chesterfield borough council

Largest council housing development in a generation set to welcome new families

Local families are set to move into their new homes after works on the biggest council housing development in the borough since the 1980s are complete.

A £4.1m development has seen 21 brand new properties constructed on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green – the latest development as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable and accessible homes across the town.

The new development, named Badger Croft, comprises of ten two-bedroom houses, six three-bedroom houses, four four-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom bungalow – all of which will be let to local families on the council’s housing resister.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re pleased to see that this development is complete and ready to welcome families to their new homes. It’s the biggest council housing development of this generation, so it’s a huge milestone in our efforts to increase the housing supply across the borough.

“Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and these new properties will provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for families in our borough.”

In response to the climate emergency that was declared by council leaders in July 2019, the council is committed to ensuring that all its housing stock is as energy efficient as possible.

Councillor Ludlow added: “It’s really important that new developments in the borough take account of environmental issues – contributing to a more sustainable future for us all.

“Living in a warm and energy efficient home is not only better for our planet, it will also reduce costs to run the property, offering affordable warmth to our tenants.”

Each of the new properties has increased levels of insulation throughout and electric vehicle charging points have been installed on properties with driveways to support lower carbon transport options.

Whilst works were ongoing on site, the council’s main contractor, Henry Boot Construction, worked with the local Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to complete additional landscaping works and environmental improvements close to the new development that will help to enhance the wider local community. This included the creation of wildflower meadows and planting that will help boost biodiversity and support pollinators.

Ryan O’Loughlin, Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a local contractor, it has been a pleasure working with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver an exceptional development. Residential is a sector of strategic importance for Henry Boot Construction and this adds to our impressive portfolio of high-quality schemes.”

The council’s Local Plan encourages all schemes costing over £1m to include a work of art to the value of 1% of the total cost of the project, as part of the ‘Percentage for Art’ scheme which the council has operated since 1994.

This has been reflected with the development at Badger Croft where the council approached artists to submit proposals for an art installation that embraced a Badger theme associated with the area. After proposals were submitted, and through vigorous debate, local councillors made the decision to go with Coralie Turpin, who designed a 3.4m tall steel structure and then created a handmade mosaic design incorporating badgers and celebrating nature.

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Revolution House reopens for the summer

Revolution House, a public museum with an important role in history, is set to reopen its doors and welcome visitors over the summer.

The Museum opens on Friday 15 April and will then be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays until Sunday 18 September. It is free to visit but donations are welcome.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Revolution House is a fantastic little attraction in our borough, it tells the story of a small piece of our history that not many people are aware of and is a chance to learn more about our heritage whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed. It is well worth a visit and is completely free. We’ll also be hosting some great events there over the summer so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more details.”

Chesterfield Museum is currently closed as a multimillion-pound refurbishment is set to get underway at Stephenson Memorial Hall where both the Museum and Pomegranate Theatre are based.

The work will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield which will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

Whilst the Museum is closed, the team will be arranging a series of interactive activities around the borough called Museum on the Move and Revolution House will also be open to ensure everyone can learn about the borough’s history.

Revolution House, then the Cock and Pynot Inn, was the meeting place of the 4th Earl of Devonshire, John D’Arcy, and the Earl of Danby as they plotted to overthrow King James II in 1688.

At Revolution House, you can find out more about the Revolution of 1688 and there is also a collection of 17th Century furniture.

On Monday 2 May, professional Tudor minstrel Dante Ferrara will be performing at Revolution House. The instruments he will demonstrate are the lute, cittern, hurdy-gurdy, colascione and English bagpipes.

He will be performing five times throughout the day with the first performance at 11.15am and there will be the opportunity to ask him questions and take photographs with him.

More events will be hosted at Revolution House throughout the summer. Find out more details about upcoming events online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revolutionhouse

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Staveley Town Deal funding confirmed

Over £25m worth of projects which will benefit Staveley residents for generations to come have been given the official go ahead, after Government approved the package of all eleven projects within the Staveley Town Deal Programme.

