About Chesterfield

Chesterfield architect named one of the UK’s top architects for the third consecutive year

National design practice Whittam Cox are celebrating their ranking as a UK Top Architect for the third consecutive year.

The company, based in Chesterfield, and involved in major residential and retail projects across the Sheffield region, was placed 81st in the elite list, according to the AJ100, an industry survey compiled by leading publication Architects Journal.

The latest ranking improves on last year’s performance, and sees Whittam Cox Architects positioned alongside other top practices such as Foster and Partners, BDP, Sheppard Robson, Allies and Morrison and others.

It reinforces the award-winning reputation of the company, which is one of largest architects practices based in the East Midlands and Yorkshire region.

Whittam Cox’s local portfolio includes the Boundary Corner development of apartments and a new club shop at the Cherry Street/Shoreham Street corner of Sheffield United’s stadium, St James Retail Park on the site of the former Norton College, student accommodation in Matilda Street in Sheffield city centre, a residential development in Kelham Island and updating the masterplan for Chesterfield town centre.

Nick Riley, Board Director at Whittam Cox, commented:-

“We are on an incredible journey of evolution at Whittam Cox Architects. We are diversifying and growing in many new sectors. Our long-standing retail led activity remains really important to us, but over the last few years we have been active in new markets such as residential, student living, education, offices and commercial development.

This year has been a particularly exciting time for Whittam Cox, formerly WCEC. The launch of their rebrand in February saw a refreshing of their image to better reflect the company today – conveying a stronger message about the values of the practice and internally reinforcing an exceptional team culture.

Current appointments/projects for Whittam Cox Architects further afield include multiple framework accounts for major retailers, a large mixed-use development Gloucester, residential schemes at Royal Wharf in London and Middlewood Locks in Greater Manchester and national student accommodation schemes.

architect

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Local Hospice becomes main charity partner for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that they have been named as this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon main charity partner.

The event, which will take place this year on Sunday 22nd October, will be supported by Ashgate Hospicecare who will refund runners their entry fee if over £100 sponsorship is raised for the Hospice.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:-

“I am delighted to be the first person to sign up for this amazing event. Ashgate Hospicecare is a very important and vital charity for the people of Chesterfield. The half marathon is another fantastic event to add to the Chesterfield calendar.”

Esther Preston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Ashgate Hospicecare, who will also be taking part in the event, said:-

“I am so pleased to be chosen for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield half marathon.”

“At this moment in time, there are 16 families a week in North Derbyshire who need hospice care but can’t access it. Ashgate Hospicecare needs to recruit more nurses and events like this will make it easier for us to reach everyone who needs us.”

“We know the tremendous difference hospice care makes to families like Benji’s and hope people across North Derbyshire will get involved with this event to ensure no one has to go without the support they need.”

John Bennett was diagnosed with skin and lung cancer in 2006 and was later referred to Ashgate Hospicecare. John, affectionately known by his family and friends as Benji, received care in his own home before being admitted to the hospice’s Inpatient Unit where he later died. He was 51. His son, Matt Bennett, shares his experience of the time he spent at Ashgate.

Matt says:-

“My dad stayed on the hospice’s ward for a week before he died. That week’s stay was, for us as a family, a relief. He died with dignity which we can’t thank Ashgate Hospicecare enough for. But it wasn’t just the way they treated him, it was the way they treated his friends and family too – especially my mum. Without them, we didn’t have the knowledge we needed to support him.”

There has already been interest from numerous runners across Chesterfield so make sure to sign up as soon as possible. Ashgate Hospicecare will support all runners with their fundraising as well as provide running vests.

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik, said:-

“Being involved in Chesterfield is something which is extremely important to us. We started our business four years ago and the town has been receptive to us so we really wanted to put something back into the community. Especially supporting local charities like Ashgate Hospicecare, which is such a phenomenal charity that helps so many people.

“We encourage all local businesses in the area to get behind this event, run for Ashgate Hospicecare and raise as much money as they can for this wonderful charity.”

Race director John Timms from MLS Contracts added:-

“We are really pleased to be working with Ashgate Hospice as our main charity partner for the next five years. The Hospice provides such an important service for the families in the region and the team and staff at Ashgate have already proven to be very valuable partners to the half marathon. We look forward to helping the Ashgate raise more money for its much needed services.”

If you would like to sign up for this year’s Redbrik Chesterfield half marathon, register here for just £18 and make a huge difference to patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Ashgate Hopsice also need over 200 marshals cheering on the runners as they take on the route. Is this something you could help with? If so, please contact their events team at events@ashgatehospicescare.org.uk or call us on 01246 233404.

Chesterfield Half Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Joanne Clifton and Ben Adams to star in Flashdance at Pomegranate Theatre

Flashdance – The Musical returns to the UK for the first time since 2011 starring Strictly favourite Joanne Clifton and singer-songwriter Ben Adams, and will arrive at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield on Wed 8 – Sat 11 November 2017.

Strictly Come Dancing Champion Joanne Clifton is no stranger to being at the top, as she is also a World & European Champion ballroom dancer, and is one of very few pro dancers to have won both the main Strictly glitter ball with Ore Oduba last year and the Christmas Special in 2015 with Harry Judd.

She is now excited to take on her latest starring role as Alex Owens in the UK Tour of Flashdance. Joanne says:-

“This is just another dream come true! I think everyone in the world whether dancer or non-dancer, as soon as they hear ‘What a Feeling’, remember that iconic scene at the end of the film and I’m so incredibly lucky that I get to do that every night in a UK TOUR along with fabulous numbers like “She’s a Maniac.” I’m over the moon!

“It’s another amazing opportunity in my musical theatre career and I can once again sing and act alongside dancing! I just hope the water’s not too cold when it falls on me!’

Ben Adams who will join Joanne on stage as Nick Hurley has been singing and performing since the age of 8. At 16, he became the lead singer of the band a1, who racked up 10 million record sales, 2 UK number ones, 5 studio albums and toured throughout the world, winning a Brit award among many others.

When the band split, Ben took to the studio and is now a successful song writer and producer, working with the likes of Robin Thicke, Craig David, JLS, Ward Thomas, Sam Bailey, Boyzone and Alexandra Burke to name but a few. He also reached the final of Celebrity Big Brother, the Norwegian version of Strictly Come Dancing, and Master Chef in Denmark. As well as writing for other artists, he went straight to number 1 in the itunes charts with his classical album titled One Beautiful Mourning. His first solo album 1981 will be launched early 2018.

In 2010, a1 reformed and having successfully completed stadium tours in Asia and 68 sold out arena concerts across Europe, they starred in The Big Reunion on ITV2 and played arenas across the country.  They continue to tour throughout the world.

Ben says of taking to the stage in Flashdance:-

“It’s amazing to be part of such an iconic story, and as an 80’s child I was brought up on this music so I couldn’t be happier playing Nick in the theatre production of Flashdance.

“Whilst I continue with my own music career and touring with a1, Musical Theatre has always been a real passion of mine, so to be asked to play this role, and to be working with such an amazing cast and crew is a real honour.

“I look forward to seeing you all out on the road in the coming months”

Prepare to be blown away with an astonishing musical spectacle and phenomenal choreography to this iconic score, including the smash hits Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock & Roll and the award-winning title track Flashdance – What a Feeling.

Book your tickets here.

Flashdance

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

University of Derby achieves gold for teaching excellence

The University of Derby has been awarded Gold by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in the country’s first ever Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), putting it in the top 20% of all providers in the UK.

Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Derby delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students, and is of the highest quality found in the UK.

In its decision letter, HEFCE highlighted the University’s engagement with employers, personalised learning, engagement of students, outstanding resources, and its culture of excellent teaching, as particular areas of strength.

TEF links the funding of Higher Education to teaching quality. It has been introduced by the Government to encourage and raise the profile of teaching excellence in universities and colleges and is intended to help people choose where to study, by providing clear information about teaching provision and student outcomes.

The University is currently rated number one in the East Midlands for the employability of its students, is one of the top 20 UK universities for teaching quality, and has invested £150m in its facilities over the past 10 years.

In October 2016, the University of Derby opened the doors to its new campus at the St Helena building, formerly Chesterfield Girls High School. Built in 1845 from local stone, this striking Grade II listed building has been transformed to provide state of the art, world class university facilities that will inspire future generations of Nursing, Health, Business, Computing, Law and Engineering students.

The campus has strong links with IISE and will provide local engineering companies with resources for research and innovation. There are also Incubator Units available to the local business community.

University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, said:-

“I am incredibly proud that the University has been awarded a Gold rating for teaching excellence.

“We have built a strong reputation in terms of our teaching quality, and the Gold rating is confirmation that we are delivering to the highest standard. We put our students at the heart of everything we do and are pleased to see that our excellent student experience, and the hard work of our staff, is recognised in the TEF.

“We have huge ambitions for the University and our students, and this Gold rating provides the perfect platform on which to further build our academic quality and our regional, national and international impact in the months and years to come.”

Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said:-

“Students invest significant amounts of time and money in their higher education. They rightly expect a high-quality learning experience and outcomes that reflect their potential. The UK already has a high bar for quality and standards, which all universities and colleges must meet. But the TEF judges excellence above and beyond this, clearly showing the highest levels across the sector.

“The TEF measures the things that students themselves say they care about: high-quality, engaged teaching and a supportive, stimulating learning environment which equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their potential, and then to progress to a good job or further study.”

There are limited places at the University of Derby Chesterfield Campus available across a range of courses for those looking to start University this September. For those interested in a 2018 start, the University’s next Open Day at the Chesterfield Campus will be  will be held on the Saturday 23rd September and Saturday 11th November.

University of Derby

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Peaks Quirky Cows hit the Heights

Life-size model cows that wowed both the judges and the crowds at the first-ever RHS Chatsworth Flower Show have found the perfect home and will stay together as a herd in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Three beautiful beasts – all eye-catching features in official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Silver-Gilt Medal winning show garden – have been put out to pasture at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath.

The quirky cows – sprayed in metallic colours and ‘branded’ with a blue and white hand-painted circular motif – are destined to be a whimsical talking point for visitors at Derbyshire’s oldest tourist attraction high above the Derwent Valley.

Rupert Pugh, Director at The Heights of Abraham, said:-

“We are delighted that we are able to welcome all three of the quirky cows and keep them in the Peak District. We hope that visitors to The Heights will enjoy the opportunity to see these contemporary, captivating sculptures for many years to come.

“With the main access to The Heights via cable car, it’s certainly been a challenge to transport the cows safely to the top – a very unusual load and not something you would expect to see travelling across the A6!”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, added:-

“It’s great news that the cows, which were a real talking point throughout the RHS Chatsworth show, will stay together on home soil so that even more people who come to the area in future can enjoy them.

“We’re really grateful to The Heights of Abraham for giving them long-term grazing rights in one of the most scenic locations in the area.”

RHS Chelsea Flower Show award winning designer Lee Bestall, who designed the tourist board’s Experience Peak District & Derbyshire show garden at Chatsworth (June 7 to 11), was inspired to include the cows after reading a comment by Sir George Sitwell that white cows could be made more interesting if painted with a blue pattern.

One of the cows is sprayed copper, another chrome/silver and the third gold, based on an original concept by Hathersage-based artists Becky Pytches and Rob Hopper. University intern Marion Leclerc (21) from Nantes, France, currently working with Lee and his team at Bestall & Co, then hand-painted a Willow pattern inspired ‘brand’ on the rump of each animal.

Meanwhile the show garden – featuring wild flower strewn meadows leading via a mown path and stone ha-ha to clipped topiary and herbaceous planting favoured by the area’s great country houses – is also flourishing.

It has been recreated at Renishaw Hall & Gardens, north Derbyshire by Lee and his team – all of whom are based there – to attract and inspire even more garden and plant lovers in the future.

cows

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Spireites praised for matchday stewarding

The Spireites have been praised by the Football Safety Officers Association for the standard of the club’s matchday stewarding.

More than 70 Chesterfield FC matchday stewards have achieved a National Vocational Qualification in spectator control, awarded by City and Guilds.

The club has new training procedures in place for new stewards, including a mentoring system where all new stewards are allocated a mentor, a senior steward who introduces them to the basics of the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

The mentors complete an electronic feedback document on the progress of the new stewards which is passed on to trainers/assessors to ensure the highest standards are achieved.

The club has also increased its focus on moving and handling awareness, as well as the use of emergency evacuation equipment, enhanced equality and diversity, customer care and conflict management training.

Mobile radio training also trains stewards in the use of correct policy and procedures, as well as the importance of considering confidentiality when transmitting sensitive and private information.

John Newsham, FSOA business development manager, said:-

“It is great to see Chesterfield FC introducing new high standards for the training of stewards to ensure the best delivery on matchdays. Congratulations to all newly- qualified stewards.”

Colin Nellist, who recently retired after 14 years as the stadium manager, is pleased that the club’s commitment to providing quality training for matchday stewards has been recognised.

He said:-

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get this far, which couldn’t have been achieved with the help and support received from the trainers/assessors, John Mason and Sarah Pickering.

“As with any project, there is always more work to be done, but I am satisfied that the matchday stewarding is being handed over to my successor, Tony Booker, in good shape.”

stewarding

Posted in About Chesterfield

Business leaders updated on Northern Gateway project

Business leaders in Chesterfield have received a briefing about the progress of the Northern Gateway project.

More than 80 business leaders attended the event at Staveley Hall organised by Destination Chesterfield and heard about the plans for the scheme, which will transform the area around the Donut roundabout at Holywell Cross.

The plans include an enterprise centre for start-up and medium sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park as well as renewal of the Saltergate multi-storey car park and environmental and street improvements to Elder Way and part of Knifesmithgate, to improve the area for pedestrians and encourage more people to use the area.

The £19.9 million revised project also includes the £10.5 million redevelopment of the Co-op store by Central England Co-operative and their partners Jomast Developments.

They already have planning permission for a leisure scheme that will include:

  • Six ground floor restaurants
  • A hotel on the first and second floors
  • A health and fitness centre in the basement
  • The first occupiers to be announced are Premier Inn.

The revised Northern Gateway project will be funded by a Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund grant of £5.83 million, which is unaffected by the council’s decision to withdraw its application to be a full member of the Sheffield City Region devolution deal.

The council has contributed £3.5 million to the scheme with the Co-op redevelopment being paid for by the private sector.

Chesterfield based Whittam Cox Architects is currently drawing up a vision document of how the scheme and the wider area will develop over the next 20 years.

This will be published in July when consultation takes place with residents and businesses.

Andrew Dabbs, design director at  Whittam Cox Architects stated “We are happy to have been commissioned by Chesterfield Borough Council to provide this vision for the Northern Gateway, a key part of the town centre.

“This is a long term vision which offers a means to promote and market the future development potential of the area so that long term regeneration benefits can be realised by Chesterfield.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader and vice-chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We are really excited about the vision for the Northern Gateway that is being developed.  Once complete the scheme will bring much needed investment, jobs and spending power to the town centre, making it a better place to live, work and play.

Northern Gateway

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Chesterfield Half Marathon to go ahead

One of the region’s leading independent estate agents has been announced as the title sponsor of the 2017 Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Redbrik Estate Agency, which have five offices based in Chesterfield and Sheffield, has pledged its support to the event with a five-year sponsorship agreement with race organisers MLS Contracts Ltd, the region’s largest major events company.

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon will take place this year on Sunday 22nd October and is set to be one of the town’s biggest and most successful community participation events and is backed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Applications for the half marathon are open from Thursday 22nd June and you can register by visiting www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com. A one mile fun run will also be held in conjunction with the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon at Queen’s Park which is open to people of all ages and abilities.

In addition, one of this year’s main charities for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been confirmed as Ashgate Hospicecare. The independent charity provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik Estate Agency, said:-

“We are delighted to have agreed a five-year sponsorship deal with the Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“The town of Chesterfield has really got behind and supported Redbrik since we opened and we feel a strong responsibility to contribute back to the community. We love this town and want to see it prosper. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone supporting this event, getting their running shoes on and raising money for some great local charities along the way.”

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contracts Ltd, commented:-

“It is fantastic news that Redbrik are on board as event sponsors. They are such an innovative company and it will be a pleasure to work with Mark and his team over the next five years.

“Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council and MLS are passionate about making the Redbrik Chesterfield Half marathon a successful community mass participation event and we are confident that other supporters will be coming in behind Redbrik, the Council and ourselves in the near future,” added Mr Timms.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said:

“I am sure our residents will be pleased that they can once again participate in the Chesterfield Half Marathon and the fun run events taking place in Queen’s Park.

“It is a fantastic event, which brings the community together and to raise money for a very worthy cause in Ashgate Hospice. We are happy to continue our support for the event – thanks to Redbrik for taking on the sponsorship and for MLS for running the event.”

John Timms, Events Director at MLS Contracts Ltd, said: “We are aware that are a number of people who previously registered for the KidsNCancer Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017. I would like to stress that the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017 is not in any way connected to the aforementioned event.

“However, as a gesture of good will we have established a process to provide free entry to the new event to anyone who registered and paid to enter the cancelled event.

“The cancelled race entrants will need to register for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half marathon from Thursday 22nd June visiting www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com and agree to run the race in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

“Once they have raised more than £25 in sponsorship for Ashgate Hospicecare they will be eligible to receive a refund for their Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017 entry fee.

“These steps need to be followed in order to do this:

– Take a screen shot of the total raised for Ashgate Hospicecare or copy of their sponsorship form,

– Proof of entry fee payment for the old event

– Email the documents above to events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

“On completion of this process their race entry fee for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon 2017 will be refunded within four weeks of Ashgate Hospicecare receiving the individual’s sponsorship money.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New NGS Macmillan Unit ready for business

In November 2015 building work started on the NGS Macmillan Unit, yesterday it was ready to welcome patients across a range of outpatient services for the first time.

The opening marked the end of a two year appeal that raised two and a half million pounds, including a one and a half million pound donation from the National Garden Scheme.

The £9million development has bought all of the Trust’s cancer services together under one roof to revolutionise the way cancer care is delivered in the hospital – with a new pharmacy & Macmillan support and information services in the unit.

The new facility now includes:

  • 25 Chemotherapy Chairs and two beds (there are currently eight chairs and no beds at the Hospital). This means many people will no longer have to travel to Sheffield for their treatment and be closer to home.
  • Treatment and care in one location
  • Specialist information and advice service and a Macmillan Information Advice Centre Manager
  • Counseling
  • Complementary therapies, welfare benefits advice, practical support and dietary advice
  • Access to self help and support groups
  • Signposting to the voluntary and community sector for support

Alongside improved facilities the building offers more space and a nicer environment for the patients as they receive treatment; the Unit is light and airy opposed to the old Cavendish Suite which had no windows and was often cramped.

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support has released a new video taking us inside the new NGS Macmillan Unit as it opens its doors to patients for the first time. The video also thanks locals who have helped to build the unit through continued support and fundraising throughout the 18 month appeal.

NGS Macmillan Unit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Respected local financial planner set to join Start

Chesterfield-based Start Financial Planning is to further strengthen its team with the appointment of respected local financial expert Peter Blant.

Peter boasts more than 20 years’ experience in the financial advice industry having worked throughout the UK for a number of leading firms as well as locally.

A specialist in Inheritance Tax Planning and Corporate Protection, he joins Start next month as a financial planner where he will work alongside directors Steve Taylor and Michael Heath to deliver independent financial advice and solutions for clients.

Peter was attracted to the role by Start’s forward approach to financial planning using the latest technology, as well as industry experience, to consistently deliver returns across a number of markets for clients.

Commenting on his appointment Peter said:-

“I am very excited to join Start. Locally, the firm is acknowledged and respected for its forward-thinking approach to financial planning. In light of recent political events and the economic turmoil nationally and globally, Start’s scientific approach to investment is able to take into account the constantly changing market conditions. This approach, I am confident, will protect investors when the bubble eventually bursts.

“Protecting their clients’ money is at the very core of what Start does; and this was a major consideration when I chose to join the team.”

Welcoming Peter to Start, Michael Heath added:-

“We are delighted that Peter will be joining the Start team. He has worked within the local financial services industry for a number of years and at one point, I worked alongside him. He shares Start’s values and is committed to delivering excellent customer service and sound, independent financial advice. We know he will be an excellent fit in our growing team.”

Outside work, Peter who lives in Brookside in Chesterfield and is married with three young children, is a coach of the under 7s team at Chesterfield Panthers Rugby Club. He is also Chair of the Chesterfield Satellite Rotary Club and Treasurer of local charity Deaf Hearing Support which he became involved with through his father who was born profoundly deaf.

financial

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Terrific trio of appointments for Redbrik

Leading independent regional estate agency Redbrik has strengthened its team with three of the ‘best sales managers in the region’.

Holly Wheatley will be working at the Chesterfield office, June Simpson has joined the Crystal Peaks office and Vicki Greenstreet is at the Millhouses office.

Determined to help buyers and sellers through the sales process, Vicki, previously with ELR, has more than 17 years of negotiating experience that she brings to her role at Redbrik.

After joining the industry straight from school at 16, Holly has worked in all aspects of estate agency within the branch environment, including roles as an administrator, sales negotiator, and senior negotiator.

Mark Ross, director at Redbrik, said:-

“We are thrilled to have three of the best sales managers in the region join Redbrik – the knowledge and expertise they have brought to their roles is already proving invaluable.

“Vicki, June, and Holly are joining the company at a very busy time, but they have all hit the ground running. Marketing, and most importantly service, are at the core of everything we do and bringing in people of this calibre allows us to grow Redbrik without compromising what we are about.

“We are so pleased with how well they are all getting on and I’m sure they will enjoy working with us as we continue to grow as a business.”

redbrik

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business