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Estate agent expands into new Chesterfield office

An estate agency business has expanded its offering to Chesterfield, following continued growth and success.

Haus Homes Chesterfield offers our community sales and lettings property services. Haus offers services for people to buy, sell, rent, or let homes across Chesterfield and Dronfield.

Haus Homes started in Sheffield in 2017, and after years of moving people between Sheffield and Chesterfield, the company felt the natural next step was to branch out into our town.

The Chesterfield office is based at West Bars, and is led by Ross Bateman. Ross has worked in the Chesterfield property market for the last 10 years, and in Estate Agency since 2012. His team has been curated based on their knowledge and experience, working within the local property market.

Ross commented: “I began working in Chesterfield in 2015 and was drawn to its community spirit and rich history. In 2020, I decided to move here from Dronfield, making Chesterfield not just the center of my professional life but also my home. Chesterfield’s strong sense of community, local culture, and welcoming atmosphere have always impressed me. It’s a town where connections thrive, and supporting one another feels like second nature.”

Speaking on the benefits of living and working in Chesterfield, Ross added: “Chesterfield has many amenities, along with great transport links to major UK cities, and is only a few hours direct train ride to London. Benefiting from being on the doorstep of the Peak District. We look forward to integrating ourselves into the Chesterfield community and meeting more people who live, work, and invest in Chesterfield.”

To browse for sale/to let properties, and learn more about the company’s services, go to: haushomes.co.uk  and follow Haus Homes on Instagram @haushomeschesterfield for regular property and market updates. Alternatively, people are welcome to visit the office at 31 West Bars, Chesterfield, to meet the team and find out how they can help with anything property related.

If you would like to find out more about the great quality of life, access to green space and connectivity Chesterfield offers, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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New advanced manufacturing and life sciences building takes shape at Chesterfield College

The development of a new advanced manufacturing and life sciences teaching centre in Chesterfield is underway, and on-course to open in early 2026.

Chesterfield College recently welcomed employers and dignitaries from across the local community to sign the steels of its new advanced manufacturing and life sciences building development on Infirmary Road.

In partnership with building contractors, Robertson, visitors were treated to a tour of the development, followed by a spectacular lunch served by hospitality and professional cookery students in the college’s on-site restaurant, Taste.

Chesterfield College Principal and CEO, Julie Richards OBE explains: “After a long time in the planning stages I am absolutely delighted to finally share details of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences facility we will be offering to our learning community from 2026. Concentrating on the latest industry skills and technology, with a real focus on vitally important green skills, the facility has been curated in consultation with local employers to ensure it produces a skilled workforce to supply local demand for years to come.

Steel signing- Julie Richards

“This build is one of multiple and significant investments we are making to our campus as a result of us successfully securing investment from the government’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund. Work has commenced on a new commercial zone featuring new hairdressing, beauty therapy and massage facilities which will be open to the public, alongside our already popular training restaurant, Taste.”

Housing cutting edge workshops for students across science, engineering, manufacturing, construction and automotive studies, plans for the building were shared with the visiting party.

To ensure the sustained development of technology and skills available in the new advanced manufacturing and life sciences building, Chesterfield College will be seeking the support of our town’s local business community and will shortly be offering a range of sponsorship packages. If your company would be interested in being the first to find out more, contact: employers@chesterfield.ac.uk

Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, said: “With a focus on innovation, growth and sustainability, the state-of-the-art facility is progressing well with the steel frame now complete. We are ensuring that the project meets Chesterfield College’s mission of inspiring futures and changing lives, and look forward to continuing to work closely with students, staff and stakeholders to create a facility that everyone can be proud of.

“We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational projects in the area, so it’s great to bring this expertise to our first project for Chesterfield College.”

Looking for support to enhance skills in your business? Discover more at:

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Steel signing March 2025 chesterfield college

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield gastropub owner to appear on ITV show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning

A Chesterfield gastropub owner is set to showcase a taste of Derbyshire to the nation this weekend, as he appears alongside James Martin on his Saturday morning cookery show.

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout in Barlow, will be cooking for fellow guests on the ITV show in this weekend’s episode (Saturday 5th April).

The Tickled Trout prides itself on creating delicious dishes using locally sourced produce. In 2024, the venue received an AA rosette and was awarded Best Pub Restaurant Chef in the UK, at the Craft Guild Of Chefs Awards ceremony.

Speaking on his TV appearance, Chris said: “I know James and have done demos with him presenting, but to be on the show was surreal, it was so exciting. I must say that the whole crew and James himself were just fantastic and friendly, so they helped calm the nerves a lot. I also travelled down with Alysia, the Yorkshire Forager, she is a close mate of mine, and that was a huge relief she was there to help me through it.”

