Development

Spireites’ premier league reading stars project hailed a success

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s six-week Premier League Reading Stars project at New Whittington Primary School has been hailed as a great success.

Trust coach Alyss Hearnshaw delivered the project, aimed at encouraging pupils to engage with literacy, using football as a way of engaging with them.

New Whittington Primary’s headteacher Emma Tooley said: “Reading Stars has been an amazing intervention; it has boosted the children’s confidence, love of reading and comprehension ability.

“In our most recent reading assessment all of the children who participated, it improved their standardised scores. They feel so proud of their achievements – as are we!

“Most importantly, it has empowered our children to find the confidence to stand in front of their peers and read aloud! Their classmates were really impressed, sharing the same pride as all of the adults.

“Alyss is a credit to CFCCT – the children respected her, learnt from her and couldn’t wait to work with her each Thursday.

“Thank you to all involved at CFCCT – this is an intervention that makes a difference!”

Alyss added, “It has been a pleasure working with the group, who have all engaged with the project and shown improvements in their work.

“It was a real achievement for the boys to stand in front of their class and have the confidence to show what they had learnt.”

For more information on the FREE literacy project, please email robertstevenson@spireitestrust.org.uk

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust has also received hundreds of donations to the club’s Christmas Toy Appeal. You can find out more about how our Chesterfield Champions have been getting into the festive spirit here.

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Council leaders urge Government to back HS2 Eastern Leg in response to NIC report

Chesterfield Borough Council has released a response to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC)’s recently published report that has recommended scaling back HS2’s Eastern Leg in favour of regional rail link development.

Don’t Cut Here! A Case study on Why the economies of Chesterfield and Sheffield need HS2 in full has been released today (Wednesday 22 December 2020), urging the Government to deliver on its promise of developing HS2’s Eastern Leg to “regenerate, level up and make a real difference to people and communities” in Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The case study has been released by Chesterfield Borough Council, in conjunction with Connecting Britain to highlight what it says are HS2 East’s “enormous opportunities for the UK economy that will drive growth, but which are currently at risk of being thwarted.”
It follows the NIC’s Rail Needs Assessment for the North and Midlands, which was published in December and included an option to leave out most of Line 2b East until 2050 and beyond, something which local authorities claim would have a “devastating” economic impact on the region.

Chesterfield Borough Council has referenced the Staveley Corridor regeneration, which is centred around a new HS2 Staveley Infrastructure Maintenance Depot (IMD) and promises a huge scope of opportunity for the area, with creation of jobs, infrastructure, housing and inward investment.

Opportunities for growth and regeneration include the £125m reopening of the Barrow Hill Line, a £100m link road, the development of 3,500 new homes and the creation of 2,200 new jobs around the area. But the IMD will only be required if HS2 East is delivered in full by 2040.

The document also covers the lasting legacy of HS2 in the eastern region, which would see one million people better connected by the line, 10,000s of cars taken off the roads and 1,000s of bi-modal trains replaced, supporting the government’s decarbonisation targets.

Much of HS2 East’s proposals are focused around masterplans which are already in place for the development of Chesterfield and Sheffield Stations, incorporating pedestrian friendly access and local public transport links.

Responding to the publication of the report last week, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council Leader, said she was ‘hugely disappointed’ that of the options presented the National Infrastructure Commission does not recommend delivery of the eastern leg of HS2 in full.

“This directly conflicts with the Government’s pledge to levelling up in areas like ours. It also seriously undermines local plans for growth in the North and the Midlands,” Cllr Gilby added.

Now Councillor Gilby joins other regional leaders in pushing forward the case for the Government to commit to the HS2 Eastern Leg in full – to realise the ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to shape the region’s future, and avoid land already earmarked for related development being left in limbo for years.

“After decades of underinvestment in strategic rail infrastructure, delivering HS2 is a once in a generation chance to transform connectivity, attract investment, create new jobs, build new homes, boost skills and opportunity and level-up communities across the North, Midlands and beyond. This is even more crucial to our economic future in optimising recovery from the pandemic, which has hit the North and Midlands hard.

“For Chesterfield, the failure to deliver the Eastern Leg in full means facing the prospect of reduced connectivity for our communities, as well as damaging the momentum we have built up around our ambitious comprehensive plans for both Staveley and the area around Chesterfield Station.

“In the Staveley area alone, planned growth worth at least £1bn has been catalysed by the planned HS2 maintenance depot. Taking this away would be a huge blow for an area that has had its hopes raised on the back of HS2’s plans and would leave a huge question mark over how we can deliver the ambitious growth plans our communities need and deserve.

“It is vital that the Eastern Leg of HS2 is delivered in full and that delivery starts as soon as possible. This is about more than just rail and trains – it’s about new jobs, new homes and new starts for communities that have been denied these opportunities over many years.

“This is a critical issue for Chesterfield and Staveley. I will not rest in working with council and business leaders along the planned Eastern Leg to hold Government to account and to ensure that the Prime Minister honours his commitment to deliver HS2 East in full. Time is of the essence to re-assert the strength of Chesterfield’s social and economic case ahead of Government’s planned publication of its Integrated Rail Plan.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “HS2 East is home to 13 million people, and about six million jobs, equating to 20% of the UK, larger than the economy of Denmark. Chesterfield shows how the investment does far more than just getting people to city centres. The importance of this opportunity to regenerate, level up and make a real difference to people and communities cannot be overstated and must not be missed.”

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Chesterfield is already moving forward with significant plans and developments so that the town can maximise the wide range of economic benefits HS2 has to offer.

“The originally proposed spur of the line arriving at Chesterfield Station will improve connectivity, journey times and capacity on our rail network locally and nationally, bringing with it vital investment opportunities.

“We would urge the NIC to rethink its recommendations and take into the account the huge strides our town has already made to regenerate its economy, with HS2 playing a huge role in attracting new people into the area to invest, live and work.”

To read Don’t Cut Here! A Case study on Why the economies of Chesterfield and Sheffield need HS2 in full online visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/media/1492665/chesterfield-borough-council-hs2-document.pdf

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

New Information Point launched for military veterans in Derbyshire

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Covid Fund, STAND TO, Derbyshire veteran community support services – (Operating under Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service CIO) is to launch a New information point for Derbyshire veterans and their families.

Working closely with University of Derby researchers in Veteran Health, STAND TO are launching a new veteran first point of contact, (VIP) accessed via phone Tel 01246 959333 or email standtovcs@daas.uk.com between office hours Monday to Friday with an out of hours message service.

The new VIP will link to a Directory of support services which may be veteran specific or may be engaging with employer recognition schemes for the Armed forces Covenant. The directory will also provide information on wider more general support services such as CAB, hospitals, GP practices, Mental Health support, addictions, welfare, relationship and financial support services.

Any member of the veteran community in Derbyshire who contacts the VIP will receive a response from a fellow veteran, a worker or volunteer from our STAND TO service.

“This new provision will help to link the needs of veterans and their families to a wide range of information we have in our VIP directory,” says Elaine Handley DAAS CIO Manager.

“We know from the five years we have delivered our successful STAND TO veteran alcohol service that  alcohol issues are only one of the problems experienced by our veteran community, our new VIP will widen our remit to reach out to veterans who may be experiencing a range of problems, those which may be as a direct result of Covid  or due to longer terms issues.

“This is much more than an information point, our veteran workers and Volunteers will engage with callers and link them to a range of groups, recovery events and activities such as  walking, boot camp and fishing offering them the opportunity to regain the camaraderie  many of them miss.”

Destination Chesterfield board member, Dr Paula Holt MBE, Patron of ‘STAND TO’ is pleased to see development of the Veterans Information Point (VIP): “It is good to see a resource that is developed and resourced locally to support local veterans and their families”

The VIP will link with the existing Veteran Gateway to ensure that callers are aware of national and regional services as well as those local to them.

The new VIP launches on Thursday 3rd December If you are a veteran or family member, would like advice, information or guidance or would like to support us by becoming a volunteer for our VIP, please get in touch! Our VIP needs you!

Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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A Year at St. Helena- Update from Dr Paula Holt MBE, Destination Chesterfield Board Member

The following blog has been written by Destination Chesterfield board member, Dr Paula Holt MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby.

Dr Holt covers the progress made this year at Chesterfield’s  St. Helena University of Derby Campus, along with the challenges faced by the University throughout the Covid-19 pandemic…

2020 started like any other year at the University of Derby’s St Helena Campus in Chesterfield. Our September cohort of Nursing students had settled in, we were preparing to welcome a new cohort in March, our calendar of business events kicked off, and our business incubation tenants returned after the Christmas break. But life and study changed dramatically in March, when the government announced a UK-wide lockdown due to Coronavirus.

Staff and students adapted quickly to new ways of working as teaching moved to online delivery, and later to a blended approach with a mixture of on-campus and remote learning.

Around 500 of our nursing students from the University’s College of Health, Psychology and Social Care have supported frontline workers in local hospitals and other care settings. The University has provided a range of support to the NHS, local councils, organisations and communities, including the loan of a digital mobile x-ray machine to Chesterfield Royal Hospital, iPads to help patients keep in touch with their families while in hospital and extensive donations of PPE when supply was low.

As we approach the end of the year, we also move towards the completion of the D2N2 Local Growth Fund (LGF) project to develop the Chesterfield University Campus, which we started back in November 2015. The £3.48 million investment from the LGF, plus investment from the University, has allowed us to deliver higher level skills opportunities for school leavers and adult learners, many of which are the first in their family to go to university, and support the economic growth and resilience of businesses in Chesterfield.

I am delighted that, six months before the deadline, we have hit all LGF output targets set for project, including learner numbers, short courses completed, job creation, knowledge transfer partnerships, and refurbished learning space. This is testament to the hard work of our teaching staff, commercial team and strategic partners, including Destination Chesterfield, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

CommUNIty Chesterfield, a National Lottery funded project putting the ‘UNI’ into the community, has supported residents, the voluntary sector and students through this challenging period. We have missed not having face to face contact with the community on campus, however we have been reaching out in various ways, such as student placements, virtual shared learning sessions and community led initiatives.

As a University, we take our civic role seriously, and I am immensely proud of the work our staff and students have been doing during the pandemic. As we look ahead to 2021 we will embrace the new ‘normal’, learning from the creativity and innovation this strange period has manifested, and we will continue to support the Chesterfield community and businesses through, and beyond, these challenging times.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Chesterfield-based SDL Minorfern continues growth by adding new branch in Leeds

A Chesterfield company has continued its growth by opening a brand new branch in Leeds. SDL Minorfern has established itself as one of the UK’s leading distributors of replacement parts for cars and vans, having been a family-run business for more than 40 years.

Locally, the company already has its head office in Clay Cross along with branches in Chesterfield, Derby, Mansfield and Sheffield all part of a 12 branch network across the North Midlands and Yorkshire.

Now it has expanded again by moving into a Leeds facility in October 2020, making it the biggest standalone branch in the business. The company is also making full use of new technology to improve its output, with the Leeds branch being the first to fully integrate a barcode management system.

The move will also improve connectivity for SDL, with the branch having superb access to the M1 and M621 motorways and Leeds City Centre, enabling the business to expand its customer base further into the Yorkshire region.

SDL now stocks more than 60,000 products, including its own brands and completes around 885,000 deliveries per year. The company has more than 250 employees across 12 branches, with 19 people now working in the new Leeds store.

Darren Murray, SDL Minorfern Commercial Director said: “At SDL Minorfern we pride ourselves on excellent availability of quality parts, a fantastic logistics department for fast deliveries and superb sales teams with decades of quality experience. We then put this all together to provide a quality and reliable customer experience that is second to none, while still remaining highly competitive.

“Now the customers in Leeds and surrounding areas have the opportunity to experience our new site for themselves, and we very much look forward to welcoming them.”

SDL Minorfern Managing Director, Nick Holland said: “We are delighted to open our branch in Leeds. Leeds is a great strategic location to enable us to expand our customer base further into Yorkshire. The Leeds branch offers over 25,000 sq. ft of parts storage, and with state of the art technology we will offer industry leading levels of service to the automotive aftermarket in the Leeds area.”

SDL Minorfern supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Images by Ben Marriott

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

DBC Training continues growth with opening of new centre in Chesterfield

Midlands based award-winning Training Provider, DBC are delighted to announce the opening of their new centre in Chesterfield, adding to their existing centres in Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Hinckley. The Chesterfield office is in a prime, central location on Holywell Street and has easy access to parking and all the amenities Chesterfield has to offer.

The new centre will provide the local community with enhanced opportunities to learn new skills and receive expert support, providing a pathway to a new career across a wide range of sectors. DBC also work in partnership with local employees to match people to opportunities, providing a vital role in both supporting the local economy and local people.

The centre was officially opened by Toby Perkins, the Shadow Minister for Apprenticeships and Lifelong Learning and Labour MP for Chesterfield and Staveley on 7th December.

Mr Perkins said: “This is an incredibly exciting development, I know how crucial apprenticeships are and how important the independent training sector is in enabling smaller employers to access apprenticeships. Apprenticeships also support young people into taking those first steps onto that career ladder or providing opportunities for more experienced people to retrain and learn new skills and begin a new career path”.