It is a significant milestone for the range of projects that will receive funding through the Towns Fund, which are being delivered by a variety of organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Staveley Town Council, Barrow Hill Community Trust, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and Tawnywood Ltd.

Together the projects offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents, create new employment opportunities with higher level skills, ensure it is a place where everyone can be proud to live and guarantee that the town and its residents have a bright future ahead – supporting Staveley as a place to start, stay and grow.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board and Managing Director of Staveley based MSE Hiller, said: “The projects that are being funded through the Town Deal are designed to complement one another and have been developed in response to the challenges and opportunities in Staveley. The project sponsors have worked hard to get to this point but we are now moving into delivering these projects and ensuring that they can benefit everyone in Staveley.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is the accountable programme lead but will also be delivering three projects using Town Deal funding.

A round up of the key projects being led by each partner is included below.

Chesterfield Borough Council

The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) is a rail innovation and training centre located in Barrow Hill. It is being developed by the Council in partnership with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby, Newcastle University and Talgo.

Staveley 21 aims to regenerate and revitalise Staveley town centre. It is based around the masterplan developed last year and includes Wi-Fi connectivity and environmental improvements to ensure the town centre is attractive, with a good retail and leisure offering that residents can enjoy.

The final project delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council is the Construction Skills Hub which is a movable construction training centre initially based on a live construction site in Mastin Moor. It is being developed with a training provider and construction sector businesses to ensure people can develop the skills they need for a successful career and be ready to embrace future modern and sustainable construction methods.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Town Deal Board said: “The Town Deal represents a once in lifetime opportunity for Staveley and its residents. Each project is fantastic in its own right, but together they are truly transformative for the entire area. We want everyone to benefit from this investment and to understand how each of these projects can enhance Staveley and the local community.”

champions event

Derbyshire County Council

Staveley Waterside is the first phase of a mixed-use development centred around the Staveley Canal Basin. This will include the creation of an access road, pontoons to create moorings, a café and flexible office and workshop space for small businesses.

Wheels to Work is focussed on ensuring everyone can access employment and training opportunities by providing bicycles and e-scooters for those who don’t have access to a private vehicle and have limited transport options.  There will also be real time passenger information and EV charge points.

Derbyshire County Council is also leading on the reinstatement of Staveley Railway Station but this is subject to confirmation of funding from the Government to restore the Barrow Hill Line. A decision on this is expected in the near future.

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration and Member of the Town Deal Board, said: “This is a great opportunity to work together to benefit Staveley and the wider community.

“We’re looking forward to building on the success of our flagship regeneration site Markham Vale to open up the canal basin as a base for business and a visitor attraction.

“And we’re pleased to be widening out our Wheels to Work scheme to improve employment and training opportunities in the area as well as continuing to press the case for a train station in the town which will broaden opportunities for commuting for work and connectivity for business further still.”

Works road and canal basin

Staveley Town Council

Staveley Town Council is using the funding it has secured to extend the historic Staveley Hall and create a modern events space with an extension to the café and the creation of two flexible events spaces that can be used for informal community events and also business led events.

Councillor Paul Mann, Leader of Staveley Town Council, said: We are very excited about the proposed project to build a new conference and events centre at Staveley Hall. I believe that it fits well with the wider strategic plans for developing Staveley and it will provide a modern, energy efficient facility for the community and businesses that will add economic value and jobs to the Staveley area.”

Chesterfield events

Barrow Hill Community Trust

Barrow Hill Community Trust is the community development charity for the village of Barrow Hill and surrounding neighbourhoods. It is leading on the refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall to create a modern community hub where local residents can access support services and socialise together.

Simon Redding, Chair of Trustees said: “The community trust and people of Barrow Hill are overjoyed that we will finally have the services which other communities take for granted.

The Memorial Hall will be a community hub for all, with the facilities which local people have asked for – all thanks to the Town Deal.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust

Chesterfield Canal Trust is restoring the Chesterfield Canal to the borough boundary. Works include the reconstruction of 850m of canal channel, a new aqueduct over the river Doe Lea, bridges, a new lock and 3km of footpath improvements along the towpath and connecting routes to multiuser trails, it complements other works the Trust is undertaking in Renishaw.

Peter Hardy, Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “Our scheme will bring enormous benefits to the residents of Staveley and surrounding areas with the extension of the canal from Staveley Waterside almost to the river Doe Lea. Together with the other projects awarded money from the Towns Fund, it will enhance the environment, health and wellbeing of all who live in the area.

“We are indebted to the local company Suon Ltd. which has donated the clay to be used in this project; without this generosity the scheme would not have been possible.

“This project is the catalyst for the Chesterfield Canal Trust to complete the restoration of the canal.”

Hartington Industrial Park

Hartington Industrial Park is a 20-hectare site that has outline planning permission for industrial and warehouse development that will create more local jobs near to the successful Markham Vale site. The funding will support the development of infrastructure and enabling works to bring forward the development.

Simon White, Property Director at Tawnywood Ltd, said: “At Hartington Industrial Park we are delighted that the Town Deal has given us the opportunity to move this site from a relatively low grade secondary industrial location to one able to offer new businesses excellent access and infrastructure and so become an attractive location to companies seeking high quality modern manufacturing and warehouse accommodation providing numerous jobs across a wide range of opportunities. The proposal is to emulate the success of Markham Vale on a smaller scale and create quality buildings attracting a wide range of employment types boosting the scale and quality of the local environment and job offers in Staveley itself.”

Hartington Industrial Park

Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club

Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club is using funding to create an academy where young people earn BTECs or similar qualifications in sport. It includes the creation of two classrooms above the club house and will also use some funding to improve the car park near to the Chantry Playing Fields.

Terry Damms, Chairman of Staveley MWFC, said: “I’m really excited by the prospect of further facilities for the Staveley community and creating closer links for 16 to18-year-olds to develop their skills and complete their education. The purpose-built education facility will not only support local education it can also be used by other bodies like the Derbyshire FA to provide training and courses. Together with the Town Deal Accelerator Funding, the club will receive around £0.5 million of investment through the town deal and this supports funding provided through Viridor credits.

“The youngsters of Staveley have the best possible opportunities. We would like to thank the Staveley Town Deal Board for their commitment to us and support through the funding. The Trojans are here to serve the community and this is yet another clear example of us understanding and delivering the ethos required to suit this wide range of people within the Staveley community.”

You can find out more about the Town Deal and keep up to date with the latest developments here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

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The Pomegranate Theatre to support Ukraine with charity film screening

The Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield is joining cinemas across the UK to support Ukraine.

A charity screening of Olga, a new film about a young female Ukrainian gymnast forced to train in exile, will be held on Thursday 31 March at 7.30pm.

From each ticket sold, a donation will be made to support Ukraine, with donations going to The Disasters Emergency Committee.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re proud to support the charity screenings of Olga taking place across the UK. For the last few weeks, we have all been thinking of the people of Ukraine as we observe in silence and disbelief the tragic consequences of Russia’s actions. This film screening offers us the opportunity to understand more about Ukraine but also raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee who are doing vital work to support the Ukrainian people at this time.”

Olga’s lead actress, Anastasia Budiashkina, who arrived in Poland after leaving Kharkiv in Ukraine to escape the war, said: “I am very glad that Olga will be seen in the UK, and people will see the situation going on with Ukraine. Everyone involved with Olga worked very hard, and I put a part of myself into the film. I hope everyone will enjoy Olga.”

