Chesterfield Property and construction group

Chesterfield Champions fly the flag for our town at UK’s largest investment showcase

19th May 2025

Chesterfield is taking centre stage at this year’s UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, with a number of local organisations set to represent the town at the UK’s premier trade and investment event.

From regeneration and development to architecture and construction, Chesterfield’s presence will showcase the scale of ambition and opportunity within the borough.

With over £2 billion of regeneration already underway and a growing reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainable development, Chesterfield is ready to make an impact on the national stage.

Leaders from Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group will be sharing their expertise, celebrating local successes, and forging new partnerships that will help shape the future of our town. A delegation from Destination Chesterfield will be joining East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and various regional partners as part of the East Midlands Pavilion.

Hear directly from some of the Chesterfield organisations attending UKREiiF next week, as they share why this event matters—and what it means for the continued growth of our borough.

Andrew Byrne, Chair, Destination Chesterfield and Group Property Development Director, The Devonshire Group

“I’m really looking forward to attending UKREiiF this year to showcase all the exciting opportunities our Town has to offer. With a strong pipeline of development projects, strategic investment sites, and a clear vision for sustainable growth, we are ready to welcome new partners and investors.

“UKREiiF provides the perfect platform to share our ambitions, highlight the unique strengths of our community, and build the connections that will help bring forward transformational projects for the future.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader, Chesterfield Borough Council

“Chesterfield is on the rise. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a wave of transformation—and we’re just getting started.

“Our borough is becoming a magnet for innovation, sustainable growth, and talent. From housing and advanced manufacturing to retail and hospitality, we’re inviting investors and partners to be part of Chesterfield’s next exciting chapter.”

Dom Stevens, Head of Destination Chesterfield

“We are very pleased to work alongside East Midlands Combined County Authority and regional partners to showcase the broad range of investment opportunities across our region.

“Working closely alongside our colleagues at Chesterfield Borough Council and our town’s pioneering Property and Construction Group, we aim to showcase the town’s unique £2 billion regeneration story, welcoming conversations with key contacts to discuss the mutual benefits of investment in our growing town. Find us located at the East Midlands Pavilion if you would like to gain further information on what Chesterfield can offer you.”

Ryan Fish, Associate Director, Whittam Cox Architects

“Heading to UKREiiF is a valuable chance to explore the current opportunities, challenges, and trends shaping the UK property and construction sector and how they impact towns like Chesterfield. With momentum building under the new East Midlands Mayor, it’s an exciting time for the region.

“As an architect based in Chesterfield, I’m especially looking forward to the town’s £2 billion regeneration story, which highlights its ambitious future. Beyond the main programme, the fringe events offer excellent networking opportunities, so don’t be put off if you haven’t got a conference ticket. It’s a great platform to connect, engage, and influence real change.”

Fay Paterson, Business Development Manager, Stepnell

“UKREiiF provides us with the perfect opportunity to highlight the four projects we are involved with in Chesterfield for Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council and to support the region.

“Chesterfield is a very forward thinking town and working on the key projects that we are involved with in Chesterfield and Staveley has provided us with the opportunity to work with the local supply chain and provide work experience to local students.”

Paul Holden, Director, Peak Architects

“We’re delighted to be attending UKREiiF, a key event for the built environment sector. It offers a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships both old and new.

“Our recent work at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is just one example of the positive developments taking place across the Chesterfield area. We’re looking forward to exploring what’s ahead and continuing to contribute to the region’s growth.”

Kriston Harvey, Rodgers Leask

“Once again, I’m looking forward to attending UKREiiF – my fourth time at this key industry event. The programme grows year on year and promises to provide an action packed few days of panel sessions, workshops, and networking events. I’m looking forward to re-connecting with various existing Clients and industry contacts and hopefully making some new connections along the way.

“It’s great to see that my home town of Chesterfield will be represented by a growing contingent from Destination Chesterfield, Chesterfield Borough Council and members of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group. Chesterfield has continued to deliver on clear and ambitious plans since the last UKREiiF – projects we’ve been involved with include the public realm improvements to the town centre (RHOC), Staveley 21 and the nearby works to Chesterfield Canal, with others due to start on site soon. Hopefully this ability to deliver will demonstrate to investors that Chesterfield is a safe bet!”

Tracie Seals, Land Director, LandIS

“As a proud ‘Chesterfield Champion’ we will be promoting the benefits of working and living in an area with a diverse and skilled workforce; working with local skills providers we are actively enabling ‘home-grown’ young apprentices to access the workplace, and business communities on the doorstep!

“Chesterfield and surrounds is a compelling central location from which to base our business and wider group activities.”

Discover more about regeneration and investment in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/ or view our latest Chesterfield Investment Map here.

We Are Spaces attains prestigious CIOB accreditation

29th August 2024

A Chesterfield business specialising in commercial interior design and workspace transformation has received prestigious accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building.

CIOB is the leading international professional body for those working in and leading the construction industry. Established in 1834, it offers a range of services including membership, professional development, qualifications, and resources to support individuals and organisations in shaping the future of the built environment, driving innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices.

The accreditation is the latest in a string of successes for We Are Spaces, having recently expanded into larger office premises at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Amy Revell, Co-Founder and Director at We Are Spaces explained the importance of the firm’s latest achievement: “We are one of the few fit out contractors to achieve this prestigious accreditation in the UK. Being awarded CIOB accreditation shows that as an organisation, we have demonstrated high levels of competence, commitment and excellence, whilst fostering a collaborative culture where ideas and expertise are shared to achieve the best outcomes.”.

“Our CIOB accreditation gives our clients confidence our standards are high, and our ability to successfully deliver is robust. Our accreditation also helps to attract likeminded and highly skilled individuals to join our growing team.

In terms of the company’s further growth, Amy added: “We’ve got a firm business plan for the next 5 years and sustainable growth is a key goal, ensuring we grow at an appropriate rate, with the best people in our industry.

“We’re looking to nationally grow our three key businesses within the group. They are We Are Spaces, our interior fit-out business, We Are FM which specialises in facilities management, and We Are Interiors which focuses on commercial interior and external decorating and specialist finishes.”

Andy Dabbs, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Chair of the town’s Property and Construction Group added: “It’s so pleasing to see We Are Spaces achieving CIOB accreditation and continuing to grow and thrive in our town.

“The property and construction sector plays a huge role in creating jobs and improving the built environment in Chesterfield. The continued growth of our businesses will enable the town to attract further investment and create more opportunities in our local economy.”

We Are Spaces 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 Chartered Institute of Builders, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield property and construction, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Chesterfield Property News, CIOB, Love Chesterfield, We Are Spaces

Chesterfield property and construction firms encouraged to apply for 2024 East Midlands Bricks Awards

14th August 2024

Property and Construction businesses have just three weeks to submit their applications for a prestigious awards ceremony which celebrates the sector.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will shine a light on the industry across our region, while offering an opportunity to network with business leaders.

This year’s glittering ceremony will take place on Thursday 3 October at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham.

Hosted by East Midlands Business Link Magazine, the event is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region – from office, industrial and residential schemes, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate successes, boost businesses’ profiles, showcase teams, reward their efforts, and bolster morale.

To nominate your (or another) business/development for one of the awards, visit this page.

Award categories include:

Most active agent
Commercial development of the year
Responsible business of the year
Residential development of the year
Developer of the year
Deal of the year
Architects of the year
Excellence in design
Sustainable development of the year
Contractor of the year
Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, with the winner, and recipient of a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000, selected from those nominated)

Nominations end Thursday 5th September.

Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Paul Southby, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.

Are you a Chesterfield business looking to gain recognition for your work and promotion of your company by entering awards? Our guide will enable you to find out more about the awards available in our region. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/promote-your-business/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, Chesterfield Property and construction group, East Midlands Bricks Awards, Property and Construction Awards

Chesterfield businesses highlight town’s investment potential at UK’s largest property event

20th May 2024

With a vibrant community of more than 3,000 businesses, and several multi-million pound regeneration projects taking place right now, there has never been a better time to invest in Chesterfield.

That is the message which property and construction businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire will be taking to the UK’s largest trade and investment forum, UKREiiF. The event is taking place in Leeds from Tuesday 21st-Thursday 23rd May 2024.

Organisations will speak to potential investors about the excellent strategic location of Chesterfield, alongside the unique opportunity presented to the area by the creation of an East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Businesses will be making attendees aware of the various projects which they are working on. Firms will also support Destination Chesterfield in spreading the message of the area’s exciting commercial opportunities.

This year, firms will officially launch the new Chesterfield Investment Map, which Destination Chesterfield has created in collaboration with partners across the public and private sector. Take a look at the map here.

The map also includes several key facts and figures on why Chesterfield is a superb location to base a business. Home to cost-effective property, a central location next to the M1 motorway and a large pool of talent within commutable distance, Chesterfield is a thriving hub where businesses are supported to grow.

Here’s how Champions in the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group will be supporting the promotion of our town:

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair and Managing Director – Bolsterstone Group

“I’m delighted to see several Chesterfield organisations showcasing the breadth of investment opportunities available in the borough at this year’s UKREiiF.

“Our town is an ideal location to base your business thanks to its transport links, proximity to major cities, airports and ports, and access to a skilled pool of talent.

“To have several organisations within the town’s property and construction sector taking that message to the UK’s largest trade show speaks volumes of the strength of our business community here in Chesterfield.

“I’m very much looking forward to having conversations with colleagues, whether they are local to Chesterfield or based further afield, to discuss the exciting regeneration taking place here.”

Andy Dabbs, Chair of Chesterfield Property and Construction Group and Director – Whittam Cox Architects

“I’m excited to partner with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to shine a spotlight on Chesterfield’s investment potential at UKREiiF.

“Such events play a vital role in promoting the town, highlighting its key strengths like its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and collaborative business culture.

“At this year’s UKREiiF, the town is proud to showcase a range of prime investment opportunities, ranging from restored historical landmarks, dynamic commercial and leisure developments to thriving industrial zones. These opportunities underscore Chesterfield’s appeal as a top investment destination.”

Kriston Harvey, Director – Rodgers Leask

“I’m really looking forward to attending UKREiiF for what will be my third visit. Once again there is a fantastic programme and fringe offering, and it’s a great opportunity to meet up with contacts from across the industry.

“It’s really good to see my home town of Chesterfield will be represented at UKREiiF by both ‘Destination Chesterfield’ and also members of the ‘Chesterfield Property and Construction Group’.

“For Chesterfield, the links to the strategic road and rail network along with easy access to all that the Peak District has to offer make it an ideal location for businesses and their workforce. The success of recent developments such as the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place in attracting new businesses to the town demonstrate that the demand is there for high quality office space, which is a strong asset when looking to attract new investment.”

Neil Beaumont, Business Development Director – Custom Solar

“I’m very excited to attend this year’s UKREiiF and helping to showcase the vibrant and welcoming business community we have here in Chesterfield.

