Destination Chesterfield

Chamber looks at what ONS employment statistics for June to August 2020 say about state of East Midlands labour market

14th October 2020

New figures published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the UK unemployment rate has risen to its highest level for more than three years.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5% for the three months ending August 2020, compared to 4.1% for the May to July period – with 629,000 UK workers disappearing from the payrolls of British companies since the beginning of Covid-19 lockdown in March.

There were 153,000 people aged between 16 and 24 in employment between June and August compared to the previous quarter, and 102,000 fewer than the same period in 2019.

In the East Midlands, the unemployment rate rose by 0.3% to 4.4%, one-tenth of a percentage point below the national average.

Responding to the figures, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “These figures suggest the East Midlands is slightly ahead of the national average when it comes to keeping people in jobs.

“Our own Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 2020 showed that a net 6% of businesses expect to increase the size of their workforce in the three months following September.

“It’s also important to note how Government schemes are beginning to come into effect for 16 to 24-year-olds – who have been the worst-affected demographic during this pandemic – in the form of the Kickstart scheme. The Chamber, in its role as a gateway organisation, has now submitted applications on behalf of businesses for more than 500 roles.

“On the surface, all this should give us cause for optimism, but we know this is a macroeconomic perspective and there are certain sectors – such as hospitality, tourism and events – that are much more exposed.

“The picture has also changed somewhat since these figures were recorded. The road to recovery has been slowed down by further obstacles in the form of stricter lockdown restrictions and Government warnings regarding prolonged disruption, while the end of the Brexit transition period is looming dangerously ahead.

“While the Government says it has tried to mitigate this by extending the Job Support Scheme and offering monthly business grants for businesses forced to close due to local restrictions, we don’t yet know whether this will be enough to save some of the worst-hit sectors.

“There’s still a lot of uncertainty for businesses, making it difficult for them to plan, make decisions on investment and recruit staff because they aren’t sure what they are building towards. The next few months will be very important for the labour market and it feels like it’s going to be a bumpy ride ahead.”

Other interesting findings in the report were that production-based roles made up a higher proportion of jobs in the East Midlands (13.1%) than any other region, with Wales second at 11.7%. Jobs in services represented 79.7% of the region’s labour market, with 7.2% of workers employed in other broad industry groups.

The ONS regional statistics, including the East Midlands, can be found here

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Town leaders secure £500,000 cash boost for Staveley community projects

8th October 2020

Residents in Staveley are set to benefit from a range of community improvements after town leaders secured £500,000 as part of wider plans to regenerate the area.

A new state-of-the-art all-weather sports pitch at Springwell Community College, new play equipment for King George V Playing Field and new CCTV equipment for the town centre are among the projects which will benefit from a cash boost.

The proposal to the government’s Accelerator Fund was submitted by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board.

This initial money will be used to kick-start improvements ahead of the Board’s submission of the Staveley Town Investment Plan, which is currently being finalised ahead of submission to the government’s Towns Fund. The Plan aims to secure up to £25m to help build a stronger economy for the area.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, Destination Chesterfield board member and managing director of local business MSE Hiller, said: “This initial slug of government funding is great news for the area and signals the start of positive change for Staveley.

“These projects align with the Board’s long-term regeneration plans for Staveley, which we will shortly be setting out for government as part of our ambitious Town Investment Plan.

“Our collective aim is to create new jobs for local people and a stronger and more resilient local economy.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair, said: “Being able to invest in grassroots facilities and projects like these now means we can bring real and immediate improvements that will benefit local people.

“These are positive investments in key facilities which support people’s health and well-being at a time when Staveley, like so many towns up and down the country, is struggling to weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s about doing all we can to help our communities build back stronger for the future.”

The projects which will receive funding are:

George V Playing Field – to provide play spaces and outdoor gym equipment
Springwell Community College – installation of a 3G all-weather sports pitch
Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club – to provide drainage for three pitches as part of the Club’s wider pitch redevelopment project
Staveley town centre – to upgrade CCTV equipment in the area
Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) project – to support site development for a new rail training and innovation centre at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

The Staveley Town Deal Board has been established to oversee the development and implementation of a long-term Town Investment Plan for the Staveley area.

