About Chesterfield

Chesterfield retains its silver gilt award at East Midlands in Bloom awards

6th October 2015

The judges made their visit to the town this summer and were given a guided tour of the borough and commented on the many improvements that have been made in the last year.

They were particularly impressed with the floral displays in the town centre, the parks and open spaces, including Chesterfield’s five Green Flag awarded parks, community involvement at sites including Boythorpe Allotments, as well as the amount of recycling carried out by residents and businesses in the borough.

They also noted the new Chesterfield in Bloom committee made up of local residents to organise the campaign and the number of community volunteers who have become involved.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We are pleased to be awarded a silver gilt award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. A lot of work has been put in by volunteers on the Chesterfield in Bloom committee and council staff working together to make our borough clean, green and inviting to visitors.

“If anyone is interested in joining the committee and becoming involved, we would like to hear from you.”

As well as the overall award for Chesterfield, the judges made two awards within the borough.

Steve and Jane Land of Moorland View Road won gold in the Frank Constable MBE award for the best residential garden in the East Midlands. Mr and Mrs Land won the best back garden (larger than 80 m²) and the best overall garden in last year’s Chesterfield in Bloom awards.

The judges commented on the immaculately-kept lawn, the brightly-coloured hanging baskets, the dense planting and the complete absence of weeds.

Ringwood Hall Hotel, the sponsors of the Chesterfield in Bloom competition, won gold in the best hotel/pub garden award.

The judges were impressed with the varied planting in the grounds which is in-keeping with a period property as well as the well-maintained lawns.

Chesterfield in Bloom is a council-led project to improve the borough’s environment and forms the borough’s entry into the regional East Midlands in Bloom competition.

To become involved in a range of volunteering opportunities, contact John Ramsey by email: john.ramsey@chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 345097.

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

New website celebrates Chesterfield’s black and white buildings

5th October 2015

Local historian Janet Murphy has launched a new website which celebrates Chesterfield’s black and white buildings to be found in the town centre.

Janet said “Few people realise that there are nearly 50 different black and white buildings in the town centre. The earliest is the building housing Peacocks coffee lounge on Low Pavement, which possibly dates back to the 16^th century.”

“Most were built in the 1920s when the Tudor Revival style was popular, but the attractive Arts and Craft building of 1934, which originally housed the Electricity Board Showrooms on Holywell Street, now the Vibe and Loft night clubs, is one of the latest.”

The new website includes a step-by-step trail round the town centre to see the buildings.

To find out more visit the web site at www.blackandwhitebuildingsofchesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Honour for two former Chesterfield councillors

2nd October 2015

Former councillors Stewart Bradford and David Stone have been made honorary aldermen of the borough in recognition of their long service to Chesterfield Borough Council.

They both received the honour at an extraordinary council meeting held on Monday 28 September.

Stewart Bradford was first elected as a Labour member of the council in May 1983 serving until May 1995 and again from May 1999 until retiring at the local elections earlier this year. During his time as a council member, he served on council committees including the licensing committee and the appeals and regulatory committee.

David Stone was elected in January 1984 as an SDLP council member (later Liberal Democrat) and was the longest serving councillor at the time of his retirement in May this year. He was mayor of the borough in 1995 to 1996 and later served as lead member for customer and corporate services and lead member for planning and asset management as well as sitting on various council committees. After leaving the Liberal Democrat party in 2012, he sat as an Independent member of the council until his retirement.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance said: “Between them, Stewart Bradford and David Stone have clocked up nearly 60 years of service to their communities by serving as borough councillors making this honour richly deserved.”

Honorary alderman status is the second-highest honour the council can bestow after the freedom of the borough and has previously only been granted on 11 occasions.

At the ceremony, they were each presented with a scroll and signed the roll of honorary aldermen. Their names will also be added to the board displayed outside the council chamber in the Chesterfield Town Hall.

Photo: David Stone (left) and Stewart Bradford (right) after receiving the award.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield duo to walk 30 miles to Proact for Ashgate Hospicecare

2nd October 2015

Spireites fans Glynn Hinchcliffe and Keith Thomson-Pidd are preparing to walk 30 miles from the City Football Ground in Nottingham to the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield in support of Hospice Care Week.

The nine-and-a-half hour challenge, which takes place on Saturday 10^th October, should see the pair reach Chesterfield in time for a big cheer from fans at the end of the of the Spireites’ home game against Gillingham.

Glynn says, “We’re doing this for a personal challenge but hope to raise much needed money for the hospice in the process.”

Hospice Care Week takes place between 5^th and 11^th October and aims to raise the profile of hospice care across the UK by encouraging businesses, schools and local communities to undertake a fun activity throughout the week.

Named recently as Chesterfield’s official charity partner this season, Ashgate Hospicecare looks after 2,000 patients every year and provides support to the people closest to them. To continue doing this, they need to raise £6 million this year alone to ensure their services are accessible to local people across North Derbyshire.

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/glynnhinchcliffe

If you would like to get involved in Hospice Care Week, visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/get-involved/hospice-care-week or call 01246 567250.

Photo: Glynn and Keith showing their support for Hospice Care Week

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

A proud procession of graduates takes to the streets of Chesterfield

1st October 2015

A procession of proud graduates from Chesterfield College’s higher education courses created a fantastic sight as they left the town hall making their way through the town centre to their graduation ceremony at the Crooked Spire today. They were congratulated for their achievements by friends, family and passers-by on route.

Almost 300 people graduated this year with a range of qualifications from Higher National Diplomas to degrees in a variety of subjects ranging from criminal justice to computing; engineering to education and business to sports science.

Image gallery from the graduation celebrations

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said: “Congratulations to all our graduates. It feels like an absolute honour to be part of the ceremony today and to hear how studying to this higher level has made a difference for so many people in the area. I’ve heard some inspirational stories from graduates and their families which confirms how having access to quality higher education locally can transform people’s lives. From what I have heard, these graduates will soon be having a positive impact on our economy too, if they’re not already.”

Luke Terry, Age 28 from Chesterfield, who graduated with a BA (hons) in Business Management today has already climbed the career ladder from team leader to store manager and puts his promotion down to what he has learnt on his degree course.

He told us “I am already reaping the benefits of doing my degree and putting what I have learnt into practice. The course has allowed me to develop professionally and personally and I know that this combination has helped me to get on the next rung of the career ladder.”

“I am back at college and studying for an MA in business management. My goal is to work my way up through management to board level. I know studying can help me get there and I am grateful that I can do it on my doorstep so I can fit it in around work.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Ashgate Hospicecare named official Spireites Charity Partner

1st October 2015

Chesterfield have announced that Ashgate Hospicecare will be the club’s official charity partner during the 2015/16 season.

Alison Ward-Foster, fundraising manager for Ashgate Hospicecare, is delighted with the partnership. She said: “We are so excited to be official charity partners of the much loved Spireites.

“Ashgate Hospicecare has been supported by the football club for many years and hosting our Sparkle Night Walk is just one fantastic way they have offered their support to the hospice.

“I have no doubt that working together as official partners will really make a difference to our patients and their families. Each year Ashgate Hospicecare nurses provide care to over 2,000 patients – that’s enough people to fill the Kop!”

Commenting on the new partnership, Chesterfield’s head of commercial & marketing Kevin Fitzgerald said: “Getting a local charity in partnership with the club is something that I have wanted to do since I joined the club.

“We have worked a lot more closely with Ashgate Hospicecare since the start of the season, and both Eleven Sports and Individual Homecare Services donated their respective matchday sponsorships for the recent home game against Wigan Athletic.

“I have come to understand what AshgateHospicecare means to the people of Chesterfield, so it made perfect sense to make them the club’s first official charity partner.”

Photo: Chesterfield players (from left to right) Aaron Chapman, Dion Donohue & Liam O’Neil are pictured with Sharon Needham and Rachel Abberley from AshgateHospiceCare. Courtesy of Tina Jenner.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Thousands turn out for Derbyshire Skills Festival

1st October 2015

The Derbyshire Skills Festival came to Chesterfield College this week and was a chance for young people aged 15 to 19 to find out about their options and make the right choices for their future.

Young people and their parents and carers met representatives from colleges, sixth forms, apprenticeship providers, universities and employers.

Derbyshire YOUTHINC careers advisors were on hand to chat to the young people about the options open to them and there were even bigger and better ‘have-a-go’ to try out a new skill.

This included virtual welding, changing spark plugs on a car engine, cake decorating, nail art, window dressing and even analysing their own fingerprints.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said:-

“It was fantastic to see so many people at the Derbyshire Skills Festival. It was an honour to host the event and work alongside other organisations who are as keen as we are to make sure we give young people in the area the skills they need for the future.”

Derbyshire County Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy cabinet member for children and young people added:-

“Supporting young people to take the next step is a vital part of our work. We need to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to be the best they can be and properly prepared for the 21st century jobs’ market.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Colourful addition to Chatsworth Road

1st October 2015

A vibrant new wool shop has been welcomed to Chesterfield’s diverse range of shops and restaurants at Chatsworth Road.

Named Chameleon, the new business stocks an entire rainbow of wool, hand-dyed yarns and knitting accessories and is easily spotted with its colourful new signage – created and installed by local agency Jumble Design.

Chameleon’s Tracy Oldfield says: “Andrew has been very supportive in the preparations for the new shop, working closely with me and really understanding the nature of my business and how to promote it to its full potential. I always try to work with local businesses wherever possible and this was the perfect opportunity. I’m thrilled with the end products and have received many positive comments’.

Andrew from Jumble Design, who has also created a stylish new logo and marketing materials for the new venture adds: “‘It has been a pleasure to work with Chameleon on their new brand. I wish them all the best for the future.”

Chameleon is now open at 420 Chatsworth Road for all your knitting needs.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield College raises cash for new Macmillan cancer care centre

30th September 2015

Staff and students at Chesterfield College took part in Macmillan’s world’s biggest coffee morning last week raising over £2000 towards Chesterfield’s planned Cancer Care Centre at the Royal Hospital.

The day started with a 5km fun run leaving from the college’s Heartspace at the Infirmary Road Campus along the canal and back to college and continued with cake and a croquembouche over 6ft tall!

Aside from the traditional cake sale, many departments across college got on board to bring in the cash for this important cause with activities like leg-waxing, a book sale and a ‘Don’t Show Your Teeth’ competition.

Elena Wynn, Director of Learning for Business and Commercial Enterprise at Chesterfield College said “It is amazing to see everyone get behind this brilliant cause. It’s really important to work together as a community to raise the funds we need for the cancer care centre. Cancer is a disease that touches so many people’s lives so it’s a cause that is close to people’s hearts. I am delighted with how much money we have raised and would like to thank everyone who has donated time, money and cakes to help us make today such a success.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Proposals welcomed for redevelopment of Co-op building

29th September 2015

Destination Chesterfield and the East Midlands Chamber have today welcomed news that redevelopment plans for the town’s landmark Co-op building On Elder Way, will be submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council’s Planning Department.

Find out more about the scheme and download details of opportunities

The Co-op closed the doors of its department store in 2012 and it has been a key target for redevelopment since. A joint venture has now been agreed between Midlands Co-operative and Jomast Developments Ltd to re-use the existing four storey building and create a new leisure development for Chesterfield. The developers propose to turn the former department store into a hotel, restaurants and a gym, retaining many of the building’s original design feature.

Planning permission is expected to be submitted for consideration on 12 October.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s inward investment campaign, said: “I’m delighted that the potential of the former Co-op building has been recognised by investors. It has a prime spot in the town and plays a key role in the town centre master plan. Chesterfield already has very low shop vacancy rates and the proposed redevelopment of the former Co-op store will further enhance the town’s offering, helping us attract further town investment as well as make us a go to destination for shoppers and tourists.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “It was a huge blow to Chesterfield when the Co-op closed its doors in 2012, but it’s great to see that significant progress has been made to bring the iconic building it vacated back into use to boost the town’s leisure offering.”

The news of the proposed redevelopment plans for the Co-op building follows on the back of the announcement earlier in the year that £1billion of investment is taking place in the Borough over the next 10 years, including the £400 million Peak Resorts, £320 million Chesterfield Waterside, £88 million Markham Vale and Northern Gateway developments.

Peter Swallow added: “We want Chesterfield to be a place people stop and stay in, rather than travel through to the Peak District and Destination Chesterfield is an important part of that. We forged ahead with our marketing plans through the recession and we are now reaping the rewards of that as investors are now looking at the town.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

New future planned for former Co-op store

29th September 2015

A planning application is to be submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council seeking permission to convert the town’s landmark former Co-op store for a mixed leisure and restaurant use.

Find out more about the scheme and download the opportunities brochure

The large site in Elder Way has been empty since the town’s Co-op department store shut its doors to customers for the final time in July 2013.

Now, Central England Cooperative, which still owns the site, is working in partnership with Jomast Developments Ltd, who will shortly submit a planning application for a scheme. It is anticipated that this application will include:

An 89 bedroom hotel on the upper floor
Six family restaurants, of between 2,929 sq ft and 3,796 sq ft in size, on the ground floor
A 16,000 sq ft health and fitness area in the basement

The developers plan to refurbish the existing building and keep most of its original features.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The former Co-op store is a really important site because it occupies such a large and prominent part of the town centre.

“Our economic development and planning teams have done a huge amount of work behind the scenes with Jomast and Central England Co-operative to enable us to get to a day where a planning application can be submitted that proposes a new future for this important site within the town.

“However, as with all planning applications, the council’s planning committee will have to consider the application with an open mind, balancing all aspects of the scheme, and taking into account the opinions of the public, businesses and other bodies, before coming to a decision.”

It is expected that a planning application will be formally submitted in the week beginning 12 October. It is anticipated that a decision will be made within eight weeks. During this period there will be a 21 day consultation with the public, businesses and other interested parties.

Adam Hearld, development director for Jomast, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to revitalise a significant landmark building and create a vibrant leisure destination comprising restaurants, hotel and health and fitness accommodation in the heart of Chesterfield town centre.

“We are in the process of talking to a number of established national operators who are keen to locate in the town and benefit from a market which is currently lacking in real choice for leisure consumers.

“We will hopefully be successful in securing planning consent and able to commence works on the scheme in the New Year.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development