Work to transform Rykneld Square into a greener space, with more planting, seating and new paving is set to begin.

This phase of the council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project is due to begin on Monday 7 July and should be completed by the end of October 2025. The planned works include the creation of new grassy areas for people to sit in, new paving, specialist planting and a new bin store, which together will help the space more welcoming for visitors and residents.

Whilst these works are ongoing access through the square will be limited and part of Spa Lane car park (next to the decorator centre) will be closed for use as a construction compound.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These works will help enhance the Crooked Spire for visitors and residents by providing a warm welcome to the town centre, it also supports the plans we are developing with our partners about the future use of the Visitor Information Centre.

“There will be some disruption arising from these works, but we are working with our contractor and updating local businesses to try and minimise the impact. Once completed this will be a fantastic new space for Chesterfield residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The works in Rykneld Square include new paving and surfaces to create a more modern public space.

It will also include new seating for visitors to use and new planting to help enhance biodiversity and create a more welcoming space.

A new bin store will be created to help keep the area looking tidy and allow unhampered views of the churchyard and heritage railings.

The pavement that runs along the top of the square will be upgraded, to create a more level surface.

New bollards will also be installed to help make it a safer space for pedestrians along with a new crossing point.

The works are due to be completed by late October 2025 and will be carried out whilst other areas of the town centre are also being regenerated.

To find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and sign up for email updates visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

A proposed new transport link between Chesterfield and Staveley has taken a major step forward, following confirmation of regional funding support through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR) is a key infrastructure project that will unlock development along the A619 corridor, enabling the delivery of new homes, employment land and environmental improvements. The route is expected to catalyse regeneration along the Chesterfield Canal corridor, with the potential to inject up to £500 million into the regional economy.

The announcement has been welcomed by local leaders and stakeholders, who have long championed the project as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth across the borough.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the borough of Chesterfield and the region. The Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route is a transformational opportunity which will also unlock new sites for development that will drive significant economic growth across the borough, supporting the creation of new homes and new jobs for local people.

We have worked hard with public and private sector partners to secure this funding, and have fully supported Mayor Claire’s work to secure significant investment to support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our borough, and the wider region.”

The funding announcement follows a successful bid by EMCCA, led by Mayor Claire Ward, to secure investment in strategic transport priorities across the East Midlands. The CSRR is one of several projects identified for support, reflecting its importance to the borough and the wider region.

Andy Dabbs, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “This landmark investment in transport infrastructure is a game changer for the East Midlands and the borough of Chesterfield.

The proposed investment in the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route will unlock vital connectivity and be a catalyst for regeneration along the Canal Corridor. With the potential to create thousands of jobs and homes, and inject £500 million into the regional economy, this project exemplifies the kind of investment our communities need.

We commend Mayor Clare Ward for securing this funding for the region, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure Chesterfield plays a central role in driving inclusive, sustainable growth across the region.”

Andrew Byrne, Development Director at Devonshire Group, added: “The securing of these funds by EMCCA is fantastic news, and we are grateful to Mayor Claire and her team for the continued promotion of the CSRR.

This is a long-standing project that is now gaining impetus. The delivery of the CSRR is key to the regeneration of this once-thriving corridor, and will provide much-needed homes and employment, as well as delivering environmental improvements to the area. Devonshire Group will continue to work with its partners at the Borough Council, County Council, EMCCA and Harworth Group to make this happen.”

Harworth Group, Chief Executive, Lynda Shillaw, welcomed the Government’s investment in the East Midlands. She said: “We are encouraged by the Government’s announcement on the Mayoral settlements, focused on much-needed investment in transport and infrastructure across the regions, in the North of England and the Midlands.  As a leading land and property regeneration business and a long-term investor in the regions, we believe that public investment in strategic infrastructure is critical to help unlock and accelerate some of the country’s largest opportunities across employment and housing.

This includes the East Midlands, where we are particularly optimistic by the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s announcement regarding the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR) and the A614/A6097 road improvements among other investments, securing a significant transport investment package and encouraging much-needed regeneration.”

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore added:

“With infrastructure across the East Midlands in real need of investment to enable growth, it’s encouraging to hear of spending on improved transport, flood defences and nuclear energy, but as with the recent comprehensive spending review from the government it’s really the detail that matters – what projects, how they’re implemented, and how effective they are. It’s essential nowhere needing improvement is overlooked.

The Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route is part of a wider vision to deliver over £2 billion of investment and regeneration opportunities across the borough. Businesses and investors are encouraged to explore the full range of opportunities at www.chesterfield.co.uk/invest.

Hot on the heels of luxury hair salon Feather & Fern opening its doors, Elder Way is set to welcome its fourth tenant – boutique, high-end kitchen and interiors business, OTI Interiors.

The design-led business has signed a five-year lease on Unit 1A, a 1,109 sq. ft space located next door to Feather & Fern on Knifesmithgate.

OTI Interiors was founded during the Covid-19 lockdown by local entrepreneur Gavin Grainger, who also owns the award-winning restaurant and bar Bottle & Thyme, located in the prominent corner unit at Elder Way.

Seeking to diversify during the pandemic, and drawing on his background in design, Gavin launched OTI as an interiors business which specialises in bespoke, handcrafted kitchens. The company produces only a limited number of commissions each year, typically fewer than 25, which are hand-built in Chesterfield.

The new Elder Way unit will serve as OTI’s first dedicated showroom away from the firm’s small industrial space in Chesterfield, where all furniture is made.

The new unit will be used as OTI’s customer-facing meeting point, featuring a consultation area where clients can enjoy a glass of Champagne. In addition to meeting space, the showroom will also host an extensive range of samples, including tiles. It will also host events and demonstrations in partnership with local businesses, including estate agents, florists, and chefs.

