About Chesterfield

Town centre fun to welcome Aviva Women’s Tour

14th June 2016

Residents and visitors can take part in a host of events in Chesterfield’s town centre this Friday 17th June to celebrate the arrival of the world’s top women cyclists competing in stage 3 of the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Coordinated by Chesterfield Borough Council, events at Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill will include:

• A Workplace Challenge event, allowing companies and individuals to hop on stationary bikes to see who can pedal the furthest (time slots available between 8.30am and 1pm);
• A cycling promotional area open from 10am to 3pm
• A display of disability bikes by Wheely Fun Wheels from 11am to 3pm with the chance to have a go from noon to 1pm;
• A display by a unicycle display team from 11.30am to noon.

Events in and around the market place include:
• Students from Chesterfield College presenting spin bikes and advice on activities for women from Active Chesterfield in New Square from 9.30am to 3pm;
• A chance to have a go on kids’ balance bikes outside the Market Hall from 10.30am to 1pm.

There will also be displays by a unicycle display team at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre from 12.45pm to 1.45pm and 2.15pm to 2.45pm.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “It is a great honour for Chesterfield to welcome the world’s top cyclists as the Aviva Women’s Tour takes place in the town.

“As well as seeing the thrilling finish of the race in the market place, we have a packed programme of fun events for all ages to take part and learn more about cycling and fitness in the market place, Vicar Lane and outside the Town Hall – I’d encourage everyone to come along and join in.”

The Aviva Women’s Tour will enter the town centre by Saltergate, Soresby Street, Rose Hill, West Bars and Low Pavement before finishing in the market place between 1.30pm and 2.30pm where the podium presentation will take place.

This event will be attended by local schools who will take part in guided cycle rides and by the Eroica Britannia cycle team.

Find out all the details for the Stage 3 finish in Chesterfield including family entertainment, road closures and parking information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Still time to enter Chesterfield in Bloom competition

13th June 2016

Time is running out to enter this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition which closes on Friday 24th June.

Run by Chesterfield Borough Council, there are a total of ten categories open for entry this year, from Best blooming pub or restaurant sponsored by Weightron Bilanciai to Best kept allotment site sponsored by Chesterfield Markets.

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony this September and some of the entrants may also be visited by the East Midlands in Bloom judges next month as part of their tour of the borough.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Last year, we had more than 100 entries to the Chesterfield in Bloom competition and the standard of them is always very high.

“Chesterfield in Bloom is not just about growing pretty flowers; people with well-kept landscaping can enter – and if you don’t have a garden, you can enter the best kept hanging basket category. There really is something for everyone and I encourage people to take part.”

This year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition closes on Friday 24 June. For more information, download an entry form using the link below or contact john.ramsey@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Chesterfield in Bloom competition 2016 entry form.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Worldwide media coverage for Aviva Women’s Tour

13th June 2016

ITV4 will screen daily highlights of the Aviva Women’s Tour with presenter Ned Boulting being joined by double European Cyclo Cross Champion Helen Wyman, who has raced in the past two editions of the leading race. You can watch Stage 3 highlights as the event passes through the Peak District before it finishes in Chesterfield on ITV4 on Friday 17 June, 23:00 and Saturday 18 June at 12:00.

The multiple British Champion who raced in the 2014 and 2015 Women’s Tours for Matrix Fitness will step in front of the cameras alongside the familiar face of Ned Boulting, who has hosted both editions of the race.

“I’m excited to returning to the Aviva Women’s Tour this year, and to be working alongside Ned will be a fantastic insight into another side of cycling,” said Helen Wyman.

“Having been to the first two editions of the tour as a rider, I’m thrilled to be going back to the world’s leading women’s race and helping to bring the excitement and action into people’s homes.”

A one-hour highlights programme will be broadcast each evening on ITV4, with a repeat the following morning on the same channel. All five programmes will also be available on demand for 30 days via the ITV Hub catch-up service.

Action from the race will also be broadcast worldwide with over 10 channels around the world having so far committed to broadcasting the highlights, including in Australia (Fox), France (L’Equipe) and the USA (NBC Sports).

Joining Hugh Porter MBE in the commentary box will be leading women’s cycling journalist and expert analysist Sarah Connolly.

“The Aviva Women’s Tour is such a brilliant, exciting course and there are so many incredible personalities who are guaranteed to make the racing explosive and exhilarating. I’m really excited to have the chance to share everything I love about the race with the audience”, said Connolly.

Find out all the details for the Stage 3 finish in Chesterfield including family entertainment, road closures and parking information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Euro 2016 set to boost Derbyshire economy

9th June 2016

The Derbyshire economy could be boosted by as much as £32.7m during this summer’s Euro 2016 football championships, according to new figures.

East Midlands Chamber* has analysed national data which predicts that the UK economy will benefit by up to £2.5bn in additional spending by consumers during the tournament – a similar level to that seen during the 2014 World Cup.

The figures predict that thirsty football fans across Derbyshire will drink more than £768,000 worth of beer during the course of the tournament, while those in Derbyshire who fancy a flutter will gamble around £6.5m on the outcome of games.

There is a downside, however. A separate study** found that the Derbyshire economy could take a -£2.6m hit as a result of lost productivity when England play Wales at 2pm on 16 June, as employees ‘throw a sickie’, take the afternoon off or spend working time browsing news and social media sites to keep tabs on the score.

Lucy Robinson, the Chamber’s Director of Resources, said: “We know that many people in the East Midlands are fanatical about football and this is set to translate into an economic boost for the region as fans shell out on the latest gadgets, merchandise and food and drink in preparation for and during the tournament.

“However, businesses may need to apply a bit of common sense if they have staff who want to watch the big games, to avoid a spike in unauthorised absence and the problems that come with it.

“A little flexibility on both sides, such as allowing staff to watch the games – subject to TV Licensing rules if on company premises – and then make up any lost working time at a later date, would go a long way to resolving any such issues.

“It’s important, however, to be fair and consistent if you allow staff flexibility during Euro 2016. For example, you may have staff of different nationalities who might want to watch their own countries in the same way that England fans will.

“And it’s not just about football, the same could apply to workers wanting to take time out to watch Wimbledon or the Rio Olympics, or attend music festivals or other social events. The key message is that if you apply a rule for one person, then it should be extended to all.”

* (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).
** England’s Euro clash with Wales could cost economy over £200m – Manchester Evening News 3rd June.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Plans submitted to revitalise Chesterfield’s old Post Office

8th June 2016

Plans have been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council to turn former grade 2 listed Post Office into residential apartments and new commercial space.

Working alongside national developers, Telereal Trillium, local architects WCEC have submitted plans to build 7 luxury apartments across the first and second floor whilst plans for the ground floor will include a large commercial unit with a rear communal courtyard.

A dual planning application for listed building consent and planning permission with change of use will soon be under consideration by the council. The team have been working closely with Telereal Trillium, heritage / conservation planners, Trigpoint and agents FHP to ensure the scheme enhances the buildings original features, sustains a commercially viable development and meets with the current residential housing market specification in order to further improve the town’s historic market square.

Nick Fenton, Associate Director at WCEC Architects commented ‘We are privileged to be working with Telereal Trillium on such a fantastic local scheme. Following recent redevelopment of the town and future plans to regenerate the surrounding areas through schemes such as Chesterfield Waterside and the Northern Gateway we feel proposed plans for the landmark will contribute perfectly and revive a beautiful building that has been partially vacant for a number of years’.

If approved the scheme will be a further example of WCEC’s contributions to the local market town following successful work with the council on plans for future development of Chesterfield through a revised masterplan.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Up to £2m available for Chesterfield businesses to grow

8th June 2016

Growth funding worth up to £2 million could be loaned to ambitious businesses looking to expand and create more jobs, as part of a D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) opportunity launched today (June 8) aimed at boosting the economy.

D2N2 – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, community and social enterprises, and other organisations which promote economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – is inviting applications to its Growing Places Fund (GPF).

GPF enables businesses and public sector organisations (for example, local authorities) to apply for loans to kick-start stalled capital developments or expansion plans, which will directly grow the economy and create jobs.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP, said: “We have already seen a great deal of success with the Growing Places Fund, providing more than £16m to help small and larger businesses access the missing finance they need, to grow and create additional jobs.

“Factors we will be looking at when making a decision on the GPF applications we receive will be the economic impact of the project and how quickly investments can be repaid, so we can support other projects.”

D2N2 has previously run three GPF funding rounds, approving 13 loans worth a total of £16.6m. Major capital projects which have benefited include Derby City’s Castleward housing and commercial development, and the MediCity Enterprise Zone site in Nottingham.

Now further opportunities to apply for a Growing Places Fund loan, to support additional capital projects, are being made available by the D2N2 LEP.

Individual loans to companies or organisations will be between £250,000 and a maximum of £2 million, and must be to finance capital (building and infrastructure) to help further businesses’ development.

Funded projects must be located within the D2N2 LEP’s area; covered by the administrative boundaries of Derby City, Derbyshire County, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County local authorities.

Funding is limited and preference will be given to projects which deliver on D2N2’s strategic priorities and key areas of economic focus. More information on these is available on the D2N2 LEP website at www.d2n2lep.org and in its Strategic Economic Plan (a copy of which can be viewed online at web link www.d2n2lep.org/write/Documents/D2N2_SEP_March_31st.pdf ).

More information on the Growing Places Fund and guidance on how to apply for this funding can be found on the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership website now at www.d2n2lep.org/GPF

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Tokyo target for Chesterfield boxing star Jade Ashmore

8th June 2016

Chesterfield boxing star Jade Ashmore starts her bid for the 2020 Olympics this weekend when she begins her Great Britain assessment.

Supported by the ICON bursary programme, Jade, 18, from Heath, is due to undergo ‘three to four’ trials in a bid to earn a place on the podium potential squad.

This follows her success in winning silver at the British Championships last weekend, leaving her now ranked second in Britain in the 51kg category.

Jade made it through to the final of the event at Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre, Scotland, but lost out to Wales’ Lynsey Holloway.

“I felt I boxed well and kept to my tactics,” she said. “I thought I’d got the bout, only for the decision to go in Lynsey’s favour, but I’m not too disheartened.

“I only started my senior career in January and I’ve only had six bouts as a senior and I am developing with every bout.

“I never look out of place in the ring and it just shows that I am up to the standards of some of the world-class boxers I’ve faced.”

Jade qualified for the British Championships thanks to her performances at the English National Championships.

Having won her semi-final unanimously, she lost out to vastly-experienced world silver medallist Lisa Whiteside in the final.

As Whiteside went on to box in the World Championships at 54kg, Jade was asked to fight in the Brits at 51kg.

Jade added: “I am pleased with the way I have boxed in my first year as a senior.

“When I faced Lisa, I knew I had my work cut out as I’d only had four previous senior bouts and she has had over 100 senior bouts at an elite international level.

“I showed skill and determination but narrowly missing out on that gold, putting up a good performance against a seasoned boxer.”

After the GB trial this weekend, Jade will box for the English title belt on June 19.

The ICON programme supporting Jade gives 127 athletes from across the county financial support, a free leisure pass in their area and valuable PR exposure during 2015-16. For more information search online for ICON Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Plans for Old Queen’s Park Sports Centre

8th June 2016

A planning application will be submitted within the next two weeks seeking permission to demolish the old Queen’s Park Sports Centre site in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also confirmed its plans to carry out a public consultation on three or four options for future uses of the site between Monday 22 August and Friday 30 September.

The old Queen’s Park Sports Centre, on Boythorpe Road, closed at the end of December 2015, a few days before the new £11.25 million Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened further down the road on the Queen’s Park Annexe site.

Final plans are now being completed to submit a planning application to demolish the site and carry out some temporary landscaping.

If planning permission is granted it is hoped the demolition work could begin in September and be completed by early 2017.

Alongside this discussions have been taking place with planners and Historic England -formerly known as English Heritage – about potential uses for the former site to ensure that any options put forward in the public consultation would be acceptable from a heritage perspective given the grade two star heritage listing of the neighbouring Queen’s Park.

The existing building 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.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The new Queen’s Park Sports Centre has already proved to be a great success with 1,600 new memberships on top of those we already had, the number of people taking part in activities up and income up. It is already more than justifying the original business case for replacing the old building.

“Now that the new centre is up-and-running our focus is on the future uses of the old site. We still have some work to do on business cases before we publicise the potential options being considered as we have to ensure that anything potentially going on the site is acceptable from a planning and heritage perspective given the listed status of the park.

“It also needs to generate an income that can help fund core council services, such as sport and leisure activities for our residents in the borough.

“We will be publicising the options available the start of the public consultation but we need to ensure that any options put forward are viable and not something that would be a non-starter from a heritage listing or planning perspective.

“As we promised, no decisions will be taken on the future use of the site until the public consultation has been carried out.”

Full details of the public consultation will be publicised in advance by the council to encourage as many residents as possible to give their views on the future uses of the site.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Take on a static bike challenge for Aviva Women’s Tour

7th June 2016

Chesterfield businesses are invited to enter an Aviva Women’s Tour-themed Workplace Cycling Challenge – for the chance to win three months’ membership at Queen’s Park Sports Centre and a cycling jersey.

Teams will complete in a static bike challenge in front of Chesterfield Town Hall between 8.30am and 1pm on Friday June 17th as a prelude to the Stage Three finish of the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Each team member will complete the equivalent of 250 metres (equal to one velodrome lap) as quick as they can and the team’s times will be combined to give a result.

Teams are to be made up of four people, but a workplace can book in as many teams as they like and the event will be managed by fully-trained staff.

If you are interested, but not able to get together a team of four in your business, please register your interest so you can be paired with other workplaces in the same position.

Three slots for teams will be available for every 20 minutes throughout the event and you can find out more or reserve your place by emailing cathy.hinde@Chesterfield.gov.uk

Stage Three of the Women’s Tour takes place exclusively in Derbyshire, starting in Ashbourne and finishing in Chesterfield, taking in the likes of Buxton (sprint venue), Chelmorton, Flagg, Monyash, Youlgreave, Alport (Queen of the Mountains venue), Winster, Darley Dale (sprint venue), Matlock (Queen of the Mountains venue), Beeley, Chatsworth and Baslow.

Bringing the Aviva Women’s Tour to Derbyshire is part of the long-term push to make Derbyshire the most connected an integrated county for cycling in England by 2030, as outlined in the Derbyshire Cycling Plan.

The county wants to be recognised as a world class cycling destination for all, with more people of all ages and abilities on two wheels on a regular basis for leisure, active travel, commuting and sport.

Find out more about the Women’s Tour Stage 3 finish in Chesterfield where there will be a full day of entertainment and activities.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer

Derbyshire expecting big crowd for Yorkshire derby at Queen’s Park

7th June 2016

Derbyshire County Cricket Club is expecting a near-capacity crowd for the Super Sunday fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings on Sunday 12 June at Queen’s Park.

The Royal London One-Day Cup match, which was added to provide supporters even more cricket at the picturesque out-ground in 2016, has received high interest.

Tickets are available and the best value can be gained by purchasing in advance of the day of the game online at derbyshireccc.com or by calling 0871 350 1870.

In total, there will be seven days of county action at Queen’s Park next summer, beginning with the 50-over fixture with neighbours Yorkshire in June.

The annual cricketing festival follows, beginning on Sunday 3 July, which will once again include a traditional first-class fixture and two NatWest T20 Blast fixtures in the space of seven days.

The festival concludes on Sunday 10 July with a second local clash versus Yorkshire Vikings, this time in the NatWest T20 Blast – a fixture that sold out in advance in 2015.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “It was a record year at Chesterfield in 2015 and we’re delighted to now be able to offer even more cricket at the picturesque ground next summer.

“The support has always been great at Queen’s Park, especially for the local fixtures against Yorkshire. A lot of away supporters travel down from north of the county border creating a unique atmosphere and a special event for Members and supporters.

“The NatWest T20 Blast fixture in 2015 was a complete sell out and we’re expected similarly high-interest for both matches in 2016.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Lizzie Armitstead and Marianne Vos head to Chesterfield in Aviva Women’s Tour

7th June 2016

World Road Race Champion Lizzie Armitstead of the Boels Dolmans team and multiple World and Olympic Champion Marianne Vos of the Rabo Liv team head the 96-rider provisional line-up for the Aviva Women’s Tour. Stage three of the tour will finish in Chesterfield on Friday 17th June.

The duo join the likes of defending champion Lisa Brennauer of the CANYON//SRAM team, world number one Emma Johansson of Wiggle HIGH5 and top sprinter Kirsten Wild, with 15 of the world’s top 20 riders in the UCI rankings down to start.

Armitstead is due to be joined in the Boels Dolmans line-up by former stage winner Christine Majerus and compatriot Nikki Harris, for whom Stage Four goes through her home village of Draycott in Derbyshire.

Vos’ Rabo Liv line-up is currently scheduled to include Dutch National Champion Lucinda Brand and Anna van der Breggen, who was the Silver medallist behind Armitstead in last year’s World Road Race Championships.

The provisional rider list includes 14 current National Road Race Champions from around the world, including the champions of Australia (Amanda Spratt), Italy (Elena Cecchini) and Belgium (Jolien D’Hoore).

Riders from 22 different countries make up the provisional start list, with Great Britain and the Netherlands being the most dominant nations, with 19 and 18 riders respectively.

The list includes both former winners of the Aviva Women’s Tour in Brennauer (2015) and Vos (2014) and six riders who have won stages in the race.

The youngest rider is due to be Great Britain’s Grace Garner, who makes her debut in the race and will turn 19 on the final day of the Aviva Women’s Tour in Northamptonshire. Garner was due to be joined in the race by her elder sister Lucy, although the Wiggle HIGH5 rider is now expected to miss the Aviva Women’s Tour with broken ribs sustained at the weekend.

One other pair of sisters are scheduled to ride, with 2015’s Best Young Rider and final stage winner Hannah Barnes of the CANYON//SRAM team being joined by younger sister Alice, who makes her debut in the race with the Drops Cycling Team.

The final line-up of riders will be confirmed on the afternoon of Tuesday 14 June ahead of Stage One the following day from Southwold to Norwich.

Highlights of the Aviva Women’s Tour will be shown each evening on ITV4 with a repeat the following morning on the same channel. The highlights will also be available on demand for 30-days via the ITV Hub catch-up service.

Find out more about the Women’s Tour Stage 3 finish in Chesterfield where there will be a full day of entertainment and activities.

Images courtesy of Sweetspot.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting