About Chesterfield

Demolition of the former Queen’s Park Sports Centre approved

 

A planning application seeking permission to demolish the former Queen’s Park Sports Centre was approved by councillors at the end of August.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee decided the building, which closed at the end of December 2015, can be demolished, with landscaping of the site carried out until plans are developed for the future use of the land.

The existing building, in Boythorpe Road, has to be demolished because it is no longer economically viable to keep running due to not being energy efficient, not being up to modern environmental requirements and having high running costs.

As a result of the application going to the planning committee the public consultation on future use of the old site will now take place between Monday 12 September and Friday 21 October.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “We are turning our attention to the future use of the site.

“We have been researching a whole range of potential options for the site and assessing whether they are viable from a planning perspective, as we need to protect the historic grade two star listing of the neighbouring park, by ensuring any future use is compatible with that leisure setting.

“In this time of cuts to council finances we also need to ensure that whatever goes on the site is either cost neutral or generates income for the council that can then be used to help towards the costs of running Queen’s Park and future improvements to that site.”

This week security fencing has been installed around part of the former Queen’s Park Sports Centre building to address concerns about anti-social behaviour around the park. The fencing is designed to prevent vandalism or potential break-ins and is not related to the  demolition.

The former sports centre closed when the new £11.25 million Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened further down Boythorpe Road in January 2016 on the Queen’s Park Annexe site.

Former Queen's Park Sports Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

University campus to open this October

A new University of Derby campus due to open in Chesterfield on October 17 will help transform the region’s health care sector and boost the town’s growing advanced manufacturing industries.

Building work at the former St Helena’s Grammar School for Girls is on target for the official opening, which will unveil some of the best teaching facilities for nursing in the UK – including an NHS-standard mock hospital ward.

Degrees in Engineering, Business and IT across the new campus and at Derby will support Chesterfield’s growing advanced manufacturing industry and allow businesses to upskill their workforce and better equip employees for their careers.

After lying disused for many years, the Grade II listed building in Sheffield Road has been sympathetically restored in keeping with its origins as a pioneering educational establishment designed by internationally acclaimed Victorian architect George Widdows.

“The University of Derby has a strong tradition of giving old buildings new life, and the completion of the renovation of St Helena comes in the year we also celebrate a decade in the beautiful Devonshire Dome in Buxton,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, Professor Margaret Bruce.

“Although we have long had a presence in Chesterfield, we are very excited about this development and have been warmly welcomed by the town. We hope that our expansion will contribute greatly towards Chesterfield’s economy and enrich the lives of its people.”

The building will include a new Innovation Centre which will provide access to facilities and support services for small to medium-sized enterprises and business start-ups, including product development, testing equipment and incubation units.

Research commissioned by the University into the economic impact of its Buxton Campus ­ showed that it supported 500 jobs annually through a total spend of £32 million, a result which it is hoped will be replicated in Chesterfield.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Well dressing festival returns to Chesterfield

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can visit the town’s annual well dressing festival this September.

There will be two well dressings on display from Saturday 10 to Saturday 17 September.

The first well dressing, organised and constructed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will be on display at the town pump in the market place.

The theme is Beatrix Potter to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the children’s author and will feature the popular characters Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs Tittlemouse.

Donations at the town pump will go to the mayor’s chosen charities – the Macmillan Cancer Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Accessible Derbyshire.

The second well dressing will be on display in the porch of St Mary and All Saints, the ‘Crooked Spire’ church.

The well dressing marks the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Chesterfield and commemorates the occasion when the Earl of Derby, Robert de Ferrers, was found hiding behind the woolsacks in Chesterfield Parish Church and dragged to London to face King Henry III.

Donations left here will go towards the upkeep of the church.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy, said:-

“Well dressing is an old Derbyshire tradition and each year visitors come from far and wide to see the well dressings in Chesterfield.

“They can be sure of a warm welcome and the chance to admire the handiwork of all the volunteers who have taken the time to create the artistic displays.”

 

Alice in Wonderland well dressinglong

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Something wicked this way comes…

Visitors to Revolution House, in Old Whittington, can find out about the witch hunts of the 17th century in a special event this September.

The event takes place at the popular Chesterfield Borough Council run attraction on Sunday 4 September from 11am to 4pm.

As well as learning about witch hunting, visitors can make a witch pot with a trained potter.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy, said:-

“People of all ages have heard about witchcraft because of the Harry Potter stories and films.

“This event at Revolution House will offer visitors of all ages the opportunity to find out about the real witch hunts that took place throughout England in the past.”

Revolution House is open each Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 25 September. Admission is free.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Online fashion retailer opens store in Chesterfield

Style Loft, an independent retailer specialising in ‘cultured clothing’ and ‘street styles’, have recently opened a store in Chesterfield.

The online business has enjoyed increased success trading nationwide over the last two years, so much so, that they were able to open a new hybrid store for their customers. The store identifies itself as the first ladies hybrid store in Chesterfield offering customers coffee, cakes and shakes whilst they shop; provided by local retailers Smith Street Coffee Roasters and Butterfingers Bakery.

Style Loft’s company ethos is to provide an easy, helpful shopping experience with complimentary style advice. The store hopes to remain on trend and competitively priced.

Emily Simister, a representative from the shop, says:-

“I am so passionate about fashion, setting up my own store was something I had to do. Choosing the location was easy, it had to be my home town.

“I strongly believe Chesterfield is becoming more and more cosmopolitan and I see Style Loft developing and expanding within the area. I love being alongside so many unique and independent businesses.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

GCSE students buck the national trend with improved grades

Nationally, this year’s results have shown the biggest ever year-on-year decline − down to the lowest level since 2008.

But provisional results show that 62% of Year 11 students in Derbyshire achieved grades A* to C in English and maths − an increase of 3% from last year.

More than 7,500 students across the county’s 45 secondary schools received their results  with many outstanding stories from both schools and individual students.

Councillor Jim Coyle, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:-

“I’m delighted that early indications show our GCSE students have bucked the national downward trend and achieved even better grades than last year.

“GCSEs are an important stepping stone for the future whatever route young people choose to follow, whether that be vocational or academic.

“I want to congratulate all the students for their hard work − and heads, teachers, staff, governors, parents and our school improvement service for supporting our young people in achieving their success.”

Further education or training options for  Year 11 students include full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning, an apprenticeship or part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.

Councillor Coyle added:-

“Young people staying on in education or work-based training can develop better skills, create opportunities and have more chance of fulfilling their learning potential and getting a job they enjoy.

“Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their GCSEs, schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships which will be showcased at our Skills Festivals.

“Whatever results students may have received today it’s important for them to know what options are open to them as they stay on in education or training.”

Derbyshire County Council will be hosting a Skills Festival at Queens Park Sports Centre on September 15, aimed at students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school.

Training providers, the Armed Forces, larger employers and our community adult education service will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities including forensic science, 3D printing and the use of technology in manufacturing.

There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and NEETs (young people who are not in education, employment or training) will also be invited.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Inspire Resourcing Ltd celebrate new Saltergate office

Inspire Resourcing Ltd celebrated the purchase of their Saltergate Grade II listed building in July, inviting clients new and old to enjoy prosecco and canapes.

Inspire Resourcing are a recruitment agency that first opened their doors in 2009, having been based in Chesterfield for the past 7 years.

Owned by Directors Kirsty Gascoigne and Suzanne Lucas, Inspire is an independent agency, offering a transparent, customer focused recruitment solution. As an ISO 9001:2015 accredited business, committed to quality and continuous improvement. the business has grown from strength to strength over the last couple of years encouraging them to move to a bigger premises.

Inspire opened the doors to their newly refurbished office in June. The Inspire offices now boast a welcoming reception area for candidates and clients, a candidate interview suite and a private client conference room for customers wishing to interview off site.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Survey to reveal impact of Brexit vote on business

Businesses are being invited to take part in research that will help to identify the impact of Britain’s vote to leave the EU.

In the first real ‘acid test’, East Midlands Chamber has added Brexit-specific questions to its Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey.

The survey, which includes vital set questions through which the Chamber monitors the state of the economy in the East Midlands, is also asking firms:

  • What impact has the outcome of the EU referendum on 23 June had on your intentions to do business in overseas markets?
  • To what extent, if any, has the EU referendum result on 23 June influenced your business’s recruitment decisions?
  • To what extent, if any, has the EU referendum result on 23 June influenced your business’s investment intentions

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-

“Since the EU exit vote on 23 June, we have seen many reports and surveys based on national data but nothing meaningful yet that is specific to the East Midlands, or which has the breadth and depth of responses to be truly representative.

“This region is key to the UK economy. We make things in the East Midlands and we send them around the world. We have one of the strongest economies in the country when it comes to job and wealth creation.

“We have the power to influence policy at the highest level, but to do that, to truly represent our members and the wider business community, we have to know what local businesses are doing and how confident they feel about the short- and long-term future.

“Now, more than ever, we need as many businesses as possible to take part in our Quarterly Economic Survey, so that we can build the most accurate picture possible and use that data to ensure the wants and needs of regional businesses are heard and heeded.”

The Chamber’s Q3 post-Brexit Quarterly Economic Survey went live on 23 August. It will close on 12 September.

To take part, click here.

East Midlands Chamber logo

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield business give drinks brand new identity

Global Brands is the UK’s leading independent drinks brand development business based in Chesterfield. It owns, markets and distributes a collection of products across the RTD, premium soft drinks, spirits and beer categories internationally. Global Brands’ line up now includes fantastic brands, such as VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons premium soft drinks and tonics, Hoopers and Amigos Tequila Beer.

Global Brands have recently announced that Amigos Tequila Beer is launching a vibrant new identity alongside plenty of exciting activity planned for the upcoming year.

Amigos Tequila Beer is a golden, easy-drinking beer with the zing of South American limes and the flavour punch of Mexican tequila. Inspired by Mexico’s sense of vibrancy, passion and colour, Amigos have updated their visual identity. The new identity relishes in its Mexican character, by developing the wording on the logo from ‘tequila flavoured beer’ to the Spanish translation ‘con sabor a tequila’. This deepens the association with Amigos’ Tequila flavourings, which derives from the Mexican agave plant.

Alongside the next generation logo, all packaging and brand assets are undergoing an overhaul. By utilising pattern and colour as well as stylised typography, the vibrancy of the brand is really brought to life. The new visual identity will be softly rolled out across the brand from August, with all touch points expected to have made the transition to the new identity by September.

Christian Sarginson, Senior Brand Manager, said:-

‘The new visual identity is a chance for Amigos to really connect with its audience. The change is designed to articulate the vibrant zing of limes and the Mexican taste of Tequila which make Amigos so delicious. With a bright colour palate, and nods to street art and Latin culture, the identity update is a real statement of intent for where we plan to take the brand in 2017 with our #StreetCerveza campaign.”

Throughout the summer, Amigos has been supporting street culture by sponsoring the fantastic Urban Food Fest on Shoreditch High Street; gaining plaudits from publications such as Harper’s Bazaar who said they “loved” Amigos. Beyond this, Amigos has continued involvement with the street art scene in the UK, with plans for bigger and better activations in 2017 as part of the #StreetCerveza campaign.

Amigos is currently planning their biggest event of the year; Dia de los Muertos, a national Mexican holiday which falls on Halloween. A series of late-night parties will be held at the end of October, as well as a limited edition 4-pack in the off-trade, competitions across social media and activations in the on-trade.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Greek restaurant ‘Odyssey’ to open in September

Odyssey restaurant opens its doors to the public on 20th September. The Greek restaurant, centrally located on Knifesmithsgate in the old The Queens Head Pub building, hopes to combine traditional English architecture with Greek hospitality, culture, taste and cuisine.

Owned by a Greek family, now based in Chesterfield, the restaurant hopes to fill a gap in the market for Greek restaurants in the town. Aptly named “Odyssey”, the restaurant promises a journey into Greek flavours and traditions.

Konstantinos Diamantidis, a representative from the restaurant, says:-

“Our intention is to make you feel that you are somehow back in Greece, or if you have never been, maybe to give you a taste of your next holiday.

“My Grandmother (yiayia) used to say that there is nothing better than homemade food and taught us to eat and cook only the best. Now years later, we as a family will try to give you a taste of what Greek families believe good quality Greek food tastes like.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield business to supply rig equipment in Middle East

Chesterfield based firm Cathelco, will be providing a marine growth prevention system (MGPS) for the latest, in a series of jack-up drilling rigs, to be built by Lamprell – the United Arab Emirates based leading provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting services to the offshore and onshore oil & gas and renewable energy industries.

The order was won by Cathelco Middle East FZC based in Sharjah, which was set up in 2015 to provide sales and engineering support for customers throughout the region.

Cathelco marine growth prevention systems are designed to eliminate blockages caused by barnacles and mussels in seawater lines. The systems consist of copper and aluminium anodes which are wired to a control panel. In operation, the copper anodes produce ions which create an environment where barnacle and mussel larvae do not settle and grow. At the same time the aluminium anode produces ions which suppress corrosion on the internal surfaces of pipes.

Carlo Soddu, who has been closely involved in the project at Cathelco, says:-

“In our experience jack-up rigs benefit from installations where the MGPS anodes are installed in pipe upstands, when a seachest is not available. By using this method the copper ions are drawn directly in the flow of seawater which maximises their effectiveness. The ease of access is another important advantage enabling maintenance time to be reduced to a matter of minutes each year.”

Cathelco are world leading manufacturers of MGPS based in Chesterfield, with a record of more than 50,000 installations on commercial vessels and offshore structures over a period of 50 years.

Lamprell rig under constructionl

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business