chesterfield developments

Long-awaited PEAK gateway resort breaks ground

The long-awaited PEAK gateway resort situated on the eastern boundary of the Peak District has broken ground. Phase One is scheduled to open to visitors 2027/8.

Consented on 283 acres (114 hectares) of reclaimed former opencast land, PEAK proposes the UK’s first purpose built national park gateway ‘resort town’.

PEAK Gateway will offer visitors world class facilities and services as a base from which to access the trails and attractions of the 550 square mile National Park. Similar to a ski resort, PEAK Gateway has visitor mobility at its heart. PEAK’s mobility system will link up the trails and country lanes of the Peak District without the need for a car and help establish the area as the largest integrated off and on road cycling and hiking region in the UK.

Planning approvals totalling 1.8mft2 (168,000m2) have been granted to facilitate a multi-branded mixed use development available to both day and stay visitors. The approvals offer extensive experiential retail, a wide range of leisure and educational facilities, a wellness clinic with operating theatres, 2,850 car parking spaces and up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 holiday lodges. The development has consent for its own energy park.

PEAK Gateway will be delivered by way of an incremental and phased ground leasing strategy. Heads of terms have already been agreed for the first two anchor plots with Colliers acting as Real Estate Adviser and leasing agents for Birchall Properties, the land owner. Phase One represents in the region of 30% of the consented development and is scheduled to open 2027/8.

Plan of new PEAK Gateway building - artist impression from high vantage point

Fully implemented PEAK has the potential to achieve a development value of over £1billion and sustain thousands of jobs. Around 70% of the reclaimed estate will be set aside for continued biodiversity gains as well as offer nature connectivity to encourage people’s engagement and delight in nature.

Sheffield City Region granted £2.85m for the construction of the now completed resort public highway access from A61 interchange at Sheepbridge and the new public rights of way around surrounding the resort estate.

The commencement of land formation works continues the delivery of the outcomes promised by the grant. Booths Group https://theboothgroup.co.uk/ have been appointed lead contractor for the land formation activity.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Acting Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “PEAK offers an opportunity to use formerly open cast land in a way that supports nature but also creates new opportunities for our residents and increases the number of visitors coming to Chesterfield. It is great to see work starting on site and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”

Scott Knowles CEO of the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce said: “PEAK’s gateway manifesto provides the opportunity for regional businesses to participate in the construction and operation of a world class ESG exemplar enterprise celebrating and making available the cultural and natural assets of our region.”

Jo Dilley Managing Director Visit Peak District and Derbyshire said: “The PEAK Gateway development, is a transformative project that will redefine the visitor experience in the Peak District. With the introduction of high quality serviced hotels, we will be able to cater to more groups and international visitors, offering world-class accommodations and amenities. The sustainable transport solution at the heart of PEAK will not only enhance the visitor experience by providing seamless access to the park’s trails and attractions but also significantly reduce car traffic in busy hotspot areas, a change
that will be warmly welcomed by local residents. This development marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and enjoyable future for all who visit and live in and around the Peak District.”

James Shorthouse, Head of Alternative Markets at Colliers Real Estate said “We are delighted to have advised PEAK, and to be delivering exciting new developments bringing visitors and employment to Chesterfield and the East Midlands region of the UK.”

For enquires please contact james.shorthouse@colliers.com

Matthew Booth, Founder of The Booth Group, highlighted the significance of the project, stating: “This is a three year programme for Booth’s and perfectly complements our specialism of regenerative land solutions bringing challenging landscapes back into beneficial use. We are thrilled to be part of the iconic Peak Gateway development, activating the UK’s growth potential through the regeneration of land for local communities and legacy value.”

Rupert Carr of Birchall Properties said: “From the outset PEAK has been a land first business, over 30 years and millions of pounds has been invested in the revival of the former opencast estate and the obtaining of now implementable planning permissions. It’s great to finally be underway and to be involved in a regenerative enterprise capable of activating and sustaining clean growth in the regional visitor economy”. For enquiries, visit the PEAK community information website https://www.peakliaison.co.uk/enquiries

Location of PEAK Gateway

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Chesterfield Champions collaborate to secure purchase of key town centre property

Commercial interior design and build specialists We Are Spaces Ltd has announced the acquisition of 85 New Square in Chesterfield, further strengthening the company’s portfolio of landmark properties in the town.

