located at Junction 29A of the M1 in Derbyshire, a joint venture between Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and Derbyshire County Council.

One of the region’s most successful industrial locations, Markham Vale is home to the likes of Great Bear, Gist, Ferdinand Bilstein and Sterigenics.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “We look forward to welcoming even more businesses at the site very soon and for those looking to relocate or expand, we still have opportunities available so please get in touch for more information.”

Find out more about relocating to Markham Vale and investing in Chesterfield.

Markham Vale MV55

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Former Post Office sold for residential development

FHP is pleased to announce the sale of the first and second floors of the old Post Office, Chesterfield to Balmoral Investment & Development Limited.

Following the refurbishment and letting of the ground floor to Loungers by PDR Construction, the upper floors were marketed with the benefit of a planning consent to convert the upper parts into 10 high quality apartments.

Phil Daniels at FHP commented “There is still an appetite for small scale town centre living and this property’s excellent location on the historic Market Square appealed to the purchaser for their rental model. We are currently advising a number of clients on former office properties suitable for residential development, with this market continuing to remain buoyant”.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “There are already a number of residential developments already underway in the town centre and the Old Post Office will further add to this. Town centre living is a key component to creating a modern town centre which has a thriving daytime and evening economy – which are both important to the town’s fortunes.”

Work will commence shortly on site for a scheme aimed at the rentals market.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Markham miners memorial unveiling marks halfway point

Eight new life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of a memorial to miners who lost their lives at Markham Colliery marking the halfway point in the project.

There are now 53 figures as part of the award-winning ‘Walking Together’ memorial – led by us – which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead.

Each figure is part of a walking trail which symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in three accidents at the site.

On 21 January 1937 an underground explosion claimed the lives of nine men and in 1938, 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured in a second explosion.

Eighteen miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury in the third disaster at the colliery when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed on 30 July, 1973.

The former colliery site has now been reclaimed by us and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale regeneration scheme which is working to create 4,100 jobs for local people.

Derbyshire County Council, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “It was a special and emotional day remembering the brave men that lost their lives in the three disasters at Markham Colliery.

“We are delighted that we have now commemorated 53 out of the 106 men with a life-size figure and have reached the halfway point in this important project.

“If you’d like to take part and support the project by sponsoring a figure please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

Each figure carries a tag with the name of one of the miners, along with their age and job role.

These most recent additions have been dedicated to:

  • Colin Gee-Pemberton, 30, Belt-hand
  • George Davison, 51, Contractor
  • Harry Taylor, 32, Belt Erector
  • James Allen, 25, Contractor
  • John Henry Bradford, 46, Ripper
  • Lawrence Jacklin, 28, Contractor
  • Leonard Keller, 26, Belt Turner
  • Stanley Lodge, 40, Belt erector

Relatives of the miners commemorated at the unveiling also attended the event to pay tribute.

The latest figures have been sponsored by:

  • Sutton-cum-Duckmanton Parish Council
  • Rex Procter and Partners and RPP Management Ltd
  • DLA Piper UK LLP
  • Burkitt and Foulkes families
  • Ian Whibberley
  • NT Killingley Ltd
  • Derbyshire County Council and through public donations

The Walking Together memorial has been designed by Cheshire-based artist Stephen Broadbent.

The memorial won the award for best volunteer project and the Markham Vale Heritage Group was also highly commended recognising the involvement of young people in heritage with its Story Mine project at this year’s Derbyshire Heritage Awards.

Markham miners memorial unveiling marks halfway point

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Discover the top 50 most profitable SMEs in North Derbyshire

BHP Accountants recently released their Top 50 survey of the most profitable SMEs in North Derbyshire. The report published in conjunction with the Derbyshire Times showcases many of the region’s most successful businesses, that all contribute hugely to the local economy.

Download the Top 50 SMEs in North Derbyshire

Dominic Staniforth, Partner at BHP Accountants said “Confidence in the region has been further bolstered by several-large scale leisure and retail redevelopments which are creating opportunities for employment and supporting the visitor economy. Of particular note are the Elder Way development, Peak Resort and Chesterfield Waterside, as a £320m scheme, is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.”

“This year’s Top 50 makes for optimistic reading.  SME’s aren’t being put off by uncertainty and they’re not content to sit tight. They’re maintaining momentum – continuing to push forward and remaining positive about the future.”

Find out more about support to grow your business in Chesterfield

Dunston Innovation Centre-Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New Advisory Board members sought by D2N2 LEP

Businesspeople are needed to join new Advisory Boards at the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, steering the future of an area with an economic output worth more than £45billion.

D2N2 is the private sector-led Local Enterprise Partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary organisations; which promotes economic growth in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It is England’s fifth largest LEP (of 37), covers an area with a population of over two million and has an economic output of around £45billion GVA (Gross Value Added).

The LEP manages over £500million in resources (via funding from the UK Government and European Union) to invest in its business growth, capital projects, infrastructure, employment promotion, social and community projects, and other services.

Twelve additional private sector board members are now being sought to join four new Advisory Boards for the D2N2 LEP; to better push forward on objectives to boost its area’s economic growth, as set out in its Vision 2030 Strategic Economic Plan.

The Advisory Boards, which will use their expertise and experience to advise the main D2N2 LEP Board, are:

  • Place Board (2 private sector board members needed) – The Place Board will advise the main D2N2 Board on ways to continually improve the quality of places people live and work in, and visit, across the D2N2 LEP area. This will include advice and proposals around vital infrastructure and connectivity (both transport and digital broadband), and the marketing and promotion of individual places; with reference to the ideas, implementation and investment proposals set out under the ‘Place’ key priority in the Vision 2030 Strategic Economic Plan.
  • People and Skills Board (2 positions available) – This Board will develop, put into practice and oversee delivery of the ‘People and Skills’ element of the Strategic Economic Plan; and be the Skills Advisory Panel for the D2N2 LEP. Board members will also lead on developing the ‘People’ element in D2N2’s upcoming Local Industrial Strategy, to be published early next year (2020).
  • Business Growth Board (4 positions available) – Its members will contribute to the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan ambition that, by 2030, the LEP’s area will have a world-class innovation-led, highly productive economy, with a global reputation for manufacturing excellence. The Business Growth Board will focus on making sure D2N2 LEP area businesses are backed in maximising their growth potential and productivity, by coordinating help available in the area and structuring how future support should work. Board members will oversee delivery of the D2N2 Growth Hub’s targets. The Growth Hub is part of the LEP and helps small and medium-sized enterprises via a wide range of free programmes.
  • Innovation Board (4 positions available) – The Innovation Board develops a strategic and coordinated approach to innovation activities, to drive forward the D2N2 LEP area’s economic growth ambitions detailed in its Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) and Science & Innovation Audit report. The Innovation Board will work with universities, policy-makers, delivery partners and businesses to improve the area’s productivity; as set out in the SEP’s ‘Innovation’ priority section.

D2N2 needs 12 new private sector board members to join these Advisory Boards, particularly those with expertise in the work of the Boards, to contribute towards the development of their policies and priorities.

Applicants should have significant experience of working within a successful business based within the D2N2 LEP area, so as to demonstrate credibility and achievement as a driver of private sector growth; be an excellent communicator; demonstrate real leadership; have a good knowledge of the D2N2 LEP area and its needs; and possess extensive business networks and contacts. They must also be available to serve on the D2N2 LEP Advisory Boards for up to three years; and to attend regular meetings and events; with one to two days per month needed for the role (expenses only are available for the roles).

The closing date for Advisory Board member applications is 12noon, Friday 14 June. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet the Chair of the Advisory Board they’ve applied to. An announcement will be made in July on successful applicants.

Elizabeth Fagan (below), Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our area’s economy faces great opportunities but also great challenges, in 2019 and beyond.”

“We want 12 private sector applicants for our four new Advisory Boards; to provide them with expertise, new ideas and to best reflect the communities we serve across the LEP area.”