He continued “At a time when skills and training need to be at the top of the political agenda it is incredibly pleasing that DBC is opening a site in Chesterfield”.

Managing Director Kerry Bentley expressed her delight at being able to open a new centre and continue the Company’s next phase of growth: “We are proud to open our new centre as it signifies real opportunities for local people and local employers to grow and develop their careers and businesses. We work exceptionally hard to ensure the specialised work-related training we offer is able to be accessed by as many people as possible to provide opportunities that transform lives and fulfil aspirations.

“The new offices in Chesterfield will, without a doubt, help us to keep moving forward and allow us to offer our services to Employers and Apprentices in a new and exciting location”.

Founded in 2000, DBC Training is a leading provider of training and employment solutions.VFor more information visit http://www.dbc-training.co.uk

DBC Training supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Toby Perkins MP

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions reflect on a challenging year and share messages of positivity for 2021

As we move towards Christmas and the new year, Chesterfield Champions have sent their messages to the local community as we look ahead to 2021.

If you’re interested about signing your business up to Chesterfield Champions, you can find out more by clicking here.

Destination Chesterfield has also been supporting local businesses throughout the festive period by promoting the Christmas In Chesterfield campaign. Click here to find out more about local Christmas shopping and events.

“The Chesterfield community has shown true compassion, resilience and innovation – pulling together to help one another in the exceptional times we’ve been living through in 2020. I’m truly proud and humbled by their spirit. We know that Christmas must feel a little different this year, but I wish people a very safe and happy festive period, and together we look forward to a brighter new year.” Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

“2020 has been a tough year. I am immensely proud of the council’s staff who have gone well above and beyond their daily roles to put Chesterfield’s communities first. We have the beating of Covid-19 and with lots of new developments underway or planned, the priority for 2021 must be to make sure that local people benefit from the jobs that are created. We must be fully focused on addressing unemployment and improving people’s quality of life.” Huw Bowen, Chief Executive, Chesterfield Borough Council

Huw Bowen - Chesterfield Borough Council

“2020 has been a year of partnership, collaboration and innovation which has delivered remarkable results in challenging times. Working with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Champions, we have seen some truly innovative virtual projects emerge, like Made in Chesterfield and the Christmas campaign, to connect and inform the community. We go into 2021 in excellent shape with a strong story of resilience and innovation to tell potential investors in the town.” Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager

Dom Stevens Destination Chesterfield Manager

“2020 has been characterised by some bold decisions which will shape the future prosperity of Chesterfield. Once again, the town bucked the trend. When everyone else was battening down the hatches amidst the Covid storm, Chesterfield Borough Council forged ahead with supporting commercial developments at Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside, which will deliver employment opportunities. Given the vaccination programme, we now can go into 2021 with hope, and an undercurrent of positivity and excitement.” Peter Swallow, Managing Director, Bolsterstone Group Plc

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

“Being a care home operator, this year we focused on maintaining the safety and security of our existing business. Reminding myself that we have a serious and pressing duty of care to keep the most vulnerable members of society safe and well has given me focus and purpose in an uncertain time. My hope is that we emerge from this with a newfound respect and value for what is most important – the people in our lives.” Brendan Kelly, Group Managing Director, Heathcotes Group

 

“Covid meant that plans to open a new shop to had to be put as the promotion of one of our apprentices. Despite these disappointments, seeing how the community has pulled together has really impressed me. Looking to 2021 I want the town to prosper as a result of it having amazing businesses within it. I want more businesses to see the benefit of working together. The worlds our oyster so let’s all get involved!” Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner, Less than Zero Barbers

“Covid has had a big impact on the hospitality industry within the town centre. Iit has also given us time to reflect on what we do well and how we can make things even better in the future. With the continued support of our loyal customers, we look forward to opening again soon. Next year I want to see every single one of our customers walk back through our doors, fit and healthy!” Claire Wood, Owner, Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

“Home took on new meaning this year, and I’m confident we have adapted to better support our customers and community in finding that. I’m endlessly inspired by my colleagues and the people of Chesterfield in overcoming 2020’s challenges and finding the good in everything. As a town we’re stronger and more supportive than ever – I know we can get through anything! Jessica Risorto Area Manager, Redbrik Estate Agents

“Edwards Employment Solutions is on track to have its most successful year ever. At the start of Covid we feared the worst, however the business has become stronger as the job market has grown. There are many jobs available locally and this is hugely positive for the town and people whose jobs may have been a casualty of the pandemic. There are lots of positives to push both Edwards and Chesterfield forward in 2021.” Izabella Edwards, Managing Director, Edwards Employment Solutions

“The sense of community and resilience shown in Chesterfield throughout the crisis has been outstanding and makes me proud to both live, work and have a business based here. We refused to let Covid get in the way of our business plans, moving to a larger office and recruiting new team members during 2020. Bridge Help goes into 2021 excited for the year ahead and with a strong platform for further growth.” Chris Sellars, Chief Executive, Bridge Help

“While many towns and cities shelved plans for construction projects, it is testament to Chesterfield’s forward thinking and resilience that it has forged ahead with high quality commercial and residential developments during 2020. The ripple effect of ongoing investment in the town has certainly been felt at DBCP where we continue to develop the team and are recruiting further ensuring we go into 2021 in a strong position and ready to support developments across Derbyshire.” Neil Johnson, Managing Director, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

 

“It is fair to say that 2020 has been a challenging year for the skills and training sector however, out of adversity has come innovation. The industry and NLT have developed new ways of working and delivering courses which I am confident will benefit us all going into 2021 as we look to grow the business.” Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive, NLT Training Services

“2020 has been a terrible year for most, but the festive season will give us the chance to see family and friends and bring us some joy for Christmas. My wish is that business picks up for those companies struggling and those that are still thriving continue to even greater things in 2021! Growing businesses bring jobs to the local residents building a better economy for our fantastic town.”  Lee Ashley, Director, Spire Recruitment

Champion of the Week

“As we leave one of the most challenging years the world has ever faced, we look forward to a new year and the possibility of getting some normality in the year ahead.  We know economically times will be tough, but we hope that the Business Crime Reduction Partnership will help keep our town a safer place to shop and do business and we can’t wait to get out and see everyone face to face once more!” Jackie Roberts, Business Crime Reduction Partnership Manager at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

chamber video export

“2020 was the year that Chesterfield’s big heart and amazing community spirit was needed more than any of us can remember.  Residents, community groups, businesses and statutory services rose to the challenge and worked together to make a difference. Social connections are so important. Let’s make the time and effort to connect with each other, and to reach out to those around us who are isolated at this time of year.” Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive, Derbyshire Voluntary Action

“We want to thank you all for your support through 2020, having pivoted our business from live events to supplying home events through our hampers via our website. Covid-19 has made us dig deep, stay focused and plan. We have worked with other local businesses and are really impressed with the camaraderie. We would love to see this spirit continue into next year and look forward for the vaccine rollout to all be together again.” Natalia and Daniela Marchetta, Owners, Salute

 

“Although 2020 has been an unprecedented and incredibly difficult year, it’s also been one of the most heart-warming. We’ve had some lovely messages, conversations and acts of kindness from our customers and suppliers, that proves thar relationships throughout every aspect of business, are of paramount importance. ‘Shop Local’ has also come to the fore and we’re ever-grateful for our customers’ continued support and long-term, this support will help our independents become stronger than ever.” James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants

“What a year 2020 has been?! It would be easy to list the negatives, however, we’ve experienced a year of growth and seen our undervalued industry recognised as a key way of connecting with and being able to distribute ever-changing messages. Online communications and social media have allowed businesses to innovate and keep the conversation going with customers that would have otherwise been impossible. It’s important to keep this momentum going in 2021 and beyond.” Emma Loughlin, Director, eBusiness Works

“Sicily Restaurant is a young business which opened in August 2019. Me and my partner in crime run the restaurant together, it is our little dream! Obviously, it’s a very hard time for the hospitality industry but it’s a very hard time for everybody else too. We’re very positive and are sure that very soon all of us will be able to get back to our normal lives. 2021 will be a Great Year, Sicily Restaurant is always here to help you enjoy your special days. We’re sure that together, we can do it! Merry Christmas and a happy new year.” Monica and Peppe, Owners, Siclily Restaurant

“It has been so uplifting to see businesses coming together to support each other and the local community.  So many have adapted their services or products, and they have worked closely with the team at Destination Chesterfield to promote the town’s achievements.  It’s been a real pleasure this year to raise the profile of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire alongside 190 Chesterfield Champions.  And we have seen more support than ever for the Chesterfield High Street Awards, in a time when it has never been more important to shop locally.  Thank you to all the businesses that enabled us to reimagine our awards ceremony to showcase high street businesses for the first time via a live virtual platform.” – Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator

 

“2020 has been a tough year for many, here at S40 & S41 Local magazines we closed for three editions but were lucky enough to restart successfully towards the end of the year. Chesterfield has always had a strong sense of community and I’m seeing that more and more as businesses come together to support and help each other. Great examples are the Chesterfield is OPEN Signs used towards the end of the first lockdown and the more recent Christmas Elf, Advent Town and Paperstar Light trails that have popped up over Christmas. I am excited for 2021 after witnessing many ways in which the independent business community are working closer together, it can only mean good things for the new year.” Paul Chapman, S40 Local

 

“This year has been tough for everyone, we have all adapted to the challenges of Covid-19 and new ways of life. The highlight of 2020 for me has been how local businesses and the community have worked together to keep going strong. This year has made me appreciate where I live even more and I truly believe shopping and supporting local will be a high importance to everyone going into 2021.” Mollie Brown, Destination Chesterfield Coordinator

“Whilst 2020 has been a challenging year for many local people and businesses, I am proud to have seen first-hand the collective strength of our local community throughout this pandemic. It has been truly inspiring to see the creativity and innovation on display across all sectors and industries in Chesterfield. This year has gone to show that if we stick together as a community, we’re able to achieve great things even in the most adverse conditions. I am excited to continue working alongside the wonderful team at Destination Chesterfield and our Chesterfield Champions, as part of efforts to help the town bounce back even stronger in 2021.” Joshua Marsh, Destination Chesterfield Coordinator

Posted in Blog, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield building brought back into use by charity

A former supermarket building close to Chesterfield Town Centre has been brought back to life by the Chesterfield Salvation Army, who have moved premises for the first time in more than twenty years.

The Christian church and charity which has been in the town since 1881, has renovated the former Lidl store on Foljambe Road to provide a worship space as well as a large charity shop and donation centre.

Money raised from the sales of donations will go to help The Salvation Army’s work.

Salvation Army leader in Chesterfield, Captain Elizabeth Di-Palma said: “We are excited to move into our new building that we are sharing with our donation centre run by the Salvation Army Trading Company as together, we provide a great opportunity to meet people and support the local community.

“Opening at Christmas is especially poignant to us as this is a time of new beginnings. Our church and donation centre hopes to be a blessing to the people of Chesterfield and we warmly welcome people to come for support, to shop or join a meeting once our worship space has opened.

The donation centre, which offers a range of furniture, clothes and bicycles opened on 10th December, with the new worship space opening in January next year.

Lee Foster, the new manager at Chesterfield donation centre, said: “From day one, customers will be able to browse a fantastic range of quality second-hand items at affordable prices.

“The main difference between a charity shop and a donation centre is the range of goods available and volume of donations we are able to accept. People often walk into a charity shop carrying a bag of donations, but as you can drive to the donation centre, there is parking space at the front to help manoeuvre bigger items, such as furniture. It is easier to donate more items, such as clothes too.”

“We have introduced extra safety measures to help keep everyone safe and it’s a large store with plenty of space for customers.”

Other features at the centre include a community refrigerator and cupboard, providing free food for people who need it and a community space which will give visitors a chance to sit and enjoy a cup of tea, when COVID restrictions lift.

Visitors can also browse a range of second-hand bicycles, safety-checked by a qualified bike mechanic as part of the on-site ‘Recycles’ workshop.

Lee added: “We welcome donations which we can reuse and recycle, giving them a new lease of life for others.”

You can find out more about Chesterfield developments here.

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Chesterfield business leaders urge government to deliver HS2 Eastern Leg in full

The chief executive of East Midlands Chamber says there are “No excuses for the HS2 Eastern Leg not to be built in full,” after the National Infrastructure Commission published recommendations earlier this week.

Responding to the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) Rail Needs Assessment Plan in which it outlines recommendations on the future of HS2, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “HS2 is the single-biggest transport infrastructure project in a generation and represents a huge opportunity for businesses, with the potential to unlock economic benefits of more than £4bn for the East Midlands and part of Yorkshire.

“By connecting the region with a first-class UK and Europe-wide rail network, it will bring enormous opportunities to local firms and make the East Midlands a much more attractive location for inward investment.

“However, these benefits for both the region and country will only be realised once it is delivered in full. That means the Eastern Leg being built exactly as the Government has promised all along, rather than a diluted version of this, and at pace.

“We will have major capacity issues on the Midland Main Line within the next two decades unless something is done to upgrade the rail network, so this needs to be addressed urgently. HS2 would achieve this, while also offering much-needed improvements in connectivity between the region’s towns and cities.

“However, this is so much more than just a railway line. It’s been great to see many parts of the East Midlands come together to commit to a blueprint for the future of the region that will bring economic growth and jobs. We have been very clear on our vision, which is built on the idea that the Toton hub station becomes a destination in its own right – a magnet for inward investment and an industrial hub that unlocks further development opportunities.

“The NIC’s report is therefore very concerning as it doesn’t take any of the regional growth plans into account and we absolutely do not accept its findings.

“Any suggestion that involves stopping HS2 at East Midlands Parkway would not work for the region, and has already been considered and dismissed from a feasibility perspective years ago.

“When the Government makes its decision about which option to include in its Integrated Rail Plan, it will have a clear choice between an exciting vision created by a region that’s focused on long-term growth and prosperity – one that will shape how we want our country to look as we leave the UK-EU transition period – and another that applies rough methodology, offers short-term logic and ultimately doesn’t deliver the same benefits.

“We have a plan that’s ready to go and it’s time the Government delivered on promises it has made so many times over the past 12 months since it firmly committed to the scheme – and in the years that preceded it.

“The East Midlands currently has the lowest transport spend per capita – £245 per head – of any region in the UK, receiving just 51% of the £483 UK average. The region is in desperate need of investment and finally putting any questions to bed on the HS2 Eastern Leg would go some way to proving the Government is serious about delivering on the ‘levelling-up’ agenda – a point on which it has repeatedly banged the drum without any serious proof of what this actually means.

“To do anything else would be a huge mistake, critically undermining the entire project and blowing a huge hole in Government rhetoric.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has responded to the NIC publication. She said: “We are hugely disappointed that of the options presented the National Infrastructure Commission does not recommend delivery of the eastern leg of HS2 in full. This directly conflicts with the Government’s pledge to levelling up in areas like ours. It also seriously undermines local plans for growth in the north and the midlands.

“After decades of underinvestment in strategic rail infrastructure, delivering HS2 is a once in a generation chance to transform connectivity, attract investment, create new jobs, build new homes, boost skills and opportunity and level-up communities across the North, Midlands and beyond. This is even more crucial to our economic future in optimising recovery from the pandemic, which has hit the North and Midlands hard.

“We have been working with our partners across the north and midlands for a number of years, making it clear that the full eastern leg is a critical requirement for Northern Powerhouse Rail as well as investing huge amounts of money in developing growth plans that will help our communities make the most of HS2.

“For Chesterfield, the failure to deliver the eastern leg in full means facing the prospect of reduced connectivity for our communities, as well as damaging the momentum we have built up around our ambitious comprehensive plans for both Staveley and the area around Chesterfield Station.

“In the Staveley area alone, planned growth worth at least £1bn has been catalysed by the planned HS2 maintenance depot. Taking this away would be a huge blow for an area that has had its hopes raised on the back of HS2’s plans and would leave a huge question mark over how we can deliver the ambitious growth plans our communities need and deserve.

“It is vital that the Eastern Leg of HS2 is delivered in full and that delivery starts as soon as possible. This is about more than just rail and trains – it’s about new jobs, new homes and new starts for communities that have been denied these opportunities over many years.

“This is a critical issue for Chesterfield and Staveley. I will not rest in working with council and business leaders along the planned Eastern Leg to hold Government to account and to ensure that the Prime Minister honours his commitment to deliver HS2 East in full. Time is of the essence to re-assert the strength of Chesterfield’s social and economic case ahead of Government’s planned publication of its Integrated Rail Plan.”

 

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Chesterfield is already moving forward with significant plans and developments so that the town can maximise the wide range of economic benefits HS2 has to offer.

“The originally proposed spur of the line arriving at Chesterfield Station will improve connectivity, journey times and capacity on our rail network locally and nationally, bringing with it vital investment opportunities.

“We would urge the NIC to rethink its recommendations and take into the account the huge strides our town has already made to regenerate its economy, with HS2 playing a huge role in attracting new people into the area to invest, live and work.”

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield College awarded £500,000 towards centre of excellence focusing on modern construction and digital technologies.

A new Centre of Excellence focusing on modern construction and digital technologies will be built at Chesterfield College after the scheme was awarded a £500,000 grant from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The investment will support the D2N2 LEP’s vision of greener homes and technology, along with more energy-efficient public building; with construction being one of the most important sectors to the regional economy.

The project is one of ten across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire which has received funding from D2N2’s £44 million share of the government’s £900 million Getting Building Fund.

The programme of investment is being used to improve digital infrastructure; support skills and career opportunities; and the transition to a low carbon economy to drive economic growth following the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The funding award will allow Chesterfield College to create a new centre where local students will be able to learn state-of-the-art techniques such as Building Information Modelling and Virtual and Augmented reality.

The new centre, which will be housed in pre-existing premises owned by the college, will complement the current curriculum being delivered to teach advanced manufacturing and building techniques. It will offer learners the opportunity to develop the skills which employers need to meet current and future demands in their sector.

It’s hoped that these new skills will enhance learners employment and career development opportunities as well as their earning potential. The facility will also support the growing demand from employers for a workforce well versed in new technologies and construction methods..

With funding for the £875,000 facility now secured work will begin on the site ready to accept learner by April 2021.

The Centre of Excellence is just the latest capital investment D2N2 has made in Chesterfield and follows recent investments into the construction of the Hollis Lane Link Road, the station area redevelopment, and the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project totalling £6.85 million.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “Through the Getting Building Fund, D2N2 is investing in projects that will drive the regeneration of our regional economy, adapt to new opportunities, and create a more resilient economy for everyone.”
“I’m pleased D2N2 has been able to invest in this Centre of Excellence at Chesterfield College. Ensuring our workforce has the skills to take advantage of ever more sophisticated and greener construction methods is an essential part of our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable economy.”

David Malone, Deputy Principal of the Chesterfield College Group said: “This funding will allow us to give local people the chance to develop the skills they need to be competitive in the job market as demands of the construction and engineering sector change.
“The Centre of Excellence will allow us to enhance what we already offer students and apprentices and ensure employers have access to a talent pool of people with the skills they need. We are excited to be able to bring together expertise in digital technology with modern construction in one purpose built facility and we look forward to welcoming the first students through the doors in 2021.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We’re supporting students across the country gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s new and emerging industries.
“That’s why we’re supporting Chesterfield College’s Centre of Excellence with a £500,000 Getting Building Fund investment.

“The innovative new facilities will allow local people to progress to high quality, well paid jobs while also meeting the recruitment demands of the region’s businesses.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Festive cheer for foodbank after Specsavers steps in to cover charity’s Christmas costs

The founder of a Chesterfield-based foodbank has thanked her local Specsavers store after the team stepped in to cover the operating costs over Christmas.

Kelly Hall from The Chesterfield Food Hut launched the charity earlier this year in the wake of the pandemic, to provide food parcels for vulnerable people across Chesterfield and surrounding areas.
However, the group was struggling in recent weeks to meet the increased demand over the festive period. With costs spiralling, the Specsavers’ team agreed to donate £2,750 to help cover the charity’s overheads until February 2021.

Specsavers Chesterfield’s store director, Allissa Charlesworth, launched the fundraising campaign this week with her store colleagues after concerns the charity would struggle to meet demand for those unable to make ends meet over Christmas.

The money will be put towards covering costs and providing 250 hot meals per week to the vulnerable as well as the charity’s Christmas appeal to provide disadvantaged local children a present each.

Allissa says: ‘Kelly’s work is nothing short of remarkable and her unfaltering commitment to helping those in need across the area was something we immediately recognised and wanted to play a part in.

‘Budgets are often squeezed over this period at the best of times, but it must be really hard for families this year to cope with a Covid-Christmas.

‘We’re delighted that we can help fund the charity’s great work over the busy Christmas period, and we’ll be holding an in-store food and present donation drive to support the group further.’

Kelly Hall says: ‘2020 has been such a tough year for all of us, which is why I’m really proud to have been able to make a difference through the initiative.

‘The support from Specsavers, along with the other generous donations that we receive from our community, will really help to make sure we can continue this work well into the New Year.’

Specsavers stores throughout England remain open for all eye care and hearing needs in accordance with government guidelines. In line with NHS recommendations, Specsavers colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores, wear face masks and other PPE during tests, and all testing equipment and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

Customers are also asked to request an appointment in advance by phone or online through the Specsavers website to help manage social distancing and minimise time spent in store.

To book an eye test at Specsavers Chesterfield visit specsavers.co.uk or call 01246 222 334

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

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