The 16,000 sq ft building, which has been vacant for over a year having formerly served as the Revenues Office and Council Customer Service Centre, is located in the heart of Chesterfield’s conservation area.

The property was purchased from Chesterfield Borough Council following a competitive tendering process, with legal guidance provided by the commercial property team at Banner Jones Solicitors.

Overlooking the historic gardens and surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and leisure properties, the site is poised to play a pivotal role in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.

Plans for the property include a substantial transformation to create a modern, high-quality workspace offering. As part of their vision, We Are Spaces Ltd will preserve the character of the building while incorporating contemporary design features and state-of-the-art sustainability measures.

The refurbishment will involve removing outdated ceiling structures to expose unique architectural details, such as apex beams, creating an open and inviting environment that meets the growing demand for premium office spaces.

Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces Ltd, commented: “As local people running a local business, we are proud to once again be investing in Chesterfield’s future. Our vision for 85 New Square is to transform it into a vibrant, modern workspace that respects the building’s heritage while incorporating state-of-the-art sustainability features.”

The redevelopment strategy aligns with Chesterfield Borough Council’s Vitality and Viability of Centres plan, which focuses on rejuvenating the high street through strategic regeneration projects. Nearby initiatives include the refurbishment of Chesterfield Market and the development of the new Waterside scheme.

Amy added: “This project reflects our commitment to supporting the council with the revitalisation of the high street by bringing vacant properties back into use. By delivering a space of unmatched quality, we aim to attract businesses that will enhance the local economy and contribute to Chesterfield’s dynamic business community.”

Ben Couch, part of Banner Jones’ commercial property team, said: “We are delighted to have supported We Are Spaces Ltd on this significant acquisition. As a fellow Chesterfield Champion, it’s fantastic to play a role in a project that will reinvigorate a prominent town centre asset, driving positive change for the local community and economy.”

Work on the transformation is expected to begin in the coming months. Upon completion, the refurbished 85 New Square will provide a character-rich, modern workspace that meets Chesterfield’s growing demand for premium office environments.

Known for their expertise in blending design innovation with heritage preservation, We Are Spaces Ltd specialises in reimagining underutilised properties into spaces that inspire productivity and reflect the company’s dedication to sustainable, high-quality development.

This latest deal follows a further acquisition earlier this year for the company, which purchased a 3,355 sq ft Grade II listed commercial property in the heart of the town centre which is currently undergoing redevelopment with the aim of attracting smaller businesses that can drive footfall and increase spending within the town centre.

The 11-strong Commercial team at Banner Jones Solicitors specialise in commercial property sales and purchases, commercial leases, company formation, commercial agreements and business sales and purchases. With a wider Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team working alongside our Commercial Team, the company is able to handle a wide range of matters.

Banner Jones Solicitors and We Are Spaces support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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‘2025 will be transformative for Chesterfield’

Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Ann Fomukong-Boden looks ahead to an exciting new year for our town.

2025 will be a transformative year for Chesterfield, and I’m filled with anticipation and optimism about the progress we’re about to see.

The town centre is evolving, ensuring it becomes a place we want to spend our leisure time, not just a necessary stop on the to-do list. I love the surprise of spotting further progress each week to our historic outdoor market. Its makeover combines new and old perfectly with our town’s pump now displayed in full glory.

Improved facilities will encourage a more diverse range of traders, and I keep picturing myself strolling across our high street. With the aroma of fresh baked goods and sizzling street food filling the air, how could you resist stopping for a snack?! New Square will also become a hub of activity, hosting vibrant events and entertainment.

Our town’s museum and the Pomegranate Theatre’s transformation move closer to completion. Picture yourself sipping a steaming latte in the new café bar; its inviting ambience makes it ideal for catching up with friends. An expanded theatre will host bigger and better concerts and performances. Meanwhile, the reconfigured museum will offer hands-on exhibits, with improved technology inviting visitors to touch, explore, and engage with our rich history.

Just a short ride on the bus or stroll along our beautiful canal, and you’ll arrive in Staveley town centre – a destination also undergoing a transformation. Your youngsters will love exploring new outdoor play areas.

Personally, I recommend taking the canal towpath for the most tranquil experience. Already one of Derbyshire’s most beautiful walking and cycling spots, the canal will be enhanced with restored paths and cycleways, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take in the vivid greenery. In October, the Trans Pennine Bridge was installed at Staveley, a key part of the full project, which will restore the Canal across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw, giving you plenty of space to explore.

If Santa bought you a new calendar for Christmas, then definitely make the most of it by pencilling our town’s upcoming event highlights!

Experience our superb community spirit at the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Walk, where glowing lights and laughter guide you through the evening.

Celebrate love and diversity at Chesterfield Pride, a kaleidoscope of music, colour, and joy.

For beer lovers, the Barrow Hill Rail Ale Festival offers the perfect mix of hoppy aromas and live entertainment, set amongst the backdrop of classic locomotives to celebrate our proud rail heritage.

What else can you look forward to in Chesterfield in 2025? Find out at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Chancellor gives the go-ahead for East Midlands Investment Zone

Chesterfield’s economy is set to receive a major boost, following confirmation by the Chancellor of a new Investment Zone in the East Midlands.

Rachel Reeves used her first budget speech to confirm the £160m East Midlands Investment Zone scheme, which will support advanced manufacturing and green industries.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority now hopes the funding will soon be made available to spread over ten years at three sites in the region.

One of the proposed sites is the Hartington site in Staveley, a site close to the already successful Markham Vale business park, just off J29a of the M1. The land set to be developed includes the former Staveley Chemical Works site and former Hartington Colliery site.

The investment zone sites have been designated to support growth in green industries and advanced manufacturing, with developments to provide a boost in jobs and economic activity for the area. The designated sites will provide a series of tax benefits to companies which occupy them, and the Hartington scheme will also benefit from Business Rate Retention mechanisms.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed the news. She said: “This is great news and I’m delighted the government has recognised the potential for our region to lead the country in green industry growth.

“The East Midlands Investment Zone will help us turbocharge our economy, attracting major investment and creating opportunities for businesses and residents and thousands of high- quality new jobs and apprenticeships for local people.

“As a combined authority we can work at a regional level to deliver opportunities like this across the East Midlands and make this the best region in the country to live, work and learn.”

East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward stood looking at camera with crooked spire in background

 

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield also welcomed Government’s confirmation of the East Midlands Investment Zone, adding: “Government’s confirmation of support for the new East Midlands Investment Zone is fantastic news for Chesterfield – paving the way for us to work with partners and landowners to incentivise and accelerate delivery on these key sites, to create more jobs, more business start-ups and more houses.

“The Investment Zone will bolster the council’s existing £2billion growth programme, and through the incentives on offer will create major opportunities to attract new green technology and advanced manufacturing businesses to these former industrial sites and hundreds of new high-quality jobs for local people.”

Find out more about the current investment opportunities available in Chesterfield, and why our town creates an ideal environment for business growth: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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Progress continues on multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The multi-million pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which will create a state-of-the-art cultural venue in the heart of Chesterfield town centre – is progressing at pace.

Representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council were provided with a behind-the-scenes tour to review progress and see how work to transform the building has been progressing.

Leading Midlands construction firm, G F Tomlinson, took control of the site last year and has been working to achieve the ambitious plans which include creating a single entrance to both facilities, an expanded theatre, a reconfigured museum, community spaces and a new café bar.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The building has changed dramatically since December 2023 and the work so far is starting to show how this building will feel when it is completed. I’m excited to welcome residents and visitors back to this venue once it is completed and think it will be a truly spectacular experience that we can all be proud of.

“This is an ambitious project for our borough and there is a lot of hard work still to do, but it will create a truly unique building where residents and visitors can experience culture and learn about the history of our borough.”

Group of people wearing hard hats and high visibility clothing outside building with scaffolding on exterior

Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased with how works are progressing for the delivery of the multi-million-pound sensitive refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Stephenson Memorial Hall and you can really see the pivotal stages taking place to breathe new life into the Corporation Street site.

“Once complete, the landmark state-of-the-art facility in the town centre will be revitalised with its expanded theatre, reconfigured museum and improved community spaces, bringing many new opportunities to the local vicinity for arts and entertainment.”

In the auditorium the changes are significant – the circle has been stripped back, with the decorative panelling being safely stored ready to be reinstalled once the project is complete. and new steelwork brought into the building ready to build an enlarged seating area.

Cut outs have also been made in the walls to create a new access point to the circle from the upper floor of the new café bar. New entrances to the auditorium on the ground floor have been created and a new concrete slab has been laid on the auditorium floor which will allow for the installation of a new air conditioning system that provides heating and cooling for theatre guests.

A new accessible lift shaft has been built that will ensure all guests can access every floor of the building including the circle which will include new accessible seating and the basement where a Changing Places toilet will be created.

On the Corporation Street side, part of the roof has been removed ready for a new Link Gallery to be installed. This will house rooms that can be used for events, school trips, and community activities, and as extra space during performance intervals.

As well as upgrading the facilities, much of the work is also about improving the fabric of the historic building to protect it for generations to come, and ensure it is more energy efficient. This has included improvements to the roof, where the existing roof tiles have been lifted, and upgrades to the structure, lining and insulation have been installed to help improve the thermal efficiency of the building and ensure the roof is watertight for many years to come.

Works have also included the cleaning of external brickwork and some re-pointing to restore the building its original splendour.

On Station Back Lane a new extension is being built which will house dressing rooms and a new backstage area to provide performers with modern accessible facilities. A new foundation has been laid and the blockwork in this area is progressing well.

In Autumn 2021 Chesterfield Borough Council received almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up fund.

A portion is being used to improve connections across the town centre and create attractive public spaces to support a range of events and markets. Work began on the Market Place earlier this year.

Around £11 million of the Levelling Up Fund grant funding will be used to fund the renovation and remodelling of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

The project received a further funding boost with £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme which will be used to install a ventilation system in the auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

Find out more about the project and sign up for updates about the project by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Auditorium being refurbished with machinery and building materials

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Hospice’s refurb to improve patient experience gets under way

A refurbishment project at Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice will double the capacity of outpatients it can provide palliative care for.

Work to enhance outpatient services at the site in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, started on 23 September and will be complete by January. The project will see the charity’s Day Services area, as well as the main reception, waiting area, clinic rooms and fundraising hub upgraded.

As part of the plan, Day Services will be separated into three spaces to provide a larger capacity and variety for its regular drop-in sessions. Rooms will also be redecorated and new furnishings will be installed throughout.

The work aims to improve the patient experience for patients with an incurable diagnosis like Mand Black, who accesses support, advice and activities at the unit. The 53-year-old, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2015, has been visiting Day Services for more than a year.

Mand, from Chesterfield, said: “I was diagnosed nine years ago – you bump into people and can see on their face: ‘Aren’t you dead yet?’ According to the books I should be. But I don’t want to be dead yet so I’m not planning to be!

“Lots of people think hospices are all about end of life but palliative care is not necessarily about dying; in my case it’s all about trying to live well.

“Day Services is an environment where everybody knows that there’s something going on, but we just accept each other as we are and often don’t even talk about our illnesses.

“There are so many complementary therapies you have access to. I’ve had some amazing massage and reflexology at the drop-in sessions, I’ve learnt tai chi and the craft activities are just excellent.

“You can get medical and financial advice that has given me instantaneous reassurance and meant I haven’t had to try and get a hospital appointment – that’s been just priceless.

“And just being able to meet others who have that unspoken understanding is so special. The whole thing has been such a positive experience.”

The revamped space will allow the hospice to run drop-in sessions, activities, and other programs at the same time, which is not possible in the current space. It will also mean the service can be opened for an additional two days per week, meaning double the number of people will potentially be able to access the unit.

Sarah Kerry, Day Services Manager for Ashgate Hospice, said the project would improve the experience for patients and those important to them accessing services: “We’re so pleased that work is about to get under way on refurbishing our outpatient services at the hospice,” she said.

ashgate daycare refurb - artists impression

“Our Day Services are often attended by people in the early stages of their illness, and we want to be able to provide a space that enables our patients to live well with their diagnosis.

“The work will enable us to offer a more practical, modern, accessible and welcoming service for people attending drop-in sessions, support groups or outpatient appointments.

“Having flexibility in the space gives us the chance to increase the variety of our services for our patients.

“We are looking forward to how we can develop services even further in the future.”

Mand Black, who attends sessions each week, said she was looking forward to visiting the hospice once the work has been completed. She added: “I’m really excited about the refurbishment. I love the services now, but this work will mean you can go into a private room if needed and it be a bit quieter which will be lovely.

“The staff there will be able to focus on individuals and we – as patients – will be able to get the absolute most out of our visits.”

