Chesterfield property and construction

Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox appointed to lead revamp of well-known Sheffield hotel

A Chesterfield architectural practice has been appointed to lead the refurbishment of Sheffield United Football Club Hotel, located at Bramall Lane.

With 155 rooms, a rejuvenated restaurant, bar, fitness centre, ballroom and guest suites, Whittam Cox’s vision for the new DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City hotel encompasses modern design elements infused with nods to Sheffield’s industrial past.

Helen Davis, Head of Interior Design at Whittam Cox, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying: “As a locally based firm, we are passionate about this opportunity to reimagine this landmark hotel. Our goal is to provide a cohesive design throughout that seamlessly integrates modern interiors with nods to Sheffield’s unique culture and heritage, recognising the city’s resilience and innovation.”

tv to door Whittam Cox Bramall Lane hotel plan

Drawing inspiration from the city, we aim to infuse the hotel’s design with subtle yet impactful references to Sheffield’s industrial legacy. Contrasting this, with a colour palette, influenced by the natural beauty of the Peak District and Sheffield’s status as ‘The Outdoor City’, a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests will be created.”

Richard Farrar, Managing Director of Leaf Hospitality, expressed his excitement, stating: “We are delighted to embark on this exciting project at Bramall Lane on behalf of the club. The DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City conversion will elevate the hospitality experience for visitors and fans alike. This is a really special project, and we’re delighted to kick off.”

Whilst the work of Whittam Cox takes the company and its staff around the entire UK, its focus and impact in Chesterfield are of equal importance to the organisation. Supporting local communities, economy and built environment is something the company is passionate about. Whittam Cox has been involved in recent projects such as the Chesterfield Station Masterplan, Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, Chesterfield Waterside and many others.

Lounge-&-Bar_cropped Whittam Cox Bramall Lane

The company is also a member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, which Whittam Cox Director Andy Dabbs currently chairs.

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

Andy Dabbs

Andy Dabbs, Whittam Cox Architects

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First and second phases of Horizon 29 development now complete

Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, North Derbyshire are now finished.

Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North).

Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating.

Phase 1B, involved the construction of units 4 and 5, alongside all subsequent mechanical and electrical works, office fit-outs and external works to ongoing conference laboratory car parks.

The contractor also delivered earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding.

Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works for both Phase 1A and 1B are finally complete.

Horizon 29 Bolsover

“Once all phases are finished, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south.

“We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the second phase of this landmark scheme.”

Dick Smallman, Equation Properties, said: “Despite a challenging site and weather, we are very impressed with the superb quality of the units and works that McLaren Construction has delivered to date.

“The speed with which they’ve carried out particular elements of the work, the seamless design which blends into the countryside and the innovative techniques used have been fantastic.”

McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure.

Find out more about why Chesterfeld and North Derbyshire is the perfect location to base your growing business. 

Horizon 29 Bolsover

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Peak Architects shortlisted for prestigious design award

Peak Architects, a firm in North Derbyshire and member of Chesterfield’s Property & Construction Group has been shortlisted for a national award.

The company is among the finalists for the Private Housing category at the Bulding Design Awards. The entry focused on large-scale housing developments across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

Patrick Arends, Director at Peak Architects said: “This nomination is fantastic recognition for our team. It’s great to see that our efforts in designing and delivering Private Housing projects is picked up on a national level.

“We aim to create timeless and well-crafted projects, adding value through design. We are humbled to be amongst a strong list of competitors.”

One of the developments which the company has been shortlisted for was Riber View in Matlock. Sitting on the site previously occupied by a well-known car dealership, directly adjacent to the local football grounds. Peak Architects was brought on to design and then deliver a housing scheme maximising the existing space. The company provided a contemporary, high-quality space that is sensitive to the traditional stone facades in Matlock, whilst also benefitting from modern sustainable solutions. The scheme gets its name from its outlook to Grade II listed Riber Castle.

Patrick added: “Awards like these are an important way for us to further highlight the work we are doing in Derbyshire. It shows that amazing projects are possible, through strong client vision and ambitions, responded to by innovative architectural design.