Applicant packs, including a job description and required attributes, can be requested from the D2N2 LEP or downloaded from the D2N2 LEP website.

Applications should quote the reference ‘D2N2 Advisory Board Application’ and include a letter outlining how applicants’ experience and networks would benefit the LEP, paying particular attention to the ‘Experience and Attributes’ criteria outlined.

Please specify which particular board you are interested in and why. All applications will be acknowledged. Please submit your application to: sandra.casey@d2n2lep.org.

For initial enquiries, in confidence, please contact D2N2 LEP Chief Executive Officer Sajeeda Rose on 07879 350140 or email: sajeeda.rose@d2n2lep.org

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Extensive developments begin at Hotel Van Dyk

An extensive two-million-pound development is well underway at Hotel Van Dyk on Worksop Road, Chesterfield.

An entirely new state-of-the-art hotel is in the process of being built at the venue that will house over fifty new bedrooms, a luxury spa, new restaurant and additional wedding, meeting and conferencing facilities.

The new hotel, which will be located next to the existing building, will see Van Dyk significantly boost the local economy by employing over one hundred new staff in a variety of positions.

The development is set to make Van Dyk the premier location within Chesterfield for accommodation, food and drink, weddings and conferences.

Building work at the site began in March and is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Marc Wildes, Managing Director at Van Dyk, said: “We’re all really excited with how it’s coming together, not long ago it was all just a plan. To see it start to take shape is amazing.”

“I’m so proud to be able to offer a venue like this to the people of Chesterfield, we wanted to put something together that ticked all the boxes. I can’t wait for everyone to see it when it officially opens.”

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

Businesses encouraged to invest in Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Council have launched a new service to raise the profile of the county among the business community and encourage more companies to invest in the area.

It will:

  • raise the profile of Derbyshire globally to secure investment and create new jobs, acting as a shop window for why Derbyshire should be a destination of choice for investors
  • make it easy for investors to choose Derbyshire by providing a one-stop shop offering quality business support tailored to individual businesses’ needs ranging from help and support to choose the right site in Derbyshire to provide information on workforce skills and assisting with recruitment as well as offering guidance on financial incentives
  • use market intelligence to target businesses in growth sectors to attract them to Derbyshire

The service was launched on behalf of the Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DEP) at an event today on Friday 24 May 2019, attended by around 150 guests including investors, commercial property agents and local businesses.

Guest speakers at the event held at Holiday Inn, South Normanton, included Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis – speaking about the commitment to unlocking growth and promoting investment – and Managing Director of Toyota Europe Tony Walker, talking about why Toyota invested in Derbyshire and continues to grow its business in the county.

Also in the spotlight was Sally Ambrose from Chatsworth, talking about the estate’s impact on the local economy and how, as a key Derbyshire landowner, it will drive future opportunities to promote development in Derbyshire. And delegates also heard from Peter Storey, Head of Markham Vale, explaining what lies ahead for the council’s premier enterprise zone and why it has been so successful at attracting inward investment to date.

Councillor Lewis said: “Driving economic growth and creating more job opportunities for local people is a vital part of our ambitious plans for the future.”

“Derbyshire has so much to offer investors at both a national and global level. Its unique position at the heart of the UK together with excellent transport links and quality of life make our county an attractive place for businesses to locate invest, live, work and stay.”

Chairman of the Derbyshire Enterprise Partnership Richard Horsley added: “With its rich heritage of innovation and a broad range of development opportunities, Derbyshire has one of the strongest economic performances in the country and I am proud to launch the new service today.”

“With a diverse economy ranging from advanced manufacturing through to creative and digital industries, minerals and aggregates and tourism there are many opportunities for businesses and investors alike to thrive.”

The Invest in Derbyshire service is being delivered on behalf of both DEP and Derbyshire County Council, by award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby – a public-private partnership created to raise the profile of Derby and Derbyshire and attract investment.

Click here to find out more about Invest in Derbyshire.

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

Have your say on proposed new road in Chesterfield

Residents are being invited by Derbyshire County Council to have their say about a proposed new road in Chesterfield.

The road, which is currently being referred to as the Hollis Lane link road, is proposed to link Brewery Street via the station with the A632 at Spa Lane, Hady Hill.

It is part of wider plans by Chesterfield Borough Council to regenerate the area around Chesterfield train station for housing and business use and to improve parking. The proposals are part of the work being carried out jointly by the county and borough councils on how to maximise the benefits of the potential HS2 service which is proposed to serve the town.

Read more about the plans for Chesterfield Station.

If the proposals for the new road go ahead, it would improve access to the station from the south and reduce the level of traffic travelling through the town centre.

The road would be built in two phases. Phase one would include widening the junction of Spa Lane and Hollis Lane and upgrading traffic lights at the junction. This would help to manage the additional traffic. New steps and a ramp would be built to provide access for pedestrians from the underpass and a new cycle route would be created alongside the link road to connect with the existing railway station cycle route.

The second phase would extend the link road north towards the station and through to Brewery Street.

Under the proposals, Lordsmill roundabout and Piccadilly junction would also be improved to help traffic flow better along the A632.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“Investing in roads is one of our top priorities for ensuring our local economy can thrive and grow.

“The proposed road will open up opportunities for regeneration around the station as well as providing better access to the station and helping to cut congestion on existing roads in the area.”

A public exhibition will be held at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, S40 1QN on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 May 2019 so local people can find out more and give their views about the proposals.

Staff will be on hand to answer questions from 2pm to 6pm each day.

You can find out more information about the proposed Hollis Lane link road.

Anyone who is unable to make it to the event but would like to have their say can send their comments to Tom Mather, email: tom.mather@derbyshire.gov.uk by 7 June 2019.

All comments received will be taken into account before a planning application for the first phase of the work is submitted to Derbyshire County Council in the next few months.

There will be a further opportunity to comment as part of the planning process when the planning application is submitted.

Chesterfield at night

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Opportunities for local businesses on £22 million housing development

Gleeson Homes have planning permission for 175 two, three and four bedroom homes at Erin Road/The Grove, Poolsbrook.  Preparation is now well underway to enable work to start on site in summer 2019.

Understanding the importance of involving the community before and during the construction of developments, and leaving a legacy once works are complete, Gleeson Homes ensure they give priority of employment to people living within close proximity to each site, using local trades and working closely with subcontractors to help grow the company and share in their success.

Gleeson Homes are inviting local companies to a ‘Subcontractor Open Day’ event to find out how to tender for work connected to the construction of the new development at Poolsbrook.

The event will be held at Poolsbrook Social Welfare, 19 Cottage Close, Chesterfield S43 3LF, from 9am to 3.30pm on Friday 17th May 2019.

Opportunities include:

  • Joiners (labour only)
  • Bricklayers (labour only)
  • Groundworkers (labour and plant)

Subcontractor and materials:

  • Scaffolders
  • External Frames
  • Roof Tilers
  • Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • Plastering
  • Wall and Loft Insulation
  • Wall Tiling
  • Painter
  • Cleaner
  • Landscaping

Neil Johnson, Assistant Director Economic Growth for Chesterfield Borough Council said: “This is great news for Chesterfield that will have a positive impact on many local people looking to buy a new home. Preparation is underway and we hope that work will start in summer this year to develop 175 new properties.

“I would  encourage any local companies who are interested in tendering for construction work to come along to the subcontractor open day to find out more about the project.”

Gleeson Homes run a successful Apprenticeship Scheme with future opportunities on the company’s sites and at their Sheffield office, for local young people looking to start a career in the construction industry. They will also be conducting school visits to discuss Health and Safety and career opportunities.

A Gleeson spokesperson said “We’re delighted that we have been given the go ahead for this to develop the site.  I think local people will be pleased to hear that our new homes are extremely affordable, in most cases it’s cheaper to buy than to rent”

Anyone wanting more information about the Subcontractor Open Day can contact Gleeson Homes on marketing@mjgleeson.com or telephone 0114 261 2900.

Meet the buyer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development