Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe)
The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) is a modern rail innovation and training centre located next to Barrow Hill Roundhouse.
Following a £6 million investment, the state-of-the-art facility officially opened in July 2026, providing modern classrooms and training areas, specialist research and development facilities, including a digital laboratory, alongside high-quality commercial workshop space.
DRIIVe supports a network of specialist training providers, offering rail-related education from Level Two through to postgraduate training and research.
As a centre for rail technology and innovation, DRIIVe also provides a base for rail-related supply chain businesses, giving them access to the latest research, innovation and specialist facilities to support growth within the sector.
Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund, while the majority of the project was funded through the Government-backed Staveley Town Deal, with additional funding provided by the East Midlands Combined County Authority and Chesterfield Borough Council.
The project has been led by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, the University of Derby, Chesterfield College and NewRail (part of Newcastle University). The facility is managed by Barrow Hill Ltd.
DRIIVe has created new training, research, commercial and workshop space that will support businesses, researchers and learners while helping to strengthen Chesterfield’s position within the UK rail sector.
The centre aims to create more than 20 full-time jobs and, by its fifth year of operation, aims to support around 270 trainees, helping local people develop the skills needed for highly skilled careers in the rail industry.
