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Young local artists create new exhibition

‘Chesterfield Through Our Eyes’ was created by members of the Next Gen collective and is being displayed in the Pavements Shopping Centre until Sunday 14 March.

All the artists are aged between 16 and 30 and were invited to take part in an opportunity to gain experience responding to an artist brief to produce work for a public exhibition as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme.

Each of the artists was asked to think about what Chesterfield means to them, their connection to the town and what they think the future could hold for our town.

The young artists all produced a range of work, using different formats and techniques.

Emma White, one of the Next Gen participants, said

“It feels really good to take part in the exhibition, which has come together over the last year. I live in Chesterfield, and the town has inspired my artwork and creative expression. I’m looking forward to taking part in the Next Gen exhibition and showing different pieces of art that the group and I have created.”

The new exhibition display stands are funded through Animate Chesterfield – a programme of public art taking place throughout the regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley.

After ‘Chesterfield Through Our Eyes’ finishes the boards will be used for an exhibition by Derbyshire Makes. In the future they will be available for community groups to host public exhibitions in Chesterfield.

Art exhibition in the town centre.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“We’re excited to be able to offer young local artists the opportunity to gain experience of working to a brief and exhibiting their work – what they have created for this exhibition showcases their fantastic talents and it’s well worth visiting.

“These new exhibition stands will also ensure that other members of the community will have the opportunity to showcase their work in the town centre. We’ll share more information about how local groups can book the exhibition stands on our website.”

Next Gen is a Junction Arts project that brings together young people aged 16–30 who are interested in pursuing a creative career. The project helps them develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence through a series of workshops and events led by professional artists.

Junction Arts Project Manager, Jemma Burton, said:

“Next Gen has been running for three years, and during that time we’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredibly talented young people who have grown in confidence through the expert guidance and support the programme offers.

“Our 2024/25 cohort had the added excitement of working on a live brief. The Animate Project helped to focus their creativity and gave them the fantastic opportunity to see their work showcased in a public exhibition. Experiences like this inspire young people to push themselves, see real possibilities in creative careers, and recognise Chesterfield as a town that champions young people, culture, and the arts.”

Animate Chesterfield is a programme being led by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation. It has included the appointment of an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors with Chesterfield town centre, Christmas window trails, careers insight for students at Chesterfield College, and a new town centre mural. The programme also includes a new heritage arts trail and sculpture in Staveley town centre.

Funding for the public art project was secured through planning agreements as part of the council’s percent for art scheme, which was part of the previous Local Plan (and now continues on a voluntary basis), and the funding must be used for the delivery of public art.

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

ARK enters next phase of growth

ARK, a highly successful logistics and manufacturing development located at Markham Vale, is entering a new phase of growth with the start of construction on a new 53,770 sq ft unit. This new building is adjacent to the recently completed first phase. The building meets the latest industry requirements and will open for occupation in Q3 2026.

Phase 2 of ARK offers a high-specification, sustainable unit with access to up to 400 kva of power. It provides flexible solutions tailored to modern logistics and manufacturing operators.

ARK occupies a prime position at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, located just 1.1 miles from Junction 29A of the M1 and within easy reach of Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby. Its central location places it only 21 miles from Sheffield city centre and just 35 miles from East Midlands Airport, making ARK an exceptional hub for distribution and industrial businesses.

ARK is part of the well-established Markham Vale industrial and logistics destination, which spans over 200 acres and hosts around 70 businesses employing 2,200 people. The thriving location offers occupiers access to a wealth of skilled local talent and excellent transport connections.

ARK is delivered through Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital. It benefits from the expertise of partners with a proven track record in creating outstanding industrial and logistics solutions for both international and local operators.

Since the completion of the first phase, ARK has seen significant success. It has attracted high-quality tenants. It has also contributed to the ongoing growth and development of Markham Vale as a key industrial destination in the region.

The new unit marks a major step forward in ARK’s continued expansion. This reinforces its status as a premier location for logistics and manufacturing businesses looking for high-quality, well-connected space in the heart of England.

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said:

“Markham Vale is one of the region’s most successful I&L locations, which is reflected in demand from potential occupiers seeking high-quality, sustainable space. We’re pleased to see our vision for ARK almost complete, with HBC Construction now on site delivering the final unit.”

Jamie Acheson, Managing Director of Feldberg Capital, said:

“ARK fits squarely within Origin’s investment strategy, combining a proven location with strong occupier demand and high-quality specification. Sustainability was a key priority for ARK, as with all Origin projects, delivering BREEAM Excellent space to support businesses in meeting their ESG objectives.”

For more information about ARK and available units, please visit: www.arkmarkhamvale.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Stay

Council reveals exciting programme of events for 2026

Chesterfield Borough Council has announced its programme of events for 2026, bringing a mix of returning favourites and new activities to the town.

The programme aims to encourage more people to visit the town centre and enjoy unique experiences as residents, families and visitors.

Building on the success of events held in 2025, the year ahead will see the return of several popular events alongside a number of new additions to the calendar:

  • Chesterfield Glow Up, a new event, will take place on Friday, 27 and Saturday, 28 March. Delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme, the event will feature a light show projected onto the Market Hall by international projection artists Illuminos. There will also be funfair rides, free UV face painting, live entertainment and a night market.

Chesterfield Glow Up

  •  The popular 1940s Market returns on Thursday, 28 May and is expected to draw in large crowds once again. The market will also be taking part in the national Love Your Local Market campaign.

Visitors at Chesterfield 1940s Market in front of a vintage vehicle

  • The Chesterfield International Market is to be held from 19 to 21 June. The market brings a range of international street food and traders to our town centre.
  • Saturday, 15 August, will see a new event celebrating the emergency services.
  • The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday, 22 November, marking the start of the festive season in Chesterfield.

Xmas light switch on

The council will host more events in summer 2026, including a new food festival with details to be shared on the website and social media as they are confirmed.

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

“With the improvements across the town centre set to be completed this year, we’re excited to unveil our events programme and make great use of the new spaces to attract visitors and provide free entertainment.

“Whilst this is just a selection of everything that will be happening this year, we wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to start planning for the year ahead. We’ll be announcing more events and activities in the spring.

“Events like these are a great way of attracting new visitors to support town centre businesses and market traders – I hope that you can join us for these fantastic events.”

These events are part of a wider range of cultural activity happening across chesterfield discover what’s on in chesterfield: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Easter, Half term, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

East Midlands at centre of major new tourism campaign

Open, welcoming and ‘At the Centre of it All’ – that is the message our town is sharing as part of a new regional campaign showcasing the East Midlands.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has launched a new marketing campaign, ‘At the Centre of it All’, celebrating the strengths of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and positioning the region at the heart of the country.

For Chesterfield, the campaign reinforces the town’s unique appeal: a place that offers space to breathe, time to connect and the balance many people are now actively seeking. With a strong local economy, easy access to major cities and the Peak District on our doorstep, Chesterfield combines opportunity with quality of life.

The campaign is designed to showcase the very best of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, encouraging visitors, businesses and residents from London, the South East and across the UK to explore the region’s culture, sport, landscapes, and hospitality.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:

“The visitor economy is one of my key priorities, because every place in the East Midlands has something to share with the world – and because we are at the Centre of it All, we are just a short journey away for most people in the UK.”

“This campaign is about working together to proudly showcase everything that makes the East Midlands special. From vibrant cities to wide-open landscapes, world-class sport to rich culture and warm hospitality, our region has so much to offer.”

Delivered in partnership with tourism organisations Visit Nottinghamshire, Visit Derby and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the campaign brings their work together under one clear message: the East Midlands is open, welcoming, and full of unforgettable experiences.

Launching this week, the double-headed campaign will promote the region as an easily accessible short-break destination in a bid to drive overnight stays, encourage visitors to explore more deeply and boost the regional visitor economy, supporting the region’s £1 billion tourism growth ambitions.

The ‘At the Centre of it All’ campaign will target London and the South East, positioning the Peak District and Derbyshire as a relaxing getaway, with Derby less than two hours from the capital by train.

‘At the Centre of the Action’ will highlight Nottinghamshire’s colour, culture and world-class sport, encouraging eventgoers and culture seekers living up to two hours away to stay longer, return more often and discover more of the county’s unique offer.

Mayor Claire said:

“We want visitors from London and beyond to discover the experiences, people and places that make Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire such unique destinations.”

The Peak District tourism already contributes £2.9bn to the local economy and supports almost 30,000 jobs, yet significant untapped potential remains.

Jo Dilley, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire managing director, said: “The launch of ‘Centre of it All’ is a major step forward for the Peak District and Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands visitor economy. Tourism is a powerful driver of growth, and this campaign shows the impact of working collaboratively to raise the region’s profile.

“With the support of the EMCCA, and in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Derby, we’ve created a campaign that showcases the East Midlands as an accessible and compelling destination for overnight breaks.

“With London just a short journey away, ‘Centre of it All’ encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more and spend locally – supporting tourism businesses and delivering sustainable growth for communities across the region.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

New bespoke, handcrafted design business opens at Chesterfield Market Hall

GL Laser Creations is a new independent business now trading from Chesterfield Market Hall, offering handmade and personalised wooden gifts designed and made on site.

Owner, Gemma spent many years working as a manager for a large corporate company, having worked her way up from the bottom. Alongside a busy family life, she always had a creative side, which first came to light when she designed unique items for her own wedding. With support from her husband, a chief engineer working with industrial machinery, including lasers and CNC equipment, those early designs were cut and made with industry professionals and quickly became a hobby.

The business has its roots in a very personal story. Gemma’s mum always encouraged her to follow what she loved and noticed how her passion for creating lit her up. After her mum sadly passed away 16 months ago, shortly after reaching retirement age, that encouragement became the motivation to finally take the leap.

While organising the funeral, Gemma created wooden book-style covers for the order of service, as she wanted people to keep something meaningful rather than something that would be folded away. These later developed into her now best-selling wooden cards.

After leaving her corporate role to support her dad, an opportunity came through a friend who offered workshop space and access to an industrial laser at Arena UK in Grantham. This allowed her to continue creating while also caring for her family, and gave her the confidence to see whether the business could stand on its own.

Speaking on her decision to open at the Market Hall, Gemma said:

“When it came to opening a shop, Chesterfield Market Hall stood out for its support of new and independent businesses. The affordable setup allowed GL Laser Creations to start small, build a customer base, and test the market.”

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers returning regularly to check in and support the business.

Around 80% of the products sold are original designs, exclusive to the shop. Everything can be personalised at no extra cost, and bespoke items are made to order. Customers only pay once they are happy with the finished piece.

All products are made by hand from start to finish. Gemma designs each item on her own software, runs the laser herself, and completes all building and painting. A laser engraver is also available in the shop, allowing customers to have items personalised while they wait and be involved in choosing fonts and layouts.

Popular products include wooden cards, wine holders, and decorative lanterns, all designed to offer something different from what is usually available on the high street.

New designs are added weekly, and the business continues to grow through word of mouth, leaflets, and support from Market Hall management through social media.

GL Laser Creations is open at Chesterfield Market Hall and can also be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com

For more independent retailers in Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Stay, Visiting

Plans take shape for Saints Bar in town centre

Set within a striking building dating back to the 1400s, Saints Bar is preparing to open in the heart of our town centre, bringing together historic charm, live music and a welcoming social atmosphere.

Directly opposite the Crooked Spire in the town centre, Saints Bar is the result of a shared passion for hospitality and music between its owners. The team brings together years of experience working in bars, live music production and performance, as well as first-hand knowledge of running licensed premises. Pub keeping is also a long-standing family tradition, with generations of publicans behind the venture.

The owners say Saints Bar is designed to be more than just another place to drink. Instead, the focus is on the connection between friends, artists, locals and visitors, creating a venue that feels familiar, lively and inclusive.

The historic building itself plays a central role in the concept. Original features such as a stone archway and beautifully preserved oak-panelled rooms dating back to the 1600s have been carefully retained, giving the space a sense of heritage while being adapted into a relaxed, modern bar environment.

“We wanted to create somewhere that respects the history of the building but still feels comfortable and social,” the owners explain. “It’s about atmosphere, not pretension, a place you can enjoy whether you’re popping in for a quiet drink or staying for an evening of music and cocktails.”

“The town centre location was a key factor in the decision to open Saints Bar. Its position among other established venues, strong pedestrian access and proximity to the train station make it ideally placed to contribute positively to Chesterfield’s evening economy.”

The drinks offering will include a range of signature cocktails developed exclusively for Saints Bar by an experienced cocktail specialist, alongside classic cocktails, locally sourced beers and ales, and a carefully selected range of mid- to high-end spirits and wines. Plans are also in place to apply for permission to install a kitchen area, allowing the venue to offer a small selection of high-quality food such as artisan pizzas, cheese boards and tapas-style dishes.

Looking ahead, Saints Bar plans to host a variety of themed events and live entertainment, including music-led nights, line dancing, ladies’ nights and murder mystery evenings designed to make the most of the building’s historic character. The team is also considering dedicated evenings for hospitality and bar industry workers, offering discounted rates as a way of supporting others in the sector.

Supporting local businesses is another priority. Saints Bar aims to work with local producers and suppliers wherever possible and is exploring rotating bar lines to showcase a range of regional beers and products.

Early feedback from the community has been very positive, with residents keen to see the historic building brought back into active use. The owners hope Saints Bar will become a well-loved town centre destination, a place that enhances Chesterfield’s night-time offer while celebrating its heritage.

Updates on the progress of Saints Bar can be found on the venue’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com

Followers can see behind-the-scenes restoration work and learn more about upcoming plans as the opening approaches.

For more independent bars and restaurants within Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

 

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

£2 million funding boost for Staveley Town Deal projects

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

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

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

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

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

Staveley Town Deal projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why homebuyers are choosing Chesterfield for value, connectivity, and community

A new study highlights that people are deciding to settle within Chesterfield, taking advantage of the convenience of commuting to Sheffield while benefiting from the area’s strengths as a place to live.

The study by sellhousefast.uk assessed commuter towns for England’s five biggest cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Sheffield), and ranked them on livability and commuting factors.

Chesterfield came in at the top for commuting to Sheffield, and fourth overall, with an approximate commute time of 40.5 minutes by car and 12 minutes by train, and an average house price of £212,576, as well as, 64% of schools rated good/outstanding within five miles. The study also calculated the crime risk score of 626/1,000 giving Chesterfield an overall score of 6.29.

Neighbouring town Dronfield came in fifth with a commute to Sheffield of 29 minutes by car and 10 minutes by train, with  average house prices of £273,863

Bolsover, just 15 minutes away from our town centre, placed seventh in Up-and-coming areas with the most significant house price increases, helping buyers identify up-and-coming areas before prices peak, with an 86.1% increase in house prices since 2015.

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ryan Wilkes said:

“What really sets Chesterfield apart is the quality of life it offers. Residents benefit from excellent connectivity to major cities while enjoying lower housing costs, good schools, and a strong sense of community. It’s no surprise that more people are recognising Chesterfield as a place to build a long-term future.”

Chesterfield continues to be recognised as a great place to live, once again ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

Also in 2025, Chesterfield was named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, as well as being recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queens Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal.  Thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments and regeneration projects, including the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood, which will bring more new homes.

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

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

Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift route revealed to travel through the Peak District

The full route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has now been revealed.

The world’s leading women cyclists are set to take on some of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes when the East Midlands hosts the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, racing both up – and down – its iconic roads.

Stage two of the 2027 event will start in Manchester before passing through the Peak District National Park en route to Sheffield. Along the way, the peloton is expected to face several of the area’s best-known climbs, including the Côte de Snake Pass.

This announcement represents the most significant milestone since it was revealed last March that both races would begin in the UK – the first time they have ever started in the same country outside France. The region looks forward to working closely with Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift partners, including Derbyshire County Council, in the coming weeks and months as route plans continue to take shape.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “It’s fantastic that the Tour de France Femmes will pass through our region in 2027, putting the East Midlands – and in particular the Peak District – firmly in the international spotlight. This is one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, and hosting part of the route is something our communities can be incredibly proud of.

“Major events like this bring real excitement, inspire more people to get active, and create lasting social impact by engaging local communities along the route. They also play a vital role in supporting our visitor economy, showcasing the East Midlands’ stunning landscapes, vibrant towns and villages, and warm welcome to a global audience.

“Next year, 2027 will mark 15 years since the historic summer of London 2012, when British cycling was central to Team GB’s success and Bradley Wiggins became the first Briton to win the men’s Tour de France before claiming Olympic gold. Hosting this event gives our region the chance to continue that incredible legacy of world-class sport.”

Councillor Charlotte Hill, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways and Transport, said: “We are delighted that such a prestigious race is to come to Derbyshire. Our hills and dales are much enjoyed by cyclists all year round, by people who live locally and those that visit us from further afield. The profile the race will give us will mean that we can share our beautiful scenery with a wider audience.

“We look forward to welcoming the Tour de France Femmes and the visitors who will want to come and enjoy all that it has to offer.”

The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with an opening stage heading to Carlisle, before visiting Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.

A month on from the Tour de France, Leeds, Sheffield and London will make history as they join Paris and Rotterdam in hosting the Grand Départs of both the men’s and women’s races.

Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France director, said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the routes we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain. Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift begins in Leeds for an opening stage on Friday 30 July 2027 travelling west and over the Pennines to Manchester.

Racing resumes a day later from Manchester for the stage through the Peak District to Sheffield, while London will provide a spectacular finale when stage three visits the capital on Sunday 1 August.

Marion Rousse, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift director, said: “The United Kingdom has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan. Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”

Lizzie Deignan, British road and track racing world champion, said: “Racing the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has been one of the highlights of my career, and seeing the women’s edition go from strength to strength has been genuinely inspiring. To know that both the men’s and women’s races will start here in 2027, and especially that the women will come to my home roads of Yorkshire, is truly special. This is a huge moment for the sport and an opportunity that will inspire countless women and girls to get on their bikes.”

The joint UK Grand Départs mark an important moment for cycling, with both the men’s and women’s Tours showcased on one of the world’s greatest sporting stages. With millions of spectators expected, it will be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in UK history.

It is hoped hosting both Tours will inspire participation at every level, building on the UK’s proud legacy of cycling success and innovation.

Sport minister Stephanie Peacock said: “These routes will reach places few other events can and give people another reason to be proud of where they live. All over the country, they’ll see world-class cyclists pass through their towns, down their high streets and maybe even right past their front doors.

“Events like the Tour de France bring communities together, boost local economies and inspire more people to discover the benefits of sport. We cannot wait to welcome these iconic races next year.”

Learn more about the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift at www.letourgb.com.

If you’re looking to stay over in Chesterfield during the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, visit:  www.chesterfield.co.uk/stay/

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Skills, Stay, Visiting

Derbyshire property group to deliver new trade and industrial scheme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Local community invited to celebrate 10 years of Queen’s Park Sports Centre

Ten years ago, Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened its doors to our residents for the first time and has since grown to be a community hub for many different groups, organisations and individuals to use and enjoy.

This Sunday, Queen’s Park Sports Centre will be hosting an open day and is encouraging local people to come along and join them in celebrating ten years of the sports centre so far.

The open day will include a range of activities for all of the family from fitness classes to swimming lessons and vouchers will be hidden for customers to find, there’s loads to get involved in.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s a genuine pleasure to be part of celebrating this ten-year milestone of Queens Park Sports Centre serving our communities. The vision we had for an inclusive space, providing activities to get people moving and bringing them together has been more than realised.

Queens pae

“I encourage anyone, especially those who may not previously have taken part in exercise to come along to the open day and take advantage of the activities on offer on the 11 January.

“Getting active has so many benefits both physically and mentally and it’s never too late or early!”

Visitors can enjoy a mix of free fitness classes, family-friendly activities, and sports tasters throughout the day. Highlights include:

  • Fitness classes such as indoor cycling, yoga, Body Pump, and fun sessions like Clubbercise

  • Racket sports with drop-in badminton and pickleball games, plus a family netball taster

  • Children’s activities, including pre-school tumblers and gymnastics-style play

  • Swimming tasters for adults and children, ending with a family splash session with floats and toys

There’s something for all ages and abilities, making it a great day to try new activities and get active together.

All of the individual sessions will be bookable in advance via reception in person, or by calling 01246 345 555. Fitness classes, racket sports and netball are available to book online

It is advised that sessions are booked ahead of your visit to the open day to avoid disappointment. Many of the sessions will be free of charge or low cost to mark the open day.

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