Author: Dom Stevens

Local people urged to back the call for sprinklers in new-build developments

26th February 2019

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) is urging people throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to back the London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) call for a change in the law, which would see sprinklers fitted in more new-build residential developments.

The call follows the Grenfell Tower disaster in June 2017, where a fire at the London tower block led to the death of 72 people.

LFB wants all purpose-built residential blocks to have sprinklers installed, irrespective of height. Currently, in England, sprinklers are only a legal requirement in new residential blocks taller than 30 metres.

Worryingly, England is behind Wales where sprinkler legislation is concerned. In Wales, sprinklers have been required in all new houses and flats since 1 January 2017 under Wales, Part B (Fire Safety) – New Building Regulation 37A (1) (c).

The Government is currently consulting on building regulations that include a crucial section on sprinklers.

DBCP, which is the recommended provider of building control services in Derbyshire, is now joining LFB by emailing MPs across Derbyshire to urge them to change the law on sprinklers to make people and buildings in England safer.

David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP commented: “I fully support this move and would urge any developer to install sprinklers as a matter of course rather than waiting for a change in law. They are not as ugly as they used to be and can be made to look very discrete these days.

“Sprinklers should be installed in all flats and apartments no matter what the cost – you can’t put a price on people being safe in their own home.”

To support the call for all new build development to include sprinkler systems, simply email your MP and tell them you want sprinklers to be mandatory in:

all buildings housing vulnerable residents like care homes
all purpose-built blocks of flats over six storeys
all homes where vulnerable people live.

You can find the email address of your local MP at www.writetothem.com

Posted in Business

The Oldest Civic Theatre in the Country turns 70

26th February 2019

There were celebrations at the Pomegranate Theatre as the popular venue, owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council, celebrates its 70^th anniversary.

A reception was held where actors, directors, writers, regular customers and Chesterfield Theatre Friends mingled with councillors and theatre staff to celebrate the achievements of the last 70 years.

Then known as Chesterfield Civic Theatre, the theatre was opened by well-known film and stage actress Kathleen Harrison on 19 February 1949.

It was the first civic theatre in the country following legislation brought in by Atlee’s post-war Government and was originally a repertory theatre offering a new show each week.

Among the original company of actors was Peter Sallis, best known for playing Clegg in Last of the Summer Wine and for voicing Wallace and Gromit. Other actors to tread the boards in the early years include Dame Penelope Keith, best known for The Good Life and To the Manor Born and John Challis, known as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses.

Chesterfield Borough Council continues to own and maintain the venue, which was extensively refurbished in 2014 with funding from the council and Arts Council England.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are proud of the history of the Pomegranate Theatre which has entertained so many people from Chesterfield and beyond for the last 70 years.

“We are also proud to fund and maintain the theatre, which with its programme of drama, comedy, dance and film continues to go from strength to strength – here’s to the next 70 years.”

The theatre is currently hosting a repertory season to commemorate the anniversary. To book, visit: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

An exhibition celebrating the history of the theatre as well as the 25^th anniversary of Chesterfield Museum and the 140^th anniversary of the Stephenson Memorial Hall where they are both housed is currently open at the museum on St Mary’s Gate.

The museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, Admission is free but donations are welcome to cover the cost of events.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Whittam Cox designed scheme gets planning permission

26th February 2019

Proposals, designed by Chesterfield Champions, Whittam Cox, for a new Build to Rent scheme at Wicker Island have been given the go ahead from Sheffield City Council.

The proposed development, designed on behalf of developers Brickland, will comprise three interconnected blocks that will deliver 268 apartments with commercial space, parking and residents amenity space fronting onto the River Don.

Located on the northern city gateway, the scheme is a contextual response to the conservation area, listed buildings opposite the site and to new developments across the River Don.

Careful consideration of massing and design has been recognised as the planning officer’s report noted the scheme has strong architectural references to the church creating a positive relationship that will enhance the setting of both the listed buildings and the conservation area.

