Property and Construction

£2 million funding boost for Staveley Town Deal projects

23rd January 2026

£2 million of funding will help to enhance key projects in Staveley and deliver more benefits for the local community.

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is providing additional funding to enhance two of the Staveley Town Deal projects, creating an improved green space at the Moorings at Staveley Basin and delivering more for the local community at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall, especially for children and young people.

Chesterfield Borough Council applied for the funding on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board.

Barrow Hill Community Trust is leading the refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. With support from the Town Deal, the Trust is developing a new community pantry, community bar and café, and a health hub. Town Deal funding has also enabled essential building upgrades, including new electrical and ventilation systems.

Funding from EMCCA will support the creation of a nursery and a physical activity space with youth provision in the evenings, as well as provide match funding to help kick-start works on the second storey. This phase will deliver a new events venue alongside additional community facilities.

Derbyshire County Council have built and operate the Moorings at Staveley Basin – the mixed-use development sits next to the historic town basin and aims to attract new businesses to the area. Additional funding from EMCCA will enhance the landscape around the building and create new pontoons for boats to moor in the basin.

Both Staveley projects align with EMCCA’s ‘Vision for Growth Spatial Strategy’ and will support the ambitions of the East Midlands Investment Zone to regenerate the area.

The funding also ensures these projects are delivered as originally envisioned in the Staveley Town Investment Plan.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This investment is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about people. By working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and communities in Staveley, we’re creating inclusive places where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to thrive.

“I am committed to making the East Midlands a place that everyone is proud to call home, and that begins with investing in projects that regenerate our towns, villages, and cities.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice-chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is fantastic news for Staveley that will see an important green space improved and a much-used community asset reach its full potential. We’ll work closely with the project sponsors to ensure they have the support they need to deliver these projects for the benefit of Staveley residents.”

Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust said: “This funding will make a major difference to the lives, wellbeing and economic inclusion of the people of Barrow Hill and the surrounding communities to the east of Chesterfield. Finally local people will have the community-led facilities for families, young people and physical activity that they deserve and need.”

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This funding demonstrates how investment from the Town Deal has helped secure further funding for Staveley that will deliver even more benefits for the local community.”

For more information on the Staveley Town Deal project, and other local development’s, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Stay

Progression made on Chesterfield Canal as part of Staveley Town Deal

15th January 2026

Significant progress continues on the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal at Staveley, one of the projects within the Staveley Town Deal.

The restoration will reconnect key sections, protect historic features, and create new opportunities for leisure, tourism, and economic growth. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is leading the main phase of restoration works, supported by £5.8 million of the Staveley Town Deal.

Contractor O’Brien Construction Ltd is delivering the main phase of works on the Chesterfield Canal, which includes:

- Construction of the new Keith Ayling Lock
- Installation of a water pumping system designed to allow fish and eel passage,
- Restoration of Bellhouse Basin, including its historic narrows,
- Reinstatement of the canal through the Hartington Railway Bridge abutments
- Restoration of the canal towpath through the Doe Lea Valley and along the former Norbriggs Arm to the A619 at Mastin Moor
- Upgrading footpaths between Bent Lane and Bellhouse Lane
- Installation of new benches, interpretation panels and extensive landscaping

By restoring navigability and improving surrounding infrastructure, the project will help to encourage an increase in visitor numbers to Staveley, supporting local businesses and tourism as well as enhancing public spaces, including footpaths, bridges and green areas, having an overall impact on improving the quality of life for residents through better access, recreation and employment opportunities.

Over the past months, visible progress has been made on the site. Towards the end of November, the lock excavation was completed, followed by extensive rebar installation and concrete pours throughout early December.

By mid-December, the base slab for the Keith Ayling Lock had been completed, clearly showing how the restored basin will be raised to its final level. Historic stonework from Bellhouse Basin was carefully removed, labelled and stored, ready to be reinstated as part of the restoration.

Meanwhile, Severn Trent Water has been working alongside the project to lower a major 500mm water main beneath the restored canal at Bellhouse Basin, with this element expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The current completion date for the main works is mid-July, bringing Staveley another step closer to seeing the Chesterfield Canal fully restored through this key section.

The Staveley canal restoration is a powerful example of how the Staveley Town Deal is investing in heritage, infrastructure and community wellbeing, creating a destination that will support economic growth while celebrating the area’s industrial past.

For more information and to keep up to date with developments in and around our town, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Heritage, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

Derbyshire property group to deliver new trade and industrial scheme

13th January 2026

Litton Property Group, Derbyshire based development and investment company, has completed the purchase of a 2.18-acre site at Markham Vale from HBD to deliver a scheme of industrial and trade units.

With current schemes in Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire, the property company has more than 25 years’ experience in commercial and mixed use development, delivering property solutions to often complex sites, and works in partnership with land owners, occupiers and its supply chain.

Commercial property agents Knight Frank and Curson Sowerby Partners (CSP) have been appointed to market and secure new occupiers for the new development Markham Vale Trade Park, which will offer seven units from 3,817 to 5,745 sq ft. The scheme offers flexibility and units can be combined to accommodate larger occupier requirements of up to 17,000 sq ft.

It will be developed speculatively with completion expected by Quarter 4 later on in the year, and is expected to create over 100 jobs.

Based on the ongoing development of Markham Vale, the new trade park will offer a roadside position close to occupiers, including CHH Connex, Gould Alloys, Subway, Grangers, McDonald’s, KFC, Greggs, SPAR, Shell and Starbucks.

Mark Twelves, Managing Director at Litton Property Group, said: “Markham Vale Trade Park will deliver a new benchmark for trade counter, warehouse and light industrial accommodation in Derbyshire.

“The development is tailored to offer flexibility to accommodate the operational needs of occupiers from a range of sectors. The units have been designed to a high specification with generous parking, efficient circulation space, and excellent visibility within the thriving Markham Vale estate.

“Our purchase and the development of the site sends out a strong signal that Derbyshire is a place that helps businesses to establish, grow and thrive. With a growing workforce, new housing nearby, and strong regional links, it is perfectly positioned for ambitious businesses.”

The specification of the units include high-quality design with glazed facades, 6.5m Eaves Height to allow for internal fit out and mezzanine first floors where required and generous parking with EV chargers. The development will be BREEAM rating of Very Good and have an EPC rating of A.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank, said: “The development will be attractive to both trade occupiers and traditional industrial occupiers wanting to benefit from the scheme’s prominence and accessibility to the surrounding demographic.

“It will provide much-needed Grade A space in a prime business location, with access to a strong labour market, as well as providing a supplies hub to trades operating in the area.

George Haworth from CSP added: “The seven units offer flexibility and we are already seeing good interest from trade and local occupiers. We expect to announce the first occupiers shortly.”

The wider Markham Vale development totals 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered in a joint venture between HBD and Derbyshire County Council. The award-winning development remains one of the region’s best-located industrial and logistics schemes, sitting at the heart of the UK motorway network and providing direct access to the M1 via a dedicated junction, J29a. Chesterfield town centre sits five miles away; Mansfield is 10 miles, Sheffield 21 miles, with easy access to East Midlands Airport.

Research has shown that 119,000 vehicles pass the site a day; 4,080 new homes are within 10 miles of the site; 270,000 people live within 20 minutes; a population of 5.8 million people are within 60 minutes of the site; with 27.7 per cent of the local workforce in construction and manufacturing.

For more information on Markham Vale and the latest developments happening in and around chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Stay

Five investment opportunities in Chesterfield

9th January 2026

Chesterfield is entering a major phase of regeneration, with a £2 billion investment pipeline set to deliver 7,800 jobs, 3,900 homes, and an estimated £473 million boost to the local economy.

At a recent Investment Round Table, Chesterfield Champions highlighted five projects they believe will have the biggest impact on the town’s future. Here’s what to watch:

Spire Neighbourhood

An ambitious regeneration project revitalising areas east of the town centre with new housing, green spaces, and improved connectivity.

“The Spire neighbourhood will bring forward a cultural quarter alongside new homes, creating a new attractive place to visit and live within our town centre ”, Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Development partners are being sought to deliver high-quality housing and living spaces. Around 500 new homes per year are planned across the borough over the next 15 years.

Discover more about town centre living in Chesterfield

East Midlands Investment Zone

Chesterfield is part of this strategic initiative led by the East Midlands Combined County Authority, offering tax incentives and infrastructure investment to accelerate growth. The Hartington Staveley site covers over 100 hectares of brownfield land near the M1 corridor and will support advanced manufacturing and green industries.

“Being part of the East Midlands Investment Zone opens up significant opportunities for businesses and developers.” – Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Learn more about the East Midlands Investment Zone
Explore more about Hartington Business Park
Discover more about Hartington Commerce Park

Markham Vale

One of the region’s most successful industrial and logistics hubs, Markham Vale continues to attract national and international businesses thanks to its prime location near the M1.

“Markham Vale is a key driver for employment and investment in the area.” – Tom Wragg, FHP Property Consultants

New developments include:

ARK: 90,200 sq ft across 3 units
Nova: Two large industrial units totaling 730,000 sq ft, creating over 700 jobs

Discover opportunities at Markham Vale

Chesterfield Town Centre

Plans to improve the town centre and surrounding areas include upgrades to the Market Place, Stephenson Memorial Hall, and investment opportunities at Chesterfield Waterside, Spire Neighbourhood, and the Station Masterplan Area.

“The Waterside development creates a positive first impression when you arrive by train; it shows things are happening.” – Catherine Wenborne, Vines Legal

These projects aim to create a welcoming environment with better public spaces, modern offices, hotels, leisure and retail opportunities, new homes, and improved transport connections.

Discover more about Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield
Learn more about Chesterfield Waterside
Read about the Station Master Plan

Peak Resort

A world-class leisure destination on the edge of the Peak District, designed to attract visitors and boost Chesterfield’s tourism economy.

“Peak Resort will be a fantastic addition for Chesterfield. It will keep people spending locally rather than just passing through to the Peak District.” – Ruth Whiteman, Peak Project Solutions

The construction platforms for the sites have been developed in 2025, with the first phase scheduled to open by 2028.

Discover more about Peak.

Invest in Chesterfield

Explore commercial property opportunities and learn more about Chesterfield’s regeneration projects at: chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search

For a full overview of developments in Chesterfield and Staveley, visit: chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Chesterfield businesses back ambitious plans for town centre transformation

8th January 2026

Backed by a £2 billion investment pipeline, Chesterfield is redefining its future with bold town centre transformation plans to reshape the town’s economy, communities, and identity. Local leaders say optimism is high as Chesterfield looks to 2026 and beyond.

Town centre transformation

Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambition goes beyond economic growth. Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, outlined plans for the town centre. She said:

“We’re creating a cultural quarter, more town centre living, and imaginative uses for spaces like the Pavements Shopping Centre. Chesterfield will be a place where people continue to want to spend time and feel proud to call home.”

Major reinvestment is already underway as landmark retail sites find new purpose including:

Former Wilko store: Purchased by J.B.S.L. Holdings, with plans for a 70-unit aparthotel, two retail units, a coffee shop, gym, and business centre
Historic Eyres furniture store: Set to become a mixed-use development featuring 20 apartments and 10 commercial units, creating a vibrant hub for residents and businesses
Former Marks & Spencer building: Acquired by ALB Group, introducing new retail units and upper-floor residential space (subject to planning approval).

Tom Wragg, Associate Director at FHP Property Consultants, which advises on retail and leisure property across Derbyshire, sees this as a sign of progress.

He said: “The retail market is evolving. Investors like ALB are bringing creativity to repurpose spaces; that’s a huge opportunity for Chesterfield. The former Marks and Spencer site is a prime example of where we can introduce new uses that keep people in town longer.”

Skills and innovation driving growth

As Chesterfield’s town centre evolves, the demand for skilled workers and innovative approaches grows. The Construction Skills Hub in Staveley and the new Advanced and Life Sciences Centre at Chesterfield College are equipping young people with expertise in construction techniques, skills that will help bring town centre projects to life. Ruth Whiteman, owner of Peak Project Solutions, explained:

“We’re focusing on modern construction methods and innovation. It’s about preparing young people for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

Business confidence is growing alongside these regeneration and skills initiatives. As new developments reshape the town centre and local training hubs prepare a skilled workforce, firms see Chesterfield as a place to invest and grow.

Peter Lawrence, Senior Business Advisor at East Midlands Chamber, which supports hundreds of local firms, believes the narrative is shifting. He said:

“Chesterfield isn’t just a gateway anymore, it’s a place to relocate, grow and stay.”

A thriving future

The coming year will see continued investment across Chesterfield, with projects creating new jobs, improving public spaces, and supporting local businesses. These developments are expected to enhance the town’s infrastructure and provide additional opportunities for residents and visitors.

Discover more about developments taking place at chesterfield.co.uk/developments.

Image by @steelcitydronepilot

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, Skills

HBD sells Markham Vale site to Litton Properties

18th December 2025

HBD, part of Henry Boot, has sold a 2-acre trade park site at Markham Vale to Litton Properties.

Markham Vale is one of HBD’s most successful industrial and logistics schemes. The M1-linked development is a joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. The development has created more than 2,600 jobs and is home to occupiers including Smurfit Kappa and Bilstein.

Litton Property Group will start construction in the first half of 2026. The scheme will deliver over 30,000 sq ft of trade counter and other commercial space. Flexible units from 3,817 sq ft will be available. The site sits opposite the M1 service area.

Based in Bakewell, Litton Property Group specialises in retail, leisure, regeneration and business uses. Its portfolio includes retained developments and strategically acquired sites. The business manages these assets for long-term redevelopment or asset management.

Hamer Boot, Executive Director at HBD, said: “As a well-established I&L scheme and with direct access to the M1, Markham Vale presents an ideal trade park location. This trade counter site is a good fit for Litton Property Group, who will now bring the development forward in 2026.”

Mark Twelves, Managing Director of Litton Property Group, said: “Markham Vale Trade Park will deliver a new benchmark for trade counter, warehouse and light industrial accommodation in Derbyshire. Our purchase and the development of the site sends out a strong signal that Derbyshire is a place that helps business to establish, grow and thrive. With a growing workforce, new housing nearby, and strong regional links, it is perfectly positioned for ambitious businesses.”

HBD is progressing several new developments at Markham Vale. These include Nova, a 732,000 sq ft industrial and logistics scheme. The project is a joint venture with Devonshire Property Group. The BREEAM Excellent development includes two units and could create up to 800 jobs.

Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital, has completed phase one of the ARK scheme. Capital Angling now occupies the first of four units. The team has submitted a planning application for phase two. This will deliver a further 53,000 sq ft ESG-compliant unit.

HBD is one of the UK’s most established property developers. It has a strong track record, solid financial backing and a reputation for delivery. As a result, This has made it a partner of choice for local authorities, investors and developers.

Additionally, with a £1.3 billion development pipeline, HBD operates from six UK offices. It focuses on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

New energy-efficient homes for local families

16th December 2025

More local families are set to move into brand-new, affordable, and energy-efficient homes in Middlecroft and Staveley, as Chesterfield Borough Council continues to expand its housing supply across the borough, building on Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey, which named Chesterfield one of the happiest places to live in the East Midlands for the third year in a row.

Earlier this year, the council handed over the keys to four bungalows on Ringwood Avenue and Court Place, and now even more local families will benefit from the completion of a further nine new homes in the area.

The final phase of the project includes four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way, two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close, and three two-bedroom houses at Aston Court, all of which will be let to residents on the council’s housing register.

All homes are designed to achieve an A-rated EPC and are equipped with air-source heat pumps to provide hot water and underfloor heating, eliminating the need for gas boilers.

Solar panels have also been installed, designed to generate more energy than the homes are expected to use.

Each property features open-plan kitchens and dining areas, generous storage, and well-proportioned bedrooms. Large windows maximise natural light, while high-quality insulation and energy-efficient installations help create a warm, comfortable, and cost-effective living environment.

Outside, each home has a private garden for children to play and families to enjoy, along with dedicated parking. The bungalows have level access and are designed so lifts or ceiling hoists can be added in the future, allowing tenants to live independently for longer.

Fortem Solutions Ltd has delivered the project.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said:

“We’re really pleased that this project is now completed and are ready to hand over the keys so that even more local families can enjoy their new homes.

When planning for these new build homes, we wanted to ensure that we can provide homes that meet the needs of our tenants both now and in the future – providing homes for life. That’s why we’ve designed these bungalows in a way that adaptations, such as installing lifts and hoists, can be installed easily should they be needed in the future which ensures people can live independently in their homes for longer.

All of the homes also have A-rated energy efficiency, meaning that they can keep their homes warm throughout the year, whilst keeping energy bills down.”

Russ Gale – Senior Project Manager at Fortem Solutions Ltd, said:

“Our team has delivered eight adapted bungalows and five houses that are thoughtfully designed to support modern living and future needs. Not only do they look great, but they also provide long-term comfort, accessibility and help to reduce fuel poverty.

To support Chesterfield Borough Council’s net zero targets, we have introduced air source heat pumps, solar panels and underfloor heating. Now all homes have A-rated EPC’s, demonstrating their efficient energy performance.

It has been a privilege to play our part in supporting Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver new homes to residents and, we wish every family many happy years there.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, Stay

Tesco set to open in former M&S store

10th December 2025

Tesco has been confirmed as the first tenant for the former Marks & Spencer building on High Street in Chesterfield.

Following a significant investment programme by property developer ALB Group in 2–8 High Street, the ground floor has been divided into three retail units, with Tesco securing the central space.

The 5,000 sq ft unit will be transformed into a Tesco Express. The handover is expected at the end of January 2026, with the retailer signing a 15-year lease.

Situated opposite the historic 800-year-old Market Place and adjacent to Primark, the building is one of the most recognisable on our town’s main shopping street.

ALB Group is progressing work to rejuvenate the building ahead of Tesco’s fit-out. Alongside the new supermarket, two additional ground-floor units are being created within the same block, both around 5,000 sq ft. These units are reportedly attracting significant interest from national and regional occupiers, suggesting continued demand for well-located space in our town.

Arran Bailey, Managing Director at ALB Group, said: “This deal is another example of our commitment to breathing new life into key town and city centres across the UK. The former M&S site is in a prime location, and securing Tesco is a huge vote of confidence in Chesterfield’s high street.”

Oliver Marshall of FHP Property Consultants said: “The letting to Tesco adds to the revitalisation of the heart of the town and shows the continued appetite for well-positioned, quality retail space in busy high street locations. This unit is right in the heart of the town, surrounded by other strong retailers, and we’re confident it will perform extremely well.

We also have two further units of c. 5,000 sq ft remaining in the building on the ground floor of the building, facing the Market Place. Whilst we have had some good interest, we are keen to discuss this with any other interested parties”.

Businesses interested in letting the available spaces of the building can contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Chesterfield’s year of investment: confidence, collaboration and £2bn of opportunity

4th December 2025

Chesterfield isn’t just planning for growth, it’s delivering it. With a £2bn investment pipeline and regeneration projects already transforming our town, 2025 has been a year of visible progress and optimism. From major schemes to cultural initiatives, our town is building confidence for the future and creating opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

Our latest roundtable discussion with Chesterfield Champions discussed progress in 2025.

A year of progress

This year’s Chesterfield Investment Summit, attended by 200 delegates, showcased a £2 billion pipeline of projects and 7,800 potential jobs. Once complete, these developments will bring an additional £473 million in GVA to the local economy.

The summit, organised by Destination Chesterfield, brought together businesses, developers, investors, and public sector leaders to share plans for regeneration and growth. Attendees left “buzzing,” as one put it, because of the scale of investment and the commitment to benefit the people of Chesterfield.

Voices of confidence

For Ruth Whiteman, who launched Peak Project Solutions from her Chesterfield home this year, the Chesterfield Investment Summit was a turning point. She said:

“The room was full of people who care about Chesterfield and want to help it thrive. As a new business owner, that sense of shared purpose gave me confidence that this is the right place to grow.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, summed up the Council’s proactive approach to regeneration, from bringing forward office developments during the pandemic to driving forward town centre regeneration and meet the changing needs of the high street. Cllr Gilby said:

“We pride ourselves on providing leadership. Coming out of the pandemic, we made sure people could see cranes in the sky and optimism in the air. Chesterfield is alive and well and getting on with things.”

Catherine Wenborne, MD of Vines Legal, who moved her business from London, echoed this confidence. She said:

“I’ve never lived anywhere with this level of pride and ambition. It’s refreshing and exciting.”

Transforming spaces

That optimism is visible across our town. One Waterside Place, the office development at Chesterfield Waterside, is now fully occupied, with further opportunities for hotel and residential investment. The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, built during the pandemic, has become a hub for modern businesses seeking flexible, high-quality space.

In Chesterfield, the first phase of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project is complete, refreshing the Market Square. In Staveley, the Town Deal is breathing new life into the heart of the town with new community facilities.

Richard Sherwood, Director at Chesterfield-based Roy Peters Estates, said:

“The Chesterfield marketplace refurbishment is fantastic. You walk through town, and it feels vibrant. We should give credit for what’s happened.”

Driving economic growth

Alongside town centre regeneration, strategic sites are powering economic growth.

Markham Vale continues to attract industrial and logistics investment, with new speculative development bringing forward more space for growth.

The East Midlands Investment Zone sites at Staveley will create opportunities for advanced manufacturing and green sector businesses to invest and grow.

Tom Wragg, Associate Director at FHP Property Consultants, sees this as a positive sign. He said:

“The development around Markham Vale, all the industrial schemes going on brings employment and people into the area to live, which ultimately supports the town centres.”

Beyond buildings

Regeneration isn’t just about bricks and mortar. Investment has also focused on experiences that bring people together. The Animate Chesterfield public art project has created a new mural from internationally renowned artist, Peachzz, alongside a heritage arts trail, a town centre projection mapping project, and a new sculpture for Staveley town centre.

Events and a Christmas Tipi at Chesterfield Market have added colour and atmosphere to our town centre, creating spaces where people want to stay longer.

Behind the scenes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to local labour clauses has created 395 jobs for residents and injected £11 million into the supply chain in 2024-2025, alongside 44 apprenticeships.

For businesses like Willmott Dixon, which recently broke ground to build a new £30 million custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary, social value is central to their work. Jolene McLaren explained:

“We’re committed to supporting apprenticeships and community initiatives alongside major projects. It’s about making sure investment benefits everyone.”

Peter Lawrence, Senior Business Advisor with East Midlands Chamber, echoed that investment is not just about attracting new businesses but supporting those already here. He said:

“Chesterfield is a great place to relocate to with so much investment going in, but also a great place to retain, and looking at the retention of people that already live here and businesses that are already here.”

Looking ahead

As 2025 draws to a close, Chesterfield can look back on a year of progress that has strengthened its economy, enhanced its public spaces, and built confidence for the future.

Discover how you can be part of Chesterfield’s growth story at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Property and Construction

Mayor sets out £4.8m boost for East Midlands tourism and investment

25th November 2025

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has unveiled plans for the new Visit East Midlands and Invest East Midlands programmes to strengthen the region’s profile and drive growth.

The initiatives will spotlight the East Midlands as both a leading UK visitor destination and a prime investment region, and were signed off by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board on the 24th November. EMCCA will provide £4.8 million in baseline funding over the next two years to strengthen the visitor economy, support local businesses, and attract new investment into Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The move supports the newly published East Midlands Growth Plan and is expected to help EMCCA leverage further Government and private sector contributions as it works towards its £13 billion growth ambition.

A unified approach to promotion and growth

A new Visit East Midlands partnership will be formed to promote the region’s attractions, develop new experiences, build a clear identity for the area and deliver coordinated campaigns to encourage more visitors from the UK and internationally.

Running alongside it, Invest East Midlands will work with partners to attract new businesses and investment, creating jobs and supporting economic growth.

Mayor Claire Ward said: “Visit East Midlands was something I promised to deliver when I was elected, because working together as one region is how we put the East Midlands back on the map. We won’t grow if we don’t work together to achieve it – and this moment is a key milestone in defining how that collaborative work will look when it comes to attracting visitors and boosting investment.

“The investment we are making to set this in motion puts in place the building blocks to power our regional economy and will be the foundation for future investment. We will work hard to ensure this investment pays off.”

Strengthening regional identity

The decision follows a review into how economic development functions,including visitor economy, business support and inward investment, are currently organised across the region. With the UK Shared Prosperity Fund due to end in March, the review highlighted the need for improved coordination and a clearer regional identity and brand.

In response, EMCCA will invest in three major programmes:

Invest East Midlands – Driving regional effort through working with partners such as Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Marketing Derby, Destination Chesterfield and Freeport to bring in new investment and support business growth.
Visit East Midlands – Promoting the region, working with partners such as Visit Peak District and Derbyshire and Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to grow the visitor economy and develop new visitor experiences and campaigns.
East Midlands Growth Hub – Providing support and advice to help local businesses start and grow, delivered in partnership with universities and the private sector.

Detailed plans for each programme will now be developed with regional investment and visitor economy partners, councils, businesses and national organisations.

Mayor Claire Ward continued: “I will continue fighting for more investment to come into this region so we can deliver real change. This new approach will ensure the East Midlands gets the attention, recognition and money it needs to help me do that.”

Chair of EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board, David Williams, said: “I welcome the Mayor’s decisive action to use EMCCA funds to invest in the future of the East Midlands. In a time where funding is challenging, this commitment will enable us to strengthen our regional economy, enhance our visitor offer and create the conditions for sustainable business growth, driving prosperity for communities and businesses alike, strengthening the positioning of the East Midlands as a leading destination for investment and tourism.”

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Sheet Anchor Evolve expands Chesterfield portfolio

25th November 2025

Sheet Anchor Evolve, part of M Core, has completed the acquisition of 9, 11–13 Market Place in Chesterfield, further strengthening its investment presence in the town. The property comprises two retail units, let to Card Factory and Primark, occupying a prominent position in the heart of Chesterfield.

This latest purchase follows Sheet Anchor Evolve’s acquisition of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in June this year, as part of its ongoing commitment to invest in and enhance Chesterfield’s town centre offering.

Chris Daly, Director at Sheet Anchor Evolve, part of M Core said, “This acquisition builds on our long-term investment in Chesterfield and reflects our confidence in the town’s continued evolution. We’re increasingly focused on creating mixed-use environments that bring together retail, leisure, workspace, and residential elements.

“At Vicar Lane, we’re currently undertaking a strategic review to explore how we can enhance the tenant mix, improve public spaces, and introduce complementary uses. Our goal is to ensure the centre continues to serve the community while remaining relevant and resilient for the long term”.

Sam Cohen, Asset Manager at Sheet Anchor Evolve, will oversee the management of the property. The transaction was completed by solicitor Andrea Livingstone of Clarke Willmott on behalf of the landlord, with Brad Maher from Cited acting as agent.

For further opportunities at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, contact Sam Cohen at scohen@saevolve.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction