Property and Construction

Businesses move into new Staveley waterside development

Five businesses, including Chesterfield Champion 86 Degrees, have moved into new premises at The Moorings, a landmark waterside development at Staveley Basin that is set to create new jobs and attract further investment.

Delivered by Derbyshire County Council, The Moorings provides a mix of office, retail and leisure space overlooking the Chesterfield Canal. The first tenants include 86 Degrees, HappyWired, Little Loving Care, Twenty Two Eleven VIP and Optima Consumer Finance.

Part of the wider £25 million Government-funded Staveley Town Deal regeneration programme, the development is expected to create between 40 and 60 jobs while strengthening Staveley’s position as a destination for business, leisure and visitors.

Two of the ground-floor retail units, including the restaurant and bistro overlooking the canal basin, are already under offer, with a small number of retail and office spaces still available.

Dawn Harwood and Chris Harwood, Directors at 86 Degrees, both said:

“Moving to The Moorings is an exciting step for 86 Degrees. It’s great to be part of a development that is bringing new businesses together and creating more reasons for people to visit Staveley. We’re looking forward to growing our business here and playing our part in the area’s exciting future.”

Councillor John Lawson, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, said:

 “Supporting local businesses and creating new jobs are key areas of focus for the council and The Moorings provides the perfect opportunity for businesses looking to relocate or expand.

We’re looking forward to more businesses moving in and opening up the purpose-built retail and dining space which will transform the area into a stunning waterside destination for both local people and visitors to enjoy, creating new jobs and leisure opportunities for the area.”

The development also includes improved access to the canal through a new road and footpath, encouraging more people to enjoy walking, cycling and boating along the waterway.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:

“It is fantastic to see businesses moving into this development and I wish them every success in their new premises. Our aim through the Staveley Town Deal was to ensure that it is a town where people can start, stay and grow. This development will not only help create new jobs for local people but will also enhance the appeal of the canal as a visitor and leisure destination.”

The Moorings forms part of the wider regeneration taking place through the Staveley Town Deal, helping to create new opportunities for businesses, support employment and encourage further investment in the area.

For more information about the Staveley Town Deal projects, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

For advice on finding commercial property or land for your business, contact: info@chesterfield.co.uk

86 Degrees is among more than 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.

Find out more about our Champions network.

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction

Made in Chesterfield returns to champion future talent and local industry

Made in Chesterfield returns from Thursday, 24th September 2026, showcasing local manufacturing and connecting employers with young people through a month-long programme of activity across Chesterfield.

A flagship initiative for the borough, Made in Chesterfield brings together manufacturers, education providers and partners to celebrate the strength, innovation and growth of the local manufacturing sector while inspiring the next generation of talent.

Coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and delivered in partnership with headline partner Chesterfield College, the campaign highlights the borough as a leading location for manufacturing, while creating meaningful links between businesses and future employees.

Developing future skills through industry engagement

The programme launches on National Manufacturing Day with an employer-led Innovation Challenge, allowing students to work directly with local businesses on real-world projects.

Young people will develop practical skills, gain valuable insight into modern manufacturing and present their ideas at a showcase event, bringing together participating schools and employers.

Students at Made in Chesterfield

Julie Richards, Principal of Chesterfield College, and Destination Chesterfield board member, said:

“We are proud to continue our role as headline partner for Made in Chesterfield. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring our students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the local economy.”

Chesterfield College will play a central role in delivering the initiative as part of its wider work with employers to support skills, training and workforce development across the borough.

Showcasing a modern manufacturing sector

Alongside skills development, Made in Chesterfield provides a platform for businesses to showcase the innovation, technology and expertise driving the sector forward. The campaign also challenges outdated perceptions of manufacturing careers, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available locally.

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd and Destination Chesterfield board member, said:

“Modern manufacturing is driven by innovation, technology and opportunity, and we have that in abundance here in Chesterfield.

“The challenge is ensuring our young people are aware of the exciting careers available right on their doorstep. Made in Chesterfield helps change that by giving a real insight into local businesses and the opportunities they offer.”

The initiative continues to build on strong foundations. In 2025, more than 100 young people took part in the first manufacturing activity day, working with six local businesses. Since launching in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has engaged with over 3,500 students across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Andrew Knowles, Headteacher at Tupton Hall School, added:

“Made in Chesterfield is a proven way to give our students valuable exposure to local employers. Our young people are the region’s future workforce, and opportunities like this help build confidence, raise aspirations and show them that successful careers can be built right here in Chesterfield.”

Get involved

Businesses across the manufacturing sector are now being invited to get involved by opening their doors, sharing their expertise and demonstrating the products, technologies and skills that make Chesterfield a leading manufacturing location.

The programme will also include a Made in Chesterfield celebration event in October at Chesterfield College, bringing together Chesterfield Champions, partners and stakeholders. 

Delivered in partnership with organisations including Barrow Hill Roundhouse, CBE+, Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Tupton Hall School, United Cast Bar, Weightron Bilanciai and the Work-wise Foundation, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing skills and supporting business growth.

Businesses interested in taking part can register their interest and find out more by contacting: info@chesterfield.co.uk

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

Chesterfield’s partnership approach is delivering £2bn of regeneration opportunity

Chesterfield’s reputation as a place where public and private sectors work in partnership is helping unlock a £2 billion programme of regeneration and investment opportunities across the borough.

At a roundtable held during UKREiiF, the UK’s biggest regeneration and investment conference, leaders from development, planning, construction and local government pointed to a consistent theme behind that progress: collaboration.

Andy Dabbs, Managing Executive Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said the borough’s proactive approach is making a difference in a challenging market:

“It’s very easy to sit back and wait for the problem to be resolved for you, but what I’ve seen Chesterfield do time and time again is take positive action.

Developments don’t just happen; it’s the ability to engage the private sector, attract funding and build confidence.  It feels like Chesterfield has gone against the odds.”

Long-term partnerships delivering results

That collaborative approach is reflected in major projects such as Markham Vale, a long-term regeneration scheme delivered through a partnership between Derbyshire County Council and HBD over two decades.

Tom Wheldon, Executive Director at HBD, said: “That’s a 20-year partnership where you align your company’s interests with the council’s objectives. If you get that alignment right and continue that dialogue, you can achieve great things.”

Highlighting its impact, he added: “There are now more people employed at Markham Vale than were employed in the coal mine; that’s a huge success for regeneration.”

Across the borough, partnership working has already delivered significant outcomes, including more than 1,100 jobs created or safeguarded through the new Grade A workspace developments of One Waterside Place and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Leadership building confidence

A clear message from investors is that Chesterfield offers consistency, clarity and a willingness to work together.

Rhian Davitt-Jones, Director at CBRE, said:  “Public sector investment has been critical in driving and de-risking opportunities, setting the building blocks for growth.”

Ken Harrison, Director of Spatial Development at East Midlands Combined County Authority, added: “The ambition of Chesterfield is phenomenal.   You’re doing some really stretching things for a town of its size.”

Alex Hyams, Head of Mixed-Use Asset Management at Milligan, said: “The council’s relationships at every level are very progressive, easy to engage with, and when you look at the fundamentals, there is still huge potential.”

Liam Hawkins, Operations Director at Maylim, said Chesterfield’s delivery on the ground played a direct role in the company’s decision to invest in the area:

“It was coming to Chesterfield and seeing the works in the market square that allowed me to convince the other directors that we should branch out.

The standard of design and the projects being delivered made it a really attractive place for us.”

Investing in people and skills

Alongside physical regeneration, there is a strong focus on developing local talent.

Andrew Byrne, Group Development Director at the Devonshire Group and Chair of Destination Chesterfield, highlighted the impact of the award-winning Construction Skills Hub: “It’s a perfect example of partnership, a relatively small project, but one that can make a huge difference.”

That focus is delivering measurable outcomes – through local labour clauses 474 jobs have been created with 23 apprenticeships and £5.7 million of local contracts created in a single year.

Shaun Lunn, Director at AtkinsRéalis, added: “Chesterfield is a tremendous source of talent.   We bring in apprentices and graduates every year because they’re a great pipeline.”

A place with a clear identity

For Paul Holden, Director at Peak Architects, the borough’s success also comes from staying true to its identity:

“The developments are reinforcing the strengths of the town, the people and the spaces and pushing it forward without losing what it’s about.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Putting our communities first has been at the heart of everything we do.  Development must benefit local people.”

A platform for the next phase of growth

With a £2 billion pipeline, a strong track record of delivery and a clear partnership approach, Chesterfield is positioned as a compelling location for investment.

As Andrew Byrne concluded:  “One of the biggest advantages Chesterfield has is the people who collaborate and are advocates for the place.”

Developers, investors and occupiers can discover more about the next phase of growth at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

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

£107m investment plan set to drive growth and opportunity across the East Midlands

A £107m investment programme approved on Monday, 29th June 2026, will support business growth, skills development and thriving communities across Derbyshire, including Chesterfield.

A major £107 million Local Growth Fund programme is moving forward, marking a significant step in strengthening the East Midlands economy and creating new opportunities for people and businesses across the region.

Backed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Investment Committee, 17 programmes have now been endorsed to progress towards delivery. The funding will support a wide range of initiatives designed to drive long-term economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

For Chesterfield, the programme presents a strong opportunity to unlock further investment, support local businesses and strengthen the town’s role as a key economic centre within Derbyshire.

Driving investment into places and communities

More than £18m has been allocated to programmes focused on creating thriving places, including town centre regeneration, rural development and improved digital connectivity. Community-led energy initiatives and social investment projects will also play a key role in strengthening local neighbourhoods.

In addition, a £30m Housing and Regeneration Investment Fund will support the delivery of new homes and revitalise communities, alongside a £1.6m programme aimed at bringing empty homes back into use and tackling homelessness.

These initiatives will help ensure that places like Chesterfield continue to evolve as attractive, well-connected locations for residents, businesses and investors.

Supporting skills and unlocking opportunity

A further £17m will be invested in the ‘Opportunity Escalator’ programme, which focuses on helping people into work, improving skills and supporting employers to develop their workforce.

This includes targeted support through economic inactivity, skills co-investment and youth ambition programmes. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen employment pathways and ensure businesses across Derbyshire have access to a skilled and future-ready workforce.

Backing businesses to grow

Business growth is a central pillar of the programme, with more than £21m allocated to initiatives that will help firms scale, export and compete.

Funding will be delivered through a range of programmes, including the Business Investment Fund, Scale Up, Local Business Support and Visitor Economy initiatives. These are designed to provide tailored support to businesses of all sizes, helping to unlock investment and drive economic resilience.

For Chesterfield-based businesses, this investment offers new opportunities to access funding, expand operations and reach new markets.

Boosting innovation and future industries

A further £12.3m will support innovation and cluster development, fostering collaboration between businesses, universities and research organisations. This will help accelerate growth in priority sectors and ensure the region remains competitive in emerging industries.

Alongside this, a £2m feasibility fund will help bring forward new ideas and ensure projects are investment-ready, supporting a pipeline of future developments.

A long-term vision for growth

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:

“Growing the economy in all parts of this region needs us to invest in different ways at the same time. Whether it is investing into places, investing into businesses, or investing into people: all of it matters.

These projects will make a real difference in helping our high streets to thrive, enabling business success, and ensuring that more people can shape and benefit from our region’s growth.”

The Local Growth Fund forms a central part of EMCCA’s Growth Plan for 2026–2030, which aims to support 60,000 more people into work, deliver 100,000 new homes and add £13 billion to the regional economy.

For Chesterfield, this investment reinforces its position as a key location for growth, offering new opportunities for businesses, residents and investors to benefit from a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.

Find out more about business support in Chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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

Reinventing the high street: Chesterfield and Staveley’s next chapter

Chesterfield and Staveley are rethinking the role of their town centres, moving beyond traditional retail to create places that combine living, working and leisure.

Backed by significant public investment and strong private sector collaboration, both towns are undergoing sustained transformation.

At a roundtable held during UKREiiF, the UK’s biggest regeneration and investment conference, leaders from development, planning, construction, and local and regional government highlighted the important opportunities across the borough’s town centres.

A changing town centre

Chesterfield town centre is already seeing the impact of investment, including nearly £20 million of improvements to public spaces and connectivity.

The revitalised market, enhanced public realm and increased activity are helping to reshape how the town centre is used.

Liam Hawkins, Operations Director at Maylim, said: “We can’t just expect every shop to be full again, it’s about creating somewhere people want to spend time, experience-led and attractive.”

Flexibility will be central to how the town centre evolves. Paul Holden, Director at Peak Architects,  said, “We need to think more creatively, spaces need to be able to work in different ways depending on what’s needed.”

This reflects a wider move towards adaptable, mixed-use environments that can respond to changing demand.

The next phase

A key opportunity sits within the town centre and the opportunity to think about how spaces like the Pavements shopping centre can be used differently but can also create improved connections to the wider area.

Alex Hyams, Head of Mixed-Use Asset Management at Milligan, said: “It has a massive role to play, it’s not about looking inwards, it’s about how it connects out into the rest of the town.”

The ambition is to strengthen links between the town centre and Ravenside while introducing a broader mix of uses, including leisure, residential and community spaces.

Staveley: regeneration with purpose

Alongside Chesterfield town centre, Staveley is a major focus for regeneration.

A £25 million Town Deal programme has supported a range of projects across place, enterprise, health and wellbeing. The wider Staveley growth corridor aims to unlock housing, employment and improved connectivity.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We want communities that have been left behind to benefit from regeneration and share in the success it brings.”

Building momentum for the future

For partners across the borough, regeneration is about consistent progress over time.

Rhian Davitt-Jones, Director at CBRE, said: “It is about setting out a clear story and vision for investors and making sure infrastructure links to those growth opportunities.”

Ken Harrison, Director of Spatial Development at East Midlands Combined County Authority, added: “It’s about places that adapt and flex over time, where those opportunities can come forward.”

Andy Dabbs, Managing Executive Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “There isn’t one big solution; it’s about a series of smaller interventions that build momentum over time.”

With continued investment and strong collaboration, Chesterfield and Staveley town centres are creating a compelling offer for investors and communities alike.

Developers and occupiers are invited to explore a range of live regeneration opportunities across the borough at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments.

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

New Local Plan to be prepared for Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a consultation to support the development of a new Local Plan for the borough with residents and local businesses being invited to have their say.

The Local Plan is a crucial part of the planning process and sets out how many homes and commercial properties will be built, and where. This aims to ensure that new development is sustainable and supports local economic growth without negatively impacting upon people’s health and wellbeing or the environment.

The consultation is open from 15 June until 12 July so that residents and businesses can share their key priorities and influence what will be incorporated into the draft Local Plan.

A Call for Sites is also running alongside this consultation to allow people to suggest sites for development and other uses.
The new Local Plan will set out where development should happen over the next fifteen years and identify how infrastructure, including school places, GP surgeries, leisure facilities, roads, and green spaces, can be provided to meet the needs of both existing and new residents.

Chesterfield Borough Council started preparing a new Local Plan last year, but the process has restarted due to the introduction of a new system for preparing Local Plans in March of this year. Any sites submitted as part of last year’s Call for Sites will still be considered, so there is no need to resubmit them.

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “This is the first step in creating a new Local Plan that reflects the needs and ambitions of our residents. We want to hear from people to ensure that we can prepare a plan which ensures that development takes place in the right place, that we provide the infrastructure needed to support our communities and we can protect the environment.