Director at Whittam Cox Architects, Ian Lowson, commented, “We’re delighted to be working with Brickland, Liv Group and the wider team on such a significant scheme in Sheffield. Our Build to Rent portfolio continues to grow along with our expertise in this ever evolving multi layered sector.”

“The scheme will bring a large, strategic, riverside site back into use and help to meet the City’s housing needs by providing high quality homes in a convenient and easily accessible location.”

Darren Leary, Chief Operating Officer at Brickland, added, “We’re pleased to see plans have been approved and we look forward to working closely with the team in progressing the procurement phase of the scheme, as we work towards a site start in the summer.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Early bird opens for Ashgate Hospicecare’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk 2019

25th February 2019

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk is back with a bang! This year it will be held on Saturday 6th July starting at 10pm. Take full advantage of the early bird offer of only £10 ending on Friday 22^nd March at midnight.

Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event keeps growing year on year and, last year, saw over 2,500 people come together to raise over £200,000 for those in need of hospice care.

Ebony and Sam, from Fresh Ideas on Chatsworth Road, spoke to the team at Ashgate Hospicecare about why they are walking the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk. They said: “We’ve been walking the Sparkle Night Walk for four years and the atmosphere is always very happy, especially near the main stage when everybody’s lining up and they’re all jolly and eager to get going.

Whether you’re a business or a group of friends, just sign up! Absolutely anybody can do the Sparkle Night Walk – no excuses!”

Jack Wood, Events Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said “This year’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk promises to be the best one yet. There is so much more going on this year and we can’t wait to surprise you with what we have in store.

Thousands of walkers donned their pink t-shirts and bunny ears last year and raised vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare. It was a night to remember. We can’t wait to see those familiar faces and new ones this year!”

Thousands of local people gave fantastic feedback on last year’s event. Eileen Lowe, from Matlock in Derbyshire, said, “What an amazing night. Walking down the bypass was surreal, the atmosphere was electric. Thanks to all the volunteers & public who cheered us on. Such a worthwhile cause!”

Maggie Harrison, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, said, “I had never done the night walk before but now I have made it an annual event in my calendar. (Excuse the pun but) it was a very moving experience. Beautiful!”

Are you interested in Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event? Registration for the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk 2019 on Saturday 6th July is now open. If you register before Friday 22rd March you will receive our Early Bird Discount, reducing entry to JUST £10 per person.

You can enter online at https://sparklenightwalk.org.uk/ or by phoning the events team on 01246 233404.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Second annual Street Food & Grooves Festival announced

25th February 2019

The Street Food and Grooves Festival is back for the second year and after the successful launch in 2018, this year is set to be even bigger and better.

The festival will kick oﬀ with it’s opening night on Friday 10th May with a selection of bars, a choice of hot food and a fantastic line up of some the area’s best live music. The whole weekend will be free entry and organisers have insisted everyone is welcome to come down to the town centre and join in.

Set in the heart of Chesterﬁeld town centre, the weekend is set to have a real celebratory feel with lots of things going on including live music, children’s activities, seating areas and for the food fans there will be a huge choice of delicious food and drink.

On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May, trading will start at 9am and there, you will ﬁnd a plethora of diﬀerent hot and cold street food to sample, including vegan and vegetarian as well as artisan alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. As part of the event, the New Market Place will be open with traders selling crepes, olives, preserves and other cold food.

In the New Square arena hot food traders will be selling food from around the world and bars, all selling from their own unique trailers and gazebos.

All of this will be accompanied by a line up of talented local singers, duos, trios and bands on the ‘Soundbytes stage’ on the arena.

The festival is organised by Chesterﬁeld company Edge Events and co-organiser Laura Ashby states, “We are so excited to be announcing the second year of the Street Food and Grooves Festival and hope people will travel from near and far to support this growing event.”

“Being from Chesterﬁeld ourselves we are passionate in delivering high quality events which will be enjoyed by the whole family. We just love the fact that people are embracing the bubbling food and drink scene in Chesterﬁeld and we are excited to organise a festival which can bring people together to celebrate the talents of regional food producers and musicians.”

In the run up to the weekend you’ll be able to ﬁnd out more information here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Visiting

New speculative industrial unit at Markham Vale is completed

25th February 2019

A new 15,000 sq. ft industrial unit at Markham Vale in Chesterfield has been completed.

The new industrial unit located just off J29A of the M1 has been developed by Priority Space and provides a secure, self-contained yard area and integral offices, available for sale or lease.

It is suitable for a company looking for new headquarters or a regional hub which provides access to the motorway.

The unit follows the completion of phase one of Wilson Business Park, developed by Priority Space to provide 13 units for small to medium sized businesses and is now fully occupied.

Wilson Business Park sits within the Markham Vale flagship regeneration zone which is a 200-acre business and distribution park.

Priority Space, based in Barnsley, delivers commercial property schemes across the UK. It works closely with local authorities and partners to ensure the spaces are designed to meet the needs of businesses and communities.

Lee Buchanan, co-director at Priority Space, said: “We are pleased to complete the second phase of this development which provides large warehousing space to an area where there is demand. We have seen a great deal of interest in the site and hope to secure an occupant very soon.

“The development of Wilson Business Park has enabled Markham Vale to become one of the biggest commercial parks in the region and we’re proud to have contributed towards that.”

Priority Space is working with letting agents Commercial Property Partners (CPP), which has offices in Nottingham and Sheffield, to find occupiers for the new development.

Stuart Waite, partner at CPP, said: “We are delighted to see the build complete and excited to commence this next phase of our marketing campaign. Priority Space has delivered a high-quality building in a market which is starved of high-quality supply. We already have a strong enquiry list and have commenced viewings of the property.”

Wilson Business Park is built on the site of the former Markham Colliery. It was named in honour of Johnny Wilson who died while working on the site as a miner in 1987. Markham Vale is an employment-led scheme delivered by Henry Boot in partnership with Derbyshire County Council.

Discover commercial property in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

University awarded contract to help challenging schools recruit and retain teachers in East Midlands

25th February 2019

The University of Derby is being supported by the Department for Education (DfE) to help increase the supply of trainee teachers to schools with poor recruitment and retention in the Midlands.

Funding from the DfE will be used to support a new initial teacher training pilot initiative, led by the Institute of Education at the University, which aims to improve the supply of newly qualified teachers to schools in challenging areas, promote career progression, and remove obstacles to social mobility.

The Partners for Progress project will be delivered over three years, and will involve implementing an extensive outreach programme in a number of diverse category 3 and 4 primary schools across the Midlands region, in-school taster days, recruitment and information events within local communities, as well as offering work experience for trainee teachers at the University within these schools.

Dr Mohammed Jakhara, Acting Head of the Institute of Education at the University of Derby, said: “We believe overall teacher supply from our local communities in greatest need requires development, but for some schools this can be a challenge. Myths around performance and previous Ofsted reports can deter candidates from applying to a particular school.”

“Our Primary Education provision at the University of Derby is one of high quality and we want to develop that further. We already work with many schools and this extra funding from the DfE will enable us to extend our partnerships and support important additional developments.”

As part of the government’s national social mobility action plan, the DfE intends to incentivise Outstanding Initial Teacher Training providers to expand their provision in challenging areas for teacher recruitment.

The University of Derby, which is rated Outstanding for teaching training by Ofsted, was invited to apply for the funding and was successful.

Dr Jakhara said the project will involve trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers, as well as existing teachers and head teachers – supporting them through training and leadership to help aid career progression.

He added: “We know the quality of education children receive has a lifelong impact on them, and, as educators, we want to ensure this impact is a positive one.”

“At the University of Derby, we are developing first-class professionals who will inspire and lead education in the 21^st century, support teachers to stay in those schools, and build on school improvement.”

In October 2016, Derby was identified as an Opportunity Area – an area where the DfE is prioritising resources, and bringing local and national partners together, to address challenges of social mobility and ensure all children can reach their full potential.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, is Chair of the Derby Opportunity Area Partnership Board. She said: “At Derby we champion social mobility and strive to inspire and create opportunities for all across our region and beyond, regardless of age, background or location.

