Leisure

Chesterfield to benefit from £121m regional road maintenance plan

Chesterfield is set to benefit from part of a £121m investment proposed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) for road maintenance and repairs across the region. The funding will cover the region’s four highway authorities in the 2026/27 financial year.

The funding, to be considered by the authority’s transport committee this week, aims to make roads safer, reduce congestion and tackle years of wear and tear caused by previous underinvestment in the region. 

The proposed investment would be used for a range of work, from repairing worn surfaces and potholes, to maintenance preventing damage before it happens. Some projects will combine road repairs with improvements to pavements, drainage, and public spaces, delivering better results for local communities.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This proposed investment shows our commitment to keeping roads safe and reliable for everyone in the East Midlands. By acting now, we can tackle years of wear and tear, support local communities, and make journeys smoother for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This decisive action shows we are ready to deliver in 2026.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This proposed additional investment is excellent news for our region.”

Members of the authority’s Transport and Digital Committee will also consider an alternative option this week. This would invest a total of £79.4m in road maintenance for the 2026/27 financial year.

Additionally, more than £13.5m is proposed for local neighbourhood projects. These smaller-scale schemes improve road safety, access, and local travel, directly benefiting people’s daily lives in towns and villages across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

The proposed funding is subject to agreement at the Transport Committee meeting, before going before the EMCCA board for final approval in March.

The upcoming Transport Committee will also discuss the progress of the existing £184m transport investment programme. It has already brought safer roads, better bus services, new cycle routes, and improved travel connections across the region.

Mayor Claire said: “This investment is a significant step forward for our region. By focusing on road maintenance, safer streets, and better transport connections, we are delivering tangible benefits for our communities now, while laying the foundation for long-term improvements across the next seven years.”

Key projects which are underway:

The programme is on track to spend £151m this year, a significant increase compared with 2024/25, showing that EMCCA and the constituent authorities are making real progress on projects that matter to communities and delivering on a larger scale than previously.

This year’s programme is the first of a seven-year investment plan, giving the region certainty to deliver bigger and longer-lasting improvements.

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

New art venture Scarlet Sky Studio moves into town centre

Scarlet Sky Studio, a new art venture, has recently moved into the Market Hall within our town centre. Sarah cook, has been passionate about design since the age of six. With over 25 years’ experience in the design industry, working in the UK, Ireland, the USA, and worldwide, Sarah has created fabrics and carpets for domestic and commercial spaces including hotels, car showrooms, airports, and historical restorations of stately homes and castles. She has collaborated with renowned companies such as Laura Ashley, Art House, and Wilton Carpets.

The idea for Scarlet Sky Studio emerged with encouragement from her partner, Chris, who runs Rock of Ages, a business specialising in vinyl and music memorabilia. While out for lunch, Chris suggested creating large canvases, inspired by the shortage of accessible, affordable art on the market. The name Scarlet Sky is a personal reflection: “Scarlet is my daughter’s name, and Sky represents freedom and the limitless possibilities of starting my own business,” explains Sarah.

Having studied fine art at university, specialising in textiles, print, and surface pattern design, Sarah has always loved experimenting with colour and media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when canvas and paint were scarce, she and Chris developed a solution: rescuing pre-loved canvases and upcycling them, giving them new life while creating beautiful, affordable art. Acrylic and watercolour are her main media, though she embraces all materials to achieve the desired effect, often celebrating happy accidents in her work.

Since starting, Sarah has primarily sold her work online through platforms such as Etsy, Vinterior, social media, as well as her own website. A growing following led to enquiries about viewing the art in person. After hosting a few successful open days in her garden studio, she realised a more permanent space was needed.

Having moved to Chesterfield 18 months ago, Sarah says the town felt like the perfect place to open a shop.

Sarah said:

“Chesterfield is one of the friendliest towns I’ve lived in, full of like-minded people and supportive independent businesses. Its location near the Peak District and its vibrant town centre make it a great spot for independent shops to thrive.”

Scarlet Sky Studio now offers handmade, original art at affordable prices, providing locals and visitors alike the opportunity to buy unique pieces while supporting a small, creative business. The studio represents a combination of professional experience, personal passion, and sustainable practice, making it a standout addition to Chesterfield’s creative community.

