Development

Free conference to help Peak businesses tap the full potential of the ‘Purple Pound’

12th November 2018

Time is fast running out for visitor economy businesses and services to book free places at a one-day conference featuring local and national experts in accessible tourism – now worth an annual £12 billion to the English economy.

The second Derbyshire Access Exchange will be held at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield on Wednesday November 21 to help the area’s business people and service providers make the most of the so-called ‘purple pound’.

Co-ordinated by Access for All UK, the consultancy arm of Accessible Derbyshire and supported by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the main aim is to create an even more accessible destination by:

Sharing best practice and top tips from national experts
Learning about accessibility projects across the Peak District and Derbyshire
Browsing and sampling products to improve accessibility
Finding out how accessibility can boost profits
Promoting and sharing accessibility projects, plans and marketing techniques
Meeting Accessible Derbyshire, the local charity that can help with funding
Improving confidence in welcoming people with access needs
Collaborating, creating new partnerships and celebrating success
Planning future action to improve accessibility

Key speakers will include Ross Calladine, Head of Business Support at national tourist board VisitEngland; Trizia Wells, Inclusion Manager at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum; Dan Smith, Head of Creative Design at Motionspot, offering insights into dementia-friendly design and Felicity and David Brown, owners of Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington, who will share their advice and expertise on how to create accessible holiday accommodation.

The event will be held from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and a complimentary two-course lunch and refreshments are included. During the afternoon, there will be a series of workshop sessions, during which delegates will have the chance to experience the wide range of accessible facilities and services that are on the market.

“National research by VisitBritain reveals that one in five people in the UK have an impairment that might affect where they choose to stay and visit, and that domestic and international visitors spend more than £3.5 billion on overnight tourism trips in England each year,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“It also reveals that visitors from this market are more likely to take longer trips, are generally very loyal to destinations that meet their needs, and also that an extra £117 million a year could be generated from additional business if accessibility were improved.”

“So not only is improving accessibility important to improve people’s overall experience, it’s obviously very good for business. We’re very pleased to support this event, which we hope will further enhance the Peak District and Derbyshire’s excellent reputation in this fast expanding field.”

Gillian Scotford, of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire, added: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local businesses and services to learn more about how they can better appreciate and meet the needs of the 13 million people with disabilities in the UK – ranging from hearing, vision and mobility impairment to autism, learning difficulties and dementia.”

“Last year’s event got things off to a great start. We are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is able to support it for a second time, and also to offer extra funding this year to enable us to offer four training days plus free audits, training and support to 30 small businesses in nine market towns. Their practical and financial commitment to helping to make life easier for people with disabilities is much appreciated.”

“We hope as many people as possible will sign up for what promises to be an enjoyable, interesting and very positive day, and will then take advantage of the follow-up training and support that will be available in the New Year.”

Tickets for Derbyshire Access Exchange can now be booked here.

Gillian Scotford (left) and Jane Cooper of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire

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

Groups invited to apply now for Action Grants

7th November 2018

Community groups, clubs and charities are being invited to apply now for the next round of Derbyshire County Council’s Action Grants.

Action Grants totalling more than £210,000 have been awarded to 112 groups across Derbyshire in the first round of our scheme which we launched in May 2018. A full list of those who have benefitted can be found here.

Applications from the second round, which closed in September 2018, are currently being considered and the third round is open now inviting applications up to 31 December 2018.

From the £1.5 million fund there are 2,000 small grants of up to £500, a number of grants worth up to £5,000, and for schemes which can be shown to offer long-term benefits for local people and promote two or more of the Action Grant themes, potential grants of £10,000.

Successful applicants so far were able to show they promoted one or more of the four Action Grant themes or a combination;

Youth activity – Including setting up youth clubs, organising activities for young people, projects to help young people gain new skills or schemes to help them deal with mental health issues.

Community activity – Such as setting up new community groups, organising a local event or starting a community project.

Physical activity and sport – Money for schemes to encourage residents of all ages to take part in physical activities, keep fit and stay healthy – or which encourage people to get active if they’re not already.

Community safety – Grants for projects to reduce crime and the fear of crime including raising awareness about scams and rogue trading, schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and initiatives to help residents keep themselves safe.

Successful applicants in the first round of Action Grants included:

Friendship and social clubs
Brownie, Scout, Guide and Cadet groups
Sports clubs
Fitness classes
Youth activities and support for young people
Baby and toddler groups
Specialist support schemes
New community initiatives
Music and arts groups
Gardening and environmental projects

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “If you’re involved with a community group, club or charity in Derbyshire and would benefit from a cash boost our next round of Action Grant applications is now open and I’d urge you to apply.”

“There are many groups which do amazing work to provide opportunities for residents in their communities and we’re keen to support them. An Action Grant could be just the helping hand they need to do even more to provide lasting benefits for residents across the county.”

“As the list of groups which successfully applied for one of our grants in the first round shows, we’re happy to consider any activity for Action Grant funding which can show a benefit for residents and their local community – anything from family fit sessions and school holiday clubs to schemes which tackle domestic abuse and support mental health.”

“We’ve made the process as simple as possible with a short form to fill in and a quick decision process. Dozens of groups are already benefiting from their Action Grants and we’re encouraging others to get their applications in before the next deadline.”

The deadline for the current round of Action Grant applications is 31 December 2018. Groups which apply should hear if they have been successful within 4 weeks of the deadline. More rounds will follow next year until the scheme ends in May 2020.

Click here to apply or for further information on applications.

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

New bridge approved for Chesterfield Waterside

7th November 2018

The building of a new bridge at the Chesterfield Waterside development has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council. Once built the bridge will allow access to the ‘ The Park’ area of the development.

The Park is Chesterfield Waterside’s main housing area and represents phase one of the project. Construction of up to 170 two, three and four-bedroom homes within The Park is expected to get underway in 2019.

The first 19 homes within The Park neighbourhood have already been completed and fully occupied since February 2015. They offer contemporary, sustainable housing in a parkland setting along the canalside and Brimington Road.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, the company leading the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside project. said: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Borough Council has granted permission to create a new access bridge and road to what will become The Park neighbourhood within the Chesterfield Waterside development. This represents yet another important milestone for the project, and we are now in a position to progress proposals to develop new homes in The Park area of the site next year.”

Chesterfield Waterside is an innovative and sustainable £320 million scheme and is currently the 47th largest regeneration project in the UK. The development has risen from the remains of the old Trebor factory and is a major mixed-use regeneration programme to the immediate north of the town centre. The site straddling the River Rother and Chesterfield Canal and alongside the A61 will provide a thriving and successful new part of the town centre.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Waterside development

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New Grant Fund available for Chesterfield businesses

6th November 2018

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses can now apply for grants towards capital and revenue projects.

The Derbyshire Business Support Grant Scheme offers funding from between £2,000 and £50,000, which are available towards Capital or Revenue projects with the aim of supporting businesses to, expand, evolve or relocate, helping to create increased investment, growth and job creation.

Sole Traders, Partnerships, Limited companies and Social Enterprises who are liable or will be liable to pay business rates as part of the grant funded project are able to apply. A maximum of 50% of the total eligible project costs will be available and funding will awarded to support improved productivity, technology, systems, supply chain and skills development within businesses.

Chesterfield businesses wanting to find out more about the funding can attend a drop in session organised by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project on the 15th November at The University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus from 9.30 – 12.30. This drop in session will allow businesses to have an initial discussion about the possibilities of funding to help their enterprises achieve the step change they are seeking.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said ” It is great to see this new support available for businesses across Derbyshire. We encourage Chesterfield businesses to attend the drop in session to find out more about how they can use this funding to support the growth of their business.”

The fund opened for applications in September 2018 and will run until the 31st March 2020.

Find out about this and other funding opportunities for businesses

Find out more about the drop in event for businesses

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New pub to open in Chesterfield

5th November 2018

The newest addition to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene will open in November.

Formerly known as The White Swan, The Pig and Pump will be a traditional pub serving a large range of real ales, traditional ciders, a craft offering and home cooked locally sourced food. The venue also plans to showcase live bands from around the country every Saturday night.

Multi site owners Tom O’Neill and Kate Simpson secured the venue in October and are currently in the process of a full refurbishment. Once open the venue will create 20 new jobs.

General Managers Ash & Danielle Sheppard said “We are excited to push the venue to the next level and bring our experience and passion for real ale, quality food & live music to make the Pig & Pump a huge success!”

The grand opening takes place on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th November with live music from the Jake Henry Trio on the Friday and Andy Bennett, formally of Ocean Colour Scene on the Saturday.

This news follows the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards being announced last week. The awards which were in their 6th year celebrate the flourishing food an drink scene in the town. Check out this years winners at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Posted in Business, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield in final two locations for potential Talgo Factory

2nd November 2018

Chesterfield has today been named as one of two locations still in the running for a new UK factory planned by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo.

If the borough’s bid is successful the former Hartington Colliery site, between Staveley and Barrow Hill, would become home to a factory which would create 1,000 high quality jobs.

The manufacturing site would also create an estimated 4,000 jobs in the supply chain for the region, as well as apprenticeship, training and educational opportunities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Today’s announcement by Talgo means we are getting ever closer to achieving this once in a generation opportunity for the people of Chesterfield.

“A new factory on this scale would provide a massive boost to our economy particularly in terms of job opportunities for local people.

“Talgo’s commitment to a ‘true manufacturing’ approach would also generate openings for local businesses to supply components as part of the supply chain, which would help create more jobs and increase the positive impact on our economy.

“Chesterfield Borough Council will now set about working with its partners to submit further information to Talgo over the next week and we will continue to make the strongest possible case for Talgo’s UK factory to be located in Chesterfield borough.”

Chesterfield’s bid highlights:

• That remediation work is already underway to prepare the former Hartington Colliery site for development

• Chesterfield’s location at the heart of both the existing rail network and the planned phase 2B of the HS2 rail network, which will see Chesterfield have an HS2 station and also an HS2 line maintenance depot at Staveley

• Chesterfield’s excellent transport connectivity, with over 23 million people living within two hours’ drive, and four major airports and four sea ports within 90 minutes travel time

• That an investment would create further regeneration and development opportunities related to HS2, as well as support the existing Staveley Works corridor development plans for 1,000 new homes, a new primary school and £50 million access road

• The ability to offer Talgo access to the area’s world class rail supply chain and a highly skilled workforce

• The strength of partnership working in the area involving the landowners, Derbyshire County Council, the universities of Derby and Newcastle, Chesterfield College, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

Carlos de Palacio – President of Talgo, said:
‘The establishment of a manufacturing facility in the UK is a significant part of Talgo’s future strategy.

“Talgo’s aim is to establish true manufacturing – rather than assembling from parts made elsewhere. This means that we will draw from materials and expertise across the UK.

“This keeps more money in the UK economy, and creates more skilled long-term jobs.

“Talgo also wants to develop a UK testing centre, and acceptance ability, to ensure a smooth and faultless introduction of new trains into service. We are excited about the opportunity that Wales has taken for testing – for the benefit of the UK – and we want to work with the Wales team on some aspects of this.

“Although there can only be one factory site, we have established lasting relationships with all of the countries, regions and areas that we have visited. We are now developing those relationships, to ensure that – irrespective of the factory location – Talgo provides great opportunities across the UK.

“Talgo is renowned for innovation. We want to encourage innovation, drawing on skills from all parts of the UK. We will shortly make a further announcement regarding our plans.”

If successful, building work would start in July 2020, ready for the train factory to open in December 2021.

A new £9 million innovation and training centre is also planned to be built at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for Talgo to use and showcase its technologies.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Derbyshire showcased to Chinese delegates

26th October 2018

Derbyshire’s tourism links with China have been strengthened further with a formal agreement signed by Derbyshire County Council Leader Barry Lewis and delegates from Anhui Province.

The agreement to work together to boost tourism, improve visitor experience and further develop links between the two areas was signed during a tourism conference held at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.

It follows a visit to China in November 2017 when our officials met Li Guoying, Governor of East China’s Anhui province to agree to work more closely on shared interests.

Environmental, economic, education and healthcare were also discussed during the visit which included a tour to our Markham Vale flagship regeneration site and state-of-the-art Meadow View Community Care Centre in Darley Dale.

From sampling a famous Bakewell Pudding to exploring Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House – visitors got a taste of what Derbyshire has to offer. The Chinese delegation included representatives from the country’s tourist and business industries.

Councillor Lewis said:”This was a fantastic opportunity to meet with Chinese delegates to further strengthen links between the two areas and showcase what Derbyshire has to offer and learn about Anhui Province.”

“It has been great to share the delights of the Peak District and Derbyshire with the delegation as tourism is an important part of our local economy. The population of the province is about 60 million people, a growing number of whom love to travel so we hope to welcome many more visitors in the future.”

The visit was hosted by Anhui Province with support from Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Council. It was a chance for the delegation to promote the beautiful places to visit in China outside the usual tourist hotspots.

Tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by 6% to £2.15 billion.

Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3%, while the number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5% at 28,630.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis (right) helps show Mr Yang Guangrong, Vice-Governor, Anhui Provincial Government and visitors around Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Visiting

Working together to achieve world-class results for Peak District & Derbyshire

12th October 2018

The overarching message to delegates at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Tuesday was that working together is vital to secure the future success and prosperity of the Peak District and Derbyshire together to continue to create a world-class destination and five-star visitor experience.

Keynote speaker, Television Presenter and Peak District and Derbyshire champion Julia Bradbury, tourist board Managing Director Jo Dilley and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council all reinforced the rallying call as the visitor economy gears up for further success in the future.

Julia, the first-ever female President of The Camping and Caravanning Club told around 150 delegates that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire was listening to what businesses feel they need and responding to it.

“The key is communication, and working together in a collaborative effort is much more successful. When we lived in Sheffield and my family ran a fashion couture shop, we shared clients with local businesses – a win-win for all and very happy customers. Helping and working with and for each other is important. We shouldn’t always think of neighbours as competition.”

“Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire needs businesses to support it through membership. This doesn’t just allow it to bid for funding to deliver workshops and support. The more members it has, the more marketing campaigns it can deliver, both nationally and internationally, to raise the profile of the area and drive visitors here. As co-founders of The Outdoor Guide, my sister Gina and I are proud to be part of this.”

Jo Dilley emphasized the continuing need for close teamwork between the public and private sectors, the tourist board and its Patrons and members, the University of Derby, D2N2, Visit England and VisitBritain.

“By coming together, we are far more powerful,” she said. “Our mission is to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.”

“We want to offer a world class experience, encouraging visitors to share and recommend the area as a great place to take a holiday. The visitor economy is currently in very robust shape, and we are confident that next year will be equally, if not more, successful.”

“The income we receive from our public and private partners through grants, patronage and membership is extremely important in our ongoing quest to secure other funding from sources such as the Discover England Fund and the European Development Fund. Since 2016, we have attracted an extra £2.5 million to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Councillor Barry Lewis underlined the key role that the visitor economy plays in Derbyshire County Council’s plans to drive economic growth for both residents and businesses.

“We recognise the fundamental role the tourist board plays in marketing tourism both domestically and internationally – but it is more than this. It is the focal point for business support to the visitor economy sector, and we are delighted to work alongside the team, always striving to help our businesses grow and offer even more excellent services and products to our visitors.”

Councillor Lewis welcomed the formation of the new Derbyshire Culture, Heritage and Tourism Board, chaired by former VisitEngland Chief Executive and Derbyshire-born James Berresford.

The Board has been created to maximise the economic potential of Derbyshire’s unique and distinctive cultural and environmental assets to create an exceptional and thriving destination where people can live, work, visit and invest.

Councillor Lewis also underscored the importance of strategic regional initiatives such as the Midlands Engine and a new East Midlands Strategic Alliance to keep the visitor economy at the heart of Government policy and investment.

The tourist board team also looked forward to its forthcoming Food & Drink Campaign, set to be launched next spring to promote the Peak District and Derbyshire’s diverse and delicious culinary offer, plus a new initiative to develop business tourism, also scheduled to launch in 2019.

This will focus on bringing in new business at traditionally quiet times of year and also midweek, tapping into the potential of the wellbeing and health market and capitalising on the area’s assets as an accessible place where people can work, rest and invest.

Pictured (left to right) are: Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Deputy Director Lindsay Rae; its Managing Director Jo Dilley; Councillor Barry Lewis, Television Presenter Julia Bradbury, tourist board Chairman Paul Jones and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd.

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

Plans drawn up to roll out vehicle charging points in Derbyshire

12th October 2018

Derbyshire County Council are drawing up plans to install electric vehicle charging points across the county over the next 10 years. They are engaging with a range of partner organisations, across the private and public sector, to support the uptake of low emission vehicles across the county as part of their commitment to cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality in Derbyshire.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King said: “Protecting and enhancing our environment is one of our top priorities and we need to act now to cut carbon emissions in the future.”

“Electric vehicles are now entering the second hand market and if we want to encourage more motorists to make the switch then we need to make it as easy and attractive as possible.”

“That means making sure there are plenty of public charging points conveniently located for people to use across the county.”

“This is a golden opportunity for us to help encourage use of low carbon vehicles to cut the amount of pollution generated on Derbyshire’s roads and I’m pleased that we’re working jointly with partner organisations to plan ahead now to prevent it becoming an issue in the future. It demonstrates that the council is leading the way in supporting, not just the public, but industry as well, as we head towards a cleaner, greener economy.”

The low emission vehicle infrastructure policy is expected to be finalised and considered by Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet members early next year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Visiting

Planning application submitted for new Enterprise Centre

11th October 2018

A planning application has been submitted seeking permission to build a three-floor Enterprise Centre for small businesses as part of the Northern Gateway scheme.

Chesterfield Borough Council wants to build the centre on part of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park to meet demand for office spaces to house start-up and growing small businesses.

If approved, work would start in March 2019 and take a year to complete. The building would include:

32 air conditioned offices, of different sizes, to suit a range of start-up and small companies
Two meeting rooms
High speed broadband access and wi-fi throughout the building
A reception and shared lobby area
CCTV in communal areas inside and outside the building
Facilities for staff working in the building including kitchenettes, break out spaces, showers and a bicycle store

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “These plans are a vital piece of the jigsaw in the Northern Gateway scheme and we know from the enquiries we get from start-up businesses how much this type of office space is needed in a town centre location.”

“Like our existing innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton this centre would be designed as a place that start-up or new businesses can let on ‘easy in-easy out’ terms with a view to them growing as businesses, expanding and moving in to larger premises in the borough.”

“This means we can also support the wider local economy through this development as all those businesses create jobs for local residents. Having a centre like this in the town centre also means that the employees who work there will support other local businesses and provide extra footfall in the town centre area.”

The proposed new building has been designed by Chesterfield-based Whittam Cox Architects and is being supported by funding from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund.

Andrew Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “As a local practice we are delighted to support Chesterfield Borough Council with the development of a new Enterprise Centre.

“This is a key milestone in the regeneration of the Northern Gateway that will provide a new and unique commercial offer which we believe will be a catalyst for further investment into this area.”

“We are confident that our design proposals will deliver a high quality contemporary project that will act as a benchmark for the future regeneration of the town.”

The Enterprise Centre forms part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s wider Northern Gateway scheme, which aims to revitalise the northern end of the town centre. It includes:

The conversion of the former Co-op store in to a 96-bedroom Premier Inn, with six ground floor restaurant/bars and a gym in the basement. Work by private developer Jomast Developments to build the hotel is expected to be completed in November.
The construction of the new Saltergate multi-storey car park by Chesterfield Borough Council to replace the one demolished in spring 2018.
Environmental improvements to Elder Way and surrounding areas to create a more environmentally friendly space with a café culture, to accompany the work at the former Co-op store. Work will take place in 2019.

A decision on the planning application is expected to be taken by the council’s planning committee in early 2019.

If the Enterprise Centre plan is approved it will mean the loss of 60 of the 255 spaces on the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park. However, these spaces will be replaced by the extra capacity on the neighbouring Saltergate multi-storey car park, which is being built alongside it. Saltergate will also have capacity to cater for the existing needs of residents, as well as the visitors who will use the Premier Inn.

The Holywell Cross car park will remain open during the construction of the Enterprise Centre.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Have your say on proposed HS2 line through the Chesterfield area

11th October 2018

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to attend public consultation sessions to see the detail of the proposed HS2 line through the Chesterfield area.

HS2 has today (Thursday 11 October) published more detailed environmental design proposals of the proposed HS2 phase 2B line between Birmingham and Leeds, which would stop at Chesterfield railway station, offering reduced journey times from Chesterfield to key cities around the UK.

The plans also include a track maintenance depot at Staveley offering new skilled job opportunities for local people as well as developing the former industrial sites in the area as part of a wider regeneration plan.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to improve transport links and we are confident that Chesterfield residents will benefit from this.

“There are strong economic reasons for the project and having a stop on the route in Chesterfield as well as a maintenance depot in Staveley will offer great opportunities for our residents in terms of journey times and growing our economy.

“However, we must balance that against the need to ensure that the inevitable impact of such a major construction project does not come at the detriment of local communities.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has been meeting with HS2 on a regular basis to discuss mitigation measures to ensure that any impact from the line would have and the latest plans produced include the HS2 response to concerns raised by the council and other key community groups, including the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Councillor Gilby said: “We have developed good links with HS2 and have been able to discuss any local issues in a frank and open manner, and are confident this will continue throughout this process.

“We welcome the latest round of consultation as it brings the development just that bit closer. We are already getting potential HS2 suppliers contacting us who are interested in coming to the area.”

Over 100 East Midlands-based companies have already been awarded contracts working on stage one between London and Birmingham with more opportunities for phase two.

Councillor Gilby added: “Construction of the line between Birmingham and Leeds will offer new opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain and it is important that we engage with the business community so that they can take advantage of this and win contracts that will secure existing jobs and create new ones.”

HS2 will hold drop-in consultation events in the Chesterfield borough on:

Friday 9 November from 2pm to 8pm at the St Thomas Centre, Chatsworth Road
Friday 16 November from 2pm to 8pm at the Speedwell Rooms in Inkersall Road, Staveley

There are also events in Dronfield, Bolsover and North Wingfield.

Further information is available at www.hs2.org.uk/phase2b

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development