To get viewers’ taste buds tingling, Chris prepared one of his signature dishes on the show: “I did our already-famous spiced cod scotch egg with curry mayonnaise, my homage to Cornwall when I was there with Paul Ainsworth. James is such a brilliant professional, it’s very easy being with him, he makes it go extremely smoothly. There’s always room for a chuckle as well during filming!”

Chris believes the show will help to put Barlow and Chesterfield on the map as a place to enjoy quality cuisine, adding: “The show has over 1.5m live viewers, plus those watching on catch-up, which is huge. I am sure it will put Barlow and Chesterfield on the map and I am hoping it helps the pub as well. I can envisage already that the lads in the kitchen are going to be making hundreds of scotch eggs!”

The Tickled Trout is currently under refurbishment, but is set to reopen with an exciting new look this April. Keep up to date on the pub’s social media channels.

Find out more about The Tickled Trout here, or visit the restaurant’s website: https://www.tickledtroutbarlow.com/

Looking for more great places to eat and drink in the Chesterfield area? Check out our list of 50 top places to try in our town.

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

Chris Mapp on James Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Derbyshire County Cricket Club records surplus for 2024

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has recorded its eleventh surplus in twelve years for the year ending 31 December 2024.

As a result of careful financial management amid the pressure of increased operating costs, the Club can post a pre-tax profit of £11k, while investing a record amount in its cricket budget and continuing to develop spectator facilities at The County Ground.

Chair, Ian Morgan OBE, said: “Amid testing financial times for all, in which costs are only going up, it is with great pride that we can announce a small surplus and a testament to the hard work of everyone associated with the Club.

“To be debt-free and able to safeguard our future in the current climate is a healthy position to be in, however we must continue work hard off-field to ensure we can compete out in the middle. It is becoming increasingly difficult to challenge financially with the larger counties, but we remain committed to investing in our playing budget to give Mickey Arthur and his squad the best chance of success, while maintaining our secure financial position which is highly regarded across the game.”

In 2024, the Club saw sold-out Vitality Blast matches against local rivals Notts Outlaws and Yorkshire, while group ticket sales more than doubled compared to 2023 and the T20 showpiece event at Edgbaston, returning on 14 June this year as Midlands Mania, also proved to be an important revenue-generator.

The Club’s Conference & Events arm of the business continued to grow last year, while The County Ground once again played host to a major music event with the visit of bestselling rap duo D-Block Europe.

Despite the loss of the Club’s Principal Partner on the eve of the season, Derbyshire continues to be well-backed by its sponsors and that revenue stream remains in achieving a year end surplus.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “This result is largely down to our off-field team who continue to drive revenue and efficiency across both cricket and non-cricket events while striving to maintain a high-quality customer experience.

“It continues to be a challenging economic time, but while the details are yet to be confirmed, the recent external investment which has come into the game represents an opportunity to realise our ambitions for our venue and in turn drive commercial growth and further investment on-field.

“Much of that work will come as part of our long-term ground masterplan, but over this winter, the off-field team have again been busy delivering further improvement which includes significant investment in the players’ changing rooms, LED lighting in the Ryley Wealth Elite Performance Centre, ground-wide Wi-Fi, as well as a new 900-seater stand adjacent to the Media Centre.

“On behalf of the Supervisory Board and the off-field team, I would like to thank our sponsors, Members and all visitors to both cricket and non-cricket events for their continued support.”

The Club’s Annual Report and Accounts were approved by Members at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 26 March at The County Ground. Derbyshire will be back in action at Queen’s Park later this year for the BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket. Find out more about the event at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/the-chesterfield-festival-of-cricket/

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

(Image credit: Jake Smith)
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New Chair of Destination Chesterfield announced at town’s largest business conference

Andrew Byrne, Group Property Development Director of The Devonshire Group, has been officially announced as the new Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

Business leaders and key stakeholders from across the town were updated on Andrew’s election to the role at Celebrate Chesterfield 2025.

Held at the Winding Wheel Theatre, the annual conference brought together the local business community to outline the future of Destination Chesterfield’s promotion of the town.

Andrew will lead the strategic direction of the Destination Chesterfield partnership alongside the Destination Chesterfield board and team, guiding the initiative as it continues to raise the profile of the town as a thriving place to live, work, visit and invest.

His appointment to this voluntary position marks a new chapter in the mission to drive investment, support local businesses, and showcase Chesterfield’s unique identity. The post was previously held for more than a decade by Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone PLC.

Speaking to delegates for the first time as Chair, Andrew expressed his enthusiasm for the role: “I am delighted to step into the role as Chair of Destination Chesterfield, and I’m excited to bring my passion for the local area to continue our progress.

“I’m looking forward to working with partners to highlight the new East Midlands Investment Zone, which will bring highly skilled jobs in green industries and advanced manufacturing to the Staveley area.

“We are also evolving into a town to experience – through the revitalisation of our high streets in Chesterfield and Staveley, an extension to Chesterfield Canal, and the ongoing development of the groundbreaking visitor attraction, PEAK Gateway Resort.

“We continue to build quality housing for residents in Chesterfield, including increasing the number of homes around our town centre. My priority, and that of the Destination Chesterfield partnership, is to ensure this continued regeneration benefits residents and bolsters our communities, as we continue to promote Chesterfield as a prime location to live, work, visit and invest.”

For 15 years, Destination Chesterfield has played a crucial role in supporting local economic growth and promoting Chesterfield as a contemporary destination.

During his address at Celebrate Chesterfield 2025, Andrew provided an overview of the new Destination Chesterfield plan, which will guide the promotion of Chesterfield until April 2027. This will concentrate on four key areas of activity:

  • A Place to Call Home – Showcasing Chesterfield as an attractive place to live whilst also encouraging further residential development across the borough.
  • Made in Chesterfield – Promoting manufacturing, engineering, and green industries to attract investment and drive growth, while inspiring future generations to pursue rewarding careers in these thriving sectors.
  • Experience Chesterfield – Showcasing the town’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural offerings to attract new businesses to the town centre and high streets, encourage people to spend leisure time locally, and support the visitor economy, while positioning Chesterfield as a gateway to the Peak District National Park.
  • Telling the Chesterfield Story – Strengthening Chesterfield’s brand and reputation through effective storytelling and working alongside the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions to raise the profile of Chesterfield as a contemporary destination. In addition, supporting businesses to grow by signposting support and encouraging innovation.

Celebrate Chesterfield 2025 was sponsored by DogLand, a business which has seen tremendous success and growth since launching in 2017.

At the event, the business’ founder Dawn Brown shared her inspiring story, crediting Chesterfield’s location and vibrant community for her success: “Since setting up my business, the community has embraced my vision, and the continued support has been invaluable. Being based here has allowed our business to grow and flourish, and thanks to this, we now have plans to expand the DogLand ethos to new areas.

“Chesterfield has a strong, collaborative business network that supports growth and innovation, which is why we are proud to support Destination Chesterfield’s successful promotion of the town.”

The event also hosted the annual Celebrate Chesterfield Business Expo, held in partnership with East Midlands Chamber. The expo allows organisations to showcase their products and services, discuss collaborations and create connections across the business community.

For more information on Celebrate Chesterfield 2025, and to view a copy of the Chesterfield Annual Review, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/celebrate/

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

New homeopathy clinic opens in Chesterfield

Chesterfield has welcomed a new addition to its health and well-being scene, providing an alternative approach to health and wellness.

Derbyshire Homeopath has been launched by Amanda Townend, who is passionate about offering individuals a natural and holistic route to healing.

Throughout March, she will be running a Saturday Walk-in Clinic, designed to provide accessible, one-off appointments for those seeking to explore homeopathy as a solution to their health concerns. This service is ideal for individuals who feel that conventional medicine does not fully address the root causes of their conditions.

Amanda explains: “The NHS provides excellent diagnostic and surgical services, but there is often a gap in aftercare and recovery support. Many people find that pharmaceutical prescriptions only manage symptoms rather than addressing the underlying issues. My clinic offers an alternative, focusing on helping the body to heal itself.”

In addition to the walk-in clinic, Derbyshire Homeopath offers an initial care package, consisting of three appointments where clients can expect to see improvements in their health and overall well-being. These sessions can take place via Zoom or in the client’s home for those unable to travel.

Amanda’s journey into homeopathy began through personal experience: “I started studying homeopathy after using it to support my own family’s health. The turning point came when my husband, who suffered from severe back pain due to an old injury, was advised by doctors that he would need spinal fusion surgery. Instead, after taking a strong and repeated dose of Arnica, his condition improved dramatically, and he no longer experiences debilitating attacks.”

This transformative experience led Amanda to undertake a four-year course in homeopathy, equipping her with the expertise to help others seeking alternative solutions to chronic conditions.

Amanda sees Chesterfield as the perfect location for her business: “Chesterfield is a thriving town with a strong vision for the future. Its proximity to the Peak District and excellent transport links, including access to the M1, make it an ideal place to live and work, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.”

Her clinic is based at the Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic (TLC) at Ashgate Manor, a well-known location that houses a variety of wellness-focused businesses. The welcoming environment aligns perfectly with Amanda’s mission to support people in their healing journeys.

Vision Derbyshire, a Derbyshire County Council scheme which supports start-up companies, has played a crucial role in helping Amanda launch her business: “They have provided invaluable support, from funding a professional photo shoot to supplying essential computer software. Their assistance has truly put my business on the map.”

Sian Spencer Bray, Clinical Director & Lead Psychotherapist at TLC expressed her enthusiasm about Derbyshire Homeopath joining the centre: “We are delighted to welcome Amanda to TLC. We strive to offer a safe and supportive space for individuals looking to improve their health, both physically and mentally. Her expertise in homeopathy aligns perfectly with our mission of providing holistic well-being solutions for the community.”

As a Chesterfield Champion, Sian also highlighted the importance of supporting like-minded businesses: “At TLC, we uphold the highest standards, ensuring that every service we offer aligns with our commitment to evidence-based approaches and genuine community well-being. By partnering with businesses that share our values, like Derbyshire Homeopath, we create a trusted network that benefits the entire Chesterfield community.”

For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.derbyshirehomeopath.co.uk or stop by the TLC at Ashgate Manor to learn more about the services available.

Are you looking to launch your business in Chesterfield? Find out more about the support available in our area here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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SDE Group collaborates with John Pye Auctions on smart storage project

Chesterfield’s SDE Group has revealed a successful collaboration with John Pye Auctions to enhance their operational efficiency and safety through the implementation of smart storage solutions.

The project involved a comprehensive assessment of existing equipment and procedures, followed by the design and installation of tailored storage systems. The project not only optimised space utilisation but also streamlined workflows, leading to improved productivity and adherence to safety protocols.

The successful transformation within a 12-month period was a testament to the collaborative efforts between SDE Group and John Pye’s team.

Project Consultant, Elliot Watson explained: “When John Pye Chesterfield first approached SDE for a small quantity of shelving in one of their salesrooms, it was clear to see during our first visit that the site had grown that quickly in such a short space of time, what made sense from an operational perspective (and what was required from a H&S point-of-view) were made secondary priorities to coping with the huge volume of sales the business was experiencing.

“That is why it is even more rewarding to see the site completely transformed within 12 months, after the hours put into reviewing all of their existing equipment and operational procedures, several designs and then re-designs, and then finally getting the project to site prior to their peak sales period.

“Special thanks go to Josh, Steve, John, and the rest of the Chesterfield team for their hard work and cooperation throughout the process.

“Witnessing a transformative project like this is always rewarding — even more so when it supports a local business and strengthens their service to the wider community.”

Chesterfield is home to a vibrant community of businesses which thrive through collaboration. Find out more about locating your business here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

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

Chesterfield Champions among the winners in regional tourism awards

Exceptional tourism businesses in Chesterfield and the Peak District took centre stage as the winners of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony.

The prestigious event was held at the East Midlands Conference Centre and brought together hundreds of guests including industry leaders, innovators and rising stars for a night of recognition and celebration during English Tourism Week (14-23 March).

The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby – joined forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, with the support of East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed guests by congratulating the outstanding achievements of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry and highlighting the sector’s vital £5.25bn of economic impact contribution to the East Midlands’ economy.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes OBE applauded the talent, passion and innovation of the shortlisted finalists, and recognised the collaborative efforts of Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby in driving growth and excellence across the region’s visitor economy.

The awards were hotly contested and finalists – including visitor attractions, experiences, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers – progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts to arrive at last night’s event.

In the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category, Matlock Farm Park took the coveted gold award, while Peak Edge Hotel picked up the bronze accolade.

Peak Edge also won a silver award for Hotel of the Year, while Chatsworth’s Country Fair 2024 received gold for Festival and Event of the Year.

Hosted by Donna Alos, the awards ceremony featured a vibrant atmosphere and included a three-course meal produced by Nottingham Venues that showcased suppliers from across the East Midlands.

The awards were held in partnership with VisitEngland and Gold winners of the core categories will have the opportunity to progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

For the full list of winners from the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Awards please visit: https://visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The East Midlands’ Tourism Awards showcase the places and experiences that make life in the East Midlands so rich. We are a destination – and tonight’s participants show why. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the winners and nominees, and to celebrate their ingenuity and hard work.

“I am also delighted that we are doing this as a region, for the first time. Just as the East Midlands Combined County Authority creates space for us to come together around a common cause, so too do these awards. I am committed to making the East Midlands the best region in the country to live, work, and visit, and it is by working in partnership that we can best achieve that goal.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Bringing together the finalists of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards under one roof has provided an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving excellence, delivering economic growth and elevating the quality of tourism across the East Midlands.

“Tourism is a major economic driver, and it is the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism sector that makes our region the world-class destination that it is – driving growth, creating jobs, and contributing billions to our economy.

“Huge congratulations to all the worthy winners as well as the shortlisted businesses and individuals!”

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who designed and handcrafted luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

The Awards Ceremony was jointly sponsored by Nottingham Venues and the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

If you’re planning a visit to the Peak District, be sure to experience Chesterfield during your stay.

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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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