For more information, visit: Scarlet Sky Interiors

Posted in Business, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Local community invited to celebrate 10 years of Queen’s Park Sports Centre

Ten years ago, Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened its doors to our residents for the first time and has since grown to be a community hub for many different groups, organisations and individuals to use and enjoy.

This Sunday, Queen’s Park Sports Centre will be hosting an open day and is encouraging local people to come along and join them in celebrating ten years of the sports centre so far.

The open day will include a range of activities for all of the family from fitness classes to swimming lessons and vouchers will be hidden for customers to find, there’s loads to get involved in.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s a genuine pleasure to be part of celebrating this ten-year milestone of Queens Park Sports Centre serving our communities. The vision we had for an inclusive space, providing activities to get people moving and bringing them together has been more than realised.

Queens pae

“I encourage anyone, especially those who may not previously have taken part in exercise to come along to the open day and take advantage of the activities on offer on the 11 January.

“Getting active has so many benefits both physically and mentally and it’s never too late or early!”

Visitors can enjoy a mix of free fitness classes, family-friendly activities, and sports tasters throughout the day. Highlights include:

  • Fitness classes such as indoor cycling, yoga, Body Pump, and fun sessions like Clubbercise

  • Racket sports with drop-in badminton and pickleball games, plus a family netball taster

  • Children’s activities, including pre-school tumblers and gymnastics-style play

  • Swimming tasters for adults and children, ending with a family splash session with floats and toys

There’s something for all ages and abilities, making it a great day to try new activities and get active together.

All of the individual sessions will be bookable in advance via reception in person, or by calling 01246 345 555. Fitness classes, racket sports and netball are available to book online

It is advised that sessions are booked ahead of your visit to the open day to avoid disappointment. Many of the sessions will be free of charge or low cost to mark the open day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Aurora train serves Chesterfield as part of landmark East Midlands launch

A new chapter in rail travel has begun in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, as the first train from Transport UK and East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) £400 million Aurora fleet carried its inaugural passengers. The service, which stops at Chesterfield, gave local travellers a first glimpse of the step-change in comfort, reliability, and performance that the new Hitachi Rail trains bring to the network.

The maiden Aurora service departed Sheffield at 7am, bound for London, serving Chesterfield along the way and offering passengers their first experience of the upgraded fleet.

The 33 bi-mode trains will make full use of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade, running on electric overhead lines to cut carbon emissions by 66 per cent – meaning quieter and greener journeys for passengers travelling through Chesterfield and beyond.

The Aurora fleet offers 24 per cent more seats and over 19 per cent more legroom in a typical five-carriage formation compared to the Meridian trains it replaced. Once the full fleet of 33 trains is in service, it will deliver a 46 per cent increase in total seating available on the Midland Main Line, benefitting commuters and travellers.

East Midlands railway Chesterfield

Transport UK’s EMR business worked closely with Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN to adapt a brand-new seat for the Aurora trains. The result combines comfort and support with practical features such as power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables, and storage space for cabin bags under each seat.

Passengers on the new Aurora trains also experienced improved connectivity thanks to an enhanced Wi-Fi system using multiple SIM cards, along with specially engineered glass to allow mobile signals to pass through more effectively.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said on the day the train departed:
“Today is truly a landmark moment for rail travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. At 7am, the very first train in Transport UK and EMR’s brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet departed Sheffield for London St Pancras – marking the start of a new era for Intercity travel on our network. With more seats, legroom and luggage space, as well as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger information and the ability to run on electric, these new trains will transform the service we can provide.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire strengthen international tourism in Asia

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire has highlighted the region’s world-class tourism offerings to leading travel buyers from China, Japan, and South Korea at an international travel trade mission in Chengdu, China.”

The mission, part of VisitBritain’s Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia (DBCNEA) programme, provided a significant opportunity to raise the international profile of the Peak District and Derbyshire. It supports Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s wider objectives to attract high-spending global visitors, extend the tourism season beyond peak months, and deliver long-term benefits to the local visitor economy.

During the event, the team held over 50 one-to-one meetings with tour operators and travel buyers from China, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting the region’s tourism offerings to inspire future itineraries and drive new business.

Additionally, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire delivered educational seminars showcasing local attractions, accommodations, and activity providers. These closely align with emerging Asian travel trends, including high-end, small-group, and immersive experiences.

Derbyshire is attracting growing interest from Chinese visitors, drawn by the area’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Chatsworth, internationally recognised for its role in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film, remains a major attraction, while the wider Peak District offers ‘soft adventure’ experiences such as hiking and stargazing, appealing to a new generation of nature-inspired travellers.

Both ‘Peak District’ and ‘Chatsworth’ currently feature among the most popular trending searches on RedNote, one of China’s largest social platforms with over 300 million users, highlighting Derbyshire’s strong potential as a must-see UK destination.

Spending by visitors from China, Japan, and South Korea is forecast to reach £1.4 billion for the UK economy this year, with an average visitor spend from these markets of £1,528 per visit – more than double the all-market average of £818.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire boosts international tourism connections in China and North East Asia

Attendance at DBCNEA strengthened Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s ongoing engagement with the Chinese market, which includes a dedicated cultural tourism friendship between Derbyshire and Anhui Province, facilitated by Make It China. This established collaboration provided valuable momentum for trade discussions during the event.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said:

“VisitBritain’s Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia mission offered us an invaluable platform to present Derbyshire’s unique blend of heritage, nature and immersive experiences to top buyers from China, Japan and South Korea.

By bringing our region directly into the spotlight at a global event, we build the relationships and confidence needed for tour operators to book the Peak District as an essential stop on future itineraries – making a powerful case for the region as a “must-see” destination beyond the typical London circuit.

Growing awareness among these influential buyers is key to unlocking the full potential of inbound tourism for our communities and economy.”

As part of its international tourism strategy, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire has been working extensively to ensure local tourism businesses are ‘travel trade ready’. Over the past year, the organisation has supported more than 40 businesses to become trade-ready through targeted development workshops and the launch of a new Travel Trade Brochure.

Businesses can find out more about Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s business support activity at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Local play area welcomes families following major transformation

Heather Vale Play Area in Hasland, has been transformed with upgraded new equipment. Designed to suit children from ages three to twelve, the play area includes a toddler play unit with steps, slides and a mini climbing net. Along with agility equipment for older children plus sensory panels and ground activities to support inclusive play.

Part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious parks and play delivery plan, which was launched in 2023, aims to improve play areas across the borough.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, said:

“We recognise how play areas form an important part of every community in our borough, providing a space for children to develop and build confidence but also creating a place where parents can socialise together.

“Through our parks and play delivery plan we identified the play areas across the borough which were most in need of an upgrade and over the last few years we have been working hard to refurbish these facilities and improve local play spaces.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to carry out these works in Hasland before Christmas. I know this will be a great asset for the community to enjoy and we’ve already received some great feedback from local families.

“Creating these spaces helps ensure that Chesterfield is a fantastic borough to live and raise a family and we’ll be investing even more into our play areas over the next few years to ensure that every family can access a welcoming and safe play area in their neighbourhood.”

upgraded play area in Hasland.

Continued upgrades are being planned at Barnes Road in Hady and in Duckmanton in the first half of 2026. Further improvements across the borough are also being planned.

The refurbishment of Heather Vale began on site in late November 2025 and is funded through combined council and grant funding. With funding provided from both the Suez communities fund and from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Residents who visit are being asked to complete a survey about the upgrade, the short survey will help plan future improvements across the borough and access further grant funding for other play spaces. To complete the survey please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/heather-vale-play-areaHeather Vale Play Area.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay

A calmer Christmas and New Year in Chesterfield

Hopefully, your gifts are wrapped and plans sorted, so you can relax into Christmas and enjoy the simple pleasures Chesterfield offers. Remember to take the time to stop and take note during the busy season because our town centre looks so magical in December. Our twinkling lights and festive art trail welcome you to our shops, cafes and market tipi.

And when the New Year arrives, why not try to keep that gentler pace? January offers a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

Instead of chasing big resolutions, I plan to focus on people and experiences that bring joy. A quiet stroll together works wonders, and Chesterfield’s winter walks – like Linacre Reservoirs, Chesterfield Canal or the Five Pits Trail – make it easy to enjoy frosty landscapes close to home.

If you’re looking for cosy indoor moments, drop into our friendly town centre cafes.

For somewhere different, visit Board and Bean for a winter’s afternoon of games and conversation. They hosted us recently during the Social Fuse Festival, our annual event that celebrates community creativity and purpose-driven innovation. It was the drop-in space for meeting new people and sharing ideas. Board and Bean creates a hub for creativity and community, and you’ll feel welcome from the moment you walk in.

For something cultural, why not enjoy a show?

The Winding Wheel Theatre hosts a fantastic programme, from festive pantomimes to live music and comedy. January brings a mix of music and comedy to brighten up winter evenings – from The Ultimate Classic Rock Show to Jason Manford. Check out what’s on and make a night of it.

I’m also planning to get crafty in the New Year.

Junction Arts’ festivals, workshops, and events give people the opportunity to be creative, learn new skills, and build stronger communities. I loved stepping out of my comfort zone at a lantern-making workshop recently. It reminded me that creativity is about enjoyment rather than perfection. Later in 2026, my team will work with Junction Arts to host our own workshops when we reopen the Rectory. I’m looking forward to plenty of creative challenges before then.I loved stepping out of my comfort zone at a lantern-making workshop recently. It reminded me that creativity is about enjoyment rather than perfection. Later in 2026, my team will work with Junction Arts to host our own workshops when we reopen the Rectory. I’m looking forward to plenty of creative challenges before then.

As the New Year begins, instead of piling on the pressure, why not choose one small thing that brings you joy? Meet a friend for a warm drink, wander through our market, try a new craft, or book tickets for a local performance. Chesterfield offers plenty of ways to slow down, connect, and feel part of something real.

Discover local events, theatre listings, walking routes, and more ways to enjoy our community at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Christmas, Home, Leisure

Over £500,000 funding awarded to local community groups

Over £500,000 in grant funding has now been awarded to local community groups and voluntary organisations across Chesterfield, helping local projects make a real difference in the borough.

As part of the Community Grants Fund, launched by Chesterfield Borough Council in 2023, the latest round of funding has seen £75,282 shared between 19 local groups. Since the scheme began, a total of £527,911 has been awarded through 103 successful applications, supporting projects that strengthen neighbourhoods, promote wellbeing, and bring people together.

Already, the grants are helping to deliver projects across the borough, from funding foodbanks and community hubs, to supporting local events and helping people back into work. They are also enabling initiatives that encourage greener, more sustainable choices and reduce the borough’s environmental impact.

The latest organisations to receive funding include:

  • Barrow Hill Community Trust

  • Transition Chesterfield

  • Don Catchment Rivers Trust

  • St John Ambulance

  • Friends of Eastwood Park

  • African Caribbean Community Association

  • Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre

  • Mastin Moor Miners Welfare

  • Ozbox

  • b:friend

  • The Friends of Pearson Park

  • Chesterfield Foodbank

  • Parish Centre Stonegravels

  • Poolsbrook Club Community Committee

  • Friends of Thistle Park, Brimington

  • Kakou CIC

  • Friends of Stand Road Park

  • Pain Inspired

  • Community Development Chesterfield

Ann Fomukong-Boden,

Kakou CIC, one of our Chesterfield Champions, will use the funding to create a kitchen garden for The Rectory Community Pub, helping to bring the community together.

Kakou’s Ann Fomukong-Boden and Destination Chesterfield Board member said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this funding for The Rectory Kitchen Garden Project. This funding means we can turn our pub’s beer garden into something much more,  a thriving kitchen garden that not only supports our pub kitchen but also brings the community together.

“Fresh produce grown here will go straight into our meals, while our gardening club will help people connect, learn, and support their wellbeing. It’s a chance to grow food, friendships, and a stronger, more sustainable future for The Rectory and our community.”

