Property and Construction

First phase of Chesterfield Market revamp completed

Chesterfield Market is ready to welcome visitors and shoppers to the first completed phase of the multi-million-pound regeneration project to revitalise the market and public spaces.

Work in the upper half of the Market square has included the installation of new feature paving, relaying of the traditional cobbles, the creation of bespoke market stalls, new street furniture and improvements to drainage, security and other infrastructure.

The second phase of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will now begin in the lower half of the Market square. It includes similar work to create a more open market that can support a wider range of markets and events.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These exciting improvements are just the start of our town centre transformation, we’re enhancing the look and feel of the market but also providing traders with better facilities and creating more flexible spaces that will support a wider range of uses.

Market 3 L-R Cllr Kate Sarvent, Cllr Tricia Gilby

“It’s fantastic to see these improvements come to life and I hope that everyone can see what we are trying to achieve across our town centre. We’ll continue to work with our market traders and town centre businesses to minimise disruption as further phases of our regeneration project progress.”
Steve Siddall, whose family have been selling bedding and soft furnishings on Chesterfield Market for more than 70 years, said: “I like the new stalls, really sturdy and plenty of room. I’m looking forward to getting trading and welcoming new customers to my stall.”

The works are being carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “After much hard work by our teams, both in the planning stage and delivery, it’s great to see the first phase of this high-profile scheme completed. As part of our commitment to delivering a positive impact through our works, and also the wider community, we have been busy behind the scenes working with local community groups, schools and colleges, educating young people on the civil engineering industry and providing a T level placement for a student within our offices.”

Works in the lower half of the market square will begin with the historic cobbles being lifted, and re-laid and some new paving will also be installed – together this will maintain the historic look but will provide a more level surface throughout the Market Place, making it easier for people with accessibility issues such as wheelchair and mobility scooter users or parents with pushchairs to navigate the market.

While works on phase two are underway a small number of traders will be on stalls in a new temporary market area in New Square.

New market stalls will be built and a new central area in the market place will have feature paving inspired by designs in the Market Hall and provide space for food traders and to support town centre events.

Later this year work will begin on New Square which will be opened up to create a new flexible events space but also provide additional stalls for busy market days.

Further phases of works include Rykneld Square which will be transformed to create a green and welcoming space from which to enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire.
Improvements to Corporation Street will create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With the funding split between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Find out more about the works taking place in Chesterfield town centre: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield/

For more information or to sign up for project updates by email, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

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First patients move into new 54-bed mental health unit in Chesterfield

Following years of planning and preparation, the doors to the Derwent Unit in Chesterfield have opened, ushering in a new era of care for people in Derbyshire with acute mental health needs.

The Derwent Unit, based on the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, welcomed 54 patients – each of whom will have their own en-suite bedroom and will benefit from modern, therapeutic facilities, supporting their patient journey and mental ill health.

This momentous development is the second of six facilities to open as part of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s £150m Making Room for Dignity programme, which will eradicate the use of dormitory-style accommodation across the county’s mental health facilities. The 54 patients moving into the Derwent Unit transferred from the Hartington Unit, also at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site.

Celebrations were in order after four years of collaboration with a range of partners at a national and local level as well as staff, patients and carers. The new facilities provide sensory environments and increased access to outdoor spaces, ensuring therapeutic activity begins from admission.

Each service user has their own en-suite bedroom and control over their environment, with the ability to adjust the lighting and temperature to suit their needs. The new facilities also provide greater access to outdoor and green spaces, with exercise areas and outdoor sensory spaces accessed directly from the wards – even on the upper floors of the Derwent Unit in Chesterfield and Carsington Unit in Derby, which will have secure sky gardens.

Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said he is confident that the new developments will enhance the services that are currently available. He said: “The Derwent Unit, along with the other five developments, will help us to provide first class healthcare, improving privacy and dignity. This puts Derbyshire on the map from a national and local perspective, providing a fantastic opportunity for us to improve the care offered to people with acute mental ill health.