“There is huge potential for growth across the town, with several exciting regeneration schemes continuing to move forward. In addition, I’ll be delighted to shine a light on some of the sustainable development projects that we have been working on here at Custom Solar, and how we’re playing our part in building a greener future.

“I look forward to having discussions will fellow Chesterfield Champions and colleagues across the UK property and construction sector, highlighting why the town is such a great base for us in terms of transport and connectivity, but also a fantastic place to live and work for our team.”

Joanne Neville, Regional Head of Planning – Harworth Group

“UKREiiF provides a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with partners, build new relationships and be part of the conversation on some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our industry today – from driving the delivery of new homes to attracting high-skilled jobs in the regions and decarbonising our economy.

“Our site at Staveley in Chesterfield is an important part of this conversation and we have seen a real commitment from all local partners to promote the economic growth of Chesterfield, for example in the development of the Chesterfield & Staveley Regeneration Route, demonstrating real collaboration between the public and private sector.

Simon White, Property Director – SUON

“I’m delighted to be attending UKREiiF this year on behalf of Tawnywood to promote our Hartington Commerce Park capable of accommodating approximately 65,000m2 of high quality employment space.

“Phase 1 restoration works are now largely completed and, backed by the Staveley Town Deal, in Q3 2024 we will be moving on to major infrastructure works to create a new access, development spine road and associated landscaping. Alongside those works new services infrastructure will commence with National Grid installing a new 5mW power supply.

“The timing of this year’s event is particularly useful both in terms of our own programme of works but also the creation of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield property and construction, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Invest in Chesterfield, UKREiiF

Year of progress for Chesterfield’s property and construction sector

15th December 2023

2023 has been a year of strong progress for Chesterfield’s property and construction sector, with many of the town’s major investment schemes reaching milestones.

Office success

Opened in January 2023, the new office space at One Waterside Place was fully occupied less than 12 months later. The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre has also seen success with 80% of office space let by its first anniversary.

Town centre investment

These new hubs are encouraging further inward investment in our town centre, boosting jobs, and increasing footfall to support other surrounding businesses. One example is the apartment hotel planned opposite the Enterprise Centre. The £1m Holywell Hotel by Voeberg will boost overnight stays in our town for both business and leisure, supporting the town’s ambitious growth strategy.

At the Chesterfield Investment Summit back in October, we heard about the investment going into town centres across the borough. Almost £9m will be spent on improving Chesterfield town centre, with a revamp of the marketplace and key points of interest around the heart of the town, and a £17m project has begun to remodel and refurbish the Stephenson Memorial Hall – extending the Pomegranate Theatre and modernising Chesterfield Museum.

Investing in skills

In addition, Staveley’s high street will see a £6 million boost which will transform the area and make our town a more attractive proposition for visitors and businesses in the retail and food and drink sectors. The funding is part of a £25m deal to spend on 10 regeneration projects for Staveley, including the restoration of Chesterfield Canal up to Renishaw, Hartington Industrial Park, which has now been levelled, a modern rail innovation and training centre at Barrow Hill, which invited tenders at the end of 2023, and the Construction Skills Hub.

I’m delighted to see the new mobile Construction Skills Hub now operational, initially at Mastin Moor, helping to bring forward the next generation of talent in the sector. We know that firms are currently facing recruitment issues due to a skills shortage. So, we are all excited by the prospect of 5,000 learners being trained right here in Chesterfield between now and 2030. I can only speak from experience when I say that a career in property is a truly rewarding and exciting one!

It was also fantastic to see the latest plans for The Gateway @PEAK revealed at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, bringing an all-year leisure, education, wellness, and entertainment destination to our town, further cementing Chesterfield’s credentials as a base for exploring the beautiful Peak District.

Partnership working

Throughout this year, Chesterfield Property and Construction Group members have played an important role in increasing partnerships between the public and private sectors. The group has consistently focused on 5 key themes. These include town promotion, skills and talent development, business engagement, addressing the climate emergency, and providing support to the Local Authority’s endeavours in supporting the town and the property sector.

In 2023, the group tailored its activities to deliver tangible outcomes, including:

Property Forums: Providing updates on the latest market activity to local property businesses.
Activity at UKREiiF: Group members attended the event in Leeds, which is seen as one of the UK’s largest investment shows. The group, alongside Destination Chesterfield, officially launched the Chesterfield Investment Prospectus and championed the town during panel discussions and networking sessions with sector colleagues.
Careers Made in Chesterfield: 11 businesses participated in workshops at Parkside Community School to showcase the range of careers available within the industry to 110 students. This resulted in 14 high-quality placements for young people to learn about the property and construction sector.
Skills and Talent Masterclass: Facilitating discussions among key figures from property and construction, alongside skills and training providers, to address the sector’s skills challenges.
Quality and Sustainability Masterclass: Exploring sustainable development in Chesterfield and emphasizing its importance for the town’s future.
Regular Social Media Activity: Highlighting key industry updates on topics such as skills, sustainability, and diversity, and promoting town developments.
Networking and Social Events: Including walking tours and brewery visits to support business-to-business relationship development.

The group, part of Destination Chesterfield, will continue its focus on building resilience and collaborating to support Chesterfield’s economy. Chesterfield remains an attractive destination for investment. We look forward to strengthening existing relationships, as well as forging new ones, and adapting to the evolving needs of the town.

Professionals within the Property and Construction Sector keen on learning more about the group’s plans are encouraged to reach out to Destination Chesterfield by email.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Featured, Property and ConstructionTagged in Andy Dabbs, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Whittam Cox Architects

Why Chesterfield, Why Now? – Property and Construction firms highlight town’s investment prospects

23rd October 2023

Chesterfield, with its rich history and vibrant community, is not just a picturesque town with its unique Crooked Spire, but also a thriving hub undergoing a series of multi-million-pound regeneration projects.

Thanks to its strategic location in the centre of England alongside the M1 corridor with proximity to several major cities, Chesterfield has the ingredients that make it an enticing prospect for investors seeking growth and potential.

But don’t just take it from us, take it from the businesses which have invested here and call our town their home!

To coincide with the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit, we asked businesses in the town’s Property and Construction Group a simple question – Why Chesterfield, Why Now?

We think the responses below speak for themselves!

‘Tremendous support’

Emily Smith, Property Developer behind the highly anticipated Holywell Hotel by Voeberg said: “Chesterfield caught our attention initially due to its strategic location along the M1 and the opportunities for restoring and converting properties.

“The Council and local services have shown us tremendous support for our projects, which makes it an exciting place to be investing. Chesterfield’s unique local charm and welcoming community make it an ideal place to create something new to meet a growing market demand.

“It’s a town where you feel the warmth of support, and investing here has been a truly positive experience.”

‘Experienced workforce’

Roy Peters Estates have been active in Chesterfield since the early 1970s and have seen many changes in our Market Town during the last 50 years. The company offers a locally focused letting and management service.

Emma Gallagher, Director, Office Manager and Head of Commercial Operations has seen a marked increase in quality retail and office instructions over the last six months.

She said: “Chesterfield is centrally located and remains a busy market town with a good retail offering and access to an experienced workforce.”

‘Thriving business landscape’

FI Real Estate Management is the company behind the recent £2 million refurbishment at The HQ in Chesterfield.

Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), commented: “We have seen first hand the positive impact that our investment has had on Chesterfield.

“We’re passionate about putting Chesterfield on the map as a great place to work, improving its offering in line with nearby cities and enriching the lives of the local business community.

“Further investment is vital to ensuring the town continues to grow and develop in line with neighbouring cities, such as Sheffield and Nottingham, making Chesterfield a thriving business landscape for all.”

‘Excellent location’

HBD’s successful Markham Vale scheme continues to be developed alongside Derbyshire County Council. The project, off J29a of the M1 has ensured new premises for dozens of businesses and thousands of jobs for local people.

Richard Hinds, Senior Development Manager at HBD, said: “Chesterfield is an excellent place to do business, demonstrated by the huge success of our Markham Vale scheme. The development is now home to more than 78 businesses and has created over 2,700 new jobs.

“Chesterfield not only benefits from an excellent location at the heart of the UK transport network, but offers a strong local labour market, supporting companies as they continue to grow.

“HBD is pleased to invest in Chesterfield and look forward to progressing the expansion of Markham Vale, providing more high-quality industrial and logistics space to meet occupier demand.”

‘Extremely welcoming’

Dalton Roofing provides residential and industrial roofing solutions to people and businesses across the area.

Speaking about locating his business in the town, Philip Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing said: “I moved my business to Chesterfield in 2018, after running my business from Sheffield for 28 years, as you can imagine, this was a big change for me.

“Not only did I move my business, but I also moved my family to live in Chesterfield and I can honestly say I have never looked back.

“The location is fabulous, being close to the M1 and the Peak district, we feel central to all the areas that we cover. The business community are extremely welcoming and offer great business support. Chesterfield is up and coming and full of future potential.”

‘Training for tomorrow’s workforce’

Lime Living is an estate agency which recently expanded into new premises at The Glassyard.

Jamie Wajs, owner of Lime Living commented: “Our town is the ideal location, with it being very placed for excellent access to the M1 network, direct train links to London and other nearby major cities.

“We also have Chesterfield College and the University of Derby Campus providing education and training for tomorrow’s workforce. Not only is our town able to train and retain a business’s workforce through exceptional facilities and resources, but it can attract employees too, through the welcoming community living our town offers.

“For me, it is a no brainer for businesses to invest in our town! There is an excellent access to a wide range of local support networks and we also have a wide variety of commercial property. This ranges from land & new build, warehouses & industrial, business parks to Grade A offices, meaning our town provides excellent opportunity, whether it be a new start up, expansion, relocation or modern hybrid working hubs.”

‘A refreshing level of cohesiveness’

Harworth Group has acquired a 133-acre stalled brownfield site in Staveley, and is now bringing forward exciting plans to deliver 600 new homes, extensive green space and other amenities.

Joanne Neville, Head of Regional Planning at Harworth commented: “We have found all local partners to be engaging and responsive as we work with adjacent landowners to develop this important site.

“We have seen a real commitment from all local partners to promote the economic growth of the town, for example in the development of the Chesterfield & Staveley Regeneration Route, demonstrating a refreshing level of cohesiveness between the public and private sector. Chesterfield is definitely open for business.”

‘Great proximity to major road networks’

Mascot Management has worked on several projects in Chesterfield recently, including The Glassyard and 33 new homes in Duckmanton. Jason Evans, Director at Mascot Management said: “I see the quality of life in Chesterfield as an important factor in attracting talent and investors.

Key factors like the lower cost of living, friendly residents and businesses, good access to cultural amenities, and the open countryside of the nearby Peak District make Chesterfield a great place.

“It has established industrial clusters, and business parks that benefit from being in the heart of the country with great proximity to all the major road networks, including the M1 motorway. This makes Chesterfield an attractive place for people to access, live and work”.

‘A great living environment’

Redbrik Estate Agents recently found in a study that Google searches had significantly increased showing interest in Chesterfield homes.