Elsewhere, Friends of Thistle Park will be using the grant funding to replace surfacing in the play area that has become worn over time, ensuring that local families can continue to enjoy the much-loved park in Brimington.

The chair of Friends of Thistle Park said:

“We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will make a real difference to the community. The resurfacing will enhance the play area into a space that children can enjoy all year round, and we are grateful to Chesterfield Borough Council for their support.

“We will continue to work towards transforming the park for the benefit of local residents and visitors, and this project marks an important step in their ongoing commitment to improving community facilities.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chestrfield, said:

“We really are lucky to have so many community groups and voluntary organisations here in Chesterfield that can have a huge impact on our local communities – and we’re really proud that we’re able to support them through this funding.

“It has allowed us to support so many groups and organisations that work tirelessly to deliver projects and initiatives and make a real difference to the lives of local people.

“It has been great to hear from the groups about how the funding is being used so far and the impact that it is having on local residents, and I am looking forward to hearing more about how the latest groups and organisations are using the grants to make a difference in our community.”

Funding for the grants scheme was successfully secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

The Community Grants Fund has received £120,500 from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Posted in Development, Home, Leisure, Stay

New mural unveiled in town centre

World-renowned street artist has unveiled a vibrant new mural in the heart of our town centre.

Peachzz drew inspiration from our Chesterfield Market and our borough’s heritage to create the breathtaking artwork, called Local, which covers the entire side of the Pavements Shopping Centre and welcomes visitors as they enter the marketplace.

Local depicts a selection of objects that reflect what can be found on Chesterfield Market, while also referencing local history. Features include a shire horse, which was once used to collect rubbish from the market, a cattle brass referencing the historic cattle market site, and a pomegranate, which features in the Borough crest. The use of hands aims to evoke the idea of trade.

Peachzz said:

“My concept was to have all these ideas and stories that I’ve heard shown through items that I’d bought from the market, so there are loads of these little stories within it, but overall, it aims to support all these small businesses and traders that make up this town.

“The reception has been amazing. We’ve had no end of people coming and stopping us to say hello and telling us how much they like it. It’s been really heartwarming and encouraging when painting in the rain, but also shows the impact that art pieces have on public spaces.”

Peachzz worked with our local community to develop the concept for the mural, hosting a drop-in session on the Market for members of the public to share their ideas and stories, visiting a local school to hear pupils’ ideas, and speaking to market traders about what they felt the mural should include.

The mural was created using masonry paint to establish the market stall background, followed by layers of spray paint to build up the detailed design. Peachzz employed a “doodle grid” technique – a mapping system that allows designs to be accurately scaled onto large walls. The grid acts as a guide for placing each element and colour, ensuring the finished artwork retains its precision and vibrancy at scale.

The new mural is funded through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Animate Chesterfield programme, which will create new artworks and activities throughout the regeneration projects happening in both Chesterfield and Staveley.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“This is an exceptional piece of artwork which reflects our town’s history but also helps create a new, vibrant welcome for visitors. The mural is already getting a positive reception, with lots of people visiting the town centre to watch its creation. I know it will be a source of inspiration for many of our residents, and they will enjoy seeing this sight for many years to come.”

mural unveiled in Chesterfield

@steelcitydronepilot

Peachzz is a contemporary street artist from Sheffield. She discovered spray painting in the forgotten industrial sites of the UK and Europe, channelling her creativity into breathing life into walls.

Her work often explores and celebrates themes of nature, life and community, set against the stark concrete of urban spaces. With each mural, she aims to evoke an emotional response and ensure her work feels rooted in its surroundings.

With a storytelling approach, she creates art that resonates with both local communities and visitors. She is an extremely confident painter of large-scale projects. Her style is expressive, with hints of realism, while experimenting with positive themes and a bold colour palette.

Peachzz has travelled with her work all over Europe and has painted as far away as the USA, Colombia, Mexico and the Middle East.

Her mural Reverie in Sheffield was named the second Best Mural in the World 2024 by Street Art Cities.

