Development

Colleges collaborate to enhance further education provision

22nd June 2016

It has been announced that Chesterfield College will be forming key collaborations to improve the way learners and employers can access apprenticeship and further education provision, following a review of further education provision in the Sheffield City Region to meet the Government’s aims of creating resilient and efficient further education provision.

The report, produced at the end of the review, recommends that over the next 12 months Chesterfield College forms an apprenticeship company with other colleges in the region, including Barnsley College, Dearne Valley College, Sheffield College and the Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire College group. The apprenticeship company will make it easier for learners and employers to find and access apprenticeships, as well as reduce the costs of developing and marketing the apprenticeship offer for individual colleges.

The report also highlights that Chesterfield College is working on a new strategic partnership with a college outside the Sheffield City Region. Chesterfield College and Derby College are exploring opportunities for working in partnership to improve further education services for students, employers and local communities.

The aim of both colleges is to provide robust and locally responsive further education provision that will help to develop a highly skilled workforce for the region and improve employment prospects for young people and adults. Options are being explored that will strengthen the work of both colleges for the benefit of their communities.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College, said:-

“We are looking forward to working with colleges in the Sheffield City Region to grow apprenticeships and create a robust system that makes it easier for everyone to use apprenticeships to get the skills they need. Our plans to work with Derby College were born because both colleges share the same ethos, drive and quality approach to ensure we are developing a skilled workforce, so it makes sense to make the most of our strengths and geographical location by working together.

“Plans are in the early stages but the vision is to share our expertise to improve our offer to students and employers. Any partnership would look to improve and grow services that meet the priorities of our area. I look forward to working with the team at Derby College to develop the strategies.”

Mandie Stravino, Chief Executive at Derby College, added:-

“I am confident that much can be achieved through working together. Our focus will always be on ensuring we play our part in positively impacting on the prosperity of the communities we serve.”

Details of the strategic partnership are currently being developed and further details will be announced following the next area review, which includes colleges in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire region, planned to start in November.

Chesterfield College

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Toby Perkins MP visits new residential development

20th June 2016

Toby Perkins MP for Chesterfield has been welcomed to the new residential development, Pomegranate Park – located on Newbold Road.

The 10-acre plot of land was bought earlier this year by Avant Homes to build 82 high-specification new homes.

The visit included a tour of the development and the recently-opened marketing suite which provided Toby Perkins MP with site plans, information on house types, CGIs of the properties for sale and an onsite virtual tour.

Luke Simmons, Technical Director at Avant Homes said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Perkins MP to Pomegranate Park, which is set to become an outstanding development and one which is an excellent example of the high quality homes currently being built by Avant Homes in the area.

“It was important for us to highlight the methods we are implementing to ensure there is the minimum of interruption to the local community during the build, which includes the controlling of working hours and regular communications outlining when works will be taking place. Not only are we extremely proud of our product, but we are also committed to delivering it in the most efficient and timely manner as possible.”

Toby Perkins added: “I was pleased to visit the Pomegranate Park site to see how the plans are taking shape. It is great to see that it is a mixed use estate, whilst it is vital we build more affordable homes, we also need higher-spec housing to allow growing families and people currently in starter homes to progress further up the property ladder too.

“Avant Homes has responded favourably to the concerns of constituents that I have raised with them, and hope that constructive engagement with the local community continues.”

The development was officially launched at a VIP cocktails and canapés event at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, which provided pre-registered buyers with detailed information about the development.

The stylish development comprises a range of three, four and five-bedroom homes, with prices currently starting from £329,995. There are currently 5 house designs to choose from – The Danbury, The Westbury, The Rosebury, The Hartlebury and The Durham.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Next phase of development underway at Spire Walk

9th June 2016

Henry Boot Developments have started work on the site infrastructure for the next phase of development at Spire Walk. Once this phase is complete, the site will be handed over to Perrys Motor Group who will construct their new dealership facility.

Chesterfield Borough Council granted planning consent to Henry Boot Developments Limited to develop a new car dealership facility earlier in the year.

Fronting the A61, Spire Walk is situated on the former Donkin Valve Works site and includes a range of mixed uses, including retail, a new Community Fire station for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and office buildings. The car dealership is the final piece of the jigsaw and concludes the redevelopment of the former Valve Works.

Justin Sheldon, Senior Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, who is responsible for the site commented: – “The success in obtaining planning permission for this development is the result of hard work by our professional team. It will be great to see this gateway site completed as Spire Walk is the first, highly prominent, development that is seen when travelling from the M1 to Chesterfield.”

In addition, Henry Boot Developments will also install lighting and CCTV around the skate park area close to the site together with other improvements to footpaths which link the site to the town centre.

Posted in Business, Development

Plans submitted to revitalise Chesterfield’s old Post Office

8th June 2016

Plans have been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council to turn former grade 2 listed Post Office into residential apartments and new commercial space.

Working alongside national developers, Telereal Trillium, local architects WCEC have submitted plans to build 7 luxury apartments across the first and second floor whilst plans for the ground floor will include a large commercial unit with a rear communal courtyard.

A dual planning application for listed building consent and planning permission with change of use will soon be under consideration by the council. The team have been working closely with Telereal Trillium, heritage / conservation planners, Trigpoint and agents FHP to ensure the scheme enhances the buildings original features, sustains a commercially viable development and meets with the current residential housing market specification in order to further improve the town’s historic market square.

Nick Fenton, Associate Director at WCEC Architects commented ‘We are privileged to be working with Telereal Trillium on such a fantastic local scheme. Following recent redevelopment of the town and future plans to regenerate the surrounding areas through schemes such as Chesterfield Waterside and the Northern Gateway we feel proposed plans for the landmark will contribute perfectly and revive a beautiful building that has been partially vacant for a number of years’.

If approved the scheme will be a further example of WCEC’s contributions to the local market town following successful work with the council on plans for future development of Chesterfield through a revised masterplan.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Up to £2m available for Chesterfield businesses to grow

8th June 2016

Growth funding worth up to £2 million could be loaned to ambitious businesses looking to expand and create more jobs, as part of a D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) opportunity launched today (June 8) aimed at boosting the economy.

D2N2 – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, community and social enterprises, and other organisations which promote economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – is inviting applications to its Growing Places Fund (GPF).

GPF enables businesses and public sector organisations (for example, local authorities) to apply for loans to kick-start stalled capital developments or expansion plans, which will directly grow the economy and create jobs.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP, said: “We have already seen a great deal of success with the Growing Places Fund, providing more than £16m to help small and larger businesses access the missing finance they need, to grow and create additional jobs.

“Factors we will be looking at when making a decision on the GPF applications we receive will be the economic impact of the project and how quickly investments can be repaid, so we can support other projects.”

D2N2 has previously run three GPF funding rounds, approving 13 loans worth a total of £16.6m. Major capital projects which have benefited include Derby City’s Castleward housing and commercial development, and the MediCity Enterprise Zone site in Nottingham.

Now further opportunities to apply for a Growing Places Fund loan, to support additional capital projects, are being made available by the D2N2 LEP.

Individual loans to companies or organisations will be between £250,000 and a maximum of £2 million, and must be to finance capital (building and infrastructure) to help further businesses’ development.

Funded projects must be located within the D2N2 LEP’s area; covered by the administrative boundaries of Derby City, Derbyshire County, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County local authorities.

Funding is limited and preference will be given to projects which deliver on D2N2’s strategic priorities and key areas of economic focus. More information on these is available on the D2N2 LEP website at www.d2n2lep.org and in its Strategic Economic Plan (a copy of which can be viewed online at web link www.d2n2lep.org/write/Documents/D2N2_SEP_March_31st.pdf ).

More information on the Growing Places Fund and guidance on how to apply for this funding can be found on the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership website now at www.d2n2lep.org/GPF

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

German investment comes to Markham Vale

9th May 2016

Markham Vale partners, Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments Ltd have recently announced another major deal bringing new jobs with the car industry giants Ferdinand Bilstein UK.

Ferdinand Bilstein UK will be moving its current distribution operations in Kent and Pontefract to a new purpose-built distribution centre. Established in Germany in 1844, the company operates worldwide producing, marketing and distributing car parts for a range of vehicle makes and models including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Land Rover and Ford.

Paul Dodgson, operations director at Ferdinand Bilstein UK (2^nd from right) said:

“We made the decision to move to Markham Vale as the development offers excellent transport links to the main motorway network, which was a key requirement of ours.

“We also required a bespoke and high-quality building to fit with the company brand and ethos, and we were confident Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council could deliver this.

“Our relocation to Markham Vale was mainly due to how close we can be to some of our biggest UK customers. We are excited to become a part of this high-profile development.”

The building of the firm’s new 224,966 square feet distribution centre started at the beginning of May and is set to be completed by December this year creating around 150 jobs initially with further opportunities to follow.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New Support Service Launched for Businesses Across the Sheffield City Region

28th April 2016

A new service to help businesses access the best possible advice to help them grow has been officially launched by the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub is designed to be a single point of contact for all businesses across the nine local authority areas, from Thorne in the north to Ashbourne in the south, Penistone in the west to Retford in the east and anywhere in between.

The Growth Hub, which has core funding of £4.82m, acts as a ‘gateway’ for businesses to access specialist support in a number of key areas to enable growth, including innovation, exporting, accessing finance and training. Businesses can contact the Growth Hub via phone or online.

The launch follows a successful pilot project, which has already helped more than 300 businesses, and is part of a national roll out of 39 Growth Hubs across the country, funded by central Government.

Head of the SCR Growth Hub, David Grimes, said: “The Growth Hub means that wherever you are in the Sheffield City Region you will have the same access to the same level of support, as we are working with a wide range of partners.

“Whether your business is large or small, new or well-established, you will have just one place to go to find out about, and access, the best possible advice that suits your needs.”

The Growth hub is working with, and will be signposting to, industry experts, including successful companies, consultancies, universities, Chambers of Commerce and local authorities, and national provision such as Innovate UK, UK Trade and Investment and a wide range of other business support partners.

Businesses may also be offered direct support and guidance from one of the Growth Hub’s own business growth advisors; all of whom have extensive experience of running businesses.

As well as the core funding, the SCR Growth Hub includes a £22m Business Investment Fund, a Skills Bank fund of more than £17m and access to the Sheffield City Region European Structural Funds of approximately £90m.

The Growth Hub is overseen by the Business Growth Board, which is made up of representatives from the public and private sector, and reports directly to the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board.

The overall ambition of the Sheffield City Region LEP is to help create 6,000 new businesses and 70,000 new jobs by 2025, by encouraging innovation, investment and collaboration.

Paul Houghton, chair of the Business Growth Board and managing partner of Grant Thornton in Sheffield, said: “The official launch of the Growth Hub is great news for businesses across our region. It is all part of the LEP’s ambitions to grow the city region economy by working together to create a stronger and bigger private sector that can compete in national and global markets.

“Whether you are a creative technology start-up looking for financial advice or business training, a manufacturer looking to export your product to a new overseas market, or any other business looking to grow and expand, then the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub can help you access the support that you need.”

Diana Terris, chief executive of Barnsley Council, one of the nine local authorities within the Sheffield City Region, said: “We welcome this new support service, because we know that the public sector and private sector working together will make our region stronger. We have shown that in Barnsley with our own ‘Enterprising Barnsley’ business support programme, which will now form part of the overall Growth Hub offer.

“To compete on a national and international stage we know we need the best support for our businesses and this is what the Growth Hub will give us.”

The Growth Hub can be contacted on 03330 00 00 39, emailing growthhub@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk or visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development

New Development at Markham Vale to Create 400 Jobs

12th April 2016

Another major deal bringing up to 400 new jobs at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship regeneration site has been signed with car industry giants Ferdinand Bilstein UK.

Ferdinand Bilstein UK will be moving its current distribution operations in Kent and Pontefract to a new purpose-built distribution centre to benefit from better transport links to the site located just off junction 29A of the M1.

Established in Germany in 1844, the company operates worldwide producing, marketing and distributing car parts for a range of vehicle makes and models including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Land Rover and Ford.

Paul Dodgson, Operations Director at Ferdinand Bilstein UK said: “We made the decision to move to Markham Vale as the development offers excellent transport links to the main motorway network, which was a key requirement of ours.

“We also required a bespoke and high-quality building to fit with the company brand and ethos, and we were confident Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council could deliver this.

“Our relocation to Markham Vale was mainly due to how close we can be to some of our biggest UK customers. We are excited to become a part of this high-profile development.”

The building of the firm’s new 224,966 square feet distribution centre is set to be completed by December this year creating around 150 jobs initially and a further 250 to follow.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget Councillor Anne Western said: “This is more fantastic news for Markham especially following the announcement of Great Bear Distribution’s move to the site, which is also set to create up to 400 new jobs.

“We’re committed to building a strong economy in Derbyshire and Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s move to Markham will bring more business into the county.

“Markham is one of the jewels in our crown and we’re proud of its success and how it continues to grow.”

The firm’s new base will be built by the county council’s private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments said: “We are extremely pleased that a deal has been agreed with Ferdinand Bilstein UK. The company has a fantastic track record and is a world leader in the automotive parts industry.

“We will be developing a high specification, bespoke distribution centre to fit with the company’s profile.

“This is the first deal we have agreed on Markham Vale North, which has a further 55 acres of land available for immediate development. We also have remaining plots available on the West and East sites.”

A series of drop-in events have been organised to update residents on the latest developments at Markham Vale – especially on the north site – which is currently being developed and where the new distribution operation for Ferdinand Bilstein UK will be.

Residents will be able to speak to representatives from the firm about the jobs available and staff from the county council and from Henry Boot will also be on hand at the events being held on:

Wednesday 13 April, 3pm-7pm at the Albert Inn, Woodthorpe Road, Woodthorpe
Wednesday 20 April, 3pm-7pm at Duckmanton Methodist Church, Duckmanton Road, Duckmanton
Wednesday 27 April, 1.30pm-5.30pm at Poolsbrook Miners Welfare, Cottage Close, Poolsbrook

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Derbyshire companies scoop major contracts at Markham Vale

8th April 2016

Six local companies are flying the flag for Derbyshire after winning contracts to help build the latest development at Markham Vale.

Heage-based construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland was awarded a £16.2m contract to build a new distribution centre at Markham Vale business park for national warehousing and distribution firm Great Bear Distribution.

And now as part of the deal, Bowmer & Kirkland has appointed a number of sub-contractors to work on the project. This includes five other Derbyshire businesses providing services ranging from construction and engineering to drainage, scaffolding and fire prevention.

They include:

• All Foundations (UK) Ltd − Specialist Civil Engineering Contractors − Blackwell
• CRS Fire Protection Ltd − Fire protection services − Chesterfield
• High Peak Scaffolding Ltd − Scaffolding – Buxton
• J. Pugh-Lewis Ltd − Fencing − Pilsley
• Melfort Construction Services Ltd − Groundworks − Alfreton

Live images of Great Bear – external

Live images of Great Bear – internal

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said:

“It’s fantastic to see Derbyshire-based companies being brought in to work on Great Bear’s new distribution centre which is great for the local economy.

“Markham Vale continues to play a key role in achieving the council’s long-term vision of building a strong economy in Derbyshire, creating new jobs and supporting local businesses.

“Great Bear is a shining example of how Markham is helping us to achieve this vision by awarding contracts to local businesses within Derbyshire and nearby areas as well as creating more than 400 new jobs over the next few years.

“We look forward to welcoming even more new businesses to Markham’s growing network this year as the site continues to move from strength to strength.”

Great Bear’s 480,000sq.ft distribution centre − which is set to be completed this summer − will be the biggest development to date at Markham Vale, located just off M1 junction 29a.

Bowmer & Kirkland was appointed to oversee the project by Henry Boot Developments − Derbyshire County Council’s private sector property partner.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments said:

“We are delighted Bowmer & Kirkland have looked to Derbyshire and the surrounding area for their supply chain, ensuring the construction of the Great Bear facility has a positive impact on the local economy surrounding Markham Vale.

“Our commitment to the local businesses and labour force is a major focus of our joint venture with Derbyshire County Council and it’s fantastic to see the efforts made in the conception stages of Markham Vale coming to fruition.”

John Clarke, Regional Director at Bowmer & Kirkland said:

“We have worked closely with Henry Boot Developments to make sure the supply chain process takes into account local contractors, and ensure the construction of Great Bear creates high-value opportunities for these local businesses.

“We still have a further £240,000 of construction contracts to award before completion and we hope these will result in further local appointments.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Race against time at Staveley Basin

7th April 2016

Chesterfield Canal Trust’s volunteers have been praised this week for their efforts to complete Staveley Basin ahead of the National Trailboat Festival in May.

Managed by Derbyshire County Council, the Staveley Basin project is designed to restore and improve Chesterfield Canal; making more of the waterway navigable.

Working under the direction of council engineers, and with occasional help from the volunteers of the Waterway Recovery Group, the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Volunteer Work Party has now almost completed the lock. Only the coping stones and lock gates are still to be fitted, despite encountering lots of bad weather and mechanical issues along the way.

The team has also been striving to build an additional 300 metres of canal below the lock – known as Hartington Harbour – ready for boats to turn around. This has proven the biggest challenge, as since November, the section has been at best ankle deep in mud and at worst totally flooded.

Chesterfield Canal Trust’s aging excavator, known as Denis, has also developed frequent problems, however much breakdown support has been received from JCB/TCHarrison.

Trustee in charge of the volunteers, David Kiddy, said: “I am very proud of our volunteers. Many have come to work on four or five days a week throughout the winter, frequently working in atrocious conditions.”

A major project, the Chesterfield Canal Trust has already invested around £100,000, with nearly half of the money coming from donations, and the rest coming from activities such as tripboat rides and membership fees. Part of the Markham Vale development, Derbyshire County Council has committed £89,000 for contractors and a grant has also been received for the lock gates from Veolia.

Chesterfield Canal Trust will host the National Trailboat Festival on behalf of the Inland Waterways Association on May 28th and 29th. The event will run from 10am to 5.00pm on both days and will include boat rides, canoeing, children’s rides, plenty of entertainment, dozens of stalls plus food and drink including a Real Ale bar run by Brampton Brewery.

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

Expansion at Markham Vale company

4th April 2016

Chesterfield distributor Industrial Ancillaries has unveiled its new, larger headquarters at Markham Vale.

After just under 4 months, Caddick Construction has completed a new extension across the front of the building, which has added 3500 sq ft of office space for the growing firm.

In line with the company’s continuous efforts to be energy efficient, the new build features rainwater harvesting and solar photo-voltaic panels; ensuring the firm keeps up with its low CO2 emission rate and company ethos.

The development also boasts an array of new facilities including:-

• Industrial Ancillaries’ brand new training academy – for the company to focus on delivering it’s BFPA Accredited courses;
• A re-vamped trade counter to offer customers a welcoming and more widely-stocked store;
• A re-vamped workshop;
• New canteen and welfare areas for staff;
• New meeting room facilities furnished with modern equipment, created for both staff and customer use;
• Additional car parking space to add to the already ample parking available on-site;
• Additional Kardex Remstar© vertical lift machines to provide enhanced storage facilities and increase product lines.

Jamie Dennis, managing director at Industrial Ancillaries comments:-

“The new ultra-modern facility undoubtedly brings more value to the company and an enhanced capability to provide more improved service to customers. Industrial Ancillaries looks forward to welcoming visitors to the new premises and continuing to build the business from strength to strength.”

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development