connectivity

Data shows a surge of interest from commuters eyeing up homes in Chesterfield

Interest in homes in and around Chesterfield has seen a significant rise, with data showing a jump in the number of commuters looking to relocate to the town.

New data from the UK’s biggest property website Rightmove reveals that the return to the office for many workers has led to a jump in buyer searches for commuter stations, with searches for Chesterfield going up by 30% between June 2021 and August 2021.

The analysis compares buyer searches for stations across Great Britain in June 2021 with August 2021, to measure the impact of the gradual return to the office, which has been encouraged by the government since July.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The recent Right Move data is pleasing but not surprising. We have long known and appreciated the town’s connectivity. It is this which has been fundamental in the borough attracting more than £1 billion worth of construction projects which are currently underway.

“Chesterfield’s mainline rail station serves the town well. As Sheffield house prices have increased to a level which challenges affordability, the market in Chesterfield, being just 10 miles away by train from the UK’s fourth largest city, is benefitting.

“Having this station puts London St Pancras just 1hr and 50 mins away, and Nottingham just 40 minutes away which is ideal for commuters. The reality of this is you can get to central London by rail from Chesterfield in the same amount of time it takes someone to commute from 30 miles away!

“Demand for housing is strong, particularly close to the railway station. At Avant Homes Waterside Quarter development at Chesterfield Waterside, buyers are attracted by the fact they don’t need a car to live there as the train station is on their doorstep. This benefits everyone, not least Chesterfield Borough Council’s drive to become carbon neutral.

“It is exciting to see Chesterfield Borough Council investing significantly in the future of the railway station. The new station master plan, the first such scheme since 1870, will transform not merely the approach to the station but the whole of the north-eastern edge of the town centre, helping the town attract more residents and investment.”

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data comments: “More people are starting to return to the office for at least a few days a week, and so quick routes into major cities are rising up the priority list again.

“While the demand to relocate or search for more space has by no means gone away, the numbers suggest that this will need to be balanced with easy transport access on office days, which has understandably been lower on the agenda for many over the last eighteen months.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Fabric hearts keep patients and families connected at Ashgate Hospicecare

Ashgate Hospicecare has introduced fabric hearts to help keep families connected during the Coronaviurs pandemic.

The hand sewn hearts are made in matching fabric, with one kept by the patient and the other given to the family member. The charity is hoping that this will provide comfort to those who are unable to visit the hospice and encourage feelings of togetherness during a time when so many are apart.

Arlene Honeyman, Head of Supportive Care at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “This has been a really difficult year for so many of us. This is especially true for our patients and their families who are hoping to create precious memories in the time they have left together.

“The hearts are a beautiful way to let someone know that your heart is missing theirs. Sometimes the only safe connection is by a video call, if both hearts are shown then this is a compassionate and powerful visual way to connect and remind the other person that you are sending them your love and that you remain connected.”

The hand sewn hearts were donated by Shelagh’s Sewing Circle, a volunteer group in the Dronfield area founded and led by Shelagh Cheetham, 63, who is a retired teacher. Her now 200-strong volunteer group has also made and donated more than 66,000 face masks to key workers and frontline staff in the local community, as well as across the UK since March of 2020.

With the demand for masks reducing, the group was determined to continue providing support in the local community and Shelagh knew exactly where they could start.

Shelagh said: “I’ve been a firm supporter of Ashgate since my father-in-law was cared for at the hospice 12-years ago. I am honoured to be able to give something back to such an amazing organisation and to know that I am helping people during the darkest times of their lives.”

“Needing the support of the hospice can be such a difficult time in a person’s life, as they learn to live with an uncertain future. It can be hard for the family to visit their loved ones and then go home each day without them. The hearts are something they can carry with them, even after their loved one has died and know that someone cares.

“This is something both me and my volunteers are very passionate about.”

The group is now working towards building a charity that helps combat loneliness and isolation in the local community through the medium of crafting and creativity.

The fabric hearts will also be available across the charity’s 14 shops to offer comfort and support to grieving relatives donating their loved one’s possessions.

Julia Hewerdine, Manager of the Donation Centre at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “In the present climate, it can be very difficult accepting a donation from a bereaved customer. It’s human nature to want to hug a person who is sometimes crying or showing raw emotion.

“You must try and console them with words and that doesn’t always feel enough. It can be heart-breaking to be stood in front of someone who is emotional and not be able to reach out to offer that support.

“The hearts will allow us to spread kindness and provide us with a new way to offer comfort in these difficult times. It is something that they can take away with them as a reminder that they are not alone.”

To find out how you can support Ashgate Hospicecare, go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

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