Development

Go Outdoors confirms March opening for Chesterfield store

Outdoor company Go Outdoors have confirmed that their new Chesterfield store will officially open in March.

Go Outdoors follows a number of retailers to invest in the town recently including Deichmann Shoes , Trespass and Patisserie Valarie as well as a number of new independent stores.

The new store will be on Spire Walk Business Park in Chesterfield.
Spire Walk Chesterfield

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

Helping local companies’ benefit from housing development

Local companies are invited to a meet the buyer event to find out how to tender for work connected to the construction of new apartments in Chesterfield town centre.

MJ Developments Ltd has secured planning permission to create ten flats from the conversion of a commercial building on Knifesmithgate, Chesterfield.

Work has begun on preparing the site to allow building work to begin this month.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, includes local labour clauses in developments such as this to ensure developers use local suppliers and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies to win this business MJ Developments and Chesterfield Borough Council will hold a Meet the Buyer event at Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, from 10am to 11.30am on Thursday 25 January to provide details of a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project.

Opportunities include:

  • Windows
  • Kitchen fitting
  • Flooring
  • Electrical appliances
  • Painting and decorating
  • Wall tiling
  • Cleaners
  • Furniture Packs

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, business and skills and training opportunities.

“I would encourage all local businesses to attend the meet the buyer event and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces.”

MJ Developments will also be organising work experience opportunities for young people from Chesterfield College and local schools.

local companies

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Two new businesses and more jobs at Markham Vale

Distribution and logistics giant Great Bear and supply chain specialist Gist Limited are the latest businesses to be handed keys to new premises at Markham Vale unlocking the way for up to 600 new jobs.

Great Bear Distribution is set to create up to 400 new jobs at its new 479,285 sq ft bespoke distribution centre − which is their second base at the site located just off junction 29A of the M1.

And Gist Limited is set to create up to 200 new jobs at its 90,760 sq ft bespoke, high-spec chilled warehouse and storage facility.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Derbsyhire County Council, said:-

“We’re delighted to handover the keys to Great Bear Distribution and Gist Limited − both companies will be creating jobs for local people which is fantastic news and they will be a real boost to the Derbyshire economy.

“Driving economic growth and creating more job opportunities are key priorities of ours and we’re really pleased that Markham continues to play a vital role in bringing investment into the county.

“We look forward to following the progress of both firms over the coming months and welcoming even more businesses to the site this year.”

Chester-based Great Bear Distribution − which is part of the Culina Group − was established in 1994 and operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as PZ Cussons, BMW, Unilever, Mars and Mondelez.

The firm now occupies just under one million sq ft of land at Markham Vale making them the largest business on the site to date.

Peter Yarwood, Regional Operations Director at Great Bear Distribution, said:-

“We are very impressed with how quick not one, but two units have been delivered by Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council in such a short build time. On the back of the first unit, we agreed a deal for a second on Markham Vale North and due to the transition of a large part of our Midlands operations to Markham Vale, we needed a speedy delivery with no bumps along the way.

“We look forward to our second base becoming fully operational in the coming months, to benefit from the excellent motorway links and access routes which will help us to service our clients much more effectively.”

Gist Limited manages the supply chains for perishable and chilled products for a wide range of customers in the commercial and industrial sector and has 5,000 employees based at more than 40 sites throughout the UK and Europe.

Alan Devine, Managing Director, Gist, said:-

“We are happy to be working with Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot on the development of this important new extension to our national food and logistics network, on time and on budget.

“The new consolidation centre will significantly increase our ability to bring great service to our customers.”

Gist Limited is the third business to join Ferdinand Bilstein UK and Great Bear Distribution on Markham Vale North.

Both firm’s new bases were built by Henry Boot Developments − private sector property partner for Derbyshire County Council.

Vivienne Clements, Director at Henry Boot Developments, said:-

“The announcement of the second unit for Great Bear Distribution and the Gist Limited facility at Markham Vale was absolutely brilliant and reflected great confidence from the firms in the region. Now that the near 500,000 sq ft unit for Great Bear Distribution has completed on Markham Vale North, we are extremely pleased to have delivered circa one million sq ft for them, creating excellent job opportunities for local people.

“Following this we are delighted to announce practical completion of the 90,760 sq ft unit for Gist Limited, the third unit on Markham Vale North. On the North, more than 20 acres of land now remains capable of sub-division into units from as little as 15,000 sq ft up to 300,000 sq ft.”

two new businesses

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Replacement Saltergate car park work begins in February

Work to demolish Saltergate car park and replace it with a modern 24-hour a day multi-storey car park will begin next month.

Chesterfield Borough Council will close the existing car park at 7pm on Saturday 3 February so contractors can decommission the lifts, electric, water and telecoms supplies, ahead of demolition work a month later.

Motorists will be able to use a wide range of alternative Chesterfield Borough Council-run car parks while the work takes place. Signs and leaflets giving drivers further information are being issued this week.

During the spring a planning application will be submitted seeking permission to build a multi-million pound replacement that offers:

  • Safe, secure, 24 hour parking
  • Better parking facilities for motorists
  • Increase the number of parking spaces to 531
  • A more contemporary building.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“The new car park is part of the wider Northern Gateway project. It will deliver a better quality multi-storey car park for shoppers, commuters and users of the hotel, restaurants, bar and gym that are currently being developed as part of the scheme to refurbish the former Co-op building.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes motorists in the short term but we believe it will be worth it once the improved 24-hour car park opens, which will increase the number of spaces available.

“We have sufficient spaces in our other car parks to cope with all the motorists who currently use Saltergate. We have already begun talking to customers to make them aware of alternative arrangements and will also be putting up signs across the town to direct people to their nearest convenient car park.

“The existing Saltergate car park is showing its age and does not provide the modern facilities that modern motorists need. We did look at renovating the existing one but the level of structural engineering work required meant that it made financial sense to build a replacement one instead.”

During the work alternative short and long stay car parking is available at the following car parks:  Beetwell Street multi-storey car park, Holywell Cross, Rose Hill, Soresby Street, Albion Road, Devonshire Street, Durrant Road, Theatre Lane, St Mary’s Gate, Station Road, Derbyshire Times, Spa Lane, Hollis Lane, Queen’s Park Annexe, Queen’s Park South and North.

Monthly permit holders will be able to use them at Beetwell Street multi-storey or on selected surface car parks.

From 15 January day saver tickets will only be available for use at Beetwell Street multi-storey car park. Scratch cards for surface car parks can be bought from the Visitor Information Centre or Beetwell Street multi-storey car park.

More details, including an interactive map of alternative car parks, can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/saltergate.

Work on the Northern Gateway scheme began in December 2017 when developers Jomast started refurbishing the former Co-op department store. When completed, the building will include:

  • Seven ground floor family restaurants and bars
  • A 92 bedroom Premier Inn hotel on the first and second floors
  • A health and fitness centre in the basement.

To support this Chesterfield Borough Council is going to build the new Saltergate multi-storey car park and use a £5.83 million grant from Sheffield City Region to:

  • carry out major environmental improvements to Elder Way and Knifesmithgate that will transform the area
  • build an enterprise centre on part of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park to meet the demand for town centre business units for start-up and small to medium sized companies. This will create jobs and bring more customers to the town centre.

Chesterfield Borough Council is in the final stages of procurement for a contractor to build the new Saltergate multi-storey car park. The date for the opening of the new multi-storey car park will be confirmed once the building designs have been prepared and planning permission has been granted.

Saltergate car park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Business rates boost bid successful for Derbyshire

Derbyshire could benefit from up to £21m extra funding following a successful Government bid which will see the county taking part in a business rates pilot scheme.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid announced Derbyshire’s successful bid to become a 100% Business Rates Retention pilot as part of the local government finance settlement statement in Parliament on Tuesday 19 December 2017.

The exact amount of the extra funding is still to be confirmed but the final amount will be used to boost economic growth, support vital services, support infrastructure and promote new development across the county and Derby city.

Derbyshire County Council led the successful bid on behalf of the county’s eight district and borough councils, Derby City Council and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service − which are all business rates authorities.

The bid was one of only 10 to be successful in this round.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said:

“This is fantastic news for the county as a whole and will benefit a wide variety of important projects that will make a huge difference to communities and our local economy.”

At the moment all local authorities currently retain 50% of business rates and the Government is looking to move to all local authorities retaining 75% of business rates by 2020-2021 and eventually to 100%.

A number of 100% retention pilot schemes are already running so that the Government can assess how well the scheme works in practice, test it out across a wide range of environments and learn lessons before it is rolled out across the country.

Derbyshire’s successful bid will see all business rates income from all county authorities being ‘pooled’, which will bring the additional ‘one-off’ funding.

Each authority will receive a share of 70% of the total extra money to support their own services, which could include building new homes, bringing back into use existing properties, supporting children’s social care, waste and recycling, promoting tourism and supporting community safety and safe and well checks.

The remaining 30% of the total amount must be used to support economic regeneration across the county and city. The Derby and Derbyshire Authorities Joint Committee for Economic Prosperity will make the decisions on how this money is allocated for individual projects.

Councillor Lewis said:

“To be chosen as one of only 10 authorities in this round shows that our bid was very strong.

“We obviously welcome the one-off extra funding this will bring, and working with our partners we have an excellent opportunity to see how this scheme will work in practice and what benefits it will bring to the county in the long-term.”

Representatives from each Derbyshire authority will now form a board which will be responsible for guiding and managing the day-to-day running of the pilot.HS2 Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Northern Gateway scheme underway with redevelopment of former Co-op building

Work has begun to redevelop the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

The £10.5 million redevelopment by Jomast Developments is part of the Northern Gateway project led by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The store has been empty since closing in July 2013.

When completed, the building will include:

  • Seven ground floor family restaurants and bars
  • A 92 bedroom Premier Inn hotel on the first and second floors
  • A health and fitness centre in the basement

Adam Hearld, commercial director, Jomast Developments, said:-

“This has been a difficult and complex project to get off the ground and having resolved a number of pre development issues we are now delighted to be able to start on what we believe will be an exciting and vibrant leisure scheme in the heart of the town centre.

“We are anticipating completing the comprehensive refurbishment of the former Co-op building in September 2018 with the Premier Inn, bars, restaurants and gym opening to the public shortly afterwards.

“The Council’s environmental improvements on Elder Way and Knifesmithsgate are key to the success of this scheme and will be coordinated with our development programme throughout 2018.

“These proposals together with the redeveloped multi storey car park and wider plans for Northern Gateway will be critical in revitalising this part of Chesterfield town centre to provide a really exciting environment for people to visit, stay, eat, drink and work in.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has supported the private sector companies in the development by gaining a £5.83 million grant from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund for landscaping improvements to Elder Way and Knifesmithgate which will benefit the Co-op development and the wider Northern Gateway scheme.

Funding is also being sought for further environmental improvements to connect Saltergate with the heart of the town centre.

The existing Saltergate multi-storey car park will also be redeveloped by the council in a multi-million scheme to provide safe, secure 24 hour parking for people using the hotel, restaurants and local shops.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said:-

“The Northern Gateway scheme is no longer a plan on a piece of paper, it is a reality.

“From here on the pace of the project will grow as the redevelopment of the former Co-op building will be followed in a few months by us starting work to demolish and replace the Saltergate multi-storey car park, before moving on to other parts of the scheme.

“The old Co-op is a dominant building in the town centre and it has been difficult to see it closed over the past few years. Seeing work start to bring it back in to use gives the town a real confidence boost.

“The growth of Internet shopping is causing hard times on high streets up and down the country but as people see work progress on this building they will see the northern side of the town centre coming back to life. The customers of this development will support existing town centre shops and help encourage other retailers to open shops to replace those that have closed down.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, added:-

“The start of work on transforming the former Co-op building on Elder Way is a major step forward in the development of Northern Gateway and the regeneration of the town centre.

“Chesterfield is going through some very exciting times and the redevelopment of the Co-op building is just one of a number of development opportunities that are now coming to fruition which will change the face of the town and change it for the better so that it is equipped it for the future.

“It is a key development in helping increase the vitality of the town centre as well as preparing Chesterfield to take full advantage of the opportunities that the HS2 station will bring with it.”

The wider Northern Gateway scheme will see an enterprise zone for small and medium sized businesses on part of the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park and refurbishment of the existing Saltergate multi-storey car park.

It is estimated the scheme will create around 500 jobs.

Chesterfield Elder Way (Former Co-op store)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New commercial development completed in Chesterfield

Dunston Trade Park is a new commercial development which has recently been completed on Dunston Road in Chesterfield.

The 8,900 square feet development by Peppermint Grove, includes up to five units of 1700 square feet.

Tony Cordin of Peppermint Grove said “We researched the local market with support from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Economic Development team who gave us insight into what type of units were in demand locally.”

“Our aim was to deliver a modern looking development and from the comments we have received so far we think this has been achieved.”

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We have dealt with well over 1,000 enquiries from businesses looking to buy or rent commercial and industrial units in the past 12 months.”

“We therefore very much welcome Peppermint Grove’s investment in new high quality units at Dunston, which will help meet this unprecedented demand and also bring new jobs to the borough.”

To find out more about development opportunities and to search for commercial property in Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/invest or contact the Economic Development Unit at Chesterfield Borough Council on (01246) 345255

Dunston Trade Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Independent café and bar to open in town centre

A new independent cafe and bar is set to open this Friday at Stephenons Place.

Open daily from 8am until late, Pump + Grind will be serving up great coffee to drink in or takeaway, craft beers on pump and in bottles, forward-thinking cocktails, all day brunches and a small but ever-changing selection of soulful, street food influenced plates.

Pump + Grind aims to firmly establish itself within Chesterfield’s burgeoning food and drink scene and become a cornerstone of local daily life.

A representative from Pump+Grind comments:-

“We will work directly with a coffee roaster who have been sourcing, roasting, living and loving good coffee since 2001. Our roaster find and work directly with talented farmers, paying them a fair price so they can invest in their farm, families, and workers. As is so often not the case, these farmers are paid a fair price to allow them to invest in their families and livelihoods – something here at Pump + Grind we feel extremely passionate about. Our roaster will be hand-roasting our coffee in small batches. Tiny, carefully-tended batches. To them, roasting is an art. To you, it’s really good coffee.

“We not only want to establish ourselves locally as a go-to coffee house and cocktail spot, but one nationally also. We’re very confident that the team we’ve put together can achieve that. We’re really keen to push boundaries in that sense, and bring something brilliant to the town”.

All of Pump + Grind’s meats, fruits and vegetables will be locally sourced wherever possible. In a world of mass produced food, herein lies a genuine commitment to supporting local farmers and growers. Breads and cakes will be baked fresh every day, and to continue our support of the local community. P+G will ensure that no food goes to waste and instead given to those in the local community who need it most it.

Pump + Grind will official open for business at 4pm on Friday 1st December.

independent cafe and bar

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

New independent retailer opens in the Shambles

Another independent retailer has opened their door on the Shambles in Chesterfield.

The Bee Orchid Florist opened its doors on the 18th October and is a family run florist and gift shop.

A spokesperson for the Bee Orchid Florist said:

“We are very happy and excited to be opening our business in the shambles area of Chesterfield as we feel this offers a unique shopping experience and we love the town!   Unlike some towns chesterfield has a good selection of independent shops and we feel that our business will fit in well here.”

The shop offers bespoke floral designs and a selection of individual gifts for sale and also stock Wrendale Designs.

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

Free investment summit announced to unlock investment opportunities in Chesterfield

With £1 billion of developments underway and a HS2 stop and maintenance depot set to be built in Chesterfield by 2033, businesses, investors and developers across the region that want to capitalise on the town’s growth trajectory are being invited to attend the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The free to attend event, which will be held on Thursday 30 November at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield from 8.30am – 12 noon, will give delegates a detailed overview of investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Speakers at the conference include Richard Brown CBE, a Board Member of HS2 and a non-executive member of the Department for Transport Board, Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council and Simon Quin, Director of the Institute of Place Management.

Although 17 years away, delegates will hear at the summit how the town is preparing now for the opportunities that HS2 will bring to Chesterfield. 250 new high level skill jobs alone will be provided at the maintenance depot which will be built in Staveley, as well as many others that will be generated within the local supply chain.

Alongside HS2, representatives from the town’s key developments – Chesterfield Waterside and Markham Vale, will also be attending the summit which is being organised by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Marketing Derby – joint partners in the EU funded “Invest in D2N2” project with a focus on promoting Derbyshire both nationally and globally as the place to invest for growth and quality of life.

As well as the keynote speakers, there will be a networking breakfast, exhibition and a question and answer panel with speakers and local decision makers.

Commenting on the Summit, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership Board Member, said: “Chesterfield’s location and connectivity within the UK gives the town a unique appeal and this has already been recognised by many of those looking to invest. The announcement of a HS2 stop in Chesterfield and nearby maintenance depot have sparked a surge of interest in the town from all types of inward investor, including commercial developers and house-builders both locally, regionally and nationally already.

“There are myriad investment opportunities at a local level and the Chesterfield Investment Summit is the ideal opportunity for potential investors to learn first-hand what these are. HS2 may be 17 years away, however now is the time to tap into the opportunities the railway line will bring. HS2 isn’t just a railway line, it’s a catalyst for growth across the region.”

John Forkin, Managing director of Marketing Derby, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Chesterfield Investment Summit. Chesterfield and the surrounding area has a strong offer and a range of attractive investment opportunities for which the event will provide a useful spotlight.”

Reserve a ticket at the Chesterfield Investment Summit

Chesterfield Investment Summit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

 Global Brand’s Steve Perez buys back the hotel his late father founded

Chesterfield entrepreneur Steve Perez has bought a hotel and restaurant that was originally set up by his father and where he learnt valuable business lessons working as a waiter and chef, having left the business 40 years ago.

The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel was established in the late 60s by Santiago Perez, and for many years it was renowned as one the of region’s finest restaurants, but the family were forced to sell it when he died in 1975. Since then it had several owners and just 6 years ago added the 27-bedroom Peak Edge Hotel and orangery. It is well-known and a popular wedding venue.

Steve went on to use his catering experience to pursue a career in the drinks business. In 1997, he created the alcoholic drink VK and set up Global Brands, and is a previous CBI winner of “UK Entrepreneur of the Year”. The company has evolved from Steve selling his drinks from a van to an international outfit, to now selling their 17 drink brands in 57 countries worldwide.

Now Steve has bought his father’s hotel back in a multi-million-pound deal, his combined businesses rank amongst the region’s largest employers.

The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel isn’t Steve’s first venture as a hotelier. In 2011, he built and opened Casa, Chesterfield’s only four-star independent hotel and a regular entry in the Trip Advisor top ten hotels in the UK. Off the back of Casa’s award-winning success, the team has been on the lookout for a new property for some time.

“When I heard the Red Lion was possibly up for sale I knew I had to seize the opportunity.” Steve said, “I have many fond memories there and learnt the foundations of business from my father, which have helped me throughout my career”.

However, Steve says the decision to buy The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel wasn’t simply based on sentimental value, he said:

“It is a great personal achievement to buy back the Red Lion, but the decision was made for sound financial and business reasons and it fits perfectly with my ambition to expand my portfolio of quality hotels in Derbyshire.

“There are many synergies with the existing business and it offers lots of opportunities for staff to learn and develop their careers within the group. I’m really proud to support local job creation and career opportunities, while also investing in this great area that has so much to offer tourists and business travellers alike.”

The Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel has high-quality accommodation and is renowned for having one of the most successful food offerings in the area. Steve has a passion for local produce and plans to supply food to the hotel from his own farm – something he has seen great success with at Casa.

Barclays and BRM Solicitors supported Steve with the purchase of the Red Lion & Peak Edge Hotel.

Steve Perez Red Lion

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