“We believe in the transformational nature of education, so to receive support from the DfE to enable us to help open more doors and ensure children receive the high quality education they deserve is fantastic.”

The University will be working with seven schools across the Midlands as part of the project to tackle social mobility.

School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said: “The University of Derby has an excellent track record of recruiting talented people into the teaching profession, further building on the 450,000 teachers already in our schools. This extra funding will boost the number of teachers training in the areas that need them most, equipping them with the skills to help every child fulfil their potential.”

“This follows the launch of the first-ever teacher recruitment and retention strategy – setting out the Government’s plans to increase the number of teachers and make sure teaching remains the attractive and worthwhile profession it has always been by freeing up teachers to focus on teaching.”

The University of Derby is the 13th best university in the UK for teaching quality, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 league table.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Annual Celebrate Chesterfield event to update town on Vicar Lane transformation

22nd February 2019

The latest developments at Chesterfield’s Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will be unveiled at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Wednesday 20 March 2019 by the centre’s new owner ALTERIS.

Bert Broadhead, Director at ALTERIS is one of the confirmed speakers at the event which is being held at the Winding Wheel.

The town’s shopping centre, which attracts more than three million visitors every year, is set to be transformed and revitalised following its recent sale to property fund ALTERIS.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of the Chesterfield Borough Council, will also be speaking at the event, which is expected to attract nearly 300 delegates. Mr Bowen will be updating on the progress the town is making with multi-million pound commercial and residential developments, including Northern Gateway, which recently got the go-ahead for construction to begin on a new enterprise centre.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its ninth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest and most hotly anticipated business events in the area.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s been a great start to the year for Chesterfield and we’ve got some exciting things ahead. The recent announcement of the transformation of Vicar Lane is just one of the things we are going to be talking about at the event, as well as the town’s other major developments, including Chesterfield Waterside and Northern Gateway.”

“Celebrate Chesterfield is a great opportunity for the town’s business community to come together, not only to celebrate the town’s success, but to look forward to future plans. We have a lot to look forward to in 2019 and we are eager to share our plans with the town at the Winding Wheel.”

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale – Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, as associate sponsors.

Julie Stone – Associate Pro Vice Chancellor External Affairs, University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be working with Destination Chesterfield and supporting the Celebrate Chesterfield event again this year.”

“As Derbyshire’s only university we look to use our academic expertise, research and innovation to foster talent and create impactful partnerships with businesses. The Celebrate Chesterfield event provides a great opportunity for us to have valuable conversations that enable us to understand more about the challenges local businesses face. Our priority remains to understand and effectively service the needs of businesses and to create opportunities for individuals, employers and communities to develop and flourish.”

Ian Snow, Managing Director at Central Technology, added: “Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us at Central Technology. Having been established and working in Chesterfield with year on year growth for over 16 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection. 2019 is a big year for Central Technology. We have recently moved to a new 11,000 sq ft office to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.”

“With a key focus on staff training and development, we now have dedicated training facilities and test labs for technical learning time. By attracting excellent technicians and developing our local apprenticeship scheme, we will be able to continue to provide the excellent service our customers expect. The event is a great opportunity for us to meet and work with like-minded mid-market organisations that are keen to grow business in Chesterfield and make it a great location to both work and live.”

Henry Boot Developments (HBD), development partner for the Markham Vale site, will also be attending the event. Vivienne Clements, Director at HBD Sheffield, added: “We are now in our tenth year of development at Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, Markham Vale, and our partnership with Derbyshire County Council has brought about continued economic growth to the Chesterfield area and beyond.

“2018 saw us maintain 1,600 jobs at Markham Vale, along with securing 164,500sq ft of new commercial space for three global businesses: Protec International, Sterigenics and Grangers International. Our goals for 2019 are to continue to attract both local, national and international companies to the scheme.”

“Business development and employment creation within this region has always been a key focus for the partnership and we are set to achieve another successful year. The Celebrate Chesterfield event is a chance for us to develop our business relationships in the local area and explore exciting opportunities with those looking for high-quality, purpose-built premises.”

Tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11:00am, and includes an exhibition with 28 businesses, are available to book now.

To book your ticket at the event, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Town WI to welcome new members

22nd February 2019

Chesterfield Town WI is now accepting new members for 2019.

Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at Chesterfield Studios on Rose Hill. The next meeting will be held on the 5th of March and the speaker for the night will be Helen from Jetsam Yoga who will be demonstrating some gentle exercise and mindfulness techniques.

Chesterfield Town WI welcomes all women from the age of 18 from all walks of life. Visitors are encouraged to come along to try a meeting before joining as a member. Visitors are asked for £5 donation.

Chesterfield Town WI opened in April 2014 and quickly grew to nearly 55 members. Now as it nears its 5^th birthday, many of the founding members are still involved and the group has proved to be a popular WI with a varied schedule of events.

Bex Atkinson (27), President of Chesterfield Town WI says “Joining the WI has kick-started my social life after moving back from University. I’ve made new friends locally and its given me lots of new opportunities, experiences and skills – from camping to wine tasting, bingo to public speaking and joining the Processions march in London to celebrate the centenary of some women getting the vote!”

Member, Clodagh Cahill (28) says of the WI “Having moved to Chesterfield when my daughter was 6 months old, I struggled to get to know people in the area and to settle here. Joining the WI changed that, I suddenly had one night a month that was mine, and I was Clodagh, not mummy. I also joined the committee fairly soon after and credit the WI with changing my outlook on Chesterfield.”

Anyone wishing to find out more should email chesterfieldtownwi@gmail.com or visit their Chesterfield Town WI Facebook page and send a message.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Ringwood Suite receives transformation refurbishment

22nd February 2019

The Ringwood Suite at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in Chesterfield held its first large event last week after being closed during January for a full refurbishment.

The Ringwood Suite part of the Grade II listed Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa is the main Ball Room, located in the original building. Although the exact year cannot be stated when the hall was originally built, documentary evidence exists to prove that Ringwood Hall stood from 1809, even then the Ringwood Suite served to be the Ball Room for the family of the house.

During January, the Suite has been lovingly restored with original ceiling detail being highlighted within the new paintwork, new carpets, flooring, patio heaters, chairs, new statement mirrors and a stunning draped domed feature with creates the perfect ambiance. The suite has many uses including, weddings, birthday celebrations and conferences and can cater for up to 250 guests. Find out more.

Rona Davies, General Manager said “We are thrilled to have been able to restore and revive the Ringwood Suite. It has been 9 years since its last refurbishment and it’s fantastic to be able to add the modern touches to this traditional room. The team and I are loving our guest’s reactions to the changes”

For further information on Ringwood Suite please call the hotel on 01246 280077.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire schools to receive Japanese Sakura cherry trees

21st February 2019

Schools across the county are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to apply to receive a free Sakura Cherry Tree to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK.

Cherry Trees for Schools is coordinated by The Japan Society as part of a large nationwide project which aims to donate and plant more than 4,000 Cherry Trees in parks and public spaces in 2020 to mark the Japan-UK Season of Culture between 2019 and 2020.

Last year Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and South Derbyshire District Council celebrated their 20-year twinning partnership with Toyota City in Japan.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to be backing the Sakura Cherry Tree Planting Project and we hope Derbyshire schools apply for their own planting.”

“We’ve built a strong relationship with Japan over the years and we’ll be strengthening our relationship further in the years ahead by improving our educational, environmental, economic and sporting links.”

Schools interested in applying for a Cherry Tree planting can apply on the Japan Society website.

The preliminary closing date for applications is Thursday 28 February 2019. Schools unable to apply by this date are advised to email education@japansociety.org.uk to confirm eligibility. The trees are being funded through donations from the Japanese private sector.

The Japan-UK Season of Culture, with activity in both Japan and the UK, celebrates the friendship of the two countries, and will provide an opportunity for people in both countries to explore each other’s cultures and technologies between the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For further information, please contact the Japan Society on education@japansociety.org.uk or call 020 7935 0475.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting