£1 million boost for regeneration project near Chesterfield
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/