It is made up of elected members and senior officers from Chesterfield Borough Council, Staveley Town Council and Derbyshire County Council, both local members of parliament, representatives from local charitable organisations, Derbyshire Police, education leaders and representatives of the local business community.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Council leader is lobbying Government to return CrossCountry services

7th October 2020

The Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has written to the Minister of State for Rail about the ongoing reduction in CrossCountry services at Chesterfield Railway Station.

Councillor Tricia Gilby wrote the letter as CrossCountry services have still not been fully restored to Chesterfield Station. There is currently no indication that more services will stop at Chesterfield in the Christmas timetable revision and CrossCountry have continued to refuse to confirm when full services will be reinstated.

Councillor Gilby explained: “I am deeply concerned that the temporary changes made by CrossCountry will become permanent and this will have severe consequences for Chesterfield. Lots of people rely on CrossCountry services to get to work, as well as for leisure and tourism purposes. Whilst the return of peak travel services is important, the effect of cancelling off-peak services will continue to make it difficult for workers and visitors alike.

“We want to work with CrossCountry to find a solution that benefits the people of Chesterfield and is financially viable, but feel that we have reached somewhat of an impasse and require the Department for Transport to step in and help ensure these vital train services are returned to Chesterfield.

“Chesterfield Railway Station is one of the busiest in the East Midlands and arguably the most important railway station in Derbyshire. I recognise that the Covid-19 lockdown did reduce demand for rail travel but other operators including East Midlands Railway and Northern Trains have already reinstated services to Chesterfield at virtually pre-covid levels, whilst CrossCountry continues to try and do the opposite.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has continued to have a useful dialogue with CrossCountry and has recently shared evidence that shows the importance of these services to Chesterfield and the increase in demand that has resulted from schools, colleges and universities returning.

CrossCountry have also shared data with the council that they claim shows stopping at Chesterfield has a negative impact on their services at other stations on the line. However, the council along with industry experts have reviewed this evidence and believe that it shows the delays created are a result of issues around Dore junction as opposed to stops in Chesterfield.

The reduction of services at Chesterfield has been an ongoing issue. In June, Councillor Gilby wrote to the Department for Transport after CrossCountry announced they would be suspending all services at Chesterfield.

It took considerable lobbying against this proposal from the local HS2 Delivery Board, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, local MPs, East Midlands Councils, Chambers of Commerce for the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, Sheffield City Region and Transport for the North, before CrossCountry reversed its decision and re-introduced three peak services at Chesterfield. It was not until September that CrossCountry decided to re-introduce off-peak services on a Saturday and Sunday.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Three young people shortlisted for top high street apprentice title

7th October 2020

Later this month, one young person will be named as the town’s top high street apprentice at the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Three apprentices working in high street businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).

Despite challenging times for businesses in the town, the hard work and dedication of three young people has stood out for their employers who have nominated them for the prestigious award.

Abi Ashmore, an Apprentice Accounts Assistant from Superior Spas in Brimington, Grace Blant, an Apprentice Legal Billing Secretary from Elliot Mather at St Mary’s Gate and Molly Bradbury, a Rents Assistant from Arvato in Chesterfield Town Hall, are all in the running for the top award.

Abi, Grace and Molly now join a 36-strong shortlist of businesses and individuals working on the town’s high street who have been shortlisted across 15 award categories.

Former Netherthorpe School pupil, Abi Ashmore joined Superior Spas after seeing the progression opportunities within the company. Through the apprenticeship she hopes eventually to fulfil her dreams of becoming an accountant.

Delighted to be shortlisted, Abi (18) said: “It feels very rewarding that my colleagues would nominate me for such an award. It shows that all the hard work I’ve put in throughout my time here has been recognised by my peers.”

Chris Bigden, Finance Manager at Superior Spas added: “Abi is an extremely hard-working and important member of our finance department here at Superior Spas. Her communication is outstanding with customers, especially for her age, and she always goes above and beyond for the business.”

Grace Blant (19), started her apprenticeship after leaving Brookfield Community School sixth form. She commented: “I’m delighted to be shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year. To be recognised in such a strong pool of talent has made me extremely confident with my progress so far.”

Following the completion of her apprenticeship Grace plans to undertake further qualifications, including a CILEx course which is a non-graduate route to qualification in law.

Libby Wood, Solicitor and LLP Member/Partner at Elliot Mather added: “We decided to take on an apprentice in the summer of 2019. This was a first for my department. I am delighted to say that Grace slotted into the team from the outset and has proven to be a real asset to the department and the business.”

Former Brookfield Community School pupil, Molly Bradbury (22) is a Level 3 apprentice with Arvato. She commented on being shortlisted: “I feel very proud to be shortlisted for this award as it shows appreciation from my managers and that all my hard work has led to something.”

Lindsey Phillips, Senior Rent Officer at Arvato commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award. I have no doubt that Molly will continue to grow and I look forward to supporting and working with her in the future. She is an exceptional member of our team.”

Alongside the Apprentice of the Year title, the Chesterfield High Street Awards will also be honouring the town’s Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group).

Superior Spas has also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year award alongside The Therapy Lounge based in Hasland.

The apprentice and apprentice employer award categories were introduced to the awards line-up in 2018 in order to commend the valuable contribution apprentices and apprenticeships make to Chesterfield’s high street.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented on the importance of the apprentice awards: “Apprenticeships have always been and continue to be an integral part of Chesterfield’s success as a town. After facing Covid-19 head-on, it’s vital for the town to focus on the future and how we can create a thriving high street together in this new environment – apprentice opportunities should be at the forefront of our plans.”

Covid-19 has not only delayed this year’s High Street Awards, but also led organiser Destination Chesterfield, to move the award ceremony online. Now in its seventh year, this is the first time the awards has been held virtually.

Usually held in June, the winners of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards will be announced at an online awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 October.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, who has organised this year’s virtual ceremony with the team added: “A bonus of taking the awards ceremony online means that we don’t have to limit numbers, which enables more people to celebrate the success of all the nominees. Pre-Covid we had to observe a very strict limit on numbers due to venue capacity and demand for tickets always outstripped the numbers permitted.”

Supporters of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include: Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe*, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

For details of all shortlisted businesses and individuals in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/highstreetawards/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Celebrating 10 Years of Destination Chesterfield

5th October 2020

As we enter the final quarter of 2020 I, like many of you I suspect, am feeling shell-shocked at the issues this year has (so far) thrown at us all.

Despite everything, it is tremendously encouraging to see how businesses have adapted in the face of adversity. This isn’t the first time that Chesterfield has faced challenges and it certainly won’t be the last, but it’s how you tackle the situation that counts.

This month, 10 years ago, when Britain was in the grip of a recession, Destination Chesterfield was established.

While other towns and cities battened down the hatches and rode out the financial crisis, Chesterfield didn’t. The town put itself out there and declared itself a destination that was open and ready to do business. This forward-thinking and bold approach will result in the delivery of more than £1 billion of investment to the borough in the next few years.

Despite the world being in a state of flux right now, I think this is a good opportunity to remind ourselves that Chesterfield has not stood still in the months that have passed since lockdown began in March.

Construction of the new Enterprise Centre on the Donut carpark is now underway, it was announced that PEAK is to be the home of UK’s first fully serviced national park gateway, Avant Homes opened the new showhomes at Waterside Quarter, and thousands of children across the borough have been home schooled.

Did you hear the collective sigh of relief of parents across the country when the children returned to school in September? I don’t know about you, but I feel that the country can truly get back to business now that the schools have re-opened.

And as it did 10 years ago, Chesterfield Borough Council has put in place a plan to ensure that the town thrives once more. We have done it before and the people of Chesterfield can ensure that we will do it again – I for one have every confidence that the plan can be delivered.

Posted in Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Chesterfield estate agent opens second office in Chesterfield

29th September 2020

Award-winning, local estate agent, Dales & Peaks has continued its growth plan by opening a second branch in Chesterfield.

Based in one of the modern leisure units at 131, Chatsworth Road, the new office has a prime high street location alongside popular boutique shops and independent restaurants, including Nonnas and 360 Wellbeing.

Sales Director, Tom Currey said: “As an agent consistently known for breaking the mold and creating marketing for our client’s properties to help them ‘stand out from the crowd,’ we decided against placing the new shop in the town centre, and instead opted for Chesterfield’s cosmopolitan suburb of Brampton on Chatsworth Road.

“Internally the new shop has been fitted out in the style of an upmarket bar or grand lounge and the windows are fitted with screens designed to showcase properties in a unique way – with 3D tours, slideshows of properties and a huge 65 inch screen to show off featured properties, right in the window on Chatsworth Road. It’s all very modern and very cool!”

Established in 2006, the family business already has an office at Old Brick Works Lane in Chesterfield and in Matlock, with further plans for growth in the pipeline. The business employs 15 staff members, with the view to growing this further in 2021.

Dales and Peaks supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Further growth for Banner Jones’ teams following new appointments

29th September 2020

Banner Jones Solicitors has announced the further expansion of its teams with the appointment of Rachel Read-Hill, Family Law Solicitor and Barrister Jasmine Kumar, who joins Banner Jones in an In-House Counsel role.

Rachel joins the firm’s Family Law team following an increase in demand for its family law services during the coronavirus pandemic.

With nine years’ experience, she boasts extensive knowledge in a wide range of family law matters such as divorce, financial arrangements, children disputes, and cohabitation issues.

Commenting on Rachel’s appointment, Head of Family Law Kelly Parks (pictured) said, “The last few months have been a difficult time for everyone, and particularly for families and couples who were placed under significant strain due to the lockdown, school closures, and added financial pressure.”

“We have worked continuously throughout the lockdown period to help clients in need, and in doing so, we have adapted to a new virtual way of working. Clients generally prefer the phone and video appointments that we now offer and so I’m now looking forward to working collaboratively with Rachel to help widen our client reach through continued agile working.”

The firm has also welcomed Barrister Jasmine Kumar to the award-winning Care Proceedings team. Jasmine will work with the team who deal with all issues surrounding the safeguarding of children within the social care system.

Vince Beckworth, Head of Care: “Jasmine’s move to Banner Jones to develop her career in the field of Children Law and Child Protection allows us to build upon our commitment to a strong advocacy team.”

“Jasmine has enjoyed a successful career as an advocate in both criminal and regulatory law, and she is now looking to use her forensic skills to represent parents and families facing proceedings brought by Local Authorities and Social Care.”

“Every child’s welfare is the driving force of the Banner Jones’ Care Proceedings team, which is why we have made it an absolute priority that families have been able to access advice from our expert team during the pandemic.”

These are the latest in a string of ‘strategic appointments’ for Banner Jones amidst continued growth for the firm which offers a wide spectrum of legal advice for businesses and individuals.

Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Jasmine Kumar and Rachel Read-Hill

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Local businesses invited to find out more about Talgo UK supply chain

25th September 2020

Local businesses are being invited to take part in an event that will help them understand how to get involved in the Talgo UK supply chain.

The virtual event, focused on supply for train manufacturing and servicing, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 October.

Businesses must submit an expression of interest form by Monday 12 October in order to take part.

Last year Spanish train manufacturer Talgo established its UK Headquarters in Chesterfield and in January they announced plans to develop a training and innovation centre in Barrow Hill. This combined with its investment in a manufacturing plant in Scotland will help ensure the company can access the expertise and knowledge needed to build and export its state-of-the-art trains.

Jon Veitch, Managing Director of Talgo UK, said “I am absolutely thrilled with the interest shown by so many people, businesses and potential long term partners with Talgo establishing here in the UK and especially close to us from the Chesterfield area. I am particularly grateful to colleagues in Chesterfield Borough Council with their continued focussed support and I really looking forward to this next event.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Talgo UK, its investment in Chesterfield will bring much needed good quality jobs. Talgo’s ambition to work with our local businesses and bring them into their supply chain further shows how this investment will bring long term benefits for lots of local businesses.”

The virtual event will begin with a presentation from Jon Veitch, followed by one to one meetings where selected organisations can speak individually with Talgo UK and find out more about the supply chain and contracts available.

Find out more about the online event and how to register here.

Please note: Images were taken in January 2020

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

D2N2 to provide funding to revitalise the heart of Chesterfield

24th September 2020

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire has approved an investment of £650,000 towards the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project (RHOC).

The funding, provided by D2N2 via its Local Growth Fund allocation, will support the £3.25m upgrade of the improvement works to the outdoor market as well as an extension of the public space in the town’s Northern Gateway area.

The Local Growth Fund enables D2N2, to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting greater numbers of jobs, homes, and learners.

The D2N2 funding will support the creation of 66 jobs as well as safeguarding 80 jobs on the outdoor market.

The upgrades to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway which includes Packers Row, a key pedestrian route into the town centre and Market, will re-balance the space available to the public in favour of pedestrians whilst also encouraging outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes.

The route will also feature a greater number of trees to help improve air quality for users of the street.

The new revitalised outdoor market will include better lighting and power; improved access and stall configuration; general paving repairs; and new flexible trading areas as well as the repair of all existing stall structures.

Overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council, the improvements to Packers Row will be complete by March next year with the redevelopment of the outdoor market due to be completed by November 2021.

D2N2 has provided funding for several infrastructure projects based in Chesterfield including the Hollis Lane Link Road, sites required the development of the HS2 station, improvements to the A61, and the Chesterfield Centre for Higher Level Skills.

D2N2 Interim Chair David Williams said: “D2N2 is pleased to be able to provide funding to revitalise the centre of Chesterfield which is an important step in the ambitious regeneration of the town.”

“Town centres will no doubt have an important role in our economic recovery from the pandemic and the firm commitment to maximising public space for pedestrians and local businesses should be a sign of how our urban centres will evolve in the years ahead.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will allow us to bring new life to our town centre and famous outdoor market, enabling us to attract more footfall and visitor spend, which will help support our local businesses and allow them to thrive.”

“This project will also ensure that the town centre, and the local economy, is well placed to recover as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We want to level-up towns across the country, ensuring they have the investment they need to continue to grow and thrive so that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone.”

“That is why we are investing £650,000 in the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Scheme which will improve the outdoor market, create new jobs, and make it easier for restaurants and cafes to set up outdoor seating.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Construction to start on office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

21st September 2020

Construction of the seven-storey office building in the Basin Square neighbourhood of the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme is due to start in October.

Chesterfield Borough Council has secured a forward funding agreement with the developer, Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, as a key strategic investment opportunity for the town.

Funding for the delivery of the high-quality office building, which already has planning consent in place, was approved as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious growth strategy. The investment is designed to kick-start the town’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and will spearhead major developments around the train station as part of the council’s HS2 Station Masterplan.

Tenants have already been secured for some of the Grade A office accommodation, enabling the developers to bring forward construction of the circa 35,000ft² building, which is being overseen by project delivery partner, Bolsterstone Group Plc.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, said: “Chesterfield Waterside continues apace. Since receiving planning approval for the office accommodation last year, I am delighted that we have been able to secure tenants and bring forward the delivery of high-quality office accommodation for Chesterfield in conjunction with Chesterfield Borough Council.

“It is an exciting time for Chesterfield Waterside with Avant Homes also building out new homes in the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood. Despite the pandemic, 2020 will be a formative year for the scheme with a significant amount of construction activity planned and more investment proposals in the pipeline, benefitting the local economy.”

The new office building, known as No.1 Waterside Place, will provide office accommodation of the highest specification. It represents the first step in delivering the commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside’s Basin Square neighbourhood.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward this state-of-the-art office building with Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, which will deliver supply chain opportunities for local companies during the construction phase and new jobs for local people with the companies that will be taking space at No.1 Waterside Place.