“Being shortlisted for a national award shows how much talent there is in our region. Our clients challenge and inspire us to push boundaries and produce ever more creative solutions.”

The company will find out whether it has won the presigious accolade at an awards ceremony held in London on 17th  October 2023.

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

2023 Team Photo Peak Architects

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Work due to start on 650 new houses in Mastin Moor

Work is due to begin on the new 650-home community in Mastin Moor, near Staveley after planning approval was granted this week.

The Devonshire Group, which owns the 46-hectare site, will now begin enabling works for phases 1 and 2 of the project, which will pave the way for the first homes to be delivered. These include creation of a new access road, services and the formation of public open space.

The preparatory works are due to complete in late spring 2024, with work on the new homes set to begin over the summer of 2024 on the first phase of 143 three, four and five- bedroom homes, by local developer Harron Homes.

The enabling works will also pave the way for the launch of the Construction Skills Hub, a Staveley Town Deal project, developed by Chesterfield Borough Council and to be operated by Chesterfield College in conjunction with the University of Derby. The Devonshire Group has collaborated on and supported the Council to deliver this innovative project.

The Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site. Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

As well as providing support for trade skills, this partnership provides the opportunity to progress to a university level and develop the skills needed for roles like quantity surveyor or estimator, helping develop skills in the local community and provide new career opportunities.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group, said: “Receiving planning approval marks an exciting next step for our development at Mastin Moor. We are now able to get underway with works in earnest and start to see the project really take shape.

“Our focus now is to ensure that we move the project forward quickly, while also prioritising a considered, sustainable and sensitive approach for the benefit of the wider community that we serve. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey and creating a place that will contribute to the area and provide new homes for local people.’

Upon completion, the new community at Mastin Moor will deliver 650 new homes, including affordable and accessible properties, elderly accommodation and a local centre. The development will also provide almost 20 hectares of publicly accessible open space and landscaping, significantly enhancing the biodiversity on site.

The project is expected to take 10 years to complete and create 150 direct construction jobs, as well as 250 roles in the supply chain and elsewhere.

Outline planning permission for the site was approved by Committee in December 2022.

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

Indicative-masterplan-Mastin-Moor

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

Property and construction businesses build talent pipelines through inspiring workshops and placements

In Chesterfield, £2billion of regeneration is underway. Additionally, a report by CITB, highlights by 2026 that 3,500 construction workers per year will be needed in the East Midlands Region. So, the need to attract more skilled people to the sector remains a key priority.

Recognising the range of exciting opportunities available across the sector and the need to develop a local talent pipeline; property and construction businesses from across Chesterfield joined forces to deliver Careers Made in Chesterfield.

This summer, 11 students from three Chesterfield secondary schools got to go behind the scenes at local firms to gain first-hand experience of careers in the sector.

Organised as part of the new Made in Chesterfield scheme, the work experience was the final part of a year-long pilot. The pilot included a series of workshops to showcase the range of careers available in the industry. In total, 20 professionals from 11 local businesses helped to deliver the programme to 110 year 10 students.

How did the students get on in their end-of-scheme placements? We spoke to some of the businesses and schools involved in showcasing careers in property and construction to the next cohort of future talent.

House designers in the making 

Wayne Barrett, Technical Director for Harron Homes North Midlands, tells us about the range of departments students got to experience:

“Harron endeavours to support those looking to develop their skills in the construction industry, whether that’s on-site or in the office. It’s been fantastic to support Chesterfield schools and give them an insight into working life within an office environment. Students experienced a range of roles from finance to quantity surveying, architecture, civil engineering, sales, and legal.”

Harron Homes property and construction

Harron Homes office

Nigel Kingham, teacher at Whittington Green School, explains how students went above and beyond:

“I got to visit three of our students on work experience at Harron Homes. Each of the students had with them examples of some of the design work they had completed during their placement. Max had been taught to use some design software and he had used this to produce his own plans for a newly designed house. He had really enjoyed his placement and was really enthused about house design.”

