Development

Work begins on 22 new council homes in Chesterfield

More than 20 new homes are to be built in Chesterfield – helping increase the number of affordable council homes available in the borough.

The latest project will see the addition of 22 new council properties, located at various sites across Staveley and Middlecroft, as Chesterfield Borough Council continues with its commitment to increasing the number of properties available to families.

Construction of the new-build properties is now well underway after local councillors joined representatives from Fortem Solutions Limited, the council’s main contractor, to break ground on one of the sites and kick-start the project.

The project will see the addition of two three-bed bungalows on Ringwood Avenue and two two-bed bungalows at Court Place, four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way, two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close, nine three-bedroom houses on Westwood and three three-bedroom houses at Aston Court.

In line with its climate change strategy, the council is committed to ensuring its properties are energy efficient and these new homes are set to benefit from renewable energy sources.

Each property will be fitted with an air source heat pump for the heating and hot water, whilst solar panels will be installed on the roof with battery storage to generate electricity.

Electric vehicle charging points will be installed on all of the properties to support lower carbon transport options.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and once built, these new properties will provide a welcome addition to our housing stock and let to people on our housing register.

“The number of people on the housing register has risen in the last year as more people look for affordable housing options as a result of the rising cost of living, and we’re working hard to meet this demand by increasing the number of affordable, modern and accessible homes that are available for families in our borough, so we’re really pleased that works are now underway.

“We are fully committed to helping achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050 and are working hard to make sure that our homes are as energy efficient as possible and these new homes will help us to achieve this. The measures in place will not only help us towards our target but will also help reduce fuel bills for our tenants.”

Tom Nicholson, commercial manager at Fortem Solutions Limited, said: “We are delighted to commence these works, partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council, delivering efficient new homes in the borough. In our pre-construction interactions, the council has showcased a commitment to clear communication, decisive decision-making, and a shared vision for project success, which shows the true partnership we have developed together over the years.

“Our collaborative, pro-active approach to project planning and engagement has set a positive tone for our partnership. I am confident that the synergy between our teams will contribute to a streamlined construction process, fostering an environment for further effective collaboration and successful handover of these new properties.

“We look forward to the commencement of works, and we are excited about the prospect of working hand-in-hand with the council once again to bring our shared vision to life.”

If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about living in the town here.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Fortem Solutions support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

New council houses CBC Fortem

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Chesterfield drinks business ‘in good spirits’ after move to new Vicar Lane store

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has announced the opening of independent Spirits & Beer Specialist, Street Spirit following its impressive growth in the town.

Previously Ginspired, which was based in Chesterfield’s Market Hall, Street Spirit has now expanded to a unit at Vicar Lane.

The store celebrated its opening with a complimentary rum, gin and tequila tasting event which saw over 300 visitors visiting the store.

The store stocks over a thousand different bottles including Gin, Whisky, Rum, Craft beer, local real ale, cider, and more. There are also local products from Derbyshire producers.

Street Spirit will be running a range of free tasting events on the dates below;

• Thursday 7th December 4pm-8pm – festive Tomatin Distillery whisky tasting and mince pies
• Thursday 14th December 1pm-4pm – gin & Whisky tasting with Forest Distillery
• Friday 15th December 1pm-4pm – spirits tasting with Mavericks Drinks.

The store is located on 10 Steeplegate next to Vintage Tea Rooms and will be open every day. For opening times and more information, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/stores/street-spirit/.

Matt Darken, Owner of Street Spirit says: “The impact of moving my business to Vicar Lane has been hugely positive, with a large increase in visitors to the shop and great interest in the products we offer, we’re on course for a record Christmas. I hope Street Spirit compliments the other high quality independent business we have here, it’s clearly an attractive area for shoppers from Chesterfield and further afield. The move here has been smooth and I’ve had great backing from the staff, management and support team at Vicar Lane.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to be able to support yet another local business in the heart of Chesterfield. This is the perfect place for shoppers to get Christmas gifts for loved ones and we hope everyone enjoys browsing the fantastic range of products in store.”

Chesterfield is home to a wide range of independent shops and national retailers, providing a unique shopping experience alongside plenty of food, drink and fun. Find out more about visiting our town. 

To find out more about the benefits of setting up your new business in Chesterfield, head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Street Spirit Vicar Lane

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New community forest in North Derbyshire set to flourish

Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest has officially set down roots with the first tree being planted as part of the Government-funded initiative to improve access to nature by providing more green space in areas of the county with fewer woodlands.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, planted an oak tree on a countryside site on former colliery land in Glapwell, to mark the start of the forest’s creation along the eastern and southern fringes of the county.

It follows the council’s successful bid to develop one of two new Community Forests – the other being created in Tees Valley – to join the existing network of 13 England’s Community Forests.

England’s Community Forests are located in and around large towns and cities, providing urban, economic and social regeneration, championing green infrastructure and creating high-quality environments for millions of people.

So-called because of its location at the heart of England, Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will occupy a central position between the National Forest to the south and the Greenwood Community Forest in Nottinghamshire, providing the missing link to join up these two woodland areas.

Trees will be planted on pockets of available land stretching over a geographic area of approximately 289 square miles within communities along the eastern border of the county and areas in the south of the county including:

  • Amber Valley – Alfreton, Somercotes, Heanor, Ripley, Codnor.
  • North East Derbyshire – Aston, Clay Cross, Dronfield, Eckington and Killamarsh, Sutton, Wingerworth, Shirland.
  • Bolsover – Barlborough, Clowne, Bolsover, Shirebrook, Pleasley, South Normanton, Pinxton, Tibshelf, Glapwell.
  • Chesterfield – Birdholme, Boythorpe, Brampton, Brimington, Chesterfield, Loundsley Green and Newbold, Staveley, Whittington.
  • Erewash – Breadsall, West Hallam, Breaston, Horsley, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre.
  • South Derbyshire – Etwall and Repton, Hilton, Melbourne, Sawley.
  • Derby.

The project aims to plant 300,000 trees on publicly accessible land by March 2025, supporting Derbyshire County Council’s ambition to help facilitate the planting of a million trees by 2030.

Councillor Renwick said: “Derbyshire is well-known for being home to the rural villages and rolling hills of the Peak District, but our county is also characterised by communities in former coalfields and industrial heartlands.

“Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will bring together these urban areas, where more than three-quarters of the county’s population of 797,000 people live, helping to provide more green space for residents on their doorstep, boosting biodiversity, improving air quality and access to nature – which we know boosts people’s health and wellbeing.

“We’re very pleased that Derbyshire has been chosen to create a Community Forest, which will also add value to Derbyshire’s tourism and visitor economy and bring the potential for the growth of new businesses and jobs in the area through nature-led regeneration of industrial landscapes.

“The next stage is to link up with local landowners to look at where we can start planting and encourage groups and individuals to take ownership and get involved in creating woodland havens in their communities to create a positive legacy for generations to come.”

 

Tree planting in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest will be supported by the England’s Community Forests Trees for Climate fund, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate programme. £50,000 has been awarded to fund initial development work for the new Community Forest.

The forest will be established in three phases with the third phase centred around establishing a new Community Forest Charitable Trust from April 2025 onwards to manage and maintain the Community Forest in the future.

Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest promises to be a tremendous community asset for the county. Woodlands and trees are the beating heart of so many communities – absolutely essential to supporting our health and wellbeing, alongside being home to some our most unique wildlife.

“The nation’s network of Community Forests play a really important role in contributing to our ambitions to increase tree planting across the country to meeting net zero ambitions, as well as increasing biodiversity. I look forward to seeing the progress as Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest starts to take shape and become a woodland for generations to enjoy long into the future.”

 

Paul Nolan, Chair, England’s Community Forests, says:  “It’s fantastic that we have two new Community Forests joining our growing partnership, bringing the total number of Community Forests up to 15. Both Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest and Trees on Tees will receive key support from the Government’s Nature for Climate fund through the Trees for Climate programme, helping to introduce more trees to areas most in need.

“Communities in both areas will be both part of the transformation and benefit from the creation of the forests, improving the local environment and connecting more people to nature.”

 

If you are a local landowner with land available to plant trees in Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest area then the county council would like to hear from you, email heartwood@derbyshire.gov.uk for more information.

Heartwood community forest

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Chesterfield-based addictions charity to offer new services to residents

A Chesterfield charity which has supported local people for almost three decades has expanded its offer.

Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service (DAAS) has been a primary source of alcohol support in Derbyshire for almost 30 years.  It began life as North Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service, operating from a single room in Chesterfield with 3 part time counsellors.  It is now a county wide organisation with 30 staff and volunteers providing alcohol, drug and gambling support as well as running projects for our military veteran community.

The organisation has developed so dramatically over the last few years that the name is no longer fully representative of the work that they do.  Therefore, on 12th October 2023 they officially changed the name to Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS).

Chair of Trustees John Ydlibi said: “When people hear our previous name, they assume alcohol support is all we offer, however, our scope is now so much more than that”.

DAAS, for the last 8 years been a key provider within Derbyshire Recovery Partnership, the commissioned drug and alcohol support service for adults in the county.  This service provides support for anyone affected by their own or someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use.

The organisation has been proud of its role in helping people get the support they require when they are struggling with their drug and alcohol use, supporting people to achieve a healthier, happier, and more productive future.

More recently, DAAS has begun offering support for those affected by other people’s gambling behaviour.  For every person whose gambling is a problem, there can be between 6 and 10 other people who are negatively affected… friends, children, family, colleagues.

GamCHAT will provide counselling and education to help friends and family to understand better what is happening, how they can best support the person experiencing problematic gambling and while protecting their own health and wellbeing.

To make people aware of the new name change and how the various projects offered by DAAS can support the residents of Derbyshire, the charity is holding several roadshow events across the County.

In North Derbyshire, these are in Shirebrook, Buxton and here in Chesterfield. These drop-in style events will provide the opportunity for employers, statutory and voluntary organisations, and members of the public to talk directly to staff involved and learn how we can support people struggling with drugs, alcohol or gambling as well as members of our veteran community.

John added: “We are proud to have our roots in Chesterfield and how our success here has allowed us to spread our services throughout Derbyshire.”

Roadshows

  • 12th December Shirebrook – Adult Education Centre, NG20 8PE 1.30 – 3.00pm
  • 14th December Buxton – Kents Bank Road, SK17 9HR 10.00 – 11.30am

To learn more, go to daas.uk.com/roadshows.

DAAS supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

DAAS Team Dec 2023

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East Midlands can ‘lead the way’ in energy transition, Midlands Energy Summit hears

The East Midlands has the potential to “lead the way” in the energy transition to net zero by holding some of the key ingredients – but businesses need more support to make changes right now.

These were two of the headline messages at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by East Midlands Chamber at the University of Nottingham’s Trent Building yesterday (Thursday 30 November).

Speakers from major organisations including Toyota, Uniper, National Grid and the East Midlands Freeport gave an insight into some of the clean energy activities happening in the region, including in hydrogen, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

A new East Midlands zero-carbon innovation centre, which aims to transform cutting-edge green research at the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University into commercial products, was announced by the Freeport’s chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor at the event – with the Freeport contributing £5m over funding towards the initiative.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “With three of the big bases for future energy provision – hydrogen, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission – being developed here in the East Midlands, across a range of nationally-critical projects and research that is backed by public and private sector investment, we are leading the way in the energy transition.

“It was fascinating to hear more about some of these plans from the major players in these areas, and the new East Midlands zero-carbon innovation centre is an exciting initiative that taps into these strengths while developing new sectors that will deliver further investment and high-quality jobs for our communities.

“But while the future holds plenty of promise, we mustn’t forget about what we can do here and now to make gains in the green agenda. Toyota is a great example of a company making small adjustments to save lots of energy and while some of these learnings can be passed down through the supply chain, there is plenty more we can do.

“Small businesses tell us they want to make the necessary changes to decarbonise their operations, and many are already taking huge strides forward, but require more support.

“Our Sustainable East Midlands initiative can signpost businesses to funded programmes, events and best practice. More broadly, it’s crucial for businesses, the public sector and universities to work closer together to develop research and roll out new technologies that will help the East Midlands and UK to become a world leader in the net zero economy.”

Midlands Energy Summit - Scott Knowles

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Learning Curve Group extends offer with new courses in Chesterfield

A Chesterfield training provider which helps learners gain skills to build careers in the beauty industry has extended its offer with several new courses.

Learning Curve Group, formerly known as White Rose Beauty Colleges, has already provided courses for thousands of learners in Chesterfield since 1996. Now, the organisation has expanded, adding hairdressing and barbering courses at its Chesterfield academy.

Helen Bradshaw, Learner Recruitment Officer at Learning Curve Group commented: “With accredited courses available from January and delivered by industry-trained staff, learners can expect an excellent, professional experience in our fabulous town centre college.

“With smaller class sizes and a warm, friendly environment, we strive for excellence in both preparing and enabling our learners the opportunity to work in the industry. Our salons are designed to replicate a high street salon and we regularly invite members of the public to enjoy a treatment at a discounted price.”

  • Level 1 Diploma course in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy is aimed at learners who are under 19 years of age and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the basic skills required to become a stylist or therapist.
  • The Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing offers a nature progression or and is also offered to learners over 19. This course builds and develops skills such as cutting and colouring and we encourage learners to gain work experience in a salon to give them a true insight into the business.
  • Level 3 and Level 4 is most suited to those who already work in a salon who would like to build on their existing knowledge with units such as creative colouring, colour correction, and advanced cutting skills to name but a few.

Helen added: “Barbering is an exciting new addition; we feel confident that a new generation of learners will be eager to bring their new skills to our town and offer an excellent service to the local community.

“We aim to support local salons with our wonderful Apprenticeship programme, which offers a great opportunity for learners to work in a salon with the support and encouragement from our experienced staff. Trends in hairdressing are as changeable as the fashion industry and we aim to offer our learners the most current up-to-date skills in our state of the art, modern college, consistently providing a stream of skilled stylists into the workforce.”

To find out more about our courses and to arrange a college tour, please contact the academy on 01246 588773 or email Helen.bradshaw@learningcurvegroup.co.uk

Learning Curve Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

learning curve group

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Second round of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth programme opens to businesses

Applications have opened for the next cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses.

Companies are being encouraged to apply for the second phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

It comes as 23 East Midlands businesses completed the first cohort of the regional business growth accelerator.

The inaugural cohort, made up of firms from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, and Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, have benefited from a programme of focused support over the last eight weeks.

Participants ranged from marketing and design agencies to architects, theatre companies to video producers.

Businesses completed an initial business health check, attended a full-day business bootcamp, which included opportunities to network, and logged on to eight virtual masterclasses covering themes including leadership, marketing, sales, finance and business planning.

As well as the 90-minute masterclasses delivered by industry experts, all participants were also assigned a mentor offering five hours of free support.

Guy Lewis, Director at programme delivery partner CDI Alliance, said: “Our first cohort were enthusiastic, engaged and committed to the programme.

“We’ve had some really encouraging feedback about the bootcamp session, masterclasses, and support offered throughout the programme, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the businesses who took part in Cohort One.”

All of the participating businesses now have the option to complete a fully funded 12-hour investment readiness workshop, helping to prepare their firms for growth.

To be eligible for Cohort 2 of the East Midlands Create Growth programme, businesses must:

  • Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the Pandemic)
  • Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)
  • Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service, or reached a market of scale
  • Generated sales revenue in the last 2 years.
  • Be trading or registered within Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby, Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, or Rutland.

Create Growth was launched in 2022 by DCMS, in partnership with Innovate UK. It is designed to support the development of creative industries with high-growth potential across England, outside of London.

The East Midlands programme is led by East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²), which aims to help creative businesses get investment ready. Its members include local authorities, universities, local enterprise partnerships, and many other organisations in the private, public and voluntary sector.

EMC² aims to support 100 creative businesses across three years through four cohort groups. The coalition came together through its successful £1.2m bid for the Government’s Create Growth Programme, led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Applications for the second cohort are now open – any eligible businesses interested in applying can find out more here.

CentralTechnology office

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Funding scheme for green innovation scoops national award

A programme that supports organisations to develop green energy and carbon reduction schemes in Derbyshire has won a category at this year’s Innovation Awards.

The Green Entrepreneurs Programme, a partnership between the University of Derby and Derbyshire County Council, is a £2 million grant fund open to individuals and organisations based in the county looking to invest in and develop projects that support the drive towards the UK’s target of net zero carbon by 2050.

The programme team picked up the Sustainability Innovation Champion – Organisation category at the Innovation Awards, organised by the Technology Supply Chain, a membership organisation that connects UK innovative manufacturing, engineering and technology companies to grants, funded support and new opportunities. The awards recognise, reward and celebrate the companies, individuals and organisations dedicated to innovation. The national awards ceremonies attract thousands of entries from across the UK and beyond in four main categories: innovators, individual innovators, innovation champions and innovation thought leaders.

Mark Wheddon, Head of Delivery, Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to win this award in recognition of our partnership with Derbyshire County Council that supports so many innovative projects in the county as we move towards net zero carbon. It is inspiring to see the resourcefulness and creativity of individuals and organisations here in Derbyshire, and it is rewarding to be able to contribute towards initiatives that are making a real difference to our sustainable future.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We recognise the contribution our business community can make towards meeting our target of becoming a net zero county by 2050.

“We’re proud that through the Green Entrepreneurs Programme and our partnership with the University of Derby, we’ve been able to support local firms to develop green energy and cut carbon emissions as part of our net-zero ambitions.”

Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain, added: “The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward innovation across the UK and internationally. Our winners are considered best-in-class and it is a pleasure to celebrate their achievements. This is a great win for the work done by the University of Derby in supporting SMEs in their region with much needed green innovation.”

Find out more about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme. To find out about the latest support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

eco busines green recycle suatinability

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Taste Restaurant at Chesterfield College undergoes dramatic refurbishment

Chesterfield College’s Taste Restaurant has undergone a dramatic transformation after its extensive refurbishment this Autumn. The renovation includes new flooring throughout, an updated bar, cocktail station and Art Deco design features.

Taste Restaurant is operated by college students under the watchful eye of their tutors, all of which hold a wealth of industry experience. It’s a fully licensed restaurant offering themed, as well as à la Carte menus.

Running these facilities gives learners experience of working in a commercial environment, delivering high quality food and service to paying customers, to gain the knowledge required for a successful career in the catering and hospitality industry.

A hidden gem in Chesterfield, Taste is open, during term time, not just to college students and staff but also to the public. Businesses are also encouraged to hold meetings and lunches in the restaurant and a pop-up workspace offer also includes unlimited hot drinks and Wi-Fi for those looking for a comfortable and relaxing space to work from or take meetings.

Bookings are recommended. For all bookings and enquires please email taste@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 01246 500500 ext. 1964. Alternatively, message their Facebook page.

Caleb Wilkes, Vocational Lead of Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College, explains: “We are a learner-led restaurant offering our students valuable hands-on experience to help them succeed. Our learners prepare and cook all the food, prepare and serve all the drinks and plan our events.

We have just finished refurbishment and we are back better than ever! Due to our brand-new bar, our learners gain experience using the latest industry-standard equipment, giving themselves the skills and knowledge they need to be successful out in industry. This also means our drinks offering has been further extended to give customers a fantastic array to choose from.

“We already welcome in the local community on a regular basis, but we would love to see more of you! We will be holding an open day for the community to come down and experience what we have on offer on Wednesday 24th January, 12pm – 2pm. We hope to see you there!”

Find out more about eating out in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Taste restaurant refurbishment

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Junction Arts unveils new art installation in Chesterfield town centre

A new art installation has been unveiled at Elder Way in Chesterfield town centre this week, created by artist Lucie Maycock to shine a light on community arts in Chesterfield and raise awareness of local charity, Junction Arts.

Jomast, the company which has developed the former Co-op department store building on Elder Way, commissioned the piece to bring colour and light to the building this winter, creating a point of interest while telling the story of Junction Arts and the work they do in the community.

The artwork can be seen in the window of one of the new units in the Elder Way building.

Entitled ‘We are all artists and creators’, the artwork includes original illustrations, which frame a stunning collection of lanterns that have been made by the local community over the last three decades, for the annual Bolsover Lantern Parade. People can see the display in the window located opposite the Co-op Bank, which is best viewed in the evening when the lanterns are lit up – over 7000 lights have been used to bring the artwork to life.

The window was designed by Chesterfield artist and Junction Arts board member Lucie Maycock, who has a personal connection to the building. Lucie’s Mother, Karen Maycock was the Display Supervisor for the Co-op, dressing the windows at the old department store for over 30 years before it closed. Karen has been on hand to help Lucie with the design, revisiting her old place of work to ensure that the window display is perfect.

Lucie said: “When Junction Arts asked me to create the window display on Elder Way in the old Co-op building, I was excited by the idea. Not just about the project itself but the link to my Mum and her career as a window dresser in the same building. I grew up seeing my Mum in the windows of this beautiful department store, I remember walking home from school via town to see if I could see her and knock on the window to say hi and show all my friends that this is what she did as a job.

“I asked my Mum if she wanted to help create the arrangements for the window display. She was really excited about going back there and helping me to make the fabulous creation come to life. I am so lucky to have her skills and expertise to help execute this project, it’s a real privilege.

“Drawing onto the window was a wonderful experience. I kept imagining that this was how my Mum would have felt for all those years she spent at the Co-op. As people walked by, they were so friendly, saying hi, asking what I was doing and generally being wonderful. I felt emotionally connected to the artwork, space and purpose of this project.

“Doing this window for Junction Arts was a pleasure and I feel privileged to be promoting my passion for community arts whilst working with my Mum, and being able to put myself in the same place she did so many times.”

Junction Arts is an award-winning participatory arts charity, that was established in 1976 to develop and deliver engaging arts experiences within disadvantaged areas, to improve wellbeing, build confidence and skills, address inequality and inspire change. The local charity runs several projects throughout the year as well as organising events including The Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Emily Bowman said: “Thank you to Jomast for giving us this opportunity to showcase community art in the town centre, it’s great to see the lanterns as the centrepiece to the design, as we are celebrating 30 years of the Bolsover Lantern Parade this year. We hope that Lucie and Karen’s amazing work will bring light and hope to people, inspiring them to get creative in their communities. The window perfectly reflects the work we do in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and I hope it encourages more people to engage with us in the future.”

Jomast’s Commercial Property Director Mark Hill said: “We’re all really excited by the artwork that Lucie is creating. Her link to the building’s former use as a Co-op department store is remarkable and we couldn’t think of anyone better placed to bring one of the new units to life with this stunning artwork. The lanterns really will shine a light on this beautiful building and its redevelopment.”

The artwork will be on display until spring 2024. For more information visit www.junctionarts.org or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK.

Junction Arts and Elder Way Development support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

junction arts elder way window

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Planning permission sought for rail training and innovation centre

Planning permission is being sought for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) – a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

If approved the new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support speciality rail industry training, research and development facilities and commercial space for rail related businesses.

In total the building is expected to cost around £4 million. Funding for the project has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal.

Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Rail sector offers a fantastic range of high-quality careers and DRIIVe is all about ensuing our residents can receive the skills and training they need to access these opportunities. This is an ambitious project that will create opportunities for generations to come and reflects the council’s aims to expand the local Rail sector.

“I’m delighted that Town Deal funding is being used to support the development of this building because new training facilities like this will improve career prospects and help ensure that Staveley is the place to start, to stay and to grow.”

Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “If it is approved, DRIIVe will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry in Chesterfield and we look forward to speaking to companies about the potential benefits of being based at the centre. Any revenue from the building will be used to support the Roundhouse in achieving its aim of preserving our local Rail heritage.”

DRIIVe will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space consisting of classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.

The centre will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.

Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.

DRIIVe will create about 20 full time jobs and by year five it aims to support around 270 trainees, supporting local people to access highly skilled careers in the rail industry.

Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund.

Driive artists impression

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