The film tells the story of fifteen-year-old Olga, a promising Ukrainian gymnast who is exiled in Switzerland but as she prepares for the European Championships the Ukrainian people stage a revolution. Can Olga reconcile her personal goals with the history unfolding in her homeland?

A subtle, tense drama it has received praise from critics.

The previews are a result of a partnership from 606 Distribution and the BFI, with support from the UK Cinema Association.

Tickets for the screening can be purchased on the Chesterfield Theatres website: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/olga

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Chesterfield office campaign launched to capitalise on post Covid ‘flight to prime’ by businesses and investors

Chesterfield is set to capitalise on the ‘flight to prime’ trend by businesses looking for high quality office space in the aftermath of COVID-19, with the launch of a brand-new digital marketing campaign.

With 81% of UK businesses agreeing they need to implement a new workplace strategy, following the lockdown-induced Work From Home movement, Chesterfield’s new campaign aims to prove it has the space to suit office requirements in the town as well as offering a central location and excellent road and rail links.

Launched at the town’s annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on 23 March, the new office campaign aims to reach national businesses looking for regional satellite office space as well as local start-ups and established businesses looking to expand.

The campaign, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has been developed by Destination Chesterfield is partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Economic Partnership.

Chesterfield newest office developments, One Waterside Place and The Enterprise Centre both feature in the new campaign. Due to be completed later this year, they bring more than 100,000 sq ft of additional office space to Chesterfield’s offering.

The Government’s work from home advice was lifted on Thursday 27 January in England after being in place for nearly two years. With many organisations expected to adopt a work from home/office hybrid approach, demand has increased for flexible, modern large floor plate working space which is easily adaptable and has Covid measures in place.

Launching the campaign, which has been designed by digital agency Defeye Creative, Dom Stevens Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Progress on the new office developments continued throughout the pandemic and this has put Chesterfield in an excellent position to capitalise on the changing demands for office space post Covid.

“People have been exposed to new ways of working, prompting companies of all sizes and sectors to completely rethink their workplace needs. People now want more choice in how, when and where they work, and we can meet this demand in Chesterfield.”

“With the new office developments at Waterside, the Enterprise Centre and The Glass Yard, alongside existing office provision, Chesterfield can now cater for businesses at every stage of their life cycle – from incubation stage to maturity.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “Chesterfield is a fantastic option for businesses whether they are looking to start, relocate or grow. We have a strong community, a skilled workforce, fantastic transport connections and a bright future.  We’ve seen recently that the quality of life particularly for young families is unmatched and together all these factors show that Chesterfield is open for business. We are in an excellent position to recover from the pandemic and welcome new businesses and residents to our borough.”

To learn more about available office space in Chesterfield, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Flexible workspace that grows with your business.

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Chesterfield residents and businesses asked to help find potential new development sites

Residents, businesses, landowners, and developers are being asked to suggest sites for development or land use changes in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council is issuing its Call for Sites as part of the Local Plan review process. The aim is to identify sites that have the potential to be developed for housing or employment but also to help find sites that could be used to enhance local biodiversity or other uses.

The Call for Sites is being run through an innovative online consultation platform that will be open for the public for six weeks to submit their suggestions from Monday 21 March until midnight on Monday 2 May 2022.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The Local Plan is important because it is the starting point for assessing the merits of individual planning applications. The Call for Sites helps ensure that we identify sites for development that meet local need and this must be done as part of the five-year review of our Local Plan.

“We are trialling a new digital platform that we hope will make it easier for everyone to help identify sites with potential across the borough. The online tool uses a map of Chesterfield and when you highlight a site it shows the current Local Plan map and you can then make a simple suggestion for how that land should be used in future.

“I would encourage everyone to give us their views and make sure they do it within the six weeks as we cannot accept any late submissions.”

As well as suggesting sites for housing or business developments, there is also the opportunity to highlight sites for other uses. This can include areas the council can invest in to enhance biodiversity through tree planting and habitat management but also sites that would be suitable for Gypsy and Traveller Sites, community facilities and public open spaces.

The Local Plan must be reviewed at least once every five years and the Call for Sites is a key element of this review.

There are two methods available for submitting a site for consideration, the first is a site suggestion form where the availability or ownership of a site is not known, and the second option is via a detailed site submission form aimed at landowners or their agents.

Sites that are suggested will be assessed later in the year as part of a Land Availability Assessment which in turn will be used to help review the current Local Plan.

Where a site has been suggested by a member of the public, but the availability of a site is not known the council may contact the landowner to find out if it is available or not. Sites which ultimately are not available will not be able to progress as part of the Local Plan review.

A site being put forward to the council and then later considered in the Land Availability Assessment does not mean it will necessarily be considered suitable for development or a particular land use, nor included in a local plan or granted planning permission.

The council are working with the consultants Urban Intelligence who have developed the platform and are experts in using technology and data science to assess property and support the planning process.

Funding for the platform was provided by the Government through the PropTech Engagement Fund with the aim of increasing local engagement with the planning process and giving people a greater say over their local area.

Find out more about the Call for Sites and submit suggestions by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk/call-for-sites-2022

If you need more information or assistance with the platform, please contact the Strategic Planning and Key Sites team by calling 01246 345002 or emailing local.plan@chesterfield.gov.uk.

anzacs chesterfield

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Recruitment Event returns to Chesterfield Market

People searching for work in Northern Derbyshire are being invited to a recruitment event, where they can meet employers and find out more about local job vacancies and training schemes that lead to employment.

The recruitment event is on Wednesday 30 March between 10am and 12pm in Chesterfield market place. Following on from two previous successful events held last year, Chesterfield Borough Council and DWP Jobcentre Plus are partnering with Bolsover District Council and North East Derbyshire District Council, to ensure it provides the right opportunities for local job seekers.

Previous events, held in September and November last year, have led to around 100 job offers with almost 80 people starting a new job thanks to the recruitment events.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The events last year showed that job seekers want to engage directly with businesses to find out more about the opportunities available to them. We are pleased to be able to host events such as this, that can help individuals find out more about the jobs available locally. It’s important that we continue to help promote the many opportunities in the area to local people and working with our partners will help ensure we can bring more people and more employers together.

“If you’re looking for work, then this event is here for you. You will be able to find out more about current opportunities and may even find your next job on the day.”

Paul Munday, Employer Adviser at DWP Jobcentre Plus Derbyshire, said: “After the success of the last two recruitment events held in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, we are very excited to be running a third on Wednesday 30 March with further support from North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council. This event will be a great opportunity to support the DWP’s Way to Work Programme and give north Derbyshire Residents the opportunity to speak to local employers and find sustainable employment.”

Councillor Jeremy Kenyon, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said, “We have hosted some fantastic online job fairs previously with our partners, helping to secure employment for our local communities.

“This next jobs fair is a great way for local businesses to take part and share their vacancies with us so we can help residents with employment opportunities and progress their career to the next level”.

Cabinet member for economic growth at Bolsover District Council Councillor Liz Smyth said: “It is so important to provide opportunities for people to engage directly with employers and learn more about what opportunities are out there. Holding this jobs fair in person means job seekers can meet recruiters and make those vitally important connections which could lead to employment.”

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.

There will be lots of opportunities available on the day from a range of sectors including, hospitality, social care, engineering, logistics, transport and many more.

As well as job opportunities there will also be several apprenticeship providers who are currently recruiting for new apprentices. An apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to earn while you learn and can help people at any stage in life.

Derbyshire Careers Service will also be attending the event to promote training courses but also advise job seekers on how they can get support with their CV and interview techniques.

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Outdoor performance space created at Springwell Community College

A new performance canopy has been built at Springwell Community College with funding provided through the Staveley Town Deal.

The new canopy is next to the performing arts block – providing space for summer concerts and productions to be held outside. It can also be used by students during the day as a covered social and dining space.

Ian Wingfield, headteacher at Springwell Community College, said: “The SCART (Springwell Community Arts) provision at Springwell has had a challenging time through the pandemic and this investment will help to reboot and enhance this highly regarded programme. The new performance space is a welcome addition to our college and creates new opportunities for students to develop their skills and build on stage experience.”

The performance canopy was constructed during half term and benches have been placed under the canopy to provide a sheltered social and dining space.

As part of the Town Deal process, accelerator funding worth £500,000 was granted by Government to deliver projects ahead of the full set of projects that form Staveley Town Deal.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The accelerator funding has really helped kickstart the Town Deal and demonstrates the broad ambitions of the Town Deal Board. The projects that have been supported through accelerator funding aim to improve the quality of life for local residents and ensure that Staveley is a place to start, to stay and to grow. I look forward to the summer when we can enjoy outdoor performances at Springwell Community College and I hope the community will turn out to support these performances too.”

Accelerator funding has also been used to create new play facilities on King George V Playing Field, upgrade CCTV in Staveley Town Centre, improve drainage on the Chantry Playing Fields and to undertake preparatory works for DRIIVe a rail innovation and training centre which will be built in Barrow Hill.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The accelerator projects are really just the first step in delivering the wider Town Deal, there will be lots of updates around the eleven key projects that form the Town Investment Plan over the next few months as well as the opportunity for residents to get involved.”

Find out more about Staveley Town Deal on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

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Dozens of Chesterfield businesses given online boost by Digital High Street project

Chesterfield businesses have been given a helping hand to boost their confidence and skills to trade online as part of an innovative project – with tailor-made advice designed to build resilience if their physical buildings are forced to close in a crisis.

Chesterfield Borough Council teamed up with East Midlands Chamber to launch the Chesterfield Digital High Street in June 2021 and the project has since helped 84 local businesses to make the most of their presence online. It offers support and guidance on using online tools but can also provide funding for e-commerce websites.

TwelfthCraft is a retail emporium based in The Shambles specialising in dolls houses, miniatures, accessories, curios and gifts. Since joining the project Caroline Gleadall, who owns and manages the store has created an online presence which has led to a 10% increase in sales and has developed a plan to further expand her business over the next three years.

Caroline said: “Thanks to the project, I feel like I’ve already achieved so much. I’ve developed the confidence to pay for Facebook advertising, and the time I’m committing to my social media presence has provided lots of new connections, allowed me to contact my customers, and given them the opportunity to leave reviews I’m about to launch my new e-commerce website which will help me reach new markets.”

The project is open to businesses across the borough. Brampton Brewery is a long-established micro-brewery based on Chatsworth Road but they have benefitted through the Digital High Street project.

Chris Radford, managing director and head brewer, explained: “We have received grant funding through the project for a new website with enhanced e-commerce functionality. Once launched, we hope to see significant growth in our online sales.

“To any business considering getting involved, I’d say this – just do it! There really is no reason not to. You’ll have access to a wide range of advice and services from industry specialists who just want to see you succeed.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “It’s been a really difficult time for local businesses during the pandemic – many which were left with limited options to trade when Covid-19 forced their buildings to close.

“We’ve been committed to supporting local businesses weather this unprecedented time, and it’s fantastic that so many are already benefitting from this project and realising their full potential. Thank you to East Midlands Chamber for their support and work on this project. If you run a local business there is still time to sign up and find out how you could grow your business online.”

East Midlands Chamber head of enterprise Paul Stuart said: “Purchasing habits have changed as a result of Covid-19, with fewer in-store visitors and a move towards online transactions.

“We expect this to be a long-term shift, so it’s vital that businesses ensure they see this as an opportunity, rather than a threat.

“By engaging with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, small businesses can benefit from expert support to equip themselves with the right mix of tools needed for the online world – something that will complement their existing services, attract new customers and, ultimately, future-proof their organisations.”

Purpose Media has been supporting the project and have advised over 30 businesses in Chesterfield as part of the Chesterfield Digital High Street Project.

Purpose Media business development manager Grace Golden said: “Through our work in the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, we have helped businesses learn new ways to engage with customers, attract business and increase profitability.

“By implementing new activity online such as posting videos or using Facebook advertising, they have renewed optimism for their future and have confidence in their ability to marketing their business.”

Discover how your business can benefit from this project by visiting: www.emc-dnl.co.uk/chesterfield-digital-high-street

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Work continues to enhance biodiversity across Chesterfield

A series of projects that aim to increase biodiversity in Chesterfield have already been successfully completed in 2022 – with even more activities planned throughout the year.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been working with both the Don Catchment Rivers Trust (DCRT) and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to support projects that will help enhance biodiversity across the borough.

In Holmebrook Valley Country Park, DCRT have worked with Fletchers Waste Management to expand the small ponds in the north of the park, which will help create a more diverse range of habitats for local wildlife.

The council, together with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, have planted 1500 trees in Whitecotes Park, Brearley Wetlands and Badger Recreation Ground. Not only do new trees help absorb carbon, but they also create new habitats for wildlife.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Tackling ongoing climate change issues and improving biodiversity provision are closely related. The work we have been doing with partners aims to ensure that Chesterfield is at the forefront of tackling these emergencies. I’m proud of the work we’ve done but there is still lots more to do and I would encourage everyone to get involved and support our work in this key area.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “These interventions in our green spaces not only support our ambitious climate change plans, but they also enhance these green spaces for local people. Our recently approved Parks and Open Spaces Strategy has sustainability as a key aim for works to improve our facilities.  Ensuring that local people have excellent green spaces to enjoy is key to improving the quality of life for all our residents.”

The small ponds in the north of Holmebrook Valley Park were originally created several years ago however the pond liners used became damaged and water was not being held in the ponds.

To ensure the ponds can hold water they have been lined with clay and they are already holding water following heavy rainfall. These ponds will also help reduce the flow of storm waters into the river which could reduce the flood risk downstream.

Fletchers Waste Management volunteered their machinery and staff to help complete the ponds at no cost.

DCRT will now be hosting volunteer days so that planting around the ponds can take place.

The council is working closely with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to plant trees and enhance biodiversity across the borough with funding provided through the Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

Further tree planting will take place in 2022 to ensure the council exceeds its target of planting at least 1000 trees every year.

The council will be working with community groups, tree wardens and other volunteers to ensure these trees are planted and can thrive. Some of these will be planted in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. More details about these and how members of the community can get involved will be released in due course.

Any residents wanting to support the council’s tree planting programme can volunteer to become a tree warden by emailing greenspaces@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 959415.

Working on ponds in Holmebrook Valley Country Park

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Plans approved for Stephenson Memorial Hall

Ambitious plans to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the museum and the Pomegranate Theatre have been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee.

This approval means that Chesterfield Museum is now closed to begin the complex process of moving the historic collection into safe storage.

The refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall is projected to cost around £17 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help ensure that Chesterfield is a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade II listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include three new lifts which will significantly improve the accessibility of the building for visitors, artists, and employees.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

Revolution House, which tells the story of the Revolution of 1688, will reopen on Friday 15 April. The free museum will then be open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 18 September.

Chesterfield Museum will also be launching Museum on the Move later this year, this will see some of the popular interactive events hosted in alternative venues around the borough. More details on these events will be released soon.

Whilst the Museum collection is moved the Pomegranate Theatre will continue to operate as normal and tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01246 345 222 or by visiting the Chesterfield Theatres website.

More detail on the ambitious plans will be outlined by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Director of Economic Growth, Neil Johnson at Celebrate Chesterfield 2022 taking place on Wednesday, 23rd March.

To find out more about the event and book your place, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

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