“The buildings are purpose-built, offering a range of usable spaces to aid patient recovery. They will play a major part in helping us to provide trauma-informed and sensory-informed care to patients, in therapeutic environments.

“This a particularly exciting time for Derbyshire Healthcare and the communities we care for. While we still want to provide care for people at home or close to home wherever possible, we know that some people need more intensive support and it’s rewarding to see the Trust’s vision come to life in making these comfortable, therapeutic and liveable spaces that patients can thrive in.”

Selina Ullah, Trust Chair, was pleased to share the news of the facility’s opening. She said: “It has been an exciting day for Derbyshire. I am delighted we have now opened the doors of the Derwent Unit to staff, patients and their loved ones. An incredible amount of hard work has gone into this project, so a big thank you to everyone who has been involved.

“I am glad that we have addressed the gaps in the estate provision within mental health services and can now provide exceptional care to residents of Derby and Derbyshire.

“We are looking forward to seeing how these new developments achieve the best outcomes for our patients as well as our clinical teams.”

The programme team continuously engaged with service-users and carers via Derbyshire Healthcare’s EQUAL forum – a forum for those with lived experience and their carers – to discuss Trust matters.

Rosie Thorpe, who was previously an inpatient at the Radbourne Unit and is now a student mental health nurse, visited the new unit to see how the facilities have changed.

Rosie said: “Having a private room will work well for patients. They can have privacy when they want it. It’s good that the noisy alarms are being phased out too as they can be distressing for people.”

Alongside the Derwent Unit, the programme’s other two new buildings are the Carsington Unit, as well as Kingfisher House, both located at Kingsway Hospital in Derby.

The three refurbishment projects are Bluebell Ward, a ward at Walton Hospital in Chesterfield for older adults with acute mental health needs, which opened on 7 January 2025; the Radbourne Unit, at the Royal Derby Hospital; and Audrey House, an enhanced care unit for female patients at Kingsway in Derby.

To learn more about the Making Room for Dignity Programme, please visit the project’s webpage.

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East Midlands Mayor to launch brand new vision for investment at UK’s biggest real estate development showcase

The East Midlands will use the UK’s biggest development and investment event to launch a brand-new vision for the future of the region’s economy.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, will lead a team of partners from across the East Midlands when she unveils the new vision at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from 20-22 May.

And the region will come together for the first time in a new East Midlands Pavilion, where investors, developers and businesses can meet the Mayor, talk to inward investment teams and hear about a series of major commercial opportunities.

Partners from across the East Midlands will stage a series of events at UKREiiF which will showcase major commercial development destinations like the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Investment Zone.

One of the sites outlined for the East Midlands Investment Zone will be based in Staveley, which aims to bring investment and jobs to the area in advanced manufacturing and green industries.

There will also be a spotlight on the region’s status as a national tourist destination via the new Visit East Midlands initiative, which highlights the Peak District, Sherwood Forest and key visitor attractions.

Its two vibrant cities, Derby and Nottingham, will also be holding investment showcases, highlighting their role as national destinations for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, creative industries, food production and advanced logistics and distribution centres.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is a hidden gem – but it won’t be hidden for much longer. When you join us at UKREiiF, we will be telling this story with a brand-new East Midlands spatial vision – bringing to life the potential for investment, business, and development.

This will be bolstered by a long-term plan for regional growth that’ll give businesses and investors the certainty they need. So come and meet me, my team, and our partners and colleagues from across our region at the East Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF.”

Mayor Claire will lead an East Midlands team which also includes the leadership team from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), East Midlands Freeport, Marketing Derby, Invest in Nottingham, Invest in Derbyshire and Destination Chesterfield.

Chesterfield is located in the centre of England, next to the M1 motorway. Leading companies in manufacturing, engineering, professional services and construction are already seeing the strategic benefits of locating their businesses in our town.

Find out more about becoming part of Chesterfield’s thriving business community at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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Champions collaborate to help firms achieve ESG targets

A group of businesspeople in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are joining forces to raise awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) for all companies.

Three local firms – Choice Utility, Green Arch Consulting and Kakou are highlighting the strategic advantages of integrating ESG principles into business plans and processes. They are hoping to spread awareness of the importance of ESG and the impact it could have on the future of small businesses in Chesterfield.

ESG looks at how a business can run more efficiently, more sustainably and be more socially responsible, which will not only help cut costs but allow for longevity, in terms of how the business will be able to prepare for the next 10 years.

This means better financial options going forward, be that from investors, banks and the rest of the customer base.

The three businesses are set to host an awareness event at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel in April, to ensure firms are well informed about how ESG reporting could affect things in future.

Speakers include:

  • Ann Fomukong-Boden, Founding Director of Kakou Technolgies
  • Emma Knight-Strong, Director of Green-Arch Consulting
  • Dan Molloy, Director of Choice Utility
  • Natashia Lee, Managing Director of ESG PRO

Choice Utility’s Dan Molloy said: “Having a detailed report can help improve interest rates offered from financial institutions, improve the overall business value for exit strategies, improve relations with customers and staff to build a company with a sustainable future. With FTSE 100 companies and government institutions making the disclosures in the report integral to winning their business and ongoing tender offers.

“Major UK cities are already building this into their business. Chesterfield businesses will no doubt have already had current clients or potential clients that are asking for more information from their supply chain.

“This is due to changes in government regulations and the need for disclosures up and down the chain. New tendering platforms from the government and the NHS require scope 3 carbon reporting which is the collection of information from the supply chain, this means that contracts and opportunities further down the chain can find themselves in jeopardy by not having this information.

“ESG reporting will inevitably become increasingly more integral to these regulations so it’s imperative businesses are equipped with the information in order to not lose out on millions in potential revenue.

“Ultimately businesses across Chesterfield and Derbyshire are already doing incredible work, likely already doing a lot that once reported correctly can become a fantastic foundation for their ESG principles.”

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Founding Director of Kakou Technologies, added: “A sustainability-focused culture starts with leadership commitment, employee engagement, and clear goals. A step-by-step approach ensures lasting change without overwhelming resources, making sustainability a shared responsibility and an integral part of business operations for long-term success.”

Emma Knight-Strong, Director of Green Arch Consulting said: “ESG is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Fostering a deeper understanding of business operations enables decision-makers to identify future risks and opportunities with greater clarity, while transparency fosters trust and drives long-term value. Sustainable business is smart business.”

Find out more about the event and book your place: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/the-esg-advantage/

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Call for businesses to support Chesterfield’s young people in preparing for the world of work

Chesterfield businesses have a unique opportunity to shape their future workforce and drive the local economy forward by offering young people meaningful workplace experiences.

Local employers are being urged to get involved with schools in the area, providing valuable insights and hands-on exposure to the world of work.

Firms have the opportunity to engage with students from secondary schools, SEND Schools and sixth-forms and colleges, playing a direct role in preparing young people for successful careers while also building connections with potential future employees.

Engagement with schools and colleges also helps businesses to strengthen talent pipelines, increase diversity and close skills gaps.

Schools in Chesterfield seeking support for work experience, careers fairs, employer talks, workshops, and mock interviews include:

  • Brookfield Community School
  • Netherthorpe School
  • Outwood Academy Hasland Hall
  • Outwood Academy Newbold
  • Parkside School
  • Springwell Community School
  • St Mary’s Catholic High School
  • Tupton Hall School
  • Whittington Green School
  • Ashgate Croft School
  • Chesterfield College

By working with these schools and colleges, businesses can shape students’ career paths through mentorship and industry insights.

Ian Cooper, Principal at Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, commented: “Direct exposure to hands-on experiences with employers, such as work experience, careers fairs, workshops, and mock interviews, is crucial for inspiring young people and preparing them for the workplace. Bridging the gap between education and business is vital for equipping students with essential skills and ensuring Chesterfield’s local industries and communities continue to thrive.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, added: “Bridging the gap between education and business is essential for Chesterfield’s future workforce. Employers have a crucial role to play in showcasing career opportunities, equipping young people with key skills, and ensuring our local industries thrive. This is more than just a way to give back—it’s a strategic opportunity for our companies to connect with the workforce of tomorrow.”

To find out more and get involved, go to the Destination Chesterfield website: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/#Prepare%20for%20work

Advice is also available from Direct Education Business Partnership, which has created a self-assessment tool that allows businesses to track their progress in engaging with young people, compare to industry peers and gain resources to improve.

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Custom Solar works with Pets at Home to improve sustainability at national distribution centre

Chesterfield’s Custom Solar, part of Mitie, has completed the installation of a 1.25MWp rooftop solar PV array at Pets at Home’s new national distribution centre in Staffordshire.

The distribution centre, which opened in early 2024, supplies products to the pet care brand’s 450-plus stores.

The solar array will help the national pet care brand to reduce its carbon emissions by over 221 tonnes a year, the equivalent energy use of 80 homes per year or 210 one-way flights from London to New York.

In doing so, Custom Solar has supported Pets at Home on its path to meeting its ambitious target of reducing scope one, two and three emissions by 42% by 2030 against a 2020 base year and reaching net zero by 2040.

Bringing its broad expertise as one of the UK’s largest commercial solar PV developers, Custom Solar has managed the approximately £1 million contract through the whole process from technical design through to the installation of the solar panels which span the roof of the landmark building for Pets at Home which received an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for its environmentally focused design.

It also managed the installation of associated grid connections to ensure the reliability of the centre’s power supply.

Gary Sucharewycz, Managing Director, Custom Solar, said: “We’re proud to have helped to accelerate Pets at Home towards its carbon emission reduction targets with this innovative roof-top solar PV array and associated grid connection. As experts in supporting our customers in finding the best green energy solutions to meet their needs, we’re pleased to have supported the development of the building which has received an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for its sustainability credentials.”

Catriona Curtis, Head of Sustainability, Pets at Home, said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Mitie on this step towards achieving our sustainability goals. This installation will make an important contribution to the reduction of our operational emissions and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together to create innovative solutions, to help us create a better world for pets and the people who love them.”

Custom Solar supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Derbyshire to receive cash boost for EV charge points

Derbyshire is set to receive millions of pounds to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the county.

In total, thirteen midlands-based local authorities have secured funding to get more EV chargers onto our streets, receiving £40.8m of Government funding aimed at getting more electric vehicle charge points into areas with limited off-street parking.

A partnership of eight local authorities across the Midlands region, led by Lincolnshire County Council and Worcestershire County Council, have successfully bid for £20.64m of funding.

These two consortiums are the last to be approved for funding after five other local authority partners, being led by Nottinghamshire County Council, secured £20.17m, therefore totalling £40.8m of funding for the partnership overall.

The funding comes from Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, which will help deliver more than 16,000 charge point sockets across the region, with exact numbers determined as part of future contracts. Derbyshire County Council is set to receive just over £6.6 million from the Local Transport Authority LEVI funding.

Almost 31% of Midlands residents do not have access to off-street parking. It is hoped that increasing the number of public on-street charge points will make it easier for those without a driveway to make the switch to an electric vehicle. This will also increase the ease of travel and charging for all EV users in the county.

Two of the Midlands Consortiums tenders are out now with the final consortium to go to procurement Spring 2025, with a five-year delivery aim to install these across the partnership area.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Making charging as seamless and as easy as possible is a crucial to making the switch to electric a success, and rolling out over 16,000 chargers across the Midlands will make driving an EV cheaper and easier, especially for those without a driveway.

“Electric vehicles will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in the Midlands and beyond, as we continue to deliver our Plan for Change.”

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “We are delighted that our collaboration with local authorities has resulted in a significant funding boost for electric vehicle infrastructure across the region.

“This is a great step in moving towards a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure network across the Midlands, which will become increasingly important as we move closer to the 2035 ban of diesel and petrol vehicles.

“We will continue to work with local authorities to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure across the Midlands.”

Looking for advice and support on making your business more sustainable? Go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Milligan to lead strategic role at The Pavements shopping centre

Chesterfield Borough Council has appointed Milligan as the strategic asset manager for The Pavements shopping centre.

Milligan, a leading name in town centre regeneration, strategic leasing, asset management and repositioning, will play a key role in unlocking The Pavements’ full potential as a cornerstone of Chesterfield’s broader regeneration efforts.

Located at the heart of Chesterfield Town Centre, The Pavements is owned by Chesterfield Borough Council and strategically positioned between the town’s historic market and bus station.

Despite challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting shopping habits, and competition from out-of-town retail, The Pavements has remained resilient, providing a vital offer for local shoppers.

Now, with the support of Milligan’s expertise, the Council will review The Pavement’s role in Chesterfield’s town centre as public realm improvements progress. It’s current occupiers which include Tesco, WHSmith, Boots, other national retailers and a selection of independent businesses.

Working in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, Milligan will develop a strategic action plan for The Pavements, ensuring it meets the needs of the community while supporting Chesterfield’s ambitious regeneration.

The plan will focus on maximising the shopping centre’s value to its occupiers, enhancing its appeal to Chesterfield’s growing catchment, and integrating it seamlessly with the town’s ongoing transformation.

Alex Hyams, Head of Asset Management at Milligan, commented: “Milligan has a long history of successfully delivering strategic asset management interventions to unlock performance for challenged schemes. We’ve worked across the country with mixed-use and retail-led destinations and bring a very experienced team. As the role of town centres evolves, shopping centres like The Pavements must adapt to meet the changing needs of their communities.

Team members from Milligan and Chesterfield Borough Council pictured outside the Pavements Shopping Centre

“Chesterfield is a location we know very well, it brings a unique blend historic character, walkability, good infrastructure which supports the growing tourism appeal of town and the surrounding Peak District. We’re excited to be working with such a forward-thinking Council, where important public realm works are already underway. Alongside this, The Pavements has the potential to become a cornerstone of Chesterfield’s regeneration and visitor experience and sustainable offer for the local community.”

Chesterfield Borough Council sees The Pavements as an essential part of its wider regeneration strategy and town centre offer. Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Milligan to the team as we work to enhance The Pavements as part of Chesterfield’s town centre transformation. Milligan’s impressive track record of revitalising retail-led destinations, combined with their understanding of Chesterfield, makes them the ideal partner to help realise our vision.

“The Pavements will play a vital role in delivering a stronger, more vibrant town centre that benefits our residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Milligan has already joined the Chesterfield Champions Network and is keen to collaborate with local brands, businesses, and community partners as they shape new strategies to enhance The Pavements. Their approach will ensure the shopping centre not only supports the town centre’s regeneration but also reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community.

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Over £30m to be invested in council housing across Chesterfield

Over £30 million is to be invested into council homes across Chesterfield over the next financial year – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s continued commitment to providing affordable, decent homes for people across the borough.

The Housing Capital Programme for 2025/26 was approved at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 26 February 2025 and sets out the investment priorities for the next financial year.

At the heart of the Housing Capital Programme is safety and compliance, which remains the highest priority for the council. Throughout the 2025/26 programme, £4.4 million will be invested into properties to further enhance safety – including the replacement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, asbestos management and removal, and replacement of communal lighting.

This investment will ensure that the council achieves 100% compliance in relation to the standards set by the Regulator for Social Housing.

Modernisation and refurbishment of the council’s existing homes remains a key priority in the council’s programme, with £17 million set to be invested in its housing stock. This will see the continuation of kitchen improvements and roofing upgrades, as well as a significant contribution to improving the energy efficiency of homes, in line with the council’s climate strategy.

Significant steps towards improving the energy efficiency of its homes are already ongoing – with a decarbonisation project underway at Brocklehurst Court which will see carbon emissions reduced by up to 80%. A bid has also been submitted to the Government’s social housing decarbonisation fund which would enable £6 million to be invested to improve the energy efficiency of over 800 homes.

As well as investing in its existing property, the council remains committed to increasing its housing supply – with the construction of further high quality, A-rated bungalows already underway in Middlecroft. A further scheme is also set to begin in Mastin Moor this year to bring a further 18 new build homes to the borough, whilst other sites have also been identified for the council to purchase properties.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Our aim, as always, is to enhance Chesterfield’s housing offer and ensure we can provide affordable high-quality homes, and achieve and maintain a 100% decent homes standard.

“Our newly approved capital programme set out our strong commitment to achieving this and how we are improving our homes to ensure they meet the needs of the people of Chesterfield, as well actively contributing to the climate change agenda by ensuring all homes are energy efficient.”

Chesterfield is rated one of the best places in the UK to raise a family and the happiest town in the East Midlands. Find out more about living in our town here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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New strategic vision unveiled for the regeneration of Chesterfield Canal

A masterplan to complete the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal as part of a large regeneration project has been launched.

The vision is for the Chesterfield Canal corridor to be reclaimed as a place for the local community to live, enjoy, and be employed; for tourists and visitors to come, play and stay; for new and existing businesses to grow and prosper; and for nature and biodiversity to thrive.

About 60 politicians, local government officers, businesspeople, canal enthusiasts and journalists gathered at the Parish Suite in Killamarsh to hear that there are two reports – a high level Strategic Outline Case covering the corridor between Chesterfield and Kiveton Park, and a more detailed Outline Business Case covering the section within North East Derbyshire District Council.

Both reports cover the Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial and Management aspects of full restoration. They focus on establishing a framework for the regeneration of the canal corridor rather than just the restoration of the canal itself.

The Chesterfield Canal Corridor Project will provide new canal and water-based training opportunities, introduce a range of activities to attract tourists and local residents, support activities for paddlesports, introduce cycling and walking trails with fitness opportunities to improve physical and mental health, create new business opportunities along the route, develop new carparking and access to improve connectivity, introduce measures to ensure the safety and security of users, support and enhance native wildlife and habitats, and create new areas for biodiversity.

It will further enhance the corridor as a place to live, visit and do business, improving the viability of housing delivery and raising land values locally to attract a range of economic investment.

Eighteen different hubs have been identified along the canal corridor. The report provides a summary of each site, some background information, potential project ideas and how they align with the drivers for change which are – Live, Work, Play, Health, Heritage and Environment.

The potential financial returns from these drivers include £252 million in Visitor Expenditure, £132 million in Art & Heritage Engagement and £116 million in Job Creation.

The masterplan was compiled by Focus Consultants and Sigma Architects. It was commissioned by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, which is composed of local authorities, statutory and non-statutory bodies, the voluntary sector and private enterprise.

The Chair of the Partnership, Cllr Alex Dale, said: “Those of us who are close to the mission to restore the rest of the Chesterfield Canal, inherently know there are huge benefits economically, socially, environmentally and for the health and wellbeing of our local population. But as a partnership, it’s vital that we communicate the huge potential of a fully restored and navigable canal more publicly, especially for potential funders, to help secure the significant sums needed to finish the job. That is exactly what this new masterplan is all about.

“I particularly want to thank the Chesterfield Canal Trust, as well as our local authority partners – Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council – for their vital funding contribution to produce this masterplan. We look forward to working together as a partnership to help realise our collective ambition to get the job done and realise the massive benefits the fully restored canal could bring to our communities and the region as a whole.”

During the research for the project, dozens of different stakeholders were consulted including all the local county, district and borough councils, the Trans Pennine Trail, Cycle Chesterfield, the British Horse Society, the Environment Agency, Don Catchment Rivers Trust, Kiveton Stakeholder Group and Don, Dearne & Rother Network. In addition, a community survey was circulated to Parish Councils along the route of the canal.

The project will be delivered alongside the restoration of the canal itself. The Chesterfield Canal is one of the country’s earliest navigations, opening in 1777. Originally constructed for carrying goods, the commercial traffic on the canal dropped off with the coming of the railways. The canal further declined in the early 20th century, and by 1968 only the 26 miles from Worksop to the River Trent were still navigable. Since 1989, through the hard work of those involved, 12 miles of the Chesterfield Canal has been reinstated, along with 37 locks, 12 major bridges and 2 new marinas.

There now remains approximately 8.5 miles of the canal to be restored between Staveley and Kiveton Park to make the canal fully navigable once more.

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Conference to showcase how community building boosts Chesterfield’s economy

Business leaders are set to hear how collaborative placemaking is helping to strengthen communities and attract more investment in Chesterfield.

This year’s Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference, held in association with DogLand, will shine a spotlight on some of the partnerships between residents, businesses and public sector organisations that are lifting Chesterfield’s reputation as a unique place to work, live, visit and grow a business.

Taking place at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Thursday, 27th March, Celebrate Chesterfield will focus on community-led placemaking around our town centres.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the event will feature conversations with town centre investors on how our communities are the perfect fit for their business, and an interview with residents on their reasons for making Chesterfield home.

This year also celebrates 15 years of telling our town’s story alongside 230 Chesterfield Champions and partners. Destination Chesterfield is set to announce its new Chair at the event, who will also launch a new two-year plan to promote the town.

Attendees will be able to find out more about ongoing collaborative projects set to boost the town’s economy, including:

  • Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield: Improving the look, feel and flow of Chesterfield town centre, including a major modernisation of the historic marketplace. This includes support for a traditional market offer but also for a wider range of uses including community events, festivals and more.
  • Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment: creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of the town centre that includes an extended theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, new gallery space, community facilities and a café bar.
  • PEAK Resort: the UK’s first purpose-built national park gateway ‘resort town,’ offering visitors world-class facilities and services as a base from which to access the Peak District National Park. The development is set to sustain thousands of jobs for local people.
  • Staveley 21: a £6m regeneration project in Staveley town centre creating a more attractive place to visit and spend time shopping, socialising, and exploring. The development includes a new landmark building which will house a library and office space to ensure the town centre remains at the heart of the local community.
  • Chesterfield Canal restoration: ongoing works include the reconstruction of 850m of canal channel, two new bridges, a new lock and over 3 kilometres of footpath improvements. Once completed, the canal will provide more access to nature for residents with improved infrastructure for walkers and cyclists.
  • Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe): a modern rail innovation and training centre, located next to Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The centre will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space, consisting of classroom and workshop training areas.
  • The Moorings: A two-storey building at the Staveley Canal Basin, comprising 11 new flexible business units and a new indoor and outdoor dining space.

In addition, multiple large-scale housing schemes are under construction, with thousands of homes expected to be built in Chesterfield in the next five years. Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Celebrate Chesterfield is now in its 15th year, and I am looking forward to welcoming more businesses to this annual event to once again showcase and celebrate everything special and unique about our town.

“I’m particularly looking forward to outlining Destination Chesterfield’s ambitions for the next couple of years, as we continue to build on the £2 billion regeneration taking place across our community. Chesterfield is not standing still; over the last 15 years we’ve worked together to improve our borough and we will continue to work in partnership with our community to grow our economy and create more opportunities for our residents.”

Dawn Brown, Founder and Owner of DogLand, added: “I am delighted to support the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference this year. As a business which thrives in the area thanks to the support of our local communities, I’m excited to hear more about how we can strengthen links to improve Chesterfield’s credentials as a great location to live, spend quality leisure time, and grow a business.”

Delegates can book their free place at Celebrate Chesterfield and find out further details on the event at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/celebrate/

The conference will also play host to the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Expo held in association with East Midlands Chamber. The expo presents businesses with the perfect opportunity to meet and network with over 250 business delegates from the local business community. Businesses wishing to be part of the expo can get more information at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/celebrate/2025-exhibitor-booking-form/

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