The unit is currently undergoing a full fit-out and is expected to open to the public in late summer.

Gavin Grainger said: “We love being based at Elder Way. It’s been the ideal premises and location for Bottle & Thyme, with strong footfall and neighbouring businesses that align with our brand. Creating a showroom for OTI here made absolute sense.

“The unit is a blank canvas with beautiful natural light, perfect for showcasing our products. OTI’s design style has been on display at Bottle & Thyme for the past year, and we often receive compliments. Now I’m excited to bring that same look to the high street and make it more accessible for people to have in their own homes.”

In addition to Bottle & Thyme and Feather & Fern, OTI Interiors will also join HotPod Yoga as ground-floor tenants of the former iconic Co-op department store, a landmark building in Chesterfield.

The letting of OTI Interiors now leaves just four units available at the iconic leisure development in the heart of Chesterfield town centre.

The 1930s Mock Tudor building has been thoughtfully reimagined and redeveloped by regeneration specialists Jomast, creating eight prime street-level units that blend heritage architecture with modern retail potential.

Located in the heart of the town, Elder Way has established itself as a go-to destination for independent businesses and vibrant customer experiences.

The upper floors of the development are occupied by Premier Inn Chesterfield, recently named the best hotel in the brand’s entire UK portfolio, further cementing Elder Way’s position as a high-quality, mixed-use destination.

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast, commented: “Gavin’s success with Bottle & Thyme has clearly demonstrated the potential of Elder Way as a destination for creative, independent businesses. We’re thrilled to welcome OTI Interiors, a high-quality, design-focused brand that fits perfectly with our vision for a vibrant, experience-led town centre. With just four units remaining, interest from prospective tenants remains strong, and we look forward to announcing more exciting lettings soon.”

Bottle & Thyme has been a standout success since relocating to Elder Way, tripling the size of the business and establishing itself as a cornerstone of the site’s independent offering.

With the arrival of OTI Interiors, Elder Way continues to build its reputation as a dynamic and desirable destination for innovative retailers, creators, and service providers.

For enquiries or further information about the remaining units at Elder Way visit www.elderway.co.uk or contact the development’s agents WSB Property on 0113 234 1444.

The East Midlands will benefit from the largest transport investment in a generation, as East Midlands Mayor Clare Ward secures up to £2 billion through the Government’s new ‘Transport for City Regions Fund’.

This funding will be used to deliver a modern, reliable, and integrated transport system across the region, with a particular focus on reducing congestion and improving connectivity between areas that have little or no transport provision at all.

Pan-regional projects to be taken forward will include:

Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (CSRR)
This will open the Canal Corridor, enabling regeneration in North Derbyshire and beyond. The scheme is expected to create 8,000 jobs, 4,000 homes, and add £500 million by unlocking growth across the East Midlands and connecting into South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The Trent Arc
The development of a large-scale public transport system linking Derby and Nottingham, strengthening the Trent Arc corridor, a key growth zone for the region.

The Trent Arc is one of the East Midlands’ most immediate and investable opportunities. Spanning two cities, the Freeport, and sites like Infinity Park Investment Zone and Ratcliffe-on-Soar, it will deliver 40,000 new jobs, 30,000 homes, and contribute £2.4 billion to the UK economy.

This funding will support improved rail, road and bus connections throughout the corridor, including access to the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Intermodal Park, home to major employers like Toyota.

A614/A6097 Improvements (North Nottinghamshire)
These road upgrades will connect ex-coalfield towns and villages to national logistics networks, reduce congestion, and drive economic renewal in some of the region’s most deprived areas, while supporting one of its most important industries: freight and logistics.

The agreement, which is for five years and follows extensive negotiations with the Government, will act as the launchpad for a major renewal in the region’s fortunes.

As transport and infrastructure are both critical enablers of growth, this programme has the potential to unlock 100,000 new jobs, deliver 52,000 homes, and generate a £4.6 billion boost to the UK economy.

Crucially, it’ll connect more people to jobs, skills, education and places that matter most. It builds on the Mayor’s vision to build a transport system that meets the needs of today while laying the foundations for a more connected, prosperous East Midlands.

This funding represents precisely how the Mayor and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) are working in partnership with Government and local stakeholders to secure investment and build new opportunities that were not possible before now.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is the largest transport investment our region has seen in a generation.”

“As Mayor of the East Midlands, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that Government sees this region through the eyes of those who live, work, and travel here, and to make sure we are treated as a national priority. Today’s announcement is the clearest sign yet that this approach is working.”

“This is the moment we begin to put right decades of underinvestment. From everyday frustrations to major barriers to growth, poor transport has held our region back for too long. Whether you’re a student weighing up college options, a small business struggling to recruit, or a visitor-facing venue trying to grow footfall, I know what happens when transport doesn’t work. Fixing it will be central to my Transport Plan, and now we have the resources to deliver real, tangible change.”

“We’re getting to work straight away. That means strengthening the rail, road and bus links between Derby and Nottingham, the vital Trent Arc. It means delivering long-overdue projects like the Chesterfield-Staveley Relief Route and finally addressing congestion pinch points like the A614/A6097 in north Nottinghamshire.

“I look forward to working with partners across the East Midlands to deliver these improvements. Better transport doesn’t just move people. It powers opportunity, unlocks growth, and connects us to a better future.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said “Today marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the Midlands – opening up access to jobs, growing the economy and driving up quality of life as we deliver our Plan for Change.

“For too long, people in the Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve. With £15.6bn of Government investment, we’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”