Leisure

More partners announced for The Gateway at PEAK

Mixed-use developer Milligan has appointed further specialist partners to collaborate on the Gateway at PEAK, the UK’s first national park gateway, consented on the eastern boundary of the Peak District in Chesterfield.

Architects Stanton Williams, technology specialists RDS Global, operations consultant DN Consultancy and landscape architects Gillespies, have all been appointed by the Milligan development team.

In July 2020, Milligan formed a unique working group of local stakeholders on the development of Gateway at Peak, part of PEAK Resort.

Since then, the vision for a sustainable hub, welcoming visitors to the Peaks, providing food and accommodation, retail opportunities and environmentally friendly options for onward travel into the park, has been taking shape. The latest partner appointments are an exciting milestone in the progress of the development.

Milligan has a long history of collaboration with Stanton Williams, an award-winning practice well positioned to realise the sustainable and Net Zero Carbon objectives of the Gateway thanks to experience on similar projects and its own Carbon Neutral Zero Plus accreditation.

RDS Global will work alongside the Milligan team to plan and manage the project’s IT platform, deploying its new technology – BlackBox. The RDS BlackBox can consolidate multiple datapoints and communication forms which will power real time, actionable data to enrich customer experience and track energy metrics to support the development’s sustainable goals.

David Norris of DN Consultancy will orchestrate the management and operational strategies and prescribe the environmental, social and governance factors across the Gateway at PEAK.

Also appointed to the team, is award-winning landscape architecture practice, Gillespies who have been leading landscape and public realm design for over 50 years. Utilising strong design principles and an understanding of the natural landscape and environmental context, Gillespies will work with Milligan to deliver transformative planning and design, unlocking the potential of the Gateway at PEAK, to create an inspirational space with a clear-cut purpose, to make people’s lives measurably better.

Melanie Taylor, director of leasing and commerce at Milligan said: “Our work on the Gateway at PEAK has reached a new phase. Landowner Birchall Properties and the regional stakeholders have entrusted us to find and manage specialist partners who are going to bring expertise and value to this unique project. The Gateway is going to be an exciting destination for all types of visitors, each looking for something different from their visit to the Peaks.

“We’re confident that having Stanton Williams, RDS Global, David Norris and Gillespies around the table, we’ll be pushing boundaries and delivering ground-breaking and creative ideas that surprise and delight those visitors. The project will also support the local community through jobs and collaboration and preserve the natural beauty of the park with considerate construction, rewilding and education.”

The Gateway at PEAK is part of the 300-acre PEAK Resort, where the development of an all-weather, all-year, all-ages Summit at PEAK, is already underway, with an opening planned in Autumn 2021. PEAK Resort also has planning permission for up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 lodges as well as a whole range of leisure, education and entertainment facilities, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

You can find out more about the PEAK development here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/peak-resort/

 

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Kids Planet set to open new outdoor learning spaces in Chesterfield

Kids Planet, an early years’ education and care provider which operates five centres across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire is set to open brand new outdoor areas at two of its sites.

The company currently runs nurseries in Chesterfield, Newbold, Sheepbridge, Brampton and North Wingfield after adding them to its portfolio of centres across the UK in April 2019.

Brand new outdoor spaces will be open for children to use at both the Sheepbridge and Chesterfield sites by the end of March. At the Sheepbridge centre, a new outdoor area with a ‘Forest School’ built within it will be offering classes to children.

Since acquiring the Chesterfield nurseries, the company has made considerable internal investments towards furniture, resources, and equipment.

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet said: “We continually reflect on any improvements that need to be made to our portfolio. All Kids Planet nurseries undergo reflective analysis and the investment goes into our nurseries to nurture and develop our children on an ongoing basis.

“As a group, we have always been incredibly focused on children’s interests being at the heart of everything we do. As such, investment in our resources – both inside and outdoors- are purposely placed to support and extend a child’s learning.”

“As with any portfolio in our nursery group, we identify on a rolling programme the improvements that need to be made and look to make any necessary changes. For example, our Chesterfield and Sheepbridge nursery gardens are currently undergoing a full refurbishment to include all-weather play areas, sensory planting areas, a mud kitchen and story corners.”

You can find out more about Kids Planet’s centres across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire here: www.kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk/chesterfield-nurseries

You can also sign up to one of Kids Planet’s open days, taking place on Saturday, 6th March 10am-2pm on their website: www.kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk/about-us/kids-planet-march-open-days/

Kids Planet 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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New date announced for Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference

Tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire are invited to attend Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s recently rescheduled Annual Tourism Conference on Thursday 1 April 2021.

As businesses prepare for the reopening of the tourism sector, the area’s official tourist board says the virtual event – originally planned for last autumn – will help businesses prepare to bounce back ‘stronger than ever’.

The conference will bring together leading industry figures including keynote speakers Tourism Minister, Nigel Huddleston MP and renowned travel journalist and broadcaster, Simon Calder.

Delegates will also gain valuable insights from Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council; Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire; and Lyndsey Swift of national tourist body VisitEngland.

The conference will shine a light on the biggest issues affecting tourism businesses, the latest consumer trends and the work being done to secure the industry’s long-term future – with plenty of opportunity for engagement and questions.

The event is fully-funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project and delegates are encouraged to reserve their place as soon as possible using the link below.

Register for the Peak District & Derbyshire Annual Tourism Conference on Thursday 1 April 2021 at: http://ow.ly/yBTg50DBmjc

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “As the industry awaits official guidance on reopening, our Annual Tourism Conference will provide a well-timed opportunity to learn about the critical plans to support the sector’s recovery.

“It’s never been more important for us all to work together and in the presence of leading industry figures, the conference will offer a great chance for businesses to raise the issues that matter to them most as we work towards a safe, sustainable reopening.”
At the end of 2019 tourism was worth £2.5 billion to the Peak District & Derbyshire economy, supporting over 32,000 jobs and boosting growth.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

staying tourists

 

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Care continues virtually at Ashgate Hospicecare thanks to £80,000 grant

Ashgate Hospicecare is continuing to provide vital care and support to patients who are unable to visit its Day Hospice after a National Lottery Fund grant of almost £80,000 helped pay for new virtual services.

Patients and their families who are referred to the service would usually visit the charity’s main hospice in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, on a regular basis, where they could access a range of services from specialist medical support, to complementary therapies.

But there has been restricted access to the service since the pandemic began to unfold last March, with many patients shielding due to the risk posed by COVID-19.

Thanks to a generous grant of £78,606 from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, Ashgate Hospicecare has been able to roll out its innovative new Virtual Day Hospice service for patients to attend via video calls in their own homes.

The grant, which has funded staff and equipment in order to roll out the scheme, was awarded to the North Derbyshire charity in September last year, and patients accessed the virtual service shortly after.

David Lawton, aged 73, from Hayfield, High Peak, had never accessed the hospice’s services before the lockdown started, but has enjoyed making friends at the weekly coffee and quiz meetings, while testing out his art abilities at the activity sessions.

He said: “It’s nice to have friendly people to speak with, and people who are on the same level as me with regards to their ailments. We can have a laugh and a joke, doing the art and taking part in the quiz.

“There’s lots of useful information you pick up on and everyone shares their experiences. It’s all helped and given me something to do which isn’t too strenuous at this moment in time. I’ve found it to be interesting and very entertaining, and it’s stopped me from going round the bend because I’ve had something to look forward to!

“I would recommend the services of Ashgate to anyone because having it has been a big help. You can find out so much useful information with the people and services that are made available to you – always being able to ring them up and ask them about anything. It really is a great thing and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved with it.”

From one-to-one support from healthcare professionals, to creative art sessions, and a weekly quiz, patients have been able to link up in virtual groups with friends from the hospice, limiting feelings of isolation and the potential impact on their mental health. The initiative aims to give patients the opportunity to access all of Ashgate’s Day Hospice services including group counselling support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, lymphoedema care, complementary therapy and more.

The project has initially been accessible to attendees of the Day Hospice service, but it will be developed into virtual support to patients across North Derbyshire with a life-limiting illness, and their families and carers.

Hayley Wardle, Director of Quality and Patient Care, said: “Unfortunately the pandemic has meant our community patients, who would usually come along to our Day Hospice, have been unable to access our usual Day Hospice services as we seek to protect them and our patients on our Inpatient Unit from the virus.

“Thanks to a generous grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to continue offering that care for people who were shielding at home, many of whom have been experiencing extreme feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation.

“While I’m sad that we’ve been unable to welcome patients to access Ashgate’s Day Hospice since the first lockdown last March, I’m glad that our wonderful clinical team have been at hand to offer vital care and support to the people who need it most during these difficult times.”

To read more about how Ashgate Hospicecare has supported people living with incurable illnesses with its Virtual Hospice during the pandemic go to: www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/patient-stories

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

David Lawton celebrates his golden wedding anniversary with his family

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North Derbyshire welcomes new children’s charity

A recent radio station acquisition has seen Chesterfield and North Derbyshire inherit a brand-new children’s charity – Cash for Kids – which will help disadvantaged children across the town and will feature its biggest fundraising campaigns on Greatest Hits Radio.

Cash for Kids are a grant giving charity and provide grants for organisations including NHS and social services, refuges, food banks, schools, sports clubs, community groups and individual families.

Whilst the pandemic has had a huge impact on local charities, the team of two at Cash for Kids launched an Emergency Appeal last Spring to help children living in poverty get access to food and basic essentials during the first lockdown, distributing over £80,000 to food banks, schools, refuge’s and other local charities.

In December, despite challenges with lockdown, the charity managed to facilitate its annual Mission Christmas appeal, which collected and distributed toys to over 19,000 children across the Sheffield City Region. The campaign was sponsored by B&M at Ravenside Retail Park and Dronfield Auto.

The pandemic resulted in Cash for Kids having to suspend its traditional granting for projects outside of the Emergency Covid-19 Appeal but the charity has just announced it is now taking applications again via the Greatest Hits Radio website.

Allan Ogle, who has managed the charity for six years and lives in Old Whittington, said: “As a resident of Chesterfield, to announce Cash for Kids becoming an integral part of Greatest Hits Radio is a huge honour for me.

“Last year we provided over £3,500 for children get support with food and basic essentials from our Emergency Appeal and over 2,000 children across Chesterfield were also supported from our Mission Christmas campaign. With the fundraising support from listeners of Greatest Hits Radio, local schools, businesses and volunteers across the Town we can really help enrich the lives of children and families who need it most.”

Alongside its biggest fundraising campaigns Cash for Kids Day, which takes place this May, and Mission Christmas, which launches in November, the charity are seeking the fundraising support of local schools and businesses to help fund grant rounds for multiple projects throughout the year.

Funds have previously been provided to help families, charities and organisations with mental health, autism, special needs, sensory rooms, kit, equipment, IT, beds, school uniform and other basic essentials amongst a long list of other causes the charity supports.

The charity also has vacancies on its Local Executive Board and would like to have a representative from a Chesterfield business. To enquire about this or details on how to support the charity, email allan.ogle@bauermedia.co.uk

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshrie 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-Line announces launch of UK Holidays and Tours company

Chesterfield-based travel company A-line has announced the opening of a new UK Holiday & Tours company located in the heart of the town.

A-Line Travel is a local, family run business best known for providing local taxi services in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, but has now expanded its operations to include trips to tourism and seaside destinations.

The company says its aim is to bring some joy and happiness to people in Chesterfield, giving residents something to look forward to again following a difficult 12 months during the global covid-19 pandemic.

The firm is predicting demand for UK-based holidays to soar in the wake of the pandemic, with already over 7 million people opting for UK coach travel each year. A-Line Travel will initially offer holidays and luxury coach travel to more than 25 UK destinations.

A-line was first founded as a taxi company in Chesterfield more than 20 years ago, serving a number areas of North Derbyshire including Clay Cross, Staveley and Bolsover, running from its office on Stephenson Place.

Following the company’s expansion, A-Line Travel has opened a new office on Soresby Street and has recruited Nicola Aldersley as its Managing Director. Nicola started her career in Chesterfield back in 1996, working for travel company Going Places. A-Line says her experience and knowledge of the industry means she is well-placed to meet the needs of Chesterfield customers.

Sales Manager Jo Shephard, who has over 14 years experience in the coach travel industry said: “UK coach holidays are becoming more and more popular each year with families, couples, singles and pensioners as they are such good value for money. Who doesn’t want a hassle free, package holiday from your local town at a fraction of the cost of a holiday abroad? We make holiday dreams a reality.”

You can find out more about A-Line Travel. and the holidays and tours being offered by the company at: www.a-linetravel.co.uk

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Chesterfield Borough Council looks to secure the future of The Pavements Shopping Centre

At an Extraordinary meeting of Chesterfield Borough Council on Wednesday 10 February 2021, councillors voted in favour of acquiring the leasehold of The Pavements Shopping Centre in Chesterfield.

The decision is subject to further due diligence and agreement of terms.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Pavements Shopping Centre plays a pivotal role in welcoming shoppers and visitors to Chesterfield town centre.

“Assuming we are successful in acquiring the leasehold, the council will be able to control the future direction of the shopping centre; shape the Southern Gateway to Chesterfield town centre; and build on the council’s many other ambitious plans for the town centre.”

Chesterfield Borough Council currently owns the land (the freehold) on which the shopping centre is built but the leasehold is held by a successor company to the CIN Pension Fund which originally built The Pavements back in the early 1980’s. The council then manages and operates the shopping centre through an under-lease arrangement between the leaseholder and the council.

The council has taken specialist advice from property investment advisors, who concluded it is financially prudent for the council to try and acquire the leasehold at this time.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of the Council, continued: “Through this action, the council is seeking to secure the future of The Pavements Shopping Centre as a high-profile strategic town centre asset whilst at the same time protecting the council’s financial position.

“Negotiations between the council and the leaseholder have commenced, and we would hope that the terms of the acquisition can be finalised by the end of March 2021.”

You can find out more about the Pavements Shopping Centre here.

Businesses in Chesterfield are continuing to trade via click and collect or delivery services during the current national lockdown, while essential retailers remain open as usual. You can find out more on our Shopping During Lockdown page.

Pavements Shopping Centre

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Work to start on improving Hollis Lane Subway in Chesterfield

Work to improve the stairs and ramp at the Spa Lane end of the Hollis Lane subway in Chesterfield is due to start on Tuesday 9 February 2021.

The subway enables pedestrians to walk under the A61 to get from Spa Lane to Dixons Road/ Hollis Lane in the town, but the stairs and ramp at the Spa Lane end now need replacing.

Derbyshire County Council has confirmed a new ramp and steps will be made from anti-slip surfacing and will have cycle height parapets and landings to make them easier to use for people with mobility difficulties.

The ramp will be closed from Tuesday 9 February 2021 for around 2 months with the stairs being able to be used when safe to do so. The stairs won’t be able to be used during the first few days of the work.

Because the alternative route is long the council is to provide a taxi service to take ramp users (those with mobility difficulties or buggies) and pedestrians when the stairs are closed, from The Bridge Inn Car Park to Hollis Lane Car Park (one side of the A61 to the other). The taxi service will only take people from these two locations and will be provided by Naylors Cars for the first few days as a trial to help determine demand.

The taxi service will be available from 7am to 5.30pm each day of the week, with one taxi moving from side to side to pick up those who need the service. The taxi is fully wheelchair accessible. There will be no charge for the service. A ring-and-ride service will be available from 5.30pm to midnight by contacting Naylors on 01246 556677.

After the first week the taxi service will be reviewed with any changes notified.

You can find out more about visiting Chesterfield and North Derbyshire here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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Peak Edge Hotel opens new ‘orangery’

The Peak Edge Hotel, a family owned 4-star, modern boutique hotel nestled on the edge of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park is set to open its new orangery extension in Spring 2021.

Renowned as one of the region’s leading wedding venues, The Peak Edge Hotel will be able to accommodate larger weddings, as well as providing more flexibility for all events. It enjoys its own dedicated bar area and boasts breath taking views over the hotel lake and Peak District National Park.

Combining historic style with modern facilities, including air conditioning, acoustically lined walls and disabled access, this purpose-built space can accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, events, and celebrations.

Steve Perez, owner and chairman of Casa Hotel, The Peak Edge Hotel and Global Brands said: “Despite the global pandemic the government’s restrictions causing devastating effects on this industry and people’s livelihoods, we continue to strive and invest in The Peak Edge Hotel.

“We believe it is important to continuously improve our property to ensure we continue to offer the best venue, and award-winning experience.

“We cannot wait to welcome brides, grooms, guests, diners and residents back to The Peak Edge Hotel in the very near future.”

Boasting floor to ceiling windows, contrasting with stunning oak beams giving a wide view over the hotel’s lawns, the Orangery is especially opulent with leather upholstery, oak beam bar and open fireplace enhancing the period features and superb light quality of the room.

The popular luxury boutique hotel offers 27 bedrooms, and all boast stunning views over the Derbyshire Countryside, yet you are only a few miles from all major road networks. Historic Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House, the market towns of Chesterfield, Bakewell & Matlock are all on the hotel’s doorstep.

The Peak Edge Hotel 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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New council homes ready to welcome local families

Local families are set to benefit from new council homes which have been built in Brimington – part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ongoing work to provide more affordable and accessible housing.

The four new-build properties on Manor Drive – which are the first council homes to be built in Brimington South in over 30 years – are now ready to be let to local families.

The development includes three two-bedroom houses and a three-bedroom bungalow with wheelchair access.

Built by local contractor, Robert Woodhead Ltd, each property features a fully fitted kitchen and bathroom and is decorated throughout. The gardens are also fully turfed with a small patio area to the back.

In response to the climate emergency that was declared by council leaders last July, the council is also committed to ensuring that its existing housing stock is as energy efficient as possible. Each of the new properties on Manor Drive has increased levels of insulation throughout and has electric vehicle charging points installed.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re committed to meeting the housing needs of local people – now and in the future – and these new properties will provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for families in our borough.

“It is important that people looking for a new home have a choice of good quality homes to rent. Our ambition is to create an additional 100 new homes across town by 2023 and with the completion of these properties, along with other ongoing projects, we’re well on track to reach this target.

“It’s also really important that new developments in the borough take account of environmental issues – contributing to a more sustainable future for us all.

“Our new homes are energy efficient, affordable to run and also feature charging points for electric vehicles to make it easier for people to make the switch to greener transport.”

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Chesterfield businesses get Shop Appy

Chesterfield businesses can now sign up to the Shop Appy web platform for free.

Shop Appy is a one stop, local, online support platform which enables customers to see what local shops and services have to offer, all in one place. 

Many independent businesses in Chesterfield have been looking at new ways to adapt and innovate during the Covid lockdowns. Chesterfield Borough Council has partnered with Derbyshire County Council to help businesses take advantage of the fast growing Shopappy.com.

The Derbyshire Economic Partnership, which is made up of Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and other district councils, has paid for the membership fee to the ShopAppy.com platform for local businesses. This free membership will last until November 2021.

As part of the Supporting Our High Street campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, is a new push to get more Chesterfield businesses to sign up for free to Shop Appy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Shop Appy is another helping hand for our businesses. Many have already adapted, and offer click & collect or delivery services, but the option to have Shop Appy free until November 2021 is a great addition to their business offer.

“As part of our campaign – Supporting Our High Street – we are promoting the benefits of taking advantage of this offer for businesses to use Shop Appy for free. Our businesses need our support now more than ever. Shopping online, but making the local choice, and using our favourite local businesses is what we must do.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with businesses to encourage sign up to the Shop Appy platform. Any business needing support with Shop Appy can contact the council’s town centre engagement officer, Rebecca Bland, by emailing Rebecca.bland@chesterfield.gov.uk

Businesses can register for Shop Appy at www.shopappy.com/vendor

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