“The Local Plan will help guide planning decisions for the next 20 years and sets out policies that developers must follow. This is an important document, and we want to ensure that the views of local people help shape this plan.”

A timetable outlining the key stages of the new plan, along with the notice confirming the start of the process, can be viewed online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-the-local-plan.

As well as setting out where development should happen, the Local Plan will also include policies which will help guide the planning process. And it plays a key role in tackling the climate emergency by guiding the transition to a low-carbon society, mitigating climate change and improving biodiversity across the borough.

Councillor Martin Stone said: “We are aiming to become a carbon-neutral borough by 2050, and the Local Plan will play a key part in ensuring that we can meet this target. Your feedback can help ensure we include policies and identify ways to support nature, improve biodiversity and encourage housing to be more efficient and produce less emissions. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to play your part in helping tackle climate change here in Chesterfield.”

The Local Plan consultation and Call for Sites are open until 12 July. You can take part by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-the-local-plan/new-local-plan-2025-to-2044

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

Construction Skills Hub expansion creates new training opportunities in Chesterfield

The Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor has expanded with new classrooms and funding, creating 45 additional training places to support skills development in Chesterfield’s growing construction sector.

Expanding skills provision for local people

The Construction Skills Hub, based in Mastin Moor, has strengthened its offer with the addition of two new classroom spaces, enabling a further 45 learners to access industry-focused training.

Primarily funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the expansion has been made possible thanks to additional investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), supporting Chesterfield’s ambition to build a highly skilled workforce for the future.

Over the next decade, the Hub is expected to support more than 5,000 learners, from school pupils exploring career options to adults looking to retrain or upskill. The facility provides hands-on training alongside careers insight and work experience opportunities, ensuring learners are prepared for real-world employment.

Supporting a growing sector

Since launching, the Hub has already supported more than 150 students across a range of trades including groundworks, bricklaying, electrical, plumbing and site joinery. In addition, degree-level apprenticeships are available in construction management, quantity surveying and civil engineering.

The hub’s employer-led approach continues to deliver strong results, with 69% of learners progressing into construction roles – significantly higher than the national average of 23% for construction-based college learners.

New classroom space will allow the introduction of adult skills courses and targeted bootcamps, helping to address skills shortages and provide pathways into employment. An additional student support cabin has also been installed to accommodate increased staffing and learner demand.

Close up of hands and tools at Construction Skills Hub

Partnership driving impact

The initiative is delivered through a partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College and the University of Derby, located at the heart of the Devonshire Group’s development site in Mastin Moor.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said:
“The Construction Skills Hub is a fantastic example of how the public, education and private sectors can work together to create training opportunities for local people that will allow them to benefit from a growing local economy. This additional funding will help expand the number of students at the hub and ensure more local people can benefit from this innovative approach to training so that they gain the right skills so they can grasp the opportunities available in a growing construction sector.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, added:

“Investing in skills is essential to driving growth across the East Midlands and the Construction Skills Hub shows how high-quality training can help people move into good local jobs.

“Funding support means the Hub can expand, giving more residents the chance to gain the practical, in-demand skills employers need.

“By backing initiatives like this, we’re helping people progress while building the workforce needed to deliver new homes, infrastructure and regeneration across our region”

The latest £108,000 investment from the East Midlands Combined County Authority, secured through the UKSPF, reinforces the Hub’s role in supporting regional growth, helping to deliver the workforce needed for new homes, infrastructure and regeneration projects.

Find out more about skills, training and business support in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/ 

Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby and Devonshire Group are all part of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.

Find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion and supporting local growth.

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

Staveley town centre regeneration is complete

A multi-million-pound project to transform Staveley town centre is ready to welcome visitors to the town.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, has included improvements across the market place along with a striking new landmark pavilion building – together the improvements will make Staveley a more attractive destination and bring more visitors into the town centre.

The enhanced square includes new feature paving which provides a better surface, new lighting to help ensure the town centre looks its best at all hours of the day and night, new seating and planting to make it a more inviting environment, new CCTV to help ensure the town remains a safe place to visit, and a new flagship play area which was designed in consultation with students from Staveley Junior School and ensures the town centre is a place for all ages to enjoy.

Improvements also include a new sculpture which was created by artist Coralie Turpin and draws inspiration from the Cuckoo Boats which were unique to the Chesterfield Canal. It depicts nature scenes from the canal and features works created by students at Staveley Junior School and Netherthorpe School.

Students from both schools have visited the site to see the transformation and their contribution to the project.

The pavilion building is a new landmark for the town centre, with striking features but traditional brickwork so it is in-keeping with the wider environment. It will house Staveley Library on the ground floor and a business on the first floor – this will help attract more visitors and encourage people to support businesses based in the square. The library is expected to open later this year, and the council is in discussions with several businesses with the aim of letting the space as soon as possible.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This project has transformed the space and will encourage more visitors who will support local businesses and ensure that the town centre can thrive. We’ve created a flexible space that will help encourage visitors on a day-to-day basis but also provides space for the town centre to host events and activities for the community to enjoy.

“This is a town centre that the community can be proud of, and I hope lots of people will visit to see the transformation for themselves.”

The Staveley 21 project received just over £6 million of funding from the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million programme that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “I’m delighted that we could welcome the children who have helped create these improvements as the first visitors to this space – we wanted to ensure that young people could feel ownership of the town centre and be proud of where they live. The new sculpture is a fantastic piece that celebrates the canal but has community at its heart and the children’s works are a great addition that help make it stand out.”

The new sculpture created by Coralie Turpin was officially unveiled as part of the opening, it was funded through the Animate Chesterfield programme which aims to create artworks throughout regeneration projects in Staveley and Chesterfield.

The striking sculpture is a new landmark in the town centre and features lighting along with a cuckoo boat shape in the paving as a nod to the importance of the canal in the town’s history but also the role it provides today as a beloved local green space.

Coralie Turpin said: “I am inspired by the brave ancestors of Staveley’s communities who fearlessly navigated from the canal out to sea in barges with sails called cuckoo boats.

“I wanted the communities I worked with to understand how amazingly ambitious and intelligent these ancestors were. How important the canal was to life in Staveley and also to learn about the wildlife there.”

The project has also included improvements to the connections to the canal along with a shop front grant scheme which has seen almost half a million pounds provided to local businesses to enhance their properties and improve the look of the town.

It is one of the key Town Deal projects and its completion represents an important milestone in the overall programme.

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The completion of the town centre works marks a major moment for the Town Deal. Together our projects aim to help the community at all stages of their life and ensure that the town is a fantastic place to live and work. I’m delighted to see these works completed as this town centre continues to be a place where the community can spend time together and support local businesses.”

Work started on site in November 2024 and the town centre works were delivered by Stepnell.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said: “From the pavilion, seating and planting to the play area designed with local schoolchildren, we’ve worked closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and partners to ensure every element of the Staveley 21 scheme has been shaped and delivered to an outstanding quality.

“Having operated in this live town centre site and engaged throughout with the local community, it is incredibly rewarding to have helped bring the revitalised town centre to life. We look forward to seeing the impact this scheme will have on driving footfall into the town centre for decades to come.”

A small amount of snagging works remain around the tiered seating area, these are expected to be completed in the next few weeks and will provide a space for the community to host performances and other activities.

During the works, the statue of three industrial workers which sat in the centre of the town centre, was stolen. Chesterfield Borough Council is currently appointing an artist to work with the community to create something new that celebrates the town’s industrial past. The new statue will be fully funded by Stepnell.

The Staveley Town Deal is a £25.2 million programme funded by Government that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow. It includes new training facilities, enhanced community buildings, a canal extension, and much more.

You can find out more about the Staveley Town Deal by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Visiting

Steelwork completes as final phase of ARK takes place

Steelwork has been completed on the final phase of the ARK industrial and logistics (I&L) scheme at Markham Vale, marking a key milestone in the delivery of the £30 million development.

ARK is a high-quality industrial and logistics development at Markham Vale, designed to deliver modern, sustainable employment space for manufacturing, distribution and logistics businesses. The scheme places strong emphasis on ESG principles, including energy efficiency, long-term performance and environmentally responsible design.

Origin, a joint venture between HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Feldberg Capital, is delivering the circa £9 million second phase of ARK, which will provide a final 53,700 sq ft unit.

Practical completion is expected in Q3 2026.

The milestone follows completion of the first phase in October 2025, which delivered 107,000 sq ft of ESG-compliant industrial and logistics space. Capital Angling was the first occupier at the landmark M1 scheme, taking a 17,050 sq ft unit.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics development delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. Positioned at the heart of the motorway network with direct access to the M1 via Junction 29a, the scheme has become one of the region’s most established business locations, creating more than 2,600 jobs and attracting a range of national and international occupiers including Great Bear Distribution, Smurfit Kappa and Bilstein.

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said:

“The completion of steels at ARK keeps us firmly on track for the delivery of phase two later this year. As a flagship location, Markham Vale continues to attract a wide range of occupiers thanks to its connectivity and strong track record. We’re pleased to be delivering additional high-quality space that supports business growth and job creation in the region.”

Jamie Acheson, Managing Director of Feldberg Capital, said:

“ARK demonstrates our focus on targeting well-connected locations and delivering best-in-class, sustainable assets that meet business’ evolving requirements. With demand for ESG-compliant space continuing to grow, ARK is well-placed to attract high-quality occupiers.”

ARK is being developed to a BREEAM Excellent specification, reflecting Origin’s commitment to delivering next-generation industrial and logistics space designed for long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.

The agents for ARK are Knight Frank, JLL and CPP.

For more information about the Markham Vale development and its ongoing regeneration, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/markham-vale/

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

DRIIVe rail innovation centre completed ahead of opening

Construction of a landmark rail innovation and training centre in Staveley has been completed, marking a significant milestone for Chesterfield’s rail sector development.

The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe), located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse, will open later this year and will create new jobs, training opportunities and research facilities for the rail industry.

Delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council, the state-of-the-art facility was constructed by contractor Stepnell.

Designed as a flagship destination for the rail industry, DRIIVe will provide modern classrooms and training spaces, specialist research and development facilities, including a digital laboratory, and high-quality commercial workshop space.

The project forms part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal programme and has also received support from the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:

“It’s fantastic to see work on the construction of DRIIVe now complete. This has been a long-standing ambition for our council, and its delivery strengthens Chesterfield’s position within the rail sector.

“DRIIVe is a unique facility that not only provides space for businesses to undertake vital research and development, including cutting-edge digital innovation, but also creates new training opportunities for local people. This will help us attract high-value employers to the area while ensuring our residents gain the skills and qualifications needed to secure high-quality jobs in the industry.

“Partnership has been at the heart of DRIIVe and this spirit of collaboration will continue. By working with businesses and industry experts we can ensure that this project will deliver for our community. I’m looking forward to meeting the first learners when they start on site later this year.”

DRIIVe is being delivered in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, which will manage the facility on a day-to-day basis.

Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Board Member of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:

“This is a project of national significance for the rail sector, and we are so proud to have this fantastic facility here at Barrow Hill. It will help improve our commercial offer and strengthen our position in the industry.”

“These state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities will greatly benefit the area by helping to attract new businesses and providing local people with the skills they need to build a great career in the rail sector.”

DRIIVe

The centre will support a network of specialist training providers, offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research.

As well as supporting future skills development, DRIIVe will also provide a base for rail supply chain businesses, giving companies access to the latest research, innovation and collaboration opportunities.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands and Chair of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, said:

“This isn’t just a new building, it’s a real opportunity for local people, offering them more chances to train, learn new skills and move into well-paid jobs right here in the region.