“These are uncertain times, but we must not stand still. We must continue to invest in this and other growth projects if we are to meet the council’s objectives of making Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of people’s lives. No.1 Waterside Place is just the start of what we believe will be a very special journey for the people of this great town and borough.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby and Peter Swallow

Construction of the offices is expected to be completed in August 2021. Britcon (UK) Ltd, a leading Civil Engineering, Building and Steel Frame Solutions company, has been appointed as the main contractor to construct the office building.

As part of the contract with Chesterfield Borough Council, Britcon will utilise local labour and local contractors across the whole build process and will also be working closely with Chesterfield College to provide opportunities for their students.

No.1 Waterside Place will boast two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high-quality entrance foyer, showers and cycle parking facilities onsite.

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm BHP Chartered Accountants, a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer, will occupy an entire floor within the building. The firm will be relocating its Chesterfield office to No.1 Waterside Place to benefit from the high-quality specification and unparalleled location at Chesterfield Waterside.

Planning approval for the office building, which was designed by Bond Bryan Architects, was granted by Chesterfield Borough Council last year bringing forward commercial negotiations with BHP alongside other tenants who are also in advanced discussions.

As well as office accommodation, the building also offers ground floor retail space and Chesterfield Waterside Ltd. is already in discussions with a number of potential occupiers.

The new large-plate office accommodation is designed to complement the start-up and incubator units at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Enterprise Centre scheme, which is currently under construction at Saltergate.

It is also anticipated that the new offices will be highly sought after by organisations looking to move out of larger cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham and establish regional hubs around mainline train stations in an effort to COVID-19 proof their operations.

Basin Square is the first commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside. When complete, the £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of 320 Built-to-Rent apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the already constructed canal basin.

This latest step forward for the project follows the announcement that Avant Homes has opened the showhomes at the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood where it is building 174 two, three, and four-bedroom homes. Avant reports strong interest in the development and has already taken a number of reservations.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

FHP Property Consultants and Knight Frank have been appointed as letting agents for the office space at Chesterfield Waterside.

For further information about Chesterfield Waterside, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Cashless parking coming to Chesterfield

3rd September 2020

Paying for parking in Chesterfield has just got easier as Chesterfield Borough Council partners with PayByPhone, the global leader in mobile parking payments, to offer drivers the option of cashless parking when visiting the town centre.

Cashless parking payments will be introduced to all of the council’s pay and display car parks from 7 September 2020 and will mean motorists no longer have to search for the right change.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The new car-parking system will offer you a quick and convenient way to paying for your parking. You’ll no longer need to queue at the ticket machine, and you’ll be able to pay from the comfort of your car.

“Over recent months, we have been encouraged to make cashless payments where possible to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, and we think that this new way of paying will help to do this.

“This new system will help to ensure that we continue to play our part to stop the spread of the virus, as well as offering more flexibility for people who are visiting our town centre and supporting our local businesses.”

PayByPhone will be available in the following car parks: Holywell Cross, Durrant Road, Devonshire Street, Theatre Lane, Spa Lane, St Mary’s Gate, Station Road, Queen’s Park Annexe, Queen’s Park North, Queen’s Park South, Coach Station, Derbyshire Times and Albion Road.

Drivers will be able to pay for parking on their phones through the PayByPhone app which is available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, meaning that they can pay for parking from the comfort of their car. The app is quick and easy to install and use. It also gives drivers the added benefit of extending their parking sessions remotely.

Adam Dolphin, Sales Director for PayByPhone UK, said: “We are very excited to launch PayByPhone in Chesterfield and we encourage everyone to download the PayByPhone app so they are ready to take advantage of this new service.

“With one in 10 adults in the UK now choosing to lead a largely cashless life, and seven in 10 using contactless payments, the shift away from using notes and coins is not only the smart and safe choice, but also one that should be relatively easy for most.”

Frequent visitors can also purchase parking at a reduced rate on a weekly, monthly or annual basis through the PayByPhone app.

Motorists can continue to pay by cash if they prefer by visiting the pay and display machines as usual. The scratch card parking will also continue to be valid and visitors can continue to purchase these from the Visitor Information Centre.

More information on car parking in Chesterfield and how to use the app can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/pay-for-parking-by-phone

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting