Development

Chesterfield Manufacturer to Expand

23rd March 2015

Chesterfield manufacturer Krantech Holdings Ltd has been awarded a Regional Growth Fund (RGF) grant of £300K for a £1.5 million investment in a 10,000 square foot new factory based at Colliery Close in Staveley, Chesterfield. The state-of-the-art facility’s target completion date is March 2016.

The funding will see Krantech grow from 50 employees with the creation of 15 new jobs and the new manufacturing unit will compliment the company’s existing medium/heavy fabrication workshop.

The new building will meet additional requirements for precision CNC machining and large machining capacities in the Subsea oil and gas market sector and also new services, such as pressure testing and alloy steel exotic welding.

Mel Myronko, CEO at Krantech Holding Ltd said:-

“The RGF grant has enabled us to take the company to the next phase of development. It will enable us employ a number of local people and continue with our commitment to apprenticeships”.

“The new manufacturing unit will be state of the art and set up with the “paramount safety first” attitude pre-requisite, a necessity when working in the Oil/Gas sector. Meaning, Krantech Holdings Ltd will be well equipped in both H&S and technical ability to deliver on any specification from MoD, Marine, Aerospace and Track/Rail sectors, as well as general machining.”

“All this has been achieved with the assistance of Chesterfield Borough Council.”

Due to the expansion Krantech Holdings Ltd will also be expanding into new market sectors away from the oil and gas market sector, with a vision to provide services to local companies.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Barrow Hill to Benefit from £4.5m Facelift

23rd March 2015

A £4.5m improvement programme has been agreed for the London Boroughs estate at Barrow Hill.

The work, which was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council last week, will include new roads for better access, improved car parking and green spaces and new footpaths and shared courtyards.

The changes follow extensive consultations held in July and November last year to find out would make life better for residents and visitors.

Councillor Jim McManus, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Housing, said: “If you were designing the London Boroughs estate from scratch today there is no way you would build it as it is now.

“At the time the architects would not have foreseen the huge growth of car usage and the issues this creates for parking.

“You would also want to plan the links between roads, including the network of footpaths across the estate, in a much more logical way. At the moment it is a common site to see delivery drivers unable to find the address they are looking for.

“While we cannot change everything we believe that the proposals suggested meet the needs that residents identified in the public consultation process and will improve life in many ways for everyone living on the estate.”

A tender process will take place later this year to appoint a contractor to carry out the work.

The improvement programme is set to begin in January 2016 and should be completed by March 2017.

Further details can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Barrow-Hill-environmental-works-1498.html

The council’s cabinet has also approved plans to start a public consultation later this year to find out what improvements people living on the Holme Hall estate would like to see.

These schemes are the start of a planned programme of improvements for estates across the borough over the coming years.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Visiting

Saltergate Artwork Unveiled

18th March 2015

A piece of public artwork recognising Saltergate’s football heritage has been unveiled by Chesterfield Borough Council next to Barratt Homes’ new housing development.

Designed in consultation with Chesterfield FC supporters, the commemorative piece celebrates the football ground which occupied the site for almost 140 years – featuring the inscription ‘Saltergate 1871 – 2010’ as well as Chesterfield FC supporters celebrating a goal.

Known as ‘The Spirit of Saltergate,” the metal sculpture was designed by local artist Melanie Jackson, who also worked on ‘Growth,’ which is now on display at Horns Bridge Roundabout. Its stone base was supplied by locally-based Realstone Ltd in Wingerworth.

A series of 11 bronze plaques have also been produced with images associated with Chesterfield FC. Each has a QR code allowing people to scan them and watch short videos about the history of the club on their smartphones, with content having been supplied by Chesterfield FC Community Trust from its archives.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Planning said:

“Like many other Chesterfield FC supporters, I have many happy memories of matches at Saltergate and so it is good that this has been reflected in this artwork by Melanie Jackson and the plaques with details of the club’s history.

“I’m pleased current supporters were involved in developing the design for the artwork, which will allow future generations to see where Saltergate football ground stood.”

Peter Whiteley Director at Chesterfield FC Community Trust added: “It was a great idea to include the fans when thinking about commemorating the Club’s former home. I am proud of what the final artwork represents.

“It is also very exciting that there is a multimedia aspect to the piece and it can be a focus for the ongoing heritage work undertaken by the Community Trust.”

The Saltergate artwork is the second in a series of public art funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Barratt Homes following the Growth sculpture at Hornsbridge Island, also designed by Melanie Jackson.

The scheme also saw improvements made to the approach to Chesterfield Railway Station with funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Visiting

New Shopping and Leisure Development Proposed for Chesterfield

17th March 2015

Preliminary plans have been revealed for a new shopping and leisure development to be built in Chesterfield.

If given the go ahead, residents and visitors could soon see The Trumpter on Harehill Road in Grangewood transformed into a new pub or café, a convenience store and 3-4 independent retail units, which may include a hairdresser, launderette and takeaway.

Its hoped the scheme would create 30 jobs for the town.

A consultation has already taken place with local residents and groups in Grangewood and designs are now being finalised ready to submit a planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council over the next few weeks.

Commenting on the project, Martin Rix, of MAD architects LLP, said:-

”We are trying to create a new retail centre for the community, providing facilities and services which are much needed in the area, and hopefully this development can act as a catalyst for further improvements locally.

“Over the last couple of months we have been canvassing opinions from local residents & groups to ensure we are providing the right mix of shops and services on the site to ensure long term viability.”

Developer, Terry Caton added:-

“Caton Enterprises Ltd is a local business operating in Chesterfield for some 23 years. As such we didn’t just want to take away the facilities from the community. We wanted to look at this site in a different way.”

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped the centre would open to the public next year.

Further details about the proposed development, including a feedback questionnaire can be found on the architects website at www.madarchitects.co.uk and enquiries about the project can be made to the developer via email at development@thetrumpeter.co.uk.

(Artist’s impression courtesy of MAD Architects.)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Road Opens New Business Opportunities at Markham Vale

10th March 2015

Work to bring more businesses and jobs to Markham Vale will reach another milestone with the re-opening of Erin Road on Monday 16 March.

The road closed to motorists in August last year as part of plans to turn an area of land – where the former Seymour Colliery once stood – into commercial space for businesses, with the potential to bring an additional 2,000 jobs to Derbyshire.

Closure allowed for the removal of the ‘Bailey’ bridge over Erin Road, and for groundwork to begin for gas, water and electricity supplies.

Erin Road will now serve the next section of land to be developed at Markham Vale North and Derbyshire County Council has already received a number of enquiries from businesses looking to relocate to the new site.

Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Councillor Dean Collins said:

“We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and support while this important work took place.

“This is an exciting development for Markham Vale which takes us a step closer to achieving our long-term vision of creating 5,000 jobs for local people within the area as well as boosting the local economy.”

A total of £1.2m has been invested in the road refurbishment which has been funded as part of a £14.2m cash injection from the government.

Construction work will continue to join Erin Road to the Markham Vale North site and temporary traffic lights will be in operation during this time.

Posted in Business, Development

Former Chesterfield Court building receives planning consent

10th February 2015

The former Magistrates’ Court in Chesterfield has been given planning consent for office, retail and leisure use.

The Grade II listed Knightsbridge Court, is centrally situated in the town on landscaped grounds and comprises space in excess of 24,000 sq ft spanning over three floors –with suites available to let from 1,000sq ft upwards.

The building will offer businesses a distinctive space, appropriate for a range of uses such as dining, leisure, retail, education or offices.

Stuart Waite, associate director at Innes England’s Derby office, is handling the lettings on behalf of a private client. He said: “Since we were appointed on Knightsbridge Court, we have been in serious discussions with a number of occupiers regarding this building for a variety of uses.

“Occupier confidence is growing and with the economic forecast for 2015 looking positive – we are confident that the timing of this re-launch, along with the successful approval of planning for alternative uses, will see early interest converted into deals.

“We are working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council on this project, who have identified the Rose Hill and West Bars area of Chesterfield as a key strategic location for growth in its masterplan for the town.”

The property also benefits from 70+ parking spaces within its grounds.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Work starts on new Chesterfield College building

28th January 2015

Work has begun at Chesterfield College to create a new home for students studying plumbing, joinery and other building services courses.

The new structure, which is taking shape next to the A61 opposite the college’s existing campus on Infirmary Road, has been part funded by the Skills Funding Agency. Completion is expected by September 2015.

Principal at Chesterfield College, Stuart Cutforth explains, “This will be a fantastic new facility for our students studying a range of building services. We aim to bring the very best learning environment to every single one of our students, vitally this new building will have the latest facilities that prepare them for working out in today’s construction industry.”

The college is also updating parts of its tower building, a familiar sight on Chesterfield’s skyline. First of all the neon ‘Chesterfield College’ signage is being updated to an LED lighting system which is substantially more cost effective to run.

The oldest parts of the tower are also being updated with new double glazing and cladding that will not only update the look of the building but also improve its thermal efficiency, saving a considerable amount in heating costs.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Chesterfield College Launches New Creative Hub

26th January 2015

West Studios has opened its doors to showcase the new facilities it has available for creative businesses in Chesterfield.

The former boy’s grammar school on Sheffield Road has been completely renovated thanks to a grant from the European Regional Development Fund.

Part of Chesterfield College, the centre now offers workshop and office space, as well as access to business support that can help turn creative skills into successful enterprises.

Guests enjoyed an exhibition and auction at the event on Thursday 22nd January which featured a diverse range of work from current tenants – from silversmithing to sculpture, knitwear design to performing arts and much more.

Sharlaine Fincham, Manager of West Studios said:-

“It is wonderful to be able play a role in nurturing local creative talent in a way that will give creative industries in our region a real competitive edge.

“It’s evident that a facility like West Studios is needed as we are already working with so many fantastic businesses. We are helping our tenants with things like market research, using social media and other general business support that can really make a difference.”

Photographs from the launch event are on the Chesterfield Facebook page here.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Successful year for Markham Vale

20th January 2015

Developers are celebrating following an unprecedented year of activity at one of Chesterfield’s most prominent development sites.

Henry Boot Developments appointed six different contractors to build at the Markham Vale business park in 2014 as well as announcing speculative building proposals and five major deals.

The site has now commissioned a total of £30 million in construction projects on the 200 acre business park.

Edward Hutchinson from Henry Boot Developments said:-

“Markham Vale is an attractive location for a variety of occupiers which includes specialist distributors and manufacturers and supporting retail and offices requirements.

“The design and specification requirements for each plot vary greatly and it has proved successful for us to appoint contractors able to deliver the most competitive solution for specific occupier requirements.

In the last year Henry Boot has secured deals with Ready Egg Products for a new 34,700 sq. ft food processing plant, Holdsworth Foods 17,900 sq. ft cold store and Euro Garages complete with Shell petrol station with HGV facilities, a SPAR convenience store, Subway, Greggs and a Starbucks drive-through. It also completed work on site to deliver a new Marstons public house. In the autumn it secured Gould Alloys for a 50,000 sq. ft design and build requirement and agreed terms with inspirepac to build a significant new 100,250 sq ft production facility

Further deals are in negotiations which could see the East site at full occupation and allow Henry Boot Developments to bring forward plans for development of 80 acres on Markham Vale North.

Source:Henry Boot Developments via frenchpr

Posted in Business, Development

£400m Peak Resort development announced by Prime Minister David Cameron

15th January 2015

Prime Minister David Cameron announced Peak Resort, a £400m leisure development near Chesterfield, which will create 1,300 jobs.

The all-weather leisure, health, sport and education destination will be located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

The tourism development, which will bring more than 1,300 jobs to Chesterfield has been welcomed as a further sign of the borough’s economic strength.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign, both say the news that the Peak Resort project will soon get underway shows the private sector’s confidence about investing in the borough.

News about the start of work on the integrated all-weather, year round leisure, health, sport and education destination will be formally announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron during a visit to America.

Plans for the project – which is in the Chesterfield borough on the reclaimed opencast mining site, close to the Birchall Estate at Unstone, have been years in the making. It brings together leading hospitality, university, sport and medical expertise and will have 600 holiday apartments, hotel and hostel units with 250 woodland lodges.

Councillor John Burrows, Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic boost to Chesterfield and its economy and another sign of the confidence the business community has about investing in our borough.

“I congratulate the developer Rupert Carr for his determination and hard work to make this happen. I also thank the council’s planning and economic development teams who have worked closely with him and his company over many years to make this project a reality.

“The development will provide 1,300 jobs when it opens, and hundreds more during the construction phase, so the opportunities for local people to get new jobs will be tremendous.

“And once completed the venue will bring thousands of extra visitors to our borough, improving Chesterfield’s tourism offer, with the knock-on benefits that this gives to our local shops and facilities.”

The move has also received the backing of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign.

Chair, Peter Swallow said: “The benefits of Chesterfield’s proximity to the Peak District National Park will be fully realised with the announcement of Peak Resort.

“The investment by the US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group will put the town on the international map and I am confident Chesterfield will reap the domino effect of this investment far beyond the construction phase.

“Residents, retailers and developers in the area have an excellent opportunity now to capitalise on Peak Resort ahead of its opening and make Chesterfield the best it can be to ensure a positive lasting impression for all visitors.”

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, which represents businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “This is fantastic news and will totally transform both the economy and the tourism offer of Chesterfield and the Peak District.

“This scheme has been in development for many years, so it’s great to see it has finally secured the funding to bring it to fruition, along with the green light to make it happen.”

“The visitor economy, particularly in this part of the region, is a key driver of economic growth and this new development will further enhance the offering, draw more visitors to the area and make Chesterfield and the Peak District an even stronger proposition for potential investors.”

A new regeneration investment organisation, bringing together the two investors – Birchall Properties, led by Rupert Carr, and the US owned Grand Heritage Hotel Group – will be created to lead the project.

Work will start on site between March and April.

The Peak Resort Masterplan by Stanton Williams (Retina Images)

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

New facilities in Chesterfield for Derbyshire athletes

17th December 2014

A new satellite hub designed to help athletes from the Chesterfield area reach the top of their chosen sports has been unveiled.

The Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) programme is for elite performers and has been established as a legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games, with the aim of giving stars of the future the chance to push their sporting careers to the next level.

Support comes in the shape of strength and conditioning coaching, access to physiotherapists, nutritional advice and the provision of training facilities.

The main DIS hub is at the University of Derby, who, along with Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, provide funding to back around 50 athletes.

But two additional sites in Chesterfield – at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre – will ensure that those on the DIS programme based further north in the county will enjoy easier access to facilities.

Colin Deaton Table Tennis Academy player Isobel Ashley, 18, from Barrow Hill, is delighted she will now be able to spend more time training.

“The Staveley site is just five minutes from my school where I am studying for my A levels and means I can go straight to the gym there after,” she said.

“I can also use the sports hall to practise at Queen’s Park, as well as the swimming facilities, and it cuts down on the travel to Derby, which can take an hour or more at busy times.”

Golfer George Woolgar, 29, from Tapton, and a member at Chesterfield Golf Club, is aiming to win a place on the European Tour next year.

He said: “I’ve already trained at Staveley and it’s a great facility. It’s a massive help knowing that these places are on my doorstep.”

Another golfer on the DIS programme is 22-year-old Jamie Boler, from Chesterfield. “We can, and will, still travel to Derby some of the time, but training in the town over the winter is going to be a great help,” he said.

The deal between DIS and Chesterfield Borough Council was officially signed on Wednesday morning (December 16) at the Market Hall, Chesterfield.

“It’s a significant development and an opportunity to build on the already great things that Chesterfield people are achieving in sport,” said Mick Blythe, Vice-Chair of Active Chesterfield.

“It gives the community confidence that the right things are in place to give people that final extra value that’s needed to sustain a high performance level.”

Cllr Amanda Sarjeant, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, at Chesterfield Borough Council added: “The link ties in well with the other work we are doing to support promising young athletes, such as the ICON bursary programme and the Chesterfield School Sports Partnership.”

Although still relatively new, the DIS programme is already beginning to bear fruit, with Tansley shooter Caroline Povey having used her backing to help secure a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Glasgow this summer.

Ilana Freestone, Director at Derbyshire Sport, which manages the DIS programme, said: “We are trying to give athletes from across Derbyshire the best possible chance to succeed. It’s important to provide local facilities for local athletes.”

Caption: From left to right, Ilana Freestone (Director at Derbyshire Sport), George Woolgar (DIS golfer), Jamie Boler (DIS golfer), Isobel Ashley (DIS table tennis player), Councillor Amanda Serjeant (Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Chesterfield Borough Council).

Source:Derbyshire Sport

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development