Hannah Rutter, Property Consultant at Redbrik commented: “The proximity to the Peaks make for a great living environment and offers ease of access to the countryside for their employees during their free time.

“Chesterfield is a fantastically efficient commuting hub for their business and staff with Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Leeds and Leicester all being within a 90 minute journey. A wonderful town with a great blend of character and modern, from the Crooked Spire to Casa Hotel.”

Want to find out more about how Chesterfield can provide the perfect location for your business base? Head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Business in Chesterfield, Chesterfield business blog, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield investment, Chesterfield investment summit, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Invest in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction in Chesterfield, Why Chesterfield

How is Chesterfield creating quality urban spaces for future work and play?

14th September 2023

Town centres across the UK must evolve as people demand more experiences and better accessibility. In Chesterfield, several projects are moving forward to improve the look and feel of our key spaces, known as the public realm.

At this point, you might be thinking – ‘What exactly is the public realm?’ In simple terms, it encompasses all publicly owned areas outside of buildings, such as streets, squares, parks, and pedestrian zones. These spaces act as the backdrop for our daily lives, providing settings for social interaction, leisure, and recreation.

Organisations in the town’s Property & Construction Group aim not only to enhance the visual appeal of the town but also to foster a sense of community and pride among its residents.

To find out more, we have been catching up with the people behind some of Chesterfield’s key local public realm projects. Read below to find out about the exciting changes you can expect, or may already have seen across the area.

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield

We will all see major changes to our town centre over the next couple of years. That is because Chesterfield Borough Council has secured £25m in Levelling-up Funding from the government.

A significant portion of this funding will be spent on improving the public realm in the town. We will benefit from enhancements to the Market and New Square, including more seating, improved lighting, refreshed paving, and a new market layout with modern stalls.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield will improve the look, feel and flow of public spaces across the town centre. We want to celebrate our heritage whilst ensuring the town centre is an attractive place to live, work and visit.

“The improvements aim to encourage people to spend more time in this area, as well as creating enhanced flexible event space to boost visitor numbers.

“Elsewhere, improvements to the public realm will be made along Burlington Street, Rykneld Square and Corporation Street where paving, planting and lighting will be improved. This will create an enhanced visitor experience when travelling to the market from the railway station and will also support the businesses situated along this route.

“We have already made a start towards this vision with works on Packers Row. This area demonstrates the high standards we are aiming for across the town centre. We expect works to start on the Market area during Spring 2024 with the entire project complete by March 2025.”

Chesterfield Waterside

One of Chesterfield’s flagship regeneration schemes, The Chesterfield Waterside project is beginning to come to life.

A new seven-storey office development is now open, with firms such as BHP and Varley operating from there.

But that’s not all!

New homes and leisure spaces will bring a key area close to the railway station back into use.

Speaking on Chesterfield Waterside’s ambitions to create a vibrant public realm for the area, Tom Swallow, Development Manager at Bolsterstone Group commented: “One of the main aims for the regeneration at Chesterfield Waterside is to deliver a truly sustainable development in which people can live, work and ‘play’.

“A high-quality public realm is integral to this aim. It provides a space which people can truly use and appreciate. It is also essential to the making of a new place adjacent to Chesterfield town centre.

“The main function of the public realm is to make places more accessible. It is about creating permeability through the space, linking the surrounding areas such as the town centre, train station and Chesterfield Canal. We are looking to do this through the creation of new public squares, footpaths and shared surface roads which encourage people to walk rather than drive.

“High-quality public realm also supports retail and leisure trade. It drives footfall as occupiers look to locate to areas which complement their business in a safe environment. To achieve this, we’re focusing strongly on landscaping and design during the planning stages. The aim is to draw people to Chesterfield with unique a unique offering. The public realm is the key to unlocking this.”

Elder Way

The Chesterfield Elder Way scheme is breathing life into the town’s famous former Co-op department store.

This area has already seen major improvements – from modern paving to the addition of nature. It has been designed to give the northern entrance to the town centre a modern feel. BSP Consulting explains how they have collaborated with partners to transform Elder Way.

Carrie Booth, Business Development Manager at BSP said: “BSP has recently been a part of the team that completed a key public realm project in the town. This involved works to the whole length of Elder Way, along with its junctions with Saltergate and Knifesmithgate. The work was part of the wider Northern Gateway regeneration scheme.

“BSP worked alongside Danaher & Walsh, who were appointed by Chesterfield Borough Council to carry out the public realm and highway works.

“The recent scheme that our engineers were involved in included reconstruction of existing footways and paved areas. It also included the introduction of trees, pavement widening, taxi rank improvements, and a range of formal and informal pedestrian crossing improvements.

“We worked on de-cluttering the street scene, adding new bus shelters and re-positioning bus stops on Elder Way. Furthermore, we implemented new street furniture, improved the design of loading bays, and carriageway resurfacing.

“Making the town more accessible to residents and visitors will play a key role in its future regeneration. As a result, Chesterfield’s economy will be boosted, attracting future economic growth and creating more jobs. We are excited to be part of the team regenerating the local area.”

Chesterfield Station Masterplan

Plans to transform Chesterfield Station and the areas around it will ensure a bright and inviting welcome to everyone.

The Chesterfield Station Masterplan centres around a new transport hub, capitalising on the benefits of Chesterfield’s proximity to nearby cities.

Chesterfield Borough Council is partnering with Aecom and Whittam Cox Architects on the proposals. View the plans in more detail here.

The plans include a new public boulevard for pedestrians and cyclists, leading from the station to the town centre. In addition, those walking to and from the town centre will benefit from a new footbridge over the a61 bypass.

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox and Chair of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group commented: The forthcoming masterplan for Chesterfield Station is not merely a logistical upgrade, but also a reimagining of the space as a welcoming gateway to the town. Careful selection of materials, incorporating both hard and soft landscaping elements, will significantly alter the station’s look and feel.

“Attention to accessibility features, such as well-designed pathways and signage, ensures that the arrival space will be user-friendly for all. By creating a balanced, aesthetically pleasing environment directly outside the station, the masterplan aims to provide a fantastic arrival experience that complements the overall town centre.

“This approach to integrating materials and accessibility features enhances the urban fabric and further solidifies Chesterfield’s status as an increasingly desirable destination.”

Find out more about the wide range of regeneration projects currently taking place in Chesterfield.

To get more information on Chesterfield’s Property & Construction group, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/ or email: PropertyGroup@chesterfield.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield developments, Chesterfield Elder Way, Chesterfield Property and construction group, chesterfield town centre, Chesterfield waterside, Public realm

Chesterfield property and construction firms encouraged to enter regional awards

4th August 2023

The nomination deadline (Thursday 31 August) is approaching quickly for East Midlands Business Link’s East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023.

Property and Construction firms in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire still have the opportunity to showcase their business, teams, outstanding developments and boost morale with an entry for the annual celebration of the industry.

Taking place on Thursday 28 September, the Bricks shine a light on the exceptional work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.

The glittering awards ceremony revealing winners, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, will also offer the ideal chance to establish new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region.

Entries for the awards are open until Thursday 31 August. To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, go to: https://www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/bricks-2023/

The awards to be presented on the evening are as follows:

• Most active estate agent
• Commercial development of the year
• Responsible business of the year
• Residential development of the year
• Developer of the year
• Deal of the year
• Architects of the year
• Excellence in design
• Sustainable development of the year
• Contractor of the year
• Overall winner (this award cannot be entered, the winner will be selected from those nominated)

The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.

Tickets are also now available for the event, which allows delegates to connect with local decision-makers over canapés and complimentary drinks, while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. Find out more here.

Chesterfield boasts an active Property and Construction Group, which brings business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council together to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

The group works across four key themes, that are led by members of the group, specifically the skills agenda, business support, promoting investment in Chesterfield and sustainability and wellbeing.

Find out more about the group at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/

Image courtesy of East Midlands Business Link

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Business awards, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Property and construction group, East Midlands Bricks Awards, Property and construction, Property and Construction Awards

5 reasons why families are choosing to live in Chesterfield

21st July 2023

Why are families choosing to live in Chesterfield? In May 2023, the town ranked 2nd best in the UK to raise a family – according to enjoytravel.com.

Meanwhile, local estate agency Redbrik reported a 200% rise in Google searches for houses in Chesterfield over the past year.

To find out why demand has shot up in such a short space of time, we have been speaking to experts and leaders in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions and the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group.

Here are five reasons why Chesterfield is proving a desirable place for families to call their home:

1. Perfect location

Located in the heart of the UK, Chesterfield is set amongst the stunning backdrop of the Peak District National Park.

Despite the beautiful landscapes surrounding the town, Chesterfield is close to several major cities such as Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby and Leeds too. The town is easily accessible by all means of transport.

Well served by the Midland Main Line, Chesterfield is within an hour of four major airports. Additionally, London is under two hours by rail.

Speaking about the town’s ideal location, Ross Bateman, Associate Director at Redbrik said: “It is located just a short train ride away from Sheffield, Nottingham and other cities, and a short drive from the Peak District, which positions Chesterfield perfectly in the middle of all the action!”

Furthermore, a pioneering zero-carbon tourist transport network was recently trialed in Chesterfield and the Peak District. The trial was led by the Gateway at PEAK, alongside Toyota and Chesterfield Borough Council.

The PEAK Express will offer visitors access to a hop-on, hop-off service, linking our town to the Peak District. Find out more here.

2. Affordable properties

One of the reasons families are choosing to live in Chesterfield is the town’s affordability.

House prices in Chesterfield offer you more for your money per square foot than nearby towns. According to Rightmove, the average house price is at least £10,000 cheaper than nearby cities of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham too.

Rental costs are also cheaper than major nearby cities. According to Richard Sherwood, Director at Roy Peters Estates, the local market remains competitive.

He said: “Rents are certainly rising in Chesterfield but perhaps not to the same unaffordable levels that we are seeing in some of the larger cities in the region. This is perhaps due to the ongoing development of attractive sites in and around the town.

“Chesterfield remains a forward-thinking market town. There always seems something going on to appeal to families and to individuals and it’s great to see people returning to the High Street.”

3. New houses contributing to the area’s regeneration

Several new housing sites are coming to life in Chesterfield, bringing quality and affordable homes to the town.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Local Plan (2020) set out the town’s strategy to build 240 homes a year by 2035. So far, that target has been exceeded in each of the last three years.

New homes at Chesterfield Waterside are bringing people closer to our town centre. Meanwhile, projects to build thousands of homes in Staveley and Mastin Moor are set to transform the area.

Dave Wood, Director at Woodall Homes commented: “Chesterfield is a fantastic place to live, with so much going on in the town centre. It should come as no surprise that the area has become a hotspot for development.

“As a market town, Chesterfield has thriving retail spaces. The town is also host to fantastic events like the brand-new Peddler Market, so there is plenty for people living in the area to get involved with.