“Corey had drawn his own designs and kept an extensive diary of his time at Harron. Again, he was really positive about his experience. He even said it had got him thinking about a future career in something like architecture.”

Cory_Sketch 873x466 property and construction

Artwork by Cory, student at Whittington Green School

Max, student at Whittington Green School, added:

“I had a great time, and everyone was helpful with what I was trying to do!”

Building careers in property and construction

Students from Whittington Green and Parkside School got to experience all aspects of a local construction business. Jack Kidder, Business Manager at Henry Boot PLC, explained:

Henry Boot 873x466 property and construction

Henry Boot tour for students

“We were delighted to welcome two students from Whittington Green and Parkside Schools to join the business for a week. They learnt all about the real estate sector with a focus on construction and social value. They took part in a range of activities including estimating and education engagement, met a range of colleagues from across the business, and visited our Kangaroo Works scheme in the centre of Sheffield.

“Supporting work experience placements is a great way for us to inform local learners about the wide range of careers available in our business and industry as well as learn more about the expectations and aspirations of learners and create excitement about our sector.”

Liam, student at Parkside Community School, commented:

“I really enjoyed the placement at Henry Boot. I hadn’t really heard of them before, I didn’t know how big the company was. It was really interesting learning about the business and the things they do. But the best bit was going visit to the site at Sheffield!”

CGI and Virtual Reality

Oasis Studio 873x466 property and construction

Oasis Studio and Parkside student

Providing an insight into the digital process in the sector, Oasis Studio hosted a student from Parkside School. Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio, said:

“We welcomed our placement student to the studio to gain hands-on experience as if he were a true member of the team.

“We exposed Seth to a variety of typical tasks carried out at Oasis Studio. Tasks included transforming 2D technical drawings into a 3D digital model of a building using the latest software and techniques. He used his 3D model to create various formats of visual content including photorealistic CGI’s, floorplans and a marketing brochure. Also, Seth contributed towards internal project meetings and got involved with development projects in Virtual Reality.

“Overall, this placement not only provided valuable experience for the student. It brought fresh perspectives and innovation to the business, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing young talent.”

Oasis Studio and Parkside student property and construction

Oasis Studio and Parkside student

Seth, student at Parkside Community School, added:

“I enjoyed my time at Oasis Studio. It was a really nice place, with a good atmosphere and the staff was great. I even had a go at designing buildings and adding renders using CAD (Computer Aided Design). It was a really good placement.”

Matthew Gould, Head of PE and Careers at Parkside Community School, commented on the Made in Chesterfield programme:

“It’s been a pleasure to be involved with the Careers Made in Chesterfield programme. Engagement from students in the workshops delivered at the school and work experience has been fantastic.

Three of our students have benefitted from a work placement thanks to local business. We’re grateful for the opportunity and hope to link more young talent with Chesterfield businesses.”

Find out more

Could your business benefit from encouraging young people to consider careers in property and construction?

To find out how your business could get involved with the next Careers Made in Chesterfield scheme, contact Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council on 01246 959717.

To consider how your business could offer an apprenticeship to support careers in property and construction visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/.

Are you a business operating in the property, construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries? You could get involved with the Made in Chesterfield programme by opening your doors to local schools. Find out more at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/.

Careers Made in Chesterfield header image

Careers Made in Chesterfield

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Chesterfield property and construction firms announce new recruits, promotions and expansions

Chesterfield businesses are continuing to grow, either with new team members, internal promotions, and even international expansions.

Our latest roundup features three property and construction firms, BSP Consulting, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, and Redbrik Estate Agents.

Property and Construction firms in the town continue to collaborate in driving forward investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield. Find out more about the work of the Property and Construction Group here.

BSP Consulting announces promotions for key team members

Pedro and Oliver promotion 3

East Midlands-based civil and structural engineering company BSP Consulting has promoted two members of its team.

Pedro Navarro has been made an Associate, while Oliver McElroy have been promoted to Principal Engineer.

