Wingerworth Archives - Destination Chesterfield

£1 million boost for regeneration project near Chesterfield

7th January 2025

North East Derbyshire District Council’s The Avenue regeneration project is to receive up to £1m thanks to funding secured from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), which sees the project as an important part of building new and affordable homes and regeneration of brownfield land.

The project, located in Wingerworth, aims to transform a former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use development with over 100 affordable homes to be built on brownfield land.

The Avenue, a nationally recognised brownfield regeneration project, has already seen significant investment, transforming the area from one of Europe’s most polluted sites into a nature reserve and mixed-use development.

The Council has been working with partners EMCCA, Homes England and Derbyshire County Council to deliver the project.

A key challenge has been finding a viable solution for the Mill Lane junction, off the A61 Derby Road, which provides access to the southern part of the site.

The Council commissioned a study by WSP UK Ltd. that recommended a signalised junction as a more cost-effective and technically sound solution. This alternative, supported by Derbyshire County Council, eliminates the need for third-party land acquisition and unlocks the Taylor Wimpey development.

The funding will be used to provide access to the site, unlocking its potential and completion of the southern access part of The Avenue project will bring many benefits to the district, including:

Economic benefits: construction jobs, increased local spending and investment attraction.

Environmental benefits: brownfield redevelopment, improved green spaces and sustainable design.

Housing benefits: delivery of approximately 363 new homes, including 120 affordable units.

Infrastructure improvements: upgraded roads, new utilities and a new school site.

Biodiversity net gain: creation of new habitats.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Jayne Barry said, “We are delighted to receive this funding to help unlock the potential of this site.

“This was one of the most polluted sites in Europe and I am proud of the work that we have done to regenerate the site which is now home to new properties and this funding will help deliver over 100 affordable homes, new infrastructure, jobs, economic growth and more for North East Derbyshire.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The Avenue at Wingerworth is an ambitious project – one we want to support. It’s transformation from a polluted unused area into a mixed-use site has been great. They are bringing the community and nature back into that space.

“This funding will go towards supporting the project so they can expand further and have more development opportunities in the future.

“Sites like The Avenue are vital for boosting both the local and regional economy, so we want to support the work they are already achieving here in North East Derbyshire by investing in the project.”

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

Banner Jones Solicitors supports grassroots football

3rd September 2021

Banner Jones Solicitors has announced it has become the new season kit sponsor for the Wingerworth Bulls under 7’s football team.

The Wingerworth Bulls are part of the Wingerworth Junior Sports Association (WJSA) that was formed in 1986 by Geoff Lord.

During the 1985 football season the school fixtures had been temporarily suspended, so a group of local lads, led by his son, approached Geoff Lord with a plea to arrange a game of football. Geoff told them to get the names together of 15 boys aged 13 and he would see what he could do. 36 years later, Geoff Lord remains the club president and child welfare officer and the club continues to grow year on year.

In 1996 they played their first game on The Avenue in Wingerworth, and although the area that has changed significantly in recent years, the WJSA continue to play football there.

The under 7’s coach, Craig Mann says: “WJSA is committed to making football accessible for all, regardless of ability, gender or background. Everyone is welcome at WJSA.

“Our core values are to create an enjoyable and positive experience of football, with the main focus at this age being confidence on the ball. The club enables children of all ages to participate in football in a fun, educational and safe environment.

This is the first season for my under 7’s team and I am really looking forward to seeing them grow. We train every Monday evening at The Avenue, and we will play games in the North Derbyshire Youth Football League on Saturdays.’

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Banner Jones added: “As a firm we are big supporters of grassroots sport and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to sponsor the new shirts. The son of one of our Solicitors plays in the team, so we look forward to getting regular updates of their progress through the season. We’d like to take this opportunity to wish the team and the WJSA the best of luck this coming season.”

Banner Jones supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.