Development

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Chesterfield is among six shortlisted locations seeking to become the base for a new UK factory planned by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo that could create thousands of jobs for local people.

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.

Talgo will build a UK factory when it receives an initial order for new trains. This could include a £2.75 billion rolling stock contract from HS2.

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.

The Spanish rail giant has confirmed that Chesterfield is one of six shortlisted locations across the UK it is considering, with a decision expected in November. The company intends to adopt a ‘true manufacturing’ approach, which would also see it source component parts from within the UK.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been working with a range of partners, including landowners Suon Ltd on the bid to encourage Talgo to locate the factory in the borough.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity and if our bid is successful it would be a massive boost to our economy in terms of employment opportunities for local people.

“Talgo’s commitment to a ‘true manufacturing’ approach would also create more opportunities 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.

“Talgo is a major player in the worldwide rail sector and one of the companies that HS2 has shortlisted to provide it with the high speed trains needed for the new rail network.

“It is important to stress that we are only one of six shortlisted locations at the moment. No decision has been made so it is important that expectations are not raised at this stage.

“However, a huge amount of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make the case for Talgo’s UK factory to be located in Chesterfield borough and we think we have a really strong bid.”

The 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

 

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.

Even if the bid is not successful Councillor Gilby hopes the connections and close working with partners on the bid will pave the way for other large scale industrial uses of the former colliery site.

Councillor Gilby added: “The factory would support the wider regeneration of the former Staveley Works site area as part of our partnership working with landowners and Derbyshire County Council.

“Putting together the bid has really helped develop relationships with a range of partners, including the universities of Derby and Newcastle, Chesterfield College, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

“While we hope that this close working will persuade Talgo that the Staveley site is the right location for a UK train factory it also means that if we are not successful we have a good platform to attract other development opportunities.”

Find out more about developments in Chesterfield.

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

BRM Solicitors support Macmillan services in Chesterfield

For the fourth successive year, BRM Solicitors has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to exclusively offer a free will writing service during September and October to support Macmillan in Chesterfield.

Excluding Gift Aid donations, the Chesterfield law firm has so far raised over £50,000 over the last three years for the Macmillan appeal to help build the NGS Macmillan Unit, at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and fund services at the centre. With the centre now open, the firm is continuing its support by getting behind Macmillan’s ongoing work in the region to provide better cancer care.

Until 31 October, BRM Solicitors will waive its fees, and instead will encourage clients to make a voluntary donation of £75 per single will and £150 per double will to the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors said:

“The new centre has already made a huge impact on the range and quality of treatment available to cancer patients in the local area. We are very proud that through the free wills service, our clients were able to directly contribute to funding construction of the centre. Going forward, clients making wills with the service can continue to have a direct impact on the care of patients at the centre by helping fund new services.”

Hannah Lumb, Local Fundraising Manager at Macmillan said:

“Every person who takes part in this scheme, your donations will automatically be restricted to fund Macmillan Services based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, or on Macmillan grants to people living with cancer in the Chesterfield area. As a charity, we do not get any government funding and 98% of our income comes from the public. The number of people with cancer is growing every day and we want to reach and improve the lives of as many of those people as we can. We couldn’t provide our vital services without the people who support us.”

“Over the next few years, we will be investing well over £1 million to fund new projects and health professionals at the hospital. For example, we’re helping set up a new Welfare Rights Service and Macmillan Supportive Care Service (3 Nurses and a Clinical Navigator to enhance the current Palliative Care and Acute Oncology service) at the new centre. We’re committed to delivering these new projects, but urgently need your help to fund them and develop similar services in the future.”

NGS Macmillan Unit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

CPP secures sale of 90,000 sq ft Chesterfield site

Leading property consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has facilitated the off-market sale of an 90,000 sq ft property in Chesterfield on behalf of investment company MCR Property, with Chesterfield Champions Banner Jones Solicitors providing advice on the acquisition.

Situated on a prominent site in Chesterfield Town Centre and home to a myriad of businesses including retailers, a Kwik-Fit, the central Job Centre and 20,000 sq ft of offices, Markham House was acquired by local Chesterfield-based Property Investment Company Lodge Farm Estates for an undisclosed sum in September, representing the single largest transaction in Chesterfield Town Centre for many years.

Plans are now afoot for a full refurbishment of the mixed-use site, which has an annual investment net initial yield of 11.75%, with the new owners looking to bring the building ‘back up to a modern standard’.

Rob Darrington, Partner at CPP, said: “Markham House is situated in a very prominent position in Chesterfield, which is a significant factor in its success attracting such a unique mix of tenants – from retailers, through to office-based businesses and service providers.”

“I’m sure this will be a great addition Lodge Farm Estate’s portfolio due to its size and potential for future development – providing the much needed town centre office accommodation and retail space, which is high in demand – and we were delighted to have facilitated its sale off-market.”

Cathy Thomas, Director and Solicitor at Banner Jones, commented: “I’m pleased to have advised Lodge Farm Estates on the acquisition of these premises which, once refurbished, will add to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield which is making it an increasingly desirable area for businesses to expand into.”

Commenting on the site acquisition David Tate, Lodge Farm Estates Director, said: “Markham House offers a significant opportunity to Chesterfield Town Centre.”

“It is our intention to refurbish the property and bring it back up to a modern standard to offer good quality, functional space for a variety of uses, well needed by business in the region. The property will offer a variety of accommodation from traditional office suites between 1,000 sq ft – 10,000 sq ft, to self contained small studios suitable for private gym uses, medical purposes or similar.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Knight Frank appointed to market 102,515 sq ft unit at Markham Vale

Commercial property agent Knight Frank has been appointed to secure a new occupier for 102,515 sq ft of industrial and distribution facility at Markham Vale, the popular 200-acre industrial park in North Derbyshire.

Knight Frank’s industrial and logistics team are seeking a tenant for the unit which fronts directly onto the M1 motorway at Junction 29a.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank and head of the Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Given the strategic location, immediately adjacent to Junction 29a, the site is easily accessible from the South Yorkshire and East Midlands regions, with direct connectivity to the M1 and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.

“The location and quality of build has previously attracted major players to this flagship development.”

“This type and size of facility proves popular in the Sheffield City Region and we anticipate good levels of interest in the available unit as the area continues to maintain its position as a distribution hub for the UK.”

Features at the unit include a two bay industrial/distribution facility with 12m clear internal eaves height, LED warehouse lighting, 10 dock level loading doors, four ground level loading doors, sprinkler system, heating to part of the warehouse, fitted office/amenity block including canteen and locker room, and a good sized external yard area and car parking.

The premises also have the benefit of being partly racked and have a multi-tier mezzanine extending to approx 40,953 sq ft (3,805 sq m) arranged over three levels which can be removed if not required.

Markham Vale has proved a success with occupiers including Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilstein, Gist, Meter Provida and Holdsworth Food.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield’s BRM Solicitors advise in £110m development

Chesterfield law firm BRM Solicitors has acted in a £110m mixed use shopping centre and 174 residential unit development built in Acton, London.

Acton town centre is currently undergoing a wholescale regeneration, with the development due for completion in 2019 including the creation of 11 new retail units, a gym and 174 residential apartments.

BRM having previously secured retail pre-lets with M&S Simply Food, Wilko, Iceland, The Gym Limited and Lidl and the 2016 £69.5m residential development sale to a charitable housing association, this month completed the £41.5m retail shopping centre sale.

BRM advised land owner and developer over the course of site preparation, redevelopment, marketing, funding and sale.

Piers Slater of developer Reef Group stated:

“We are excited to see the mixed use regeneration taking shape with completion due next year, providing retail and leisure facilities for Acton.”

“BRM gave clear and pro-active legal advice in this complex transaction, innovatively reacting to and blending the requirements of multiple funders, and driving the transaction throughout.”

The deal saw BRM continuing to compete at a national level based on its level of service, and the high standards of staff and resources found locally.

BRM continues to advise as the development concludes over the next six months.

Adrian Sheehan led the legal team, supported by Sanjeev Batra, Alastair Reid (all Commercial Property) and Sarah Rowland (Corporate).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Markham miners remembered with memorial unveiling

Eleven new life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of a memorial to miners who lost their lives at Markham Colliery.

The figures were unveiled as part of the ‘Walking Together’ memorial – led by Derbyshire County Council – which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead. There are now 45 figures at the site – the first 2 were unveiled in 2013 to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1973 disaster.

The Walking Together memorial has been designed by Cheshire-based Artist Stephen Broadbent. Each figure is part of a walking trail which symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in 3 accidents at the site.

On 21 January 1937 an underground explosion claimed the lives of 9 men and in 1938, 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured in a second explosion.

Eighteen miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury in the third disaster at the colliery when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed on 30 July 1973.

The former colliery site has now been reclaimed by Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale regeneration scheme which is working to create 4,100 jobs for local people.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “It has been a special day remembering the brave men that lost their lives in the 3 disasters at Markham Colliery.”

“It was really nice to meet and spend time the relatives and hear more about each miner.”

“I remember the site well. Not only as a place of work but where were great friendships formed.”

“We now have 45 figures as part of the memorial and more sponsors are needed so if you’d like to take part and support the project please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

Relatives of the miners commemorated at the unveiling also attended the event to pay tribute.

Each figure carries a tag with the name of 1 of the miners, along with their age and job role. These most recent additions have been dedicated to:

  • Arthur May, 59, Contractor
  • George Edward Pether, 30, Ripper
  • Harry Lavender, 39, Ripper
  • James Stanley Rowland, 34, Contractor
  • John Arnold Bray, 34, Ripper
  • John Thomas Brown, 26, Timber Drawer
  • John William Lievesley, 46, Deputy
  • Leonard Atkin, 53, Contractor
  • Thomas George Yates, 38, Timber Drawer
  • Walter Bluer, 41, Ripper
  • Wilfred Haywood, 36, Ripper

The latest figures have been sponsored by:

  • Duckmanton Primary School
  • G F Tomlinson Group Ltd
  • Maureen (nee Bray) and John Fidler
  • The descendants of Thomas George Yates
  • The Freemasons Derbyshire Fund through Foundation Derbyshire
  • The Markham Mining Memorial Working Group
  • The Milnes Family
  • The Pether Family

Henry Boot Developments and their consultants Jefferson Sheard Architects, Warrington Martin, Anderson Green Ltd and BWB Consulting Ltd have also sponsored figures.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a figure can contact Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey, email: peter.storey@derbyshire.gov.uk

Councillor Tony King (centre) holds a photograph of Markham miner Wilfred Haywood with Wilfred’s granddaughter Janet Wilkins and his second cousin Alan Perry

Markham miners

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Ashgate Hospicecare unveil new Garden Room and Dementia Friendly Courtyard thanks to a generous donation

Last week, Ashgate Hospicecare officially opened the doors to their brand new dementia friendly courtyard and garden room thanks to the amazing generosity of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust.

The new garden room provides a homely sanctuary to patients and their families who want non-clinical, modern space to spend precious time together. The garden room is also a gateway to a welcoming outdoor space which has been designed to be dementia friendly. There are sensory plants, a tranquil water feature, comfortable seating and a mural that all contribute to creating a peaceful outdoor space.

Graham Moore, Chairman of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust, said: “As a longstanding supporter of Ashgate Hospicecare we are delighted to have funded the new courtyard and garden room, which I had the privilege of officially opening. This is an amazing space where patients and their families can spend quality time together, which I’m sure will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of patients.”

The transformed area will significantly improve the Hospice experience for all of our patients and their families, particularly for those with cognitive difficulties, as well as providing families with a place to take loved ones that is easily accessible but close by to the nurses which is important for continuity of care.

John Beeston, a patient in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “This was my first time seeing the courtyard and I think it looks amazing. It reminds me a lot of being at home because we get a lot of sparrows in our garden, just like those painted on the mural. It’s wonderful to have the bird feeders too because hopefully they will attract lots of birds into the courtyard.

The garden room is a wonderful addition too! It’s lovely because it can be used all year round and you can open up the bi-folding doors and feel like you’re outside even if you’re inside.”

Richard Gosling, who is also in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “I think that the courtyard is super! It’s just what we wanted. I spend a lot of time in the gardens at the Hospice, so having this extra outside space is great.”

Local businesses also added to this special addition to the Hospice. Without the support of Gary Fletcher Surfacing, John Plant MBE, Tesco’s Bags of Help, K B Rouse, Peter Barber, Walton Landscapes, TG Beighton, Hospice garden volunteers, Valley Reclamation, the DEEP Group, the Hospice Dementia Champions and CMC Aluminium this project wouldn’t have been possible.

Julie Foster, Ashgate Hospicecare Matron said: “We are so grateful to the Westfield Health Charitable Trust and everyone else involved who made this project possible. We have known for a long time that the environment has a huge impact on patient wellbeing, this new space is a home from home, a space for patients to relax, to celebrate with loved ones, to simply enjoy when it matters most.”

The Hospice was awarded ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2015 for our care, the garden room and courtyard are now outstanding spaces to match this care and have inspired the Hospice to make improvements to other areas on the Inpatient Unit.”

Ashgate Hospice Garden Room Courtyard

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

New play area officially opens

Fun times lie ahead for youngsters in Somersall following the official opening of a new £56,000 playground this weekend.

The playground has been installed following a joint project between Chesterfield Borough Council and the Friends of Somersall Park to improve the quality of play equipment for young people.

The playground includes:

  • Traditional and basket swings
  • Play climbing structures including slides
  • Talking tubes
  • Obstacle course type activities to climb

An official opening ceremony for the playground will be held in Somersall Park at 11am on Saturday 22nd September.

The work has been funded by £25,000 from a Viridor landfill tax credit, £23,000 from Chesterfield Borough Council and £10,000 grant from Tesco Bags of Help.

John Ramsey, Principal Greenspaces Officer for Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Over the last three years we have been working with the Friends of Somersall Park to secure funding for the new play space in Somersall Park.”

“It is really pleasing to see that hard work pay off and for a wide range of play equipment to be installed to improve the quality of the play area for children to enjoy.”

The Friends of Somersall Park group has already carried out a range of projects to improve the park experience for users. These include tree and bulb planting, litter picks and organising various events including an annual lantern parade and a play day during the school holidays.

Rebecca Robinson, chair of the Friends of Somersall Park, said: “We are delighted to have successfully delivered a new play at Somersall Park for our local community to enjoy. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us.”

Somersall Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Chesterfield on track to create world class visitor economy

It has been revealed that converting just 5% of Chesterfield’s day visitors into overnight stays would transform the town’s visitor economy.

Speaking at the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit, keynote speaker James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Board, added: “Chesterfield has its foot on the ladder of being world class and is on track to transform its visitor economy. It must focus on creating the distinctive, unique and special.”

At the sell-out event, which was held at Casa Hotel, it was revealed that last year Chesterfield attracted 3.7 million visitors who brought £175 million to the economy, representing a 50% uplift in tourism spend compared to 2009. (Read more about the growth in tourism in Chesterfield)

Mr Berresford praised the town’s ambitions saying: “Tourists today want experiences. We need to focus on the unique and distinctive things we have like the market and the Crooked Spire to stand out from the crowd. They are a wonderful local experience reflecting the character of the town.”

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “It is very much a time of growth for the town and borough. However, as a council we remain committed to the premise that the growth we generate must be inclusive and that local people must benefit in terms of jobs and business opportunities.”

As part of Chesterfield’s drive to increase the visitor economy, more than 2,500 beds will be added to the Borough’s accommodation offering over the next 36 months. The 92-bed Premier Inn Hotel on Elder Way will open in January 2019 and further beds will be delivered at Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort.

Construction of a ‘core four’ phase one of Peak Resort will begin next year on the Birchall Estate.  Phase One is scheduled to open at the end of 2020. Phase One will be centered around the Gateway Complex which will provide serviced connectivity and equipment for tourists to engage in all sorts of activities in the surrounding communities and National Park.

The Birchall Estate has planning approvals for up to 2000 hotel rooms and 250 chalets. The hotels will be delivered in phases and in a range of formats from 5 star to hostel accommodation.  The aim is to deliver the quality and scope of accommodation and hospitality similar to that of a ski resort, sitting at the heart of the country alongside the Peak District National Park.

Delegates heard that climate change, travel security, changing habits and Brexit have all been key factors in the realisation of Peak Resort. Combined, they are driving more people to holiday in the UK.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Young people need to raise their aspirations and skill up ahead of HS2 arriving in Chesterfield and the opening of Peak Resort to ensure that they and the town makes the most of the opportunities that these schemes will bring.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Marketing Derby and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the annual Investment Summit was held at Casa Hotel.

More than 200 people attended to learn more on the latest investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. In addition to James Berresford, Rupert Carr and Huw Bowen, delegates also heard from Adam Hearld of Jomast Developments, which is transforming the former Co-op building and Frank Horsley, Head of Economic Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council.

Find out more about developments in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Investment Summit 2018

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Record visitor numbers boost Chesterfield economy

New figures showing a record number of visitors to Chesterfield are providing a £175 million boost to the borough’s economy were announced this morning at the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The industry figures show that in 2017, Chesterfield received 3.7 million visitors, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2016. This compares with an average 1.3 per cent increase across the rest of Derbyshire.

The year also saw tourism contribute £175.21 million to the Chesterfield economy, a 6.9 per cent increase on 2016.

As a result, the visitor economy sector also supported 2,165 full-time equivalent jobs in Chesterfield, an increase of 4.8 per cent on 2016. This compares with a 2.5 per cent increase across Derbyshire.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep, Chesterfield has long been a convenient place to visit but the fact we see so many people returning to visit us, shows we have a lot to offer in our own right.

“With attractions such as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the traditional open-air market, two theatres offering major shows and plays, Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it’s no wonder people choose to visit Chesterfield.

“This is great news for our local economy and we will continue to organise regular events to encourage people to visit the borough and, while they are here, take advantage of the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars we have on offer here.

“I think it is easy to take what you have on your doorstep for granted but when I talk to visitors they are always very complimentary about Chesterfield and what it has to offer. These latest figures back that up and show how important tourism is to our economy.”

Chesterfield Borough Council organises regular events to attract visitors to the borough, such as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which brings in cricket fans from across the country. The next event is the 1940s market which takes place in the traditional open-air market place on Thursday 1 November.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and events

Crooked Spire in Spring - Visit Chesterfield

Crooked Spire in Spring

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

Award winning eatery opens new café at Chesterfield College

One of Chesterfield’s award-winning eateries, The Lilypad, opened a new branch at Chesterfield College last week in time for the start of the new term.

The café, Lilypad at the Arches, is run by the same team who operate The Lilypad in Chesterfield town centre and is part of the new facilities now on offer at the college’s University-Centre at the Infirmary Road campus. Students studying on a range of courses from professional qualifications to Access to Higher Education and Full Honours Degrees will be able to take advantage of the new service when they return to college.

Open from 8am until 3.30pm and offering a selection of breakfast choices, salads, sandwiches, cakes and drinks in a relaxed space, Lilypad at the Arches is a great addition to the food and drink choices available across the college.

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant were winners of The Best Newcomer of the Year in 2016 and The Café and Tea Room of the Year in 2017 at the annual Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards.

Emily Chapman, Manager of the The Lilypad Café and Restaurant said;

“It is really exciting that we are able to expand into the college. Although the menu here is slightly different to what we offer in the town centre, it is developed with the same quality and approach. We have designed the menu and the space we serve the food from to provide staff and students with a chance to recharge their batteries and fuel their brains in between lectures.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development