Work on the project, which will cause minimal temporary disruption to the hospice’s outpatient services, will take between 10 to 12 weeks to complete. Throughout the refurbishment period, the hospice’s Day Services will temporarily relocate to Ashgate’s Harry Fisher building on the site, which will serve as the temporary hospice reception.

Outpatient clinics will be based on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit, while phone and video call services will continue. Find out more about Ashgate Hospice’s Day Services and the refurbishment project on the charity’s website.

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

Ashgate new daycare centre

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Next phase of Chesterfield Canal restoration project begins

Works to reinstate historic routes, boost habitats and biodiversity, and enhance local economic activity have commenced at Chesterfield Canal.

Alongside Chesterfield Canal Trust, landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, has announced the commencement of works on the next section of the Chesterfield Canal restoration project.

The works, which are taking place on a 2.6km stretch of the canal, from Staveley Basin to the south of Renishaw, Derbyshire, will revitalise the historic canal for people to enjoy and for nature to thrive.

Funded in part by the Staveley Town Deal, these works will see the reconstruction of up to 850 metres of canal channel, the construction of two new bridges – including a bridleway bridge to carry the Trans Pennine Trail over the canal – a new lock, and the enhancement of footpaths and cycleways.

Following planning permission in 2021, on behalf of Chesterfield Canal Trust, Influence Landscape Planning & Design was appointed to produce a landscape masterplan for the project, which led to detailed landscape plans and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP). Working alongside Peak Ecology and Rodgers Leask Consulting Engineers, the team successfully discharged the planning conditions related to the works.

The design features of the landscape plan include attractive seating areas, viewing points, areas for families to play, information boards and clear wayfinding – as the scheme is integrated with the surrounding network of public rights of way.

The landscape proposal includes native tree and shrub planting, areas of wildflower meadow, and aquatic planting along the length of the canal, creating a picturesque backdrop and a robust habitat for wildlife.

Since restoration began in 1989, 12 miles of the Chesterfield Canal have been restored, alongside 37 locks, 11 bridges, and two marinas. The most recent sections completed include Staveley Basin in 2012 and Hartington Harbour in 2018.

This phase of construction works is being delivered by midlands-based O’Brien Contractors, who are leading the first phase of this 18-month project, which includes major groundworks to clear the canal route and the landscaping. Following this, the abutments for the new Trans Pennine Trail bridge will be constructed, and by October, the 38-meter-long structure will be installed.

CGI animation of new trans pennine trail bridge

CGI image of new Trans Pennine Trail bridge – provided by Beaver Bridges

Subsequent phases will see the reinstatement of the canal length, a new lock, another accommodation bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane, a pumping system, and the creation of Bellhouse Basin. The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, extending across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw. This restoration project not only enhances outdoor spaces and creates new leisure infrastructure, but it is also expected to increase visitors to the Staveley area by 20%, boosting local economic activity.

George Rogers, Development Manager at Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “This project represents a major advance in the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal, as we move out of Staveley and into the Doe Lea valley. Moving into a more rural environment, it was really important to us that we gave proper consideration to the landscaping and to ensure that the restoration has a positive impact upon its surroundings for both wildlife and the community.

“Working with Influence and Peak Ecology on these plans has been enlightening and rewarding, and we are excited to see the new landscape maturing over time and the local community being better able to access this wonderful corner of Derbyshire.”

Kathryn Dunk, Principal Landscape Architect at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “It’s been such a pleasure to be involved in a project that marries engineering heritage with new public spaces for all to enjoy, and importantly, this scheme gave us the opportunity to reinstate and enhance native planting to create new habitats for wildlife.

“It’s fantastic to see these former canal routes coming back to life and the historic importance of this site is truly fascinating. The team and I look forward to seeing people spending leisure time on the newly restored pathways and on the water.”

Find out more about the regeneration projects currently taking place in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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

A large digger operating on a building site

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Staveley Waterside Development gets underway

A transformation is about to begin at Staveley town’s canal basin as part of the Staveley Town Deal, a £25 million government-funded regeneration programme for the area.

A new, 2-storey building is to be constructed adjacent to Staveley Canal, creating an attractive mixed use facility that will support 11 business units for office, retail and workshop use alongside opportunities for food and drink. In short, creating a whole new destination in Staveley for both commerce and visitors.

The project is being managed and funded by a partnership between Derbyshire County Council and the Staveley Town Deal, which is overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council. The Town Deal is providing £3.5 million of the £4.5 million cost of the project with the balance being met by the County Council.

The canal basin will be greatly enhanced by the new development and, hopefully, will encourage more visitors to make recreational use of the canal for walking, cycling and boating. Access to the site will be improved with a new road and footpath and there will be indoor and outdoor dining space. Contractors started work on phase 1 of the project at the end of July. This initial phase is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2025.

This Staveley Waterside project forms part of the wider Markham Vale programme of works, a flagship 85-hectare business park based on the site of the old Markham Colliery.

The programme is a joint venture being delivered jointly with HBD focused on attracting and assisting businesses to support net zero ambitions and helping make Derbyshire a greener and lower carbon place to live, work and visit.

staveley waterside

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “It’s great to see this highly anticipated new development get underway at Staveley.

“Not only will it bring more life and jobs to the area, it will also draw more visitors to this attractive canal-side environment and encourage greater use of the infrastructure that’s already there.

“We have drawn on our many years of experience from work at Markham Vale and brought it to the Staveley Waterside project to help regenerate the area. It will provide both high-quality business accommodation and a visitor destination that people from near and far can enjoy.”

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “I am thrilled to see this prominent project right by the canal, start on site. This landmark development is a key part of the Town Deal programme as it will help create new jobs and encourage people to explore the historic canal, contributing to our overall goal of ensuring that Staveley is a place where everyone can start, stay, and grow.”

Staveley Waterside is one of 3 projects the county council is leading as part of the Staveley Town Deal which includes 10 projects in total.

Wheels to Work is a project we are leading to help people in Staveley access job and training opportunities by providing bicycles and e-scooters for those with limited transport options. And we are also working with partners on a project to reinstate a railway station in Barrow Hill and create better public transport connections between Staveley, Chesterfield and Sheffield for jobs and training opportunities.

Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal Projects here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

group of representatives holding banner wearing hard hats

 

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Canal restoration gets underway in Staveley

The Chesterfield Canal Trust celebrated the start of its latest phase of restoration with a groundbreaking ceremony at Staveley.

Lee Rowley MP, Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Tricia Gilby, the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, were joined by Tony Mitchell, a director of O’Brien Construction Ltd. and Peter Hardy, the Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

O’Brien’s are carrying out the first phase of an 18 month long project. They will do major groundworks to clear the route of the canal and landscape the surrounding area. Next, the abutments for the new Trans Pennine Trail bridge will be built and, in September, this 38 metre long structure will be lowered into place.

Later a length of canal will be reinstated along with a new lock and another accommodation bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane. There will also be a pumping system and a new Bellhouse Basin will be built. The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, stretching all the way across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw.

Finally, the whole area will be planted with wildlife friendly vegetation and a seating area for people to enjoy the tranquillity of the newly restored canal will be installed. You will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website.

Peter Hardy, Toby Perkins MP, Cllr Tricia Gilby, Lee Rowley MP, Tony Mitchell canal restoration groundbreaking

This is one of ten projects funded through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million investment in Staveley through the Government’s Towns Fund. The total cost of the canal restoration is around £6 million, most of which will come from the Town Deal. The Trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former Chair of the Trust. To learn more, go to the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.

Peter Hardy welcomed everyone and said this was the culmination of three years of preparatory work. Toby Perkins said: “The canal is a huge asset to Chesterfield and the Trust’s volunteers are involved in something that genuinely matters and makes a difference to very many people”. Cllr Gilby was pleased that another of the Staveley Town Deal projects was getting underway and said, “This wonderful asset will boost the tourist economy and people can use it to walk and cycle, possibly even to get to work”.

Lee Rowley also praised the volunteers and said: “It’s just amazing to see that this has got going, it’s taken a number of years to do but we’re now seeing another example of Levelling Up in action”. Tony Mitchell said that O’Brien’s were very happy to have the opportunity to do the works which will bring joy to thousands of people for many years to come.

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

Five people stood putting shovels in the ground as part of ceremony

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Chesterfield launches development blueprint at real estate investment forum

A raft of opportunities to develop thousands of residential, industrial, and retail properties in and around Chesterfield, Derbyshire’s largest town, have been revealed at UKREiiF, a major event for UK and international real estate developers and investors.

Destination Chesterfield, which is responsible for promoting Chesterfield as a place to invest, published a map today highlighting new real estate and regeneration opportunities in the town. The map includes opportunities for new homes, light industrial, hospitality and leisure units around Chesterfield rail station, and retail, office and residential developments in Chesterfield’s historic town centre.

Investment map photo 2024

Land close to Chesterfield’s mainline rail station has been transformed in recent years through the Chesterfield Waterside project, one of Britain’s largest regeneration schemes. Hundreds of new homes on the development have been built and sold in the last three years alone, and all six floors of the One Waterside Place office development were let within a year of its launch in January 2023.

waterside place

Chesterfield Borough Council is enhancing the appeal of investment opportunities in the heart of Chesterfield with a £20 million regeneration project centred on key public spaces in the town centre and their connections. Due for completion in 2025, this project includes investment in Chesterfield’s historic market squares to support a broader range of festivals and community events.

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

Chesterfield’s investment map also highlights opportunities for tourism-focused accommodation and retail developments at the PEAK Gateway Resort, a project to create a large-scale tourist and leisure destination on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park, and multiple plots at Markham Vale, a 200-acre business and industrial park located next to the M1. Now one of the UK’s premier manufacturing and logistics locations, Markham Vale is home to over 70 companies.

PEAK Gateway View

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, comments: “Chesterfield’s place as a thriving town and a great place to live and work is being enhanced through public and private investment and ambitious developments that will benefit people, businesses and communities across the town.”

“Chesterfield is seeing a surge in investment. New build completions exceed targets, demand for property is robust, and we continue to be a place where people see high-quality home ownership as a realistic option. Chesterfield is open to investment, it is a cost-effective business location, and it is a place where people want to live and raise families. That is why we are growing as a town.”

To download a copy of Chesterfield investment map, click here. 

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Markham Vale expansion aims to create 100 new jobs

Property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, is bringing forward a new 31,264 sq ft commercial scheme at Markham Vale which could create more than 100 new jobs.

Reserved matters planning has been submitted for Markham Vale Trade Park; a brand-new development designed for trade counter businesses and SMEs. A 4,000 sq ft pre-let is already under offer to a national operator in a deal that could create around 16 full-time jobs.

Markham Vale is a flagship 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered in joint venture between HBD and Derbyshire County Council. An award-winning development, it 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.

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “The Trade Park will be the newest addition to Markham Vale aiming to accommodate trade occupiers and smaller business who want to benefit from the scheme’s prominence and accessibility to the surrounding demographic. The Trade Park will provide much-needed Grade A space, allowing smaller trade businesses to operate from energy-efficient buildings in a prime business location.

“The job creation element is also significant, with the potential to provide 100 full-time jobs. Almost 20 years after development began, Markham Vale remains one of HBD’s most successful projects and we’ve no doubt this latest addition will see strong interest from potential occupiers looking for well-located, high-quality space in an area with a strong local labour market.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic addition to Markham Vale bringing more jobs to the area and opportunities for small businesses, as well as providing a supplies hub to trades operating in the area.
“We’re proud of the positive impact Markham Vale continues to have on the local economy and this announcement sends yet another strong signal to other investors that Derbyshire is a place that helps businesses to survive and thrive.

Occupiers will benefit from Gridserve’s new Electric Forecourt being developed on the adjacent plot. Markham Vale Trade Park is expected to start on site late this year.

The letting agents on Markham Vale Trade Park are JLL and M1 Agency.

Harry Fullerton, Associate Director at JLL, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for trade occupiers and small businesses to capitalise on the prominence of Markham Vale as well as the growing number of homes and population surrounding the scheme. The energy-efficient specification and long track record of delivery by HBD at Markham Vale will undoubtedly make this latest development an attractive proposition for occupiers in a market of low supply.”

Markham Vale offers an appealing location for occupiers given its population of 270,000 (expected to increase further with more than 4,000 new homes being built within the area) and 119,000 passing vehicles each day on the M1. Its location close to amenities including McDonalds, Starbucks, KFC, ASDA and Burger King, plus the new Gridserve EV charging forecourt, will also benefit occupiers.”

Situated in the centre of England with excellent transport networks, Chesterfield is an ideal location to base your business. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

Markham Vale Trade Park 873

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