BSP Director Tony Goddard said: “These promotions are in recognition of their tireless technical work within the civils team and their proven ability encouraging and developing younger staff, managing project finances and going the extra mile to nurture positive client relationships.

“On behalf of everyone at BSP Consulting, I’d like to congratulate Pedro and Oliver and wish them well in their new roles.”

Pedro has been with BSP since June 2017, while Oliver joined in November 2020.

One of the largest independent civil and structural engineering companies in the East Midlands, BSP is an award-winning firm that operates across the UK, offering civil engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, geotechnical and environmental engineering. BSP works across all sectors including housing, student accommodation, commercial, industrial, health, education, senior living, retail and heritage.

Wealth of industry experience joins DBCP

Leonie King and Catherine Potiphar

The delivery of building control services across Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands has been further boosted with two new appointments at DBCP.

Experienced building control surveyor Leonie King has joined DBCP’s team of field-based building control experts, while former site manager Catherine Potiphar has been appointed as a trainee building control surveyor.

DBCP operates across Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, working directly with eight local authorities to provide the best, most up-to-date building control service.

Leonie King praised the supportive team at DBCP saying: “Thanks to the experience and knowledge within the team I am learning something new every day. I am passionate about continued professional development particularly in the field of building control. Rules, regulations and techniques are changing all the time and it’s essential we keep abreast of these in order to deliver the best service. Quality and standards are at the heart of everything DBCP which absolutely aligns with my own approach to building control.”

Prior to joining DBCP Catherine was a site manager for 12 years. Her career change is giving Catherine the opportunity to build her skills, knowledge and qualifications through a Building Control Surveyor degree with the University of Wolverhampton which is being funded by DBCP.

She explained: “There are a huge number of transferable skills between my previous career and my new one in building control. It’s great to now be able to combine on site and off site working yet still remain in the industry I love. I am really enjoying the training and development I am undertaking – learning new skills, keeps the brain active!”

Delighted to welcome Leonie and Catherine to the team, David Pratt, DBCP Building Control Manager, commented: “It’s hugely important to us that our team of building control surveyors are not only qualified but also experienced; this enables us to provide the best service to across Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands and why demand for our services is increasing. We want to expand the team further but with the right people. The opportunity to develop a career both in building control and DBCP right now are very exciting.”

International estate agency services launched by Redbrik

Redbrik Estate Agents has announced the expansion of its sales service under a new brand –  Redbrik International.

The firm launched its international department with two fantastic developments, Ombria  Resort and Wyndham Grand, located in Portugal’s Algarve region.

Managing director, Mark Ross, said: “During the past ten years, Redbrik has grown from a single sales office to a multi-branch agency covering sales, lettings, land and new homes, and now international sales!

“We pride ourselves on the award-winning service our team provides, and I know they can’t wait to begin working with investors and homeowners from across the country on this pair of superb developments.

“The launch of Redbrik International, managed by our New Homes Team, is an exciting step for the business, and we look forward to bringing exclusive new investment opportunities to our clients.”

BSP Consulting, DBCP and Redbrik 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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Property and Construction firms to highlight key commercial opportunities in Chesterfield at UK’s largest trade show

Did you know that Chesterfield’s business population has grown by 21% over the past decade, with more commercial opportunities in Chesterfield on the way? A total of 2,000 new jobs have been created, including 1,800 high-value roles in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and professional services.

Chesterfield is continuing on its ambitious path. The town aims to attract a further 400 businesses and 2,000 more jobs by 2030. With this goal in mind, it is vital to spread the message about the area’s exciting regeneration plans and commercial opportunities.

Property and construction businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are highlighting the wide range of investment opportunities in our town at the UK’s largest trade show, UKREiiF. The event is taking place in Leeds from Tuesday 16th-Thursday 18th May 2023.

Delegates from the town will be highlighting our area’s key development sites in several panel discussions. Including the ‘Journey to Zero’ transport hub at the PEAK tourism destination.

They will speak to potential investors about the excellent strategic location of Chesterfield and the importance of transport infrastructure opening up major regeneration sites.

Furthermore, members from Chesterfield’s Property & Construction Group will fly the flag for our town at the event. 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.

Find out more below on how firms will be Championing Chesterfield at UKREiiF 2023.

Whittam Cox Architects

Andrew Dabbs

A panel discussion at UKREiiF will outline the potential benefits of a devolution deal for Chesterfield and the wider region. The panel will include Chesterfield Property and Construction Group chair, Andy Dabbs, who is also a director at Whittam Cox Architects.

In addition, delegates will have the opportunity to discuss how the private sector can complement and enhance the newest and largest devolution deal in England. The deal is set to leverage at least £38m per year over 30 years.

Andy commented: “I’m very pleased to be collaborating with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and showcasing Chesterfield’s portfolio of investment opportunities.”

“Our town possesses a strong relationship between the public and private sector. This is continuing to bring forward an impressive pipeline of regeneration and economic growth.

“The East Midlands Devolution deal will ensure more funding for our region, and further promote Chesterfield as an ideal place to invest.”

Wilmott Dixon Construction Ltd.

Jenna Frudd Wilmott Dixon - highlighting commercial opportunities at UKREiiF

Jenna Frudd, Business & Relationship Manager at Wilmott Dixon commented: “I’m thrilled to be attending this year’s UKREIIF and supporting the fantastic work being done in the development of Chesterfield.

“The town is a prime example of a ‘hidden gem’ town. It’s incredibly welcoming and has a local council and business community that is open to conversations.

“What’s great about UKREIIF is that it provides a fantastic opportunity to attract further investment. With all towns, there needs to be promise of change and excitement of active projects bubbling under in order to help it truly thrive. There is absolutely that happening in Chesterfield.”

FI Real Estate Management Ltd.

The HQ Chesterfield

The team at FI Real Estate Management is highlighting one of the key commercial opportunities in Chesterfield, The HQ.

Dominic Knowles, Head of Offices at FI Real Estate Management said: “Our colleagues attending UKREiff will be networking with business members and leaders at the event, promoting our recent £2m investment at The HQ and discussing the benefits of enhancing investment opportunities for the Chesterfield business community.

“We are passionate about putting Chesterfield on the map as a great place to work by providing Grade A office facilities. This improves Chesterfield’s business prospects, offering workspace fit to rival that of neighbouring cities. In addition, it makes the market town the first choice for future businesses looking to invest.

“Since our investment in the market town began in 2019, we have witnessed significant further investment in Chesterfield. This has had a positive impact on the local business community. It is extremely important for us to draw on our experience in Chesterfield so far, and share this with other business leaders.”

Harworth Group

Investment Chesterfield Harworth Group - Highlighting commercial opportunities at UKREiiF

Joanne Neville, Regional Head of Planning at Harworth Group commented: “Harworth is one of the leading land and property regeneration companies in the UK. The company manages over 13,000 acres across around 100 sites in the North of England and the Midlands.

“Harworth sites serve as exemplars of successful large-scale regeneration, with the business working alongside a range of partners. This also includes part of the allocated Staveley Works site in Chesterfield. 600 new homes are proposed for the site, with a planning application currently pending consideration.

“The Harworth team are always looking for exciting new investment opportunities for acquisitions and partnerships. Harworth will be returning to UKREiiF in 2023 with an even bigger delegation and exhibition space. Join them at the Harworth Regeneration Pavilion (Pavilion 7) for an extensive programme of thought-provoking panel sessions. Additionally, the company will host regional showcases and networking events, with some of the industry’s leading experts.”

Inspire Design & Development Ltd.

Gemma Inspire Design & Development - Chesterfield Champions

Colleagues at Inspire Design & Development Ltd. are excited to be attending this year’s showcase, which they believe promises to be even bigger and better.

Gemma Brewster, Commercial Executive commented: “At Inspire we are passionate about inspiring great places for people to live, work and play. A key part of our strategic approach to achieve this is collaboration. During the three-day event, we will be attending a number of fringe events in the city and holding meetings with new and existing connections.

“Not only will we be discussing future opportunities and building upon those relationships, but we will also be helping to raise the profile of Chesterfield by promoting our current projects in the area such as PEAK.

“We may be slightly biased, but we are very excited about the progress of this development as we feel Peak has the potential to dramatically increase the towns tourism offer which will help boost the Chesterfield economy and showcase the town. We are excited to see how the project evolves over the coming years.

Chesterfield Borough Council offers a free, efficient service to help you find the perfect premises for your business. Find out more about the range of available commercial opportunities in Chesterfield here.

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Full refurbishment completed at The HQ in Chesterfield

Leading property and asset management firm, FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), has completed all phases of a full refurbishment of The HQ, Rowland Hill House to reveal 44,000 sq ft of modern open-plan office space.

The £1.2m project has seen FIREM upgrade the former Royal Mail building to Grade A office space specifically designed for flexible working, offering bespoke and turnkey packages tailored to meet specific business needs and requirements.

After the completion of the first phase in April 2022, FIREM began a second phase of works to the ground and third floors, completing in February 2023.

The rise of hybrid working has created a shift in office requirements for businesses across the region, with The HQ pioneering a new approach in the Chesterfield business community.

Award-winning commercial vehicle hire company, Northgate Vehicle Hire, has recently signed a lease of 8,000 sq ft, alongside other tenants, Derbyshire Police and Reed in Partnership, demonstrating the diversified offering of the office facilities to suit a range of businesses.

Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FIREM commented: “The HQ’s office concept has never been seen before in Chesterfield and reflects the work we are doing to progress Chesterfield’s business offering in line with nearby cities.

“It is arguably the most competitive office product in the Chesterfield market, offering businesses a bespoke turnkey service from day one that can be modified to suit their changing needs and requirements.”

Modern, well connected office spaces are now available across Chesterfield. Regardless of your workspace requirements, from co-working and hotdesking to spacious offices for a large team, our aim is to make you as productive as possible.

To find out more about the wide range of office spaces on offer across the town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

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

The HQ reception

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Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group continues drive to promote skills & talent in the sector

Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group is continuing to address skills shortages in the sector by working in collaboration with the public sector and education providers.

This was evidenced recently at the town’s Employability and Skills Conference, which saw more than a hundred delegates discuss the current skills landscape in the town.

At the conference, Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group updated attendees on the exciting Construction Skills Hub, which is set to be developed in Mastin Moor.

The hub will provide a live learning environment for apprentices in the town, in order to help them gain vital skills and experience, helping people in Chesterfield build strong careers in the property and construction sector.

In the East Midlands, an extra 17,500 construction workers will be needed from 2023-2027, an annual requirement of 3,500 new workers every year.

We spoke to Andrew at the conference to get his thoughts on the current skills landscape across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, and how local organisations are working to meet the demand.

We’ve heard in recent times a lot about skills shortages in the property and construction sector. To what extent is this affecting the industry?

“One of the problems the property and construction sector faces at the moment, is that its workforce is getting older. We need to begin bringing in the next generation.

“The next generation can help us contribute towards solving the housing crisis, delivering the employment and industrial growth that we want to see in the country, and helping to deliver the physical, social and green infrastructure needed to help us meet that key target of net-zero by 2050.”

What can Chesterfield and North Derbyshire firms do to bring more skilled and talented people into their companies?

“We’ve been here at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Skills and Employability Conference today (Wednesday, 8th February), hearing from both the education sector and industry about the skills that are needed.

“My key message for people in industry and the property and construction sector, is to get involved!

“It is incumbent on us to actually make a difference, get involved and encourage people into what we do. We should be proud of it.”

For a young person, how rewarding can a career in the property and construction sector be?

“I absolutely love the business that I’m in and I love the property and construction sector. The people I meet, the problems I solve, and the fact that I’m part of teams that build the places that we live, work and play in.

“To come away from a project and know that you were actually a part of it, and that project is going to be there for years to come is a great feeling.”

Tell us about the partnership working taking place locally to encourage the growth of skills in the property and construction sectors.

“You’ll have heard a lot about the work that we’re doing as part of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group.

In the forum, we launched a pilot scheme for women in construction. That is a mentoring scheme where women who are already in the property and construction business, have been mentoring pupils in years 10 and 11 across local schools in Chesterfield.

The second way we’ve been making a difference is the work we have been doing with Parkside School. Members from the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group have been into the school, carrying out a speed networking session with the pupils to show them the range of careers and projects that we get involved in. We answered some of their questions and tried to light that spark so that they take more of an interest in what we do.

I’d also like to refer to the Construction Skills Hub that we’ve been working to deliver with Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby. This will be delivered on-site at Mastin Moor across the course of 2023.

New apprentices will be able to learn the skills that the industry needs at the moment, alongside what the industry is going to need in the future to hit those net-zero targets.”

With a range of regeneration projects taking place in Chesterfield currently, do you feel it’s an exciting time to get into the profession?

“The sector is always exciting, but it is particularly exciting in Chesterfield at the moment because there is so much going on.

You see the schemes at Chesterfield Waterside, the work that we’re doing over at Mastin Moor, work that we’re looking to do over at Markham Vale and the regeneration of Staveley.

There is an awful lot going on in Chesterfield at the moment, so it really is a great time. What I would say though, is that it is always a great time to be getting involved in the industry.

If you’re not building it, you’re usually planning for it or trying to solve the problems that make it happen, so the key thing is to get involved!”

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.

Find out more about the range of activities and initiatives being carried out by Chesterfield Property and Construction Group at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/

andrew byrne devonshire group

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Regeneration Award winner praises ‘collaborative effort’ on landmark housing project

The winner of the 2022 Love Chesterfield Award for Regeneration, which celebrates the built environment in Chesterfield, has heaped praise on the team who made it possible.

A collaborative project between Chesterfield Borough Council and Henry Boot Construction, Badger Croft is described as the ‘largest council housing development in a generation’ in Chesterfield. The £4.1m development has seen 21 brand-new properties constructed on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green.

The development is providing families with modern homes that have been designed for a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Increased levels of insulation throughout and electric vehicle charging points have been installed on properties with driveways to support lower carbon transport options.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are delighted that the Badger Croft development has been recognised and won the regeneration award at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards. The win really is a testament to all the hard work and dedication that has been put in by the council, alongside our partners, Henry Boot Construction.

“Badger Croft is the biggest council housing development of this generation in Chesterfield and marks a huge milestone in our efforts to increase the housing supply across the borough.

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

We recently caught up with Tony Shaw, Managing Director at Henry Boot Construction, to get the company’s reaction to winning the award…

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Tell us how pleased you are to have won the Regeneration Award at the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022!

We are delighted that Badger Croft won the Regeneration Award, the project was a collaborative effort between everyone involved which led to a brilliant end product, so it’s great to see the project recognised for its regenerative impact in Chesterfield. The Regeneration award is testament to the hard work of the team in transforming the area into quality housing for local families.

How exciting has the Badger Croft project been to work on as a company, and how much of a benefit has the project had on our local community?

As a company based in Dronfield, working on the project with Chesterfield Borough Council had a really local feeling and this was emphasised by our trusted supply chain, with the brickwork, joinery, plastering, plumbing, roofing and window installation all completed by subcontractors who were based within 20 miles of the site.

In conjunction with the Council, we worked closely with Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to implement key landscaping works in the surrounding area. These works were designed to enhance the attractiveness of the area and boost biodiversity. It included the creation of wildflower meadow paths, new wooden planters and fruit trees, all for the benefit of the local community.

Sustainable development is of upmost importance currently – Tell us about the measures you’ve put in place at Badger Croft to ensure the new homes are efficient.

As champions of sustainability, we completely understood the Council’s need for Badger Croft to take account of environmental issues and contribute to a greener future. The new homes were fitted with increased levels of insulation. These naturally warm and energy-efficient homes are not only better for the environment, but they also reduce the running costs for tenants – something that is extremely important in a period of rising living costs and fuel poverty. The homes also boast electric vehicle charging points in the driveways, helping to future-proof the development and encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.

With Chesterfield becoming an increasingly attractive place for young families, how vital is it that we create affordable housing to ensure continued growth in the town?

Projects like Badger Croft are of paramount importance to delivering Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increase the supply of affordable properties across the borough. The project is a prime example of how under-utilised brownfield land can be transformed into bright modern homes, not only providing a place for people to live and thrive, but improving the look and feel of the surrounding area. With a mix of 21 new accessible, efficient 3-4 bedroom homes, this is the largest council housing development in the borough since the 1980s. All the homes were added to the Council’s housing register and let to local families.

Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group works collaboratively with Chesterfield Borough Council to highlight the town’s ongoing regeneration. Why is creating strong relationships between public and private sector so important?

Chesterfield is a hive of regeneration activity and it is brilliant to see a number of other exciting completed and on-going projects constantly improving Chesterfield’s offer. We believe in nurturing a collaborative approach across all our operations – by building strong relationships with all our public and private sector partners, all parties benefit from increased expertise and open communication, ensuring the Badger Croft project proceeded smoothly. The final result was only possible through an open culture of strong engagement between Henry Boot, its specialist consultants and supply chain and the team at Chesterfield Borough Council.

Find out more about the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Property and Construction Group, which brings 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

https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/ 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Love Chesterfield Awards, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Woodall Homes to expand footprint with £10 million funding boost

A North Derbyshire housebuilder has secured a £10m funding package from Lloyds Bank to help ramp up activity and capitalise on the growing demand for new homes.

Family-run Woodall Homes, headquartered in Barlborough near Chesterfield, delivers high-quality homes across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. It has recently developed new properties in nearby Mansfield, Tansley and Bolsover.

Founded in 2011, Woodall will use the funding from Lloyds Bank to increase its number of active sites, expand its footprint across the region and maintain high-quality development across its portfolio.

The homes that Woodall delivers range from two-bed to large family homes and have a strong emphasis on premium-quality finishes. With each property tailored to its location, they are designed to complement local surroundings and are built with sustainability embedded in the construction process.

The firm’s turnover has grown by 25% over the last three years, with Woodall completing 60 homes in the last financial year. Woodall is now aiming to break the 100-home mark this year, with a view to completing 250 homes a year within the next five years. To bolster this growth, the business is looking to recruit five additional staff over the next year.

In December 2020, Woodall received a £4.25m investment from BGF. This created a step change in the aspirations of the group to accelerate acquisition of land in prime locations, and to increase development activity and building output. Finding the right banking partner to support future growth aspirations was the next natural step in the group’s evolution.

Experienced non-executive chairman Derek Mapp has also recently joined Woodall’s Board as it seeks to scale and drive quality. Mapp currently holds the same role at outsourcing group Mitie and has also held chair positions at the East Midlands Development Agency and Sport England.

Ian Grundy, CFO at Woodall Homes, said: “As the demand for housing continues to increase, we want to ensure that Woodall Homes is in the best position it can be to deliver the premium homes that the Midlands and South Yorkshire need.

“We’re doing this by adding fresh talent to our team, and also by working with experienced banking partners such as Lloyds Bank. Their know-how and understanding in this area meant that they immediately bought into our building ethos and ambition to drive quality. The funding from Lloyds Bank opens many new doors in terms of development for the business and I am excited to see where this will allow us to take the company in the future.”

Jeremy Prentice, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Woodall Homes is an excellent example of a business that’s investing smartly and capitalising on demand. Housing is always high on communities’ agendas, and there’s huge demand from families looking for green space following the pandemic.

“Investing in growth, where possible, is a strong way of mitigating current inflationary challenges. We’re committed to helping firms like Woodall target growth and achieving their ambitions, and we’re excited to be by the businesses side as they target this.”

Woodall Homes 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, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

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