“We firmly believe that Chesterfield is a fantastic place to live and to raise a family. This is why we are currently working on three developments in the area; The Orchards at Clay Cross, Churchfields in Calow, and The Shrubberies in Chesterfield town centre.”

4. Great outdoor spaces

With our beautiful outdoor spaces and a fantastic leisure offer which encourages health and wellbeing, you’ll feel very welcome in Chesterfield.

People who live in Chesterfield enjoy being located close to the Peak District. They have access to several Green Flag award-winning parks, and scenic walking and cycling routes.

Ryan Fish, Associate Director at Whittam Cox Architects recently chose to move to the area. He commented: “With the Peak District on our doorstep, a quality affordable building stock and a vibrant emerging town centre, moving to Chesterfield was a no-brainer.

“Immediate access to leafy green walks and room for our family to grow was a very attractive proposition, particularly to our lively 3-year old dalmatian!

“The central connectivity of diverse spaces in the form of Queens Park and the canal all add to the allure and the inherent potential of Chesterfield.”

5. Perfect work/life balance for modern working patterns

People no longer need to be in a city to secure their dream job. This is due to more people and businesses opting for flexible working patterns.

A rise in home working during the pandemic showed that a hybrid approach can be beneficial, in terms of wellbeing for employees and costs for businesses. Now, Chesterfield is capitalising on its excellent transport links by providing high quality, sustainable and modern office accommodation.

The availability of this space is attracting more people to live in Chesterfield. This is thanks to the ideal commute to and from the workplace, and the excellent quality of life our town offers outside of work.

Jamie Wajs, Director at Lime Living Estate Agents commented: “I think that post-pandemic, many people are working from home or choosing a hybrid approach. People who have lived in the town previously, and moved away for education or work are now coming back.

“I think you can look at where Chesterfield sits now. We all know it’s well placed, has great communication links and offers a great work and play lifestyle, with the Peak District being on our doorstep.”

For more information about living and working in Chesterfield, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

This post has been produced thanks to contributions from Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group. To find out more about the group, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield homes, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Living in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, Why should I move to Chesterfield

Chesterfield property firms addressing sector skills gaps

20th June 2023

Attracting new talent into the property and construction sector is more important than ever. Industry experts have stated that an extra 225,000 workers are required by 2027, equating to roughly 3,500 per year in the East Midlands Region.

In Chesterfield, businesses in the sector continue to work collaboratively in improving access to careers in construction for the future generation.

This was recently identified at a masterclass discussion, aimed at sharing ideas and best practice to support both young people and businesses in securing a future pipeline of talent.

The event, which comprised several leaders from across the property and construction sector in Chesterfield, helped to update the sector on the latest career initiatives taking place, along with signposting firms to various support options open to them.

What is the sector doing to improve the skills pipeline in Chesterfield?

A key initiative designed to improve access to careers in construction is Careers Made in Chesterfield, which saw several businesses participating in face-to-face workshops at Parkside Community School.

Further bolstering the skills needed within the sector in Chesterfield, the Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor will welcome learners from autumn. Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the skills hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity, and work experience on a live construction site.

The Made in Chesterfield Festival is also returning in November 2023, which sees students visiting business premises, to be inspired by the breadth of career options available.

Speaking at the Masterclass, Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at The Devonshire Group commented: “We have previously done a lot of work for school-age students, such as the Careers Made in Chesterfield project and the Construction Skills Hub in Staveley, but we also want to focus on the transition from school or further education into the workplace.

“As a forum, we are continuing to try and identify any barriers to reduce drop-out rates in the sector. Ultimately, firms want to connect with students who are interested in the industry and turn them into employees and future business leaders.”

“I believe this is extremely important for the sector because without a reliable pipeline of skilled people, we are not going to be able to grow and projects we want to see in the future.

“We all live, work, and play in things that have been built, so our sector does touch all aspects of society. If we are to keep improving, developing, and hitting sustainability objectives, we need to ensure we have the people to be able to do it.”

Skills support for property and construction businesses

During the session, Andrew Rodney, Senior Customer Engagement Manager at CITB updated on some of the initiatives on offer to support employers in bolstering their workforce.

Andrew said: “CITB exists to support employers. We know that businesses can find it difficult to know where to look in accessing the right training for their staff and how to access grants to support training.

“Our advisors are here to support businesses in a physical sense, by listening to their training needs and signposting to the most appropriate training organisation. We have recently created a new team to help employers recruit and mentor apprentices.

“There are so many different types of grants available for the property and construction sector. The easiest way to find out more about these would be to access our website. We encourage anyone who is not sure to give us a call and speak to an advisor, so we can point you in the right direction. We want to help in removing barriers for businesses and ensuring that they can access skilled young people to help them grow.”

Help and advice for young people looking to get into property and construction

Focusing on supporting young people during the discussion, Jenny Kitchen, Founder of Building Rapport explained the work taking place as part of the Regeneration Brainery project, which aims to improve access to careers in construction for young people.

Jenny explained: “Regeneration Brainery exists to fill the skills and diversity gap by engaging with young learners and those seeking employment in the built environment. We bring students and education providers together with businesses that are recruiting apprentices, and we help young people to find meaningful work experience.

“We need one in five school leavers to join our sector to address the current skills crisis. So businesses need to have their own resources to attract and retain young people. Offering high-quality work experience to raise awareness of the variety of roles is a collective approach our sector needs to take seriously.

“During a week with us, students spend time in businesses, on-site, and with a whole variety of professionals, giving them a snippet of working life in our sector.

“We help get young people job ready by nurturing and mentoring them, to find a career, and crucially stay in a career long-term.

“We’ve got the students who are willing to learn, and see a place for themselves in our sector, but they (or their schools) don’t know how to get there aside from a traditional university route, which isn’t the right choice for everyone.

“It is vital to give them the support they need in the first year of starting a new career, to improve retention of skilled young people in the property and construction sector, and to “grow our own.”

“If we don’t address our recruitment processes, we are at risk of excluding many talented, underprivileged, or neurodiverse young people. Who don’t have the confidence or support network to encourage or help them with their first job application.

“We’re also here to remind those who are less academic that they have choices, they can still follow a degree path via an Apprenticeship route that will lead them to reach their potential.

Chesterfield’s collaborative approach to improve access to careers in construction

Chesterfield’s Property and Construction sector continues to bring together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability, and skills within Chesterfield.

The group works together across four key themes, specifically the skills agenda, business support, promoting investment in Chesterfield, and sustainability and wellbeing.

The recent masterclass discussion was yet another example of how the sector continues to collaborate.

Sue Woollett, Social Value Manager at Stepnell Ltd. commented: “One of the things that I love about Chesterfield is that there is such a collaborative approach to everything, especially in the property and construction sector.

“The regular activity that takes place in the sector helps to introduce different businesses to each other and helps our sector work alongside the public sector to help achieve growth, jobs, and development in the local economy.

“It’s no secret that there is a skills gap in our sector, and there is an aging workforce. I feel that there is a misunderstanding about the variety of jobs that are available in construction. We all want to get across that there is a job for everyone in this sector, and we need to help people to understand how many opportunities there are.”

If your business is interested in getting involved with the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, email: property@chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, Chesterfield careers, Chesterfield careers support, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Property and construction careers, Skills support

Innovative careers scheme inspires Chesterfield’s next generation and aims to reduce skills gaps

16th June 2023

A pioneering scheme, which is linking schools with leading property and construction firms in Chesterfield, is inspiring young people to pursue careers in the construction sector.

‘Careers Made in Chesterfield’ has resulted in fourteen quality placements being offered for talented young people to learn about the property and construction sector. This follows several businesses from the town’s property and construction sector participating in workshops at Parkside Community School, showcasing the range of rewarding careers available.

Providing face-to-face interaction with students proved very successful, with 40% of students who completed the programme expressing a high interest in working in the construction sector in the future – rising from just 20% when the scheme was originally conceived in September 2022.

The initiative was launched following a report by CITB, which outlines how an extra 225,000 workers are required in the UK’s property and construction sector by 2027, equating to roughly 3,500 per year in the East Midlands Region alone.

During the ‘Careers Made in Chesterfield’ programme, business leaders carried out an initial speed networking workshop with pupils, answering their questions and helping to open their eyes into the many different exciting roles associated with property and construction.

In the second workshop sessions, students were tasked with designing a new building within the Northern Gateway area of Chesterfield. Working in groups of five to design a community venue, each group was allocated an employer mentor from the property and construction sector to help develop the design.

The project is enabling students to gain vital work experience, but also showcases the breadth of skills needed to achieve Chesterfield’s ambitious growth and regeneration plans.

The innovative pilot has seen 20 professionals from 11 local businesses helping to deliver the programme to 110 Year 10 students at the school.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at The Devonshire Group, and member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group added: “One of the main issues being faced by the property and construction sector is that its workforce is getting older.

“It is vital to begin bringing in the next generation, and Careers Made in Chesterfield is one of many initiatives which will help to secure the future pipeline of talent that our businesses rely on.

“It is a very exciting time to be getting into the sector, and with schemes such as this, our young people will one day contribute towards delivering the physical, social, and green infrastructure that Chesterfield needs to continue its sustainable growth.”

Andrew Byrne, The Devonshire Group

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth commented: “Working with local businesses to deliver the Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot demonstrates how direct engagement with students can spark their interest in different career paths.

“Helping young people learn more about the skills they need and the options available to them is key to ensuring that we can provide secure high quality jobs in Chesterfield and that they can plan for a great future in our borough.”

Ben Riggott, Head Teacher at Parkside School said: “The Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot represented a step change in creating sustained connections between our Year 10 students and some great local companies.

“This model is fantastic for several reasons. Perhaps most importantly, students build relationships with employers across the programme, which in turn enhances their confidence and the likely outcomes of work experience.

One of the firms to be welcoming a student on placement in July is Oasis Studio, which provides virtual reality and augmented reality services to property and construction businesses.

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio commented: “We jumped at the chance to get involved in the pilot scheme. The construction industry is continually evolving, adopting new technologies and construction methods.

“To stay competitive, I believe it’s crucial we have a skilled workforce that can embrace these advancements. I really enjoyed demonstrating the range of opportunities in the sector today. We utilised our VR headsets during the workshop to offer the students a virtual site visit and help them understand the brief. I was genuinely impressed by the student’s level of maturity and engagement throughout the workshops, and their ideation of concepts was fantastic.”

Further addressing the increasing construction skills shortage within Chesterfield, the Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor will welcome learners from autumn this year.

Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the skills hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site.

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

The Hub will provide training, careers insights, and work experience for more than 5,000 learners over 10 years.

Businesses and schools that wish to register their interest in the Careers Made in Chesterfield initiative, are urged to contact Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council on 01246 959717.

The Destination Chesterfield Partnership has received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows a successful funding bid by Chesterfield Borough Council, to secure £2.69 million worth of funding for local projects.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Careers in Construction, Careers Made in Chesterfield, chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield careers, chesterfield news, Chesterfield Property and construction group, Chesterfield Skills