Animate Chesterfield is being delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation, in collaboration with Chesterfield Borough Council. The programme has included the appointment of an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors with Chesterfield town centre, a Christmas window trail, and further projects are planned, including the creation of a Heritage Arts Trail, a town centre projection mapping project, and a new sculpture for Staveley town centre.

Communities are at the heart of the programme and will shape, influence and participate throughout, ensuring that it is an authentic celebration of the place.

Funding for the public art project was secured through planning agreements as part of the council’s per cent for art scheme, which was part of the previous Local Plan (and now continues voluntarily). The funding must be used for the delivery of public art.

To find out more about the Animate programme, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

Images by @steelcitydronepilot

 

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

New bar brings local beer to Chatsworth Road

Located on the popular Chatsworth Road, The Outbreak has opened its doors, adding to the area’s growing reputation as a vibrant destination for food, drink and socialising close to our town centre.

The new independent bar, which has been open for five weeks, is owned by the former proprietor of the Real Ale Corner micropub, also located on Chatsworth Road. The bar draws inspiration from Derbyshire’s brewing heritage and a close working relationship with Eyam Brewery.

“I used to own the Real Ale Corner micropub down the other end of Chatsworth Road, and got to know Gervaise at Eyam Brewery through that,” the owner said. “The brewery taps into the plague history of Eyam, with a lot of the beers having plague-themed names. That’s where the name of the bar comes from – The Outbreak tying into the plague theme.”

With a wide selection of both cask and keg options, alongside rotating guest beers and a permanent line of Kasteel Belgian beers. The bar also offers a comprehensive wine list and a selection of spirits.

“There’s also a fantastic wine list and spirits, so something for everyone!” the owner added.

The Outbreak bar

Food plays a key role at The Outbreak, with the kitchen serving freshly made tacos and sides, making it the only venue in Chesterfield specialising in flavourful tacos. This weekend, the bar is also launching a new eating challenge.

“We’re launching an eating challenge this coming weekend – 20 minutes to complete a tray of 12 tacos and a portion of nachos,” the owner said. “Complete it within the time and it’s free, otherwise you pay for it.”

In the run-up to Christmas, The Outbreak plans to open extended hours from Friday 19th to Wednesday 24th, providing an additional option for festive food and drinks in the town.

The venue also features an upstairs space with seating for more than 35 people, which the team hopes will be used by local groups and organisations.

“Our bar has a fantastic upstairs space with seating for 35+,” the owner explained. “It’s a great place to sit and relax, but we also want to make it available to the community for local groups to use. We’re hosting the next local CAMRA meeting on the 8th Jan, for example.”

Looking ahead, The Outbreak is developing a programme of events for 2025, including Meet the Brewer evenings, tasting sessions and a monthly pub quiz.

“Overall, The Outbreak is a great informal space to come for food, local drinks and to socialise!”
For more local independent food and drink venues: www.chesterfield.co.uk/food-and-drink-businesses
Posted in Business, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure

Chesterfield is once again named happiest place to live in the East Midlands

Chesterfield has been ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

The annual study asks thousands of people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live. This year, more than 19,500 residents took part, sharing what truly contributes to their everyday happiness.

Rightmove found that the factors most strongly linked to a positive sense of wellbeing are the simple things that make daily life easier, safer and more enjoyable. Green spaces continue to be among the most valued features in the index, offering places to relax, exercise and connect with nature.  The study also revealed that people living close to a national park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty typically report higher levels of happiness.

Our town continues to stand out as a place where people feel proud to live. Many contributors said that Chesterfield gives them a strong sense of pride, belonging and community. Access to green landscapes remains particularly important, with those living near the Peak District National Park especially likely to report high levels of wellbeing.

Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield Board Member Ryan Wilkes said:  “We’re very pleased to see Chesterfield gaining further recognition as a great place to live.”

“As a lifelong resident, it’s fantastic to see our brilliant outdoor spaces, local businesses and community spirit highlighted.

“If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home, and that’s without mentioning the abundance of picturesque outdoor spaces on our doorstep!”

Earlier this year, Chesterfield was also named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, as well as being recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queens Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal.  Thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments and regeneration projects, including the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood, which will bring more new homes.

Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/living

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting