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New café opens at Chesterfield Library

A new café has opened at Chesterfield Library, adding a welcoming food and drink space at the heart of the town centre.

Nook & Scran by Scrannery opened on Friday 24 April, bringing freshly prepared food, speciality coffee and locally sourced produce to New Beetwell Street. The café offers a relaxed and inviting place for library users, shoppers, theatre audiences and anyone spending time in the town centre.

Licensed to support events held within Chesterfield Library and its theatre, Nook & Scran helps strengthen the venue’s role as a place to meet, learn and connect.

The opening formed part of the county council’s ongoing commitment to the library as a cultural and community hub. An official launch event is scheduled to be held for guests next month.

Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor Alan Graves, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Nook & Scran to Chesterfield Library. Libraries are at the heart of the communities they serve, and this new addition will certainly strengthen that.

“Nook & Scran will be a valuable asset to the library and the wider community – a cosy yet vibrant place for people to meet friends and spend time while enjoying everything the library has to offer.”

“It’s also great to work with a café that values local suppliers and partners with social enterprises.”

Nook & Scran by Scrannery serves speciality coffee from Redemption Roasters, a UK social enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities for prison leavers and people at risk of offending.

Scrannery already operates multiple sites across Derbyshire and Sheffield and is recognised for its commitment to quality, accessibility and responsible employment. The business continues to grow its collection of independent coffee spaces across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, each designed to bring together quality food, exceptional coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.

Dave King, co-founder and director of Scrannery, said:

“Libraries are evolving community spaces, and we’re delighted to be part of Chesterfield Library’s future. Nook & Scran is designed to complement what the library offers and create a warm, accessible place for people to meet and spend time.”

Kieran Morgan-McGeehan, co-founder and director of Scrannery, added:

“We want this café to feel like it truly belongs to Chesterfield. Using local suppliers, employing people responsibly and partnering with social enterprises like Redemption Roasters all help ensure the café has a positive impact beyond food and drink.”

For more inspiration on places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/2026/02/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield

To find out more about Scrannery, visit: nookandscran.scrannery.uk/

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

Two Chesterfield Champions named finalists at Visit England Awards

Two Chesterfield Champions, Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout, have both been named as finalists in the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2026, recognising their outstanding contribution to England’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Peak Edge Hotel has been shortlisted in the Small Hotel of the Year category. It is a relaxed rural retreat known for its warm hospitality and personal service. The hotel features stylish rooms and an award-winning two AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant, which focuses on farm-to-table dining using produce from its own Red Tractor-accredited farm.

Mark Thurman, Managing Director, Peak Edge Hotel and Casa Hotel, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be named a finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence. It means a huge amount to the whole team and reflects the care and consistency that goes into everything we do.

At Peak Edge, our focus is on creating a complete guest experience – from genuine farm-to-plate dining using produce from our own Red Tractor certified Walton Lodge Farm Estate just minutes away, through to the atmosphere, service and overall feel of the hotel. We’re always looking at ways to evolve and improve, while keeping that sense of warmth and authenticity at the heart of it.

To be recognised on a national stage like this is something we’re incredibly proud of, and a great opportunity to showcase the Peak District.”

Peak edge couple

Meanwhile, The Tickled Trout in Barlow, also a two AA rosette restaurant, has been shortlisted in the prestigious Pub of the Year category.

Led by Chef Patron Chris Mapp, the pub is known for its focus on quality, provenance and seasonal cooking, helping to strengthen Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire’s reputation as a leading food and drink destination.

Chris Mapp, Owner of The Tickled Trout in Barlow, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be named a finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence. It is a huge honour to be recognised on a national stage and reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are incredibly proud to represent Barlow and the wider Chesterfield area.”

The tickled trout

The national awards celebrate the very best in England’s tourism and hospitality industry, recognising businesses that consistently deliver exceptional quality and visitor experience.

The winners of the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2026 will be announced at a national ceremony on Thursday, 11th June 2026, bringing together leading tourism and hospitality businesses from across the country.

To explore more independent places to eat and drink, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out

Peak Edge Hotel, and The Tickled Trout are two 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield celebrates creativity at Derbyshire Makes festival

Residents of all ages came together to celebrate Chesterfield’s creativity on Saturday, 18th April 2026, as the free Derbyshire Makes festival brought our town centre to life.

Led locally by arts charity and Chesterfield Champion, Junction Arts, the event saw artists, makers and community groups transform the town into a vibrant hub of creativity. The festival highlighted both Chesterfield’s rich heritage of making and its growing creative and cultural industries.

A major highlight of the day was The Great Chesterfield Make Off, where 40 local artists created brand-new work live in New Square. Visitors had the chance to watch creativity in action, discover emerging talent and experience the imagination and skill that define the town’s arts scene. From painters and potters to writers, performers, textile artists and designers, the Make Off turned the square into a dynamic open-air studio.

Sorbo Lounge - Derbyshire makes

At Sorbo Lounge, visitors took part in hands-on, artist-led workshops, creating their own mini masterpieces to take home.

Meanwhile, The Pavements Shopping Centre hosted MakeLand, an immersive virtual reality installation by artist John Whall, alongside Chesterfield Makers, a photographic exhibition celebrating local creatives.

The streets were filled with energy thanks to live performances from internationally renowned artist Matt Pang, whose Thingamabob show entertained crowds throughout the day.

Interactive experiences added even more to the atmosphere, including the Newton-O-Matic, a playful installation inspired by Sir Isaac Newton, and Lady of the Loom, a roaming storyteller sharing curious objects and fascinating tales.

The festival also highlighted the endangered local heritage craft of lacemaking, highlighting the work of those preserving the tradition through a special exhibition at Chesterfield Library.

Now in its second year, Derbyshire Makes is Derbyshire County Council’s flagship programme of cultural events across the county. The free festival runs annually across six distinct local hubs between Saturday, 11th April and Saturday, 16th May, 2026.

Junction Arts Project Manager, Kylie North, said:

“We had a brilliant time bringing Derbyshire Makes to Chesterfield. The town has a strong heritage of making, alongside a new, exciting and growing creative community. Local people really embraced the fun and creativity of the day, a huge thank you to everyone who came out and took part.”

Derbyshire Makes is supported by funding from Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

To explore even more cultural events happening across Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events

Junction Arts is one 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 About Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Stay

Chesterfield bakery celebrates two national sourdough awards

A small independent bakery in Chesterfield, based at Boythorpe Business Park, is celebrating national recognition after being crowned both Britain’s Best Plain Sourdough 2026 and Britain’s Best Flavoured Sourdough 2026 at the Britain’s Best Loaf awards, organised by leading baking industry publication British Baker.

Peak & Stone Bakery, run by husband and wife team Tom and Emily Martin, took home the two trophies at the competition held at the NEC Birmingham on Monday, 13th April, after their loaves were judged the best in their categories by a panel of experts from across the UK baking industry.

With more than 200 loaves entered from bakeries across the country, judges deemed Peak & Stone’s Stanedge Country Sourdough the finest in the Plain Sourdough category and their Cheese, Chilli & Sundried Tomato Sourdough the winner of the Flavoured Sourdough category.

The Cheese, Chilli & Sundried Tomato loaf, which is made with mature Cheddar, pickled jalapeños and sundried tomatoes, was described by judges as a “really exceptional loaf”, praised for its brilliant texture, balanced flavour and striking appearance.

Their plain sourdough winner, the Stanedge Country Sourdough, is named after the famous Derbyshire millstones of the Peak District and is made using a slow 48-hour fermentation process and the bakery’s eight-year-old sourdough starter, affectionately named Geoff after Tom’s grandad. Judges described the loaf as delivering “everything you’d want from a sourdough”, praising its flavour, structure and overall quality.

Britain’s Best Loaf is an annual competition that honours the finest bread produced by the nation’s best bakers. Every loaf, entered across eight categories, is judged anonymously and assessed on external appearance, internal structure, aroma, taste and mouthfeel, ensuring the winners truly represent the very best of British baking.

 Peak stone bakery

Amy North, editor of British Baker, said:

“Britain’s Best Loaf aims to find the finest loaves the nation has to offer, and in doing so we can celebrate the care, creativity and craftsmanship put in by bakers day in and day out.

“We received a record-breaking number of entries this year, so our judges definitely had their work cut out for them to find the winners. Their expertise and attention to detail paid off and we have a stellar line-up of worthy winners.”

Speaking about the achievement, Emily Martin, Owner of Peak & Stone Bakery, said:

“As a husband and wife team, winning both of these national awards means the absolute world to us and our little bakery. We’re incredibly proud and honestly still a little shocked.

“We’re so grateful to our customers who support us week in, week out. Without them, achievements like this simply wouldn’t be possible.”

Despite competing with much larger bakeries nationwide, the couple bake all their sourdough themselves in small batches using traditional long-fermentation methods.

The awards highlight the growing strength of independent artisan baking and place Chesterfield firmly on the map for award-winning sourdough.

You can purchase these award winning breads direct at local farmers markets. Details of where they stand can be found on their social media @peakandstonebakery

Explore places to shop, eat, drink and visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has joined Best Western Hotels GB

Chesterfield Champion, Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in Chesterfield, has joined BWH Hotels GB as part of the BW Signature Collection by Best Western.

The 72-bedroom Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa is a Grade II listed 19th-century manor house set within six acres of award-winning gardens and surrounded by 29 acres of parkland at the gateway to the Peak District National Park.

The property is a well-established destination for spa breaks, weddings, dining and corporate events, with convenient access to the M1, offering strong transport links for regional and national visitors.

Ringwood spa

Facilities include exceptional dining experiences, multiple options for meetings and events, plus its Garden Secret Spa – Derbyshire’s first five-bubble rated spa. The spa provides a tranquil escape with a range of treatments, thermal facilities and relaxation spaces designed to deliver a premium wellness experience.

The hotel is also recognised for its versatile event spaces, making it a popular choice for weddings, private celebrations and corporate functions.

Guests can also enjoy the surrounding landscaped gardens and parkland, which provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the year and enhance the sense of seclusion despite the hotel’s accessible location. Its proximity to the Peak District National Park further positions the hotel as an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the area, appealing to walkers, tourists and those seeking countryside escapes.

By joining the BW Signature Collection, the hotel will gain access to BWH Hotels’ global distribution network, marketing support and the Best Western Rewards® loyalty programme, while retaining its independent identity. This partnership enables the hotel to expand its reach to international markets while continuing to offer a personalised and distinctive guest experience rooted in its heritage.

James Winfield. General Manager at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said:

“We are thrilled to be joining the BWH Hotels GB portfolio and seeing the benefits it adds to our business. We are extremely proud of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa and hope that joining the BW Signature Collection will allow us to maintain our uniqueness, our ethos and heritage while reaching a wider audience.”

He added:

“Our vision, combined with Best Western’s support, will help us enhance the experience for our guests while benefiting from being part of a wider global network.”

To discover more places to stay and experience, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

Ringwood hotel & spa is one 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield Champions hit gold at Peak District Tourism Awards

Three of our Chesterfield Champions are celebrating major success after taking home top honours at the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards 2026.

Held on Wednesday 18 March at Derby County Football Club, the awards recognised excellence across the region’s visitor economy – with both Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout and Chatsworth house securing Gold in their respective categories.

Chatsworth house won Festival or Event of the Year for their event – Celebrating Jane Austen – which attracted large crowds and marked the enduring legacy of Jane Austen, one of England’s most beloved authors. 

Peak Edge Hotel was awarded Gold for Hotel of the Year, alongside Silver for Taste of the Peak District – Restaurant of the Year for its 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant, and Bronze in the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award category.

Peak Edge has built a strong reputation for its blend of laid-back luxury, heartfelt hospitality and farm-to-fork dining, with much of its produce sourced directly from Walton Lodge Farm, the owner’s nearby 360-acre estate.

Steve Perez, Owner of Peak Edge Hotel, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to have won Gold for Hotel of the Year. This means a huge amount to us as a family-owned business. Everything we do at Peak Edge is about creating a genuine, welcoming experience for our guests, so to be recognised in this way, alongside awards for our restaurant and accessibility, is incredibly special.”

“It’s a real credit to our team, who care deeply about what they do every single day.”

The Red Lion Restaurant part of Peak Edge Hotel, secured Silver in the Taste of the Peak District category. The restaurant continues to grow its reputation for ingredient-led, seasonal dining. With 2 AA Rosettes and a strong focus on provenance, the restaurant showcases produce from Walton Lodge Farm, offering guests a true taste of Derbyshire.

The Bronze award for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism reflects ongoing improvements across the hotel, including step-free access, accessible facilities and a continued commitment to inclusive hospitality.

Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel, added:

“These awards are a reflection of the direction we’ve been working towards over the past few years – focusing on quality, consistency and experience.”

Meanwhile, The Tickled Trout in Barlow was crowned Pub of the Year, with judges praising its high-quality seasonal dishes, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional service.

The Tickled trout winning award

The team triumphed over strong competition, impressing mystery guests to secure the top honour, with the award highlighting its consistent delivery of high-quality, locally sourced seasonal dishes alongside exceptional, personable service.

Independently owned by chef patron Chris Mapp, the gastropub has built a strong reputation for its ingredient-led menus and welcoming atmosphere.

Chris Mapp, Tickled Trout, said:

“After 12 years of independently owning The Tickled Trout, I couldn’t be prouder of what our team has achieved. This award really belongs to them. From the kitchen to front of house, every single person plays a part in delivering the quality and service the judges recognised.

The glowing comments from the judges are a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality food and exceptional service. Following last year’s refurbishment, it’s fantastic to see the whole team’s efforts recognised, it truly is the icing on the cake after a brilliant year. As we move on to the next round with Visit England, the team is full of energy and enthusiasm, and we’ll continue doing what we do best: creating high-quality dishes using local, seasonal ingredients and making every guest feel welcome.”

Chris trained in London in Michelin restaurants owned by some of the world’s greatest chefs such as Marcus Waring and Gordon Ramsay before returning to Derbyshire, where he transformed his former local into an award-winning dining destination. He was awarded ‘best pub restaurant chef’ in the UK at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards in 2024.

Both Peak Edge Hotel and The Tickled Trout will now go on to represent the region at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, showcasing Chesterfield’s thriving hospitality sector on a national stage.

The Tickled Trout and Peak Edge Hotel are a few of over 230 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 About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Beauty and the Beast will take centre stage at newly transformed venue

Beauty and the Beast is set to take centre stage at 1435 in December 2026, bringing festive family fun to the newly transformed venue where people and stories meet.

The iconic story is set in a charming French town, and the classic tale follows book-loving Belle as she dreams of starting a new chapter. But life isn’t quite the Paris‑dise she hoped for – and she soon finds herself swept into an unexpected adventure. Alongside her friend Jacques and his meddling mother, Betty Bon Bon, Belle becomes trapped in the mysterious castle of an intriguing beast.

This “beast” of a fairy‑tale adventure is being brought to Chesterfield by award‑winning producers Little Wolf Entertainment. Audiences can expect high production values, lavish scenery, striking costumes and impressive effects. The company is known for its strong casting and original scripts packed with laughter.

Winners of the UK Pantomime Award for “Best Pantomime” last year – and with multiple nominations in this year’s awards – Little Wolf are the only pantomime company to hold a critics’ choice and 5‑star rating from The Stage for five consecutive years. Their productions have collected 11 wins at the prestigious Panto Awards.

Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles of Little Wolf Entertainment said:

“As a Derbyshire based company, we couldn’t be more proud to be working with the team to create this spectacular pantomime for this revitalised, iconic building. We hope audiences will ‘be our guests’ back in Chesterfield’s home of pantomime to share in all the magic and mayhem that makes Panto such a special part of Christmas.”

This year’s pantomime will be hosted at 1435 – bringing together entertainment and heritage under one roof, in a multi-million-pound transformation designed to delight, inform and entertain visitors.

Featuring a 625-seat theatre, expanded museum with thoughtful displays throughout the building, two bars, improved facilities and more flexible spaces, visitors will be thrilled to experience the magic of pantomime in this prestigious venue.

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

“Pantomime is our most important show because it helps introduce new audiences to the theatre and provides fantastic entertainment for families. We know it’s been an annual tradition for many locals to see our pantomime, and we can’t wait for them to experience everything 1435 has to offer whilst creating incredible memories together.”

Casting for Beauty and the Beast will be announced soon.

Beauty and the Beast will be at 1435 from 4 December 2026 until 3 January 2027. Tickets are priced from £20.50 to £27.

Accessible performances include signed, audio described, relaxed and a touch tour for blind or partially sighted customers.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting: chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

For more magical events happening in and around Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Half term, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Council is committed to creating a greener Chesterfield in new two‑year plan

Chesterfield Borough Council has published its Climate Change Delivery Plan for 2026 to 2028, setting out the key actions it will take to cut carbon emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and prepare for the transition to a new unitary council in 2028.

The council remains committed to creating a greener Chesterfield, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of its own operations and working with community groups, residents and partners to support a more sustainable borough.

Approved by Cabinet on 17 March, the updated plan streamlines activity across six priority areas. With Local Government Reorganisation approaching, the council has focused on the areas where it can make the biggest impact over the next two years. The plan also builds on the Climate Emergency commitment made in 2019 to become a carbon neutral organisation and support the wider borough to reach net zero by 2050.

Positive changes over the last two years:

  • Over £170,000 invested in community climate projects, from solar panels to active travel and education initiatives.
  • A‑rated, energy‑efficient new build council homes featuring air source heat pumps and underfloor heating.
  • 34 petrol and diesel vehicles replaced with low‑emission electric models.
  • During 2024 and 2025, more than 50 households supported to improve energy efficiency through partnerships with Marches Energy Agency and E.ON.
  • Additional funding secured with the Midlands Net Zero Hub to deliver a three‑year decarbonisation programme for council homes and private properties.
  • Solar panels installed at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, helping local businesses benefit from greener energy.
  • Carbon Literacy and Climate Fresk training delivered to council teams.
  • Nearly £2.4 million secured from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to support heat decarbonisation at Staveley’s Healthy Living Centre.

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and the environment, said:

“The publishing of this new delivery plan shows both our commitment and ambition to make both our organisation and our communities as environmentally friendly as possible, reducing our carbon emissions and planning for the future.

“The Delivery Plan has been developed through ongoing engagement with council services and wider partners and will focus on the key activities needed to maintain momentum on the council’s climate achievements to date, and I’m happy with our clear objectives over the next two years.”

Chesterfield Borough Council’s six priority areas for action from 2026 to 2028 are:

  1. Decarbonising council assets and increasing energy efficiency and expanding renewable energy generation
  2. Supporting residents to decarbonise and adapt homes to a changing climate
  3. Electrifying and decarbonising the council fleet
  4. Improving climate friendly land management and biodiversity
  5. Strengthening partnership working with key stakeholders and community groups
  6. Reporting climate activity and progress, maintaining accountability

The full Climate Change Delivery Plan 2026 t0 2028 is available at:
www.chesterfield.gov.uk/climate-change-strategy

To discover more on what makes Chesterfield a great place to live, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living

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

Locals to receive guaranteed job interviews at GRIDSERVE

Local people who complete a sector-based work academy will be guaranteed a job interview at GRIDSERVE in Markham Vale, thanks to a local labour clause.

The planning application for the new GRIDSERVE retail forecourt on Enterprise Way, Markham Vale, was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee in October 2025.

As a major development, the scheme is subject to a local labour clause, designed to help create skills and employment opportunities for local residents.

The new forecourt, which is due to open in May, will create ten new jobs.

As part of the skills and employment plan secured through the planning condition, Chesterfield Borough Council is working in partnership with GRIDSERVE, DWP and Chesterfield College to deliver a sector-based work academy. The programme will begin on 13 April, supporting 20 participants over two weeks, with job interviews offered to those who successfully complete the training.

An information event will take place on 1 April at the Environment Centre, Markham Vale. Sessions will run from 10am to 12 noon and 1pm to 3pm, providing details about job opportunities at the new GRIDSERVE forecourt.

Attendees will also be able to find out more about the sector-based work academy, a short training programme delivered in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Chesterfield College. The initiative is designed to support unemployed people, or those looking to move into retail, to secure roles at the new site.

Participants who complete the programme will gain a Level 1 award in work-related studies for the customer service sector, alongside a Level 1 award in occupational studies for the workplace. The new roles will be based at the GRIDSERVE retail forecourt, supporting customers using the electric vehicle charging facilities on site.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership, said:

“As a council we are committed to ensuring that local people have job opportunities and that local talent is recognised and celebrated. Securing 20 job interviews for those who have completed the short training programme is good news, thanks to the local labour clause.

“By working in partnership with organisations like GRIDSERVE, Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield College we can help local people develop the skills to access new opportunities and find new jobs in the local area.”

BillieLeigh Beaumont, Empowering Futures Project Manager, Chesterfield College, said:

“On behalf of Chesterfield College, we are absolutely delighted to support local residents in accessing new and exciting opportunities with employers in our community. Creating these connections not only helps individuals empower their careers but also strengthens our local economy and builds a more sustainable future for everyone involved.”

Ross Watson, General Manager at the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt, said:

“GRIDSERVE is incredibly proud to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council, Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield College to support local recruitment for the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt. This flagship development represents not only a major step forward in delivering world-leading electric vehicle charging infrastructure for cars, vans and trucks, but also a meaningful investment in the local community.

“We are passionate about creating high-quality job opportunities for local residents, and this recruitment initiative is a fantastic way to connect people with roles in what is a dynamic and growing industry. From supporting drivers on their EV journeys to delivering great experiences within our on-site retail facilities, including Costa Coffee, these customer-facing roles will play a vital part in the success of our latest flagship EV charging station.”

For more information on GRIDSERVE and other local developments, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in Apprentice Town, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Skills, Stay

Chesterfield secures £19.5 million to transform town centre and communities

Chesterfield is among a select group of areas chosen to receive almost £20 million of investment, following the official Government’s Pride in Place programme, designed to help our communities shape their own future and improve the places they live.

The regeneration plan was developed by the independent Chesterfield Town Board following extensive engagement with local people. The plan is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, acting as the accountable body for the programme. However, decisions on how the £19.5 million is invested will be made by the Board.

A key priority identified by local people is improving the vibrancy, safety and attractiveness of our town centre. In response, the Board has already allocated early Pride in Place funding to support an expanded programme of town centre events over the next two years, alongside a three-year funding package for enforcement officers to carry out visible patrols to help improve perceptions of safety. Both initiatives are supported by match funding from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Dominic Staniforth, Board Member of Destination Chesterfield, Partner at BHP LLP and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said:

“We’re delighted to receive confirmation of our Pride in Place funding. This is a milestone moment for Chesterfield – one that will help unlock the ambitions of local people and turn their ideas into reality.

“This investment means we can further develop projects that will deliver the kinds of improvements that our communities have told us they want to see, and tackle issues that matter most to them.

“We’re already supporting the delivery of a wider range of town centre events, along with enforcement officers to carry out visible street patrols to help improve feelings of safety. These were two things local people told us were most important to them, which is why the Board invested money in these areas quickly.

“Local people’s priorities will also be used to help us develop more projects which centre around strengthening Chesterfield’s role as a vibrant and viable town centre. Investments will reinforce the town’s distinctive character and appeal, making it a more enjoyable place to spend time in, and one that local people feel proud of.

“We must once again say thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our consultation and engagement activities so far, and we will continue to work with local people to further shape plans for where this investment will be best spent, and where we can support the transformation which is already well advanced across Chesterfield town centre.”

Potential future projects – subject to further engagement with local people – include:

  • A new visitor experience celebrating the iconic Crooked Spire
  • A new space for community groups to operate and deliver key services
  • Investment in space for creative businesses and artists to start up and grow, increasing footfall and activity
  • Revitalising the historic Shambles quarter to create a more welcoming and safe environment
  • Tackling empty units and reimagining retail space to provide health and other essential public services

Councillor Amanda Serjeant is the deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and represents the council on the Board. Amanda said:

“Our strong community and business networks here in Chesterfield have been key in developing this plan. Everyone has worked together to understand and invest in what Chesterfield people have told us what matters to them – with Government approval now paving the way for projects to start, and more to be further developed.

“Our plan builds on the growth and investment that Chesterfield has seen in recent years, and there is a real sense that things are happening.”

Toby Perkins, Chesterfield MP, said:

“We all want communities that we can be proud of, that show our uniqueness and strengths, and reflect what local people want, which is exactly what Pride in Place is already helping to deliver in Chesterfield.

“I am very proud of the work put in by the Chesterfield Town Board and the ten-year plan is going to transform our town centre and bring in thousands of extra visitors.

“Chesterfield is already a wonderful place to live, but the Pride in Place programme is building on what makes our town special, helping to retain and enhance our historic centre, and to create an environment where businesses can flourish.”

The Chesterfield Town Board – made up of local business and community representatives alongside public sector partners – will continue conversations with residents and businesses over the coming months, including targeted engagement with young people and under‑represented groups. Funding will be delivered in stages over the next decade.

Discover more about what is happening in Chesterfield at www.chesterfield.co.uk.

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

New Square reopens with fresh look ahead of Glow Up weekend

Chesterfield’s New Square is officially open following a major transformation, creating a flexible, attractive space ready to welcome visitors ahead of Chesterfield Glow Up this weekend.

The redesigned square features new high-quality paving for improved accessibility, a modern parasol system for trader shelter, upgraded lighting and power for events, new planting for greenery, and stylish street furniture to encourage people to spend more time in the town centre.

The improvements allow New Square to host large-scale events while still accommodating market stalls on busy days.

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

“The transformation of our town centre has created new spaces for events, festivals and community gatherings, and we can’t wait to see people enjoying them this weekend.

“It’s also created a more attractive environment for our fantastic traders, helping to bring more customers into Chesterfield for many years to come. The Market is the heart of our town centre, and these wonderful public spaces will help ensure it remains one of the best in the country.

“We still have more work to do in Rykneld Square and on Corporation Street, but together these improvements will transform our town centre and create great spaces for residents and visitors alike.”

A small amount of finishing work remains in New Square, including a new bollard system and a feature timeline charting Chesterfield’s history, which will be completed next month by contractor Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said:

“We’re proud to have delivered this transformation of New Square, creating a high-quality, durable public space that will support Chesterfield’s market traders, events programme and wider town centre activity for years to come.

“Working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and local stakeholders, our team has focused on improving accessibility, flexibility and resilience, while ensuring the square remains welcoming and attractive for visitors.

“We look forward to seeing the space come to life during events like Chesterfield Glow Up and beyond.”

The wider Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project also includes Rykneld Square — which will become a greener, more welcoming space with views of the Crooked Spire following archaeological work — and Corporation Street, set to offer an enhanced gateway to the town centre later this year.

The project is funded through nearly £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, supporting both town centre regeneration and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

More information is available by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield

To discover more events happening within our town centre visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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