“By backing projects like this, we’re making sure innovation works for communities, helping people build their future, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the East Midlands as a place where the rail industry can grow and thrive.”

Funding for the project has primarily been provided through the Government-backed Towns Fund programme, which awarded £25.2 million to support regeneration projects across Staveley.

For more information on DRIIVe and other local developments in and around our area, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments

Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield Borough Council and Stepnell are three of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.

Find out more about our Champions network.

 

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills

How we’re showcasing Chesterfield as a unique place to invest

Each year, UKREiiF (the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum) brings together investors, developers, councils, and businesses from across the UK to explore where investment will happen next.

Put simply, it’s one of the country’s most important stages for attracting investment and shaping future growth – with more than 16,000 people from across the sector expected to attend.

For us, this isn’t about simply showing up.

It’s about standing out, and making sure Chesterfield is clearly understood as a place where investment can succeed, grow and deliver.

It’s also a shared story. One we are telling alongside our business community and Chesterfield Champions.

A place shaped by real opportunity

We’re entering a significant phase of growth in Chesterfield, with major regeneration already underway and new opportunities coming forward.

Rather than promoting isolated sites, we’re telling a joined-up story. We’re connecting sectors, places and long-term delivery into one clear investment proposition.

From an evolving town centre to strategic employment sites, the pace of change in Chesterfield is visible, and investable.

What makes Chesterfield stand out

Advanced manufacturing and engineering

We are building on a strong manufacturing and engineering heritage, with established strengths at locations such as Markham Vale – a major business park with excellent connectivity and a thriving business base.

This is being taken further through new opportunities at Staveley, part of the East Midlands Investment Zone, bringing forward large-scale sites for advanced manufacturing and green industries.

Together, these sites create the space, and the conditions for long-term, high-value growth.

Regeneration and the built environment

Regeneration is already reshaping Chesterfield.

From town centre transformation to strategic housing development, projects such as Chesterfield Waterside, the Spire Neighbourhood and the Station Masterplan Area are creating new places to live, work and invest.

Alongside this, continued investment in infrastructure and public spaces is improving how people move through and experience our town – strengthening the foundations for future growth.

Visitor economy and quality of place

Investment in our town centre, public spaces and events is bringing more life, energy and activity into Chesterfield.

This isn’t separate from our investment story. It’s a key part of it.

Because when people choose to spend time somewhere, businesses follow. And when businesses grow, confidence in the place grows with them.

Connecting it all: a clear, evidence-based proposition

At UKREiiF, we’re bringing these elements together into a single, compelling narrative.

Taken together, these opportunities represent around £2 billion of investment across Chesterfield and Staveley – spanning new homes, employment sites and town centre regeneration.

Chesterfield plays an important role in the East Midlands’ wider growth ambitions. We’re working closely with partners through the East Midlands Combined County Authority and Team East Midlands to raise the profile of the region and attract investment – ensuring Chesterfield is part of a stronger, more visible regional offer.

The borough also forms part of the Canal Corridor – a strategic growth area identified by EMCCA.

Within this area, plans for Chesterfield and Staveley could deliver up to 3,900 homes and 7,800 jobs, bringing together connected projects – from town centre regeneration to Investment Zone sites – into a coordinated programme of development.

Why this matters

UKREiiF is where places compete for attention, investment and long-term partnerships.

Our role is to ensure Chesterfield is:

  • clearly understood
  • confidently positioned
  • recognised as ready to deliver

Because ultimately, the ambition is simple: to make sure Chesterfield is not just considered but actively chosen.

And UKREiiF is just the start. We’ll carry that momentum forward into our upcoming Chesterfield Investment Summit, where we’ll continue telling Chesterfield’s story and building the partnerships that turn opportunity into delivery.

Get involved

This is a story we are proud to tell,  and one that is strongest when shared.

If you’d like to play a role in promoting Chesterfield as a place to invest, get in touch about becoming a Chesterfield Champion.

Posted in Blog, Business, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction