Development

Chesterfield manufacturer opens new factory

25th July 2016

Chesterfield manufacturer Krantech Holdings Ltd recently opened their new £2.1 million factory. The new building complements the company’s existing medium/heavy fabrication workshop.

Krantech employs 50 people and they were awarded a Regional Growth Fund grant from Sheffield City Region of £300K for the 10,000 square foot new CNC factory based at Colliery Close in Staveley, Chesterfield.

Formally opening the event, Mel Myronko CEO spoke of how the development will open up opportunities in new markets as well as supporting their existing in-house machining requirements.

Mel said “It’s been hard work and one of the largest financial commitments of my whole working life, but I’m ecstatic to finally see the hard work and persistence pays off”.

Martin Wright, Director of Supply Chain at OneSubsea who formally opened the facility said “It is truly an honour to open Krantech’s new CNC facility which will clearly enhance their capabilities and support our ongoing relationship.

Year 9 and 10 students from The Bolsover School attended the opening to learn about manufacturing. Mrs Crossley from The Bolsover School said “It is a great opportunity for the students to learn more about the world of work and in particular engineering.”

Guests that attended the the official opening, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a tour of the new facility.

Images: Andrew Lyons Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Bringing empty homes back into use

21st July 2016

Plans to bring empty homes back into use in Chesterfield have been adopted by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The council’s cabinet has approved the Private Sector Empty Homes Strategy 2016-2020, which outlines how the council aims to bring empty properties back into use.

There are currently 490 empty properties in Chesterfield with approximately 1,500 applications currently on the council’s housing waiting list.

Bringing these homes back into use will give opportunities for people currently on the waiting list to buy or rent their own homes.

It will also allow the council to receive funding from the Government through the New Homes Bonus and receive Council Tax income when the properties are occupied.

The council would always prefer to work informally with property owners to bring empty homes back into use; however, where these negotiations prove unsuccessful, the new strategy means the council can now consider measures such as compulsory purchase or enforced sale of the property in order to return the property back to use.

These interventions will only be considered where all other intervention has proved unsuccessful.

Councillor Tom Murphy, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said:-

“Empty homes are bad news for neighbours who often have to put up with vandalism and anti-social behaviour and can see value of their own property decrease.

“Leaving properties empty can also see a significant reduction in funds for the council, which can be used to improve the services we offer to our residents so it makes sense for everyone that we put plans in place to tackle the problem and bring these homes back into use.”

The new strategy takes into account changes in the housing market in Chesterfield over recent years.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Chesterfield businesses call for action in wake of referendum

13th July 2016

Businesses across the Sheffield City Region are calling for stability, clarity and action from Government as the UK navigates its withdrawal from the UK.

They made the call at a meeting in Chesterfield, which was held to check the mood of local businesses following the outcome of the EU Referendum. More than 80 local business leaders attended the event, which took place at Ringwood Hall.

The event was facilitated by East Midlands Chamber and sponsored by RBS, in partnership with the Barnsley and Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce and the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

It was aimed at giving business leaders the chance to talk openly about concerns they have following the outcome of the EU Referendum.

Focusing on stability and investment in the SCR economy, a panel featuring Scott Knowles – the Chamber’s Chief Executive, Nigel Brewster – Vice-Chair of Sheffield City Region LEP, John Burrows – Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Martin McKervey – of Nabarro and Steve Roberts – Director of Fripp Design and Research, talked about the immediate impacts on the regional economy of the vote to leave.

Also on the agenda was a panel discussion on the importance to business of superfast broadband and the progress of the Government’s programme to roll it out across the country, along with a consultation on devolution, with a focus on the Sheffield City Region.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-

“Businesses at the event made clear that what they want to see is stability, clarity and action from Government, which must work to bring stability to markets, clarity on the timetable for changes to our relationship with Europe, and action on the many issues that matter for growth.

“While nothing will change in the immediate term, this event made clear that businesses across the Sheffield City Region want speedy clarity around fundamental issues such as the future trade deals the UK will seek, the type of legislative framework that may be introduced and the broader vision for a successful UK outside of the EU.

“And given the disconnect between the way London voted in the referendum compared with other parts of the UK, including the Sheffield City Region, there is a general consensus that devolution to our region should be viewed as a huge opportunity.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Possible HS2 rail stop for Chesterfield welcomed

7th July 2016

Revised plans for the HS2 rail link, that could mean two high speed trains an hour stopping in Chesterfield, have been welcomed by town leaders.

Chesterfield Borough Council leader Councillor John Burrows, says the recommendation by HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins to change the original route to include a link via the Midland Mainline that could stop in Chesterfield, is great news for the town’s economic future.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign, has also welcomed the news as it would deliver 79-minute train journeys to London and shorter journey times to Leeds and other towns and cities in the north and Midlands.

Chesterfield Borough Council will now be seeking further detail on the proposals and, in particular, looking for reassurance the route will not impact on the restoration of Chesterfield Canal, as well as finding out more about what it means to the planned maintenance depot at Staveley, which would create jobs for the borough.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:-

“This will further strengthen Chesterfield’s position as a place to do business. We now need the Government to make a quick decision that there will definitely be a stop in Chesterfield as is being recommended to them and then get on with building the HS2 route.

“The report recognises the importance of the Chesterfield economy to the wider Sheffield City Region and its potential for growth as part of the devolution deal agreed by the Government.

“To deliver this we will work with our partners in Sheffield City Region, and those across Derbyshire and the East Midlands, to get the maximum benefit for Chesterfield from these proposals.

“Using the Midland Mainline and diverting the main HS2 line to the east should reduce the impact of the route construction on the area, but we still need to see the detailed plans for the maintenance depot at Staveley to assess what impact that could have on local communities and the plans for the Chesterfield Canal restoration.”

The announcement by HS2 has also been welcomed by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield. He said:-

“HS2 represents a fantastic opportunity for Chesterfield in terms of both the option of a stop on the route and the previously announced maintenance depot.

“The journey time to London by rail is already good but having an HS2 stop would increase this, further benefiting the local economy and attractiveness of the town and new developments like Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort, to investors.

“While we do not yet have the detail, Staveley is perfectly positioned for the depot and it could contribute significantly to regeneration of the area in terms of employment during construction and beyond.”

The new HS2 option proposes that services could take a spur off the new north-south high speed line, using the Midland Mainline from Clay Cross. If this happened trains would go to Sheffield Midland station, with two trains an hour stopping at Chesterfield on the way. There is also the possibility of these trains continuing past Sheffield to the existing Meadowhall station, Barnsley and Rotherham.

The proposed route changes are intended to take the rail line through less populated areas and to make £1 billion of savings compared to the original plans. The main HS2 line would instead follow a route further east than originally planned, largely going alongside the M18.

Chis Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Uncertainties around Sheffield’s options for HS2 have held up progress on the Eastern Leg, particularly when compared to how the Western Leg has been developed.

“Now that we have firm proposals and recommendations which have broad support across the Sheffield City Region and will make the project cheaper to deliver, we need confirmation and delivery of this phase of the scheme without delay.

“The opportunity to connect the East Midlands to Leeds via a hub station at Toton, along with the option to connect to businesses in Sheffield and through Chesterfield, would be a massive boon to businesses in both regions. Furthermore, the service depot at Staveley will create hundreds of jobs and underline the region’s traditional strengths and expertise in rail manufacturing and related services.

“In the current post-referendum climate, the Government has a golden opportunity to be really bold in terms of its infrastructure spending, to deliver a world-class UK transport network which will drive economic growth, make the UK an attractive place to invest and make it far easier for firms to move their goods and people to global markets.

“HS2 is a crucial part of the solution to boost connectivity north to south and east to west, which will also deliver the enhanced capacity we need in the long term.

“High speed rail is the best way to achieve a more sustainable, rebalanced economic future not just for the region, but for the nation as a whole and we are hopeful that today’s announcement will pave the way for that to be confirmed as quickly as possible.”

HS2 will hold a public consultation event in the Speedwell Rooms, Inkersall Road, Staveley from 12.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday 20 July so residents can find out more about the proposals for the Staveley maintenance depot.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Residents urged to have their say on Chesterfield’s economic future

1st July 2016

Residents and businesses are encouraged to take part in a consultation on a devolution deal from the Government which aims to secure powers and funding to create new jobs and training opportunities for Chesterfield people.

The consultation runs from 1 July for six weeks, ending on 12 August and will give people the opportunity to have their say on one of the biggest decisions made by Chesterfield Borough Council in recent years.

Rather than decisions on issues which affect people day-to-day being made by ministers and civil servants in London, Sheffield City Region has negotiated a deal with the Government which will see £900 million in funding over 30 years and £484 million over the next five years handed to local decision makers.

In April this year, councillors from all three political parties represented on the council voted that Chesterfield Borough Council should become a full member of the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority

This would see the borough benefit in a share of this funding to:

Provide investment to bring former industrial sites back into use
Support start-up businesses and encourage existing businesses to grow
Provide skills and training for Chesterfield residents to ensure they have the skills they need for newly-created jobs
Invest in new housing
Provide better local transport links.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said:-

“It’s important that Chesterfield residents and businesses take part in the consultation and understand the issues at stake.

“In the next few years, we will create around 2,400 jobs for local people. This is thanks to funding from Sheffield City Region for projects including: the Northern Gateway, the Co-op redevelopment, Peak Resort, Markham Vale and Chesterfield Waterside.

“There is no plan B; we either accept the deal on offer and allow Chesterfield residents and businesses to share in the benefits or we miss out on the money and leave the powers with ministers and civil servants in London.”

Being a full member of the Sheffield City Region would not mean changes to services already offered by Chesterfield Borough Council including: refuse collection, street cleaning, leisure and park facilities, regeneration, housing, markets, theatres and tourism.

There are also no changes to the borough’s geographical boundaries. Chesterfield will remain part of Derbyshire. Derbyshire County Council will remain responsible for services including: education, children and young people’s services, adult care and libraries.

The only exception will be transport services. The mayor would have control over public transport to ensure services are more integrated to better serve the needs of local people. The County Council will continue to maintain roads in Chesterfield as at present.

Councillor Burrows added:

“I am proud to be from Derbyshire, I have said it time and again, I am Derbyshire born, Derbyshire bred and in Derbyshire, I’ll lay my head.

“The deal is not about taking Chesterfield into Sheffield and giving away powers but about accessing powers and funding that will benefit local people and businesses.

“A share of £900 million over 30 years and £484 million over the next five years is a significant amount of funding and the proposed devolution deal would allow local people to have their say on how this is spent rather than being at the back of the queue when it comes to funding from the Government so it’s vital people engage in the process and have their say.”

There are two consultation events taking place for people to find out more.

The first is a public meeting at the Winding Wheel on Monday 11 July at 6.30pm. This is open to all residents and businesses in Chesterfield and will allow them to ask questions of the council’s leader, Councillor John Burrows and Chief Executive, Huw Bowen.

There will also be a drop-in session in Chesterfield’s Market Hall on Friday 15 July from 10am to 4pm.

People can take part in the consultation between 1 July and 12 August at: www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk. Paper copies of the consultation will also be available at the council’s Customer Service Centre in New Square.

The final decision on whether Chesterfield can be a member of the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority and share in the benefits of the devolution deal will be made by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in the autumn ahead of mayoral elections in May 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Uncategorised

Work starts to create 400 more new jobs at Markham Vale

29th June 2016

Automotive component specialists Ferdinand Bilstein UK are gearing up to move to Chesterfield’s flagship regeneration site now that work has started on the new distribution centre − creating up to 400 new jobs.

The firm will be moving its current distribution operations in Kent and Pontefract to a new purpose-built 225,000 square feet distribution centre to benefit from better transport links at Markham Vale 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 are excited about being part of this high profile development. Building has now commenced at the Markham Vale site and we look forward to seeing the build completion at the end of the year.

“Markham Vale offers excellent transport links for our distribution requirements, and close proximity to some of our biggest customers. The new relocation will allow us to expand our company further, offering new opportunities on a local and national scale.”

The company’s new distribution centre will be the first business on the site’s third phase, Markham Vale North and is set to be completed by December this year creating around 150 jobs initially and a further 250 to follow.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council leader, said:-

“We’re delighted to see that work has now started on Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s new distribution centre at Markham, bringing up to 400 more new jobs to the area.

“The site’s convenient location just off junction 29A of the M1 continues to attract local and national businesses and as a result it’s providing work for existing local businesses in the construction industry.

“Markham Vale is central to our plans to boost the local economy and it’s good to know that it’s benefiting and contributing to the national economy as well by using British steel too.”

Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s new distribution centre will be built by our private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments, said:-

“I am pleased to announce that work has now started on the 225,000 square feet distribution centre for Ferdinand Bilstein UK.

“The unit is the first to be developed on Markham Vale North and will benefit from the new Seymour Link access road, which will create easy access to M1 motorway networks.

“The company chose to part-relocate its operations due to the transport network and access that Markham Vale offers. We have had huge success with the Markham West and East sections of land, and are confident the North land will be no different, generating huge amounts of interest since its launch.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Linacre Road site to be sold for 300 new homes

28th June 2016

Land at Linacre Road is to be put up for sale by Chesterfield Borough Council.

A public consultation was held in October last year into a masterplan which will guide development on the 37-acre site. It proposes using the land for 300 new homes.

More than 200 people attended the consultation events, with around 80 making comments.

After taking into account the issues raised a revised masterplan has now been agreed and the council’s cabinet has approved plans to put the land up for sale in the autumn.

The original plans had proposed creating a landscaped wildlife buffer zone between any housing development and Ashgate Plantation. But following concerns raised during the consultation that a buffer zone could create anti-social behaviour or fly tipping problems it is now proposed to build homes with longer gardens that would back on to the plantation site instead.

Access to the site could either be off one of two sites in Linacre Road or through Leadhill Road, although the final decision on which to use would form part of the decision for councillors when a planning application is made. Members of the public would have the opportunity to comment on any future planning application.

All councils are required by the Government to have enough land available to meet the demand for new housing in the next five years. In Chesterfield, this equates to 380 new homes being built each year to meet the growing needs of the area.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, said: “To meet the demand for housing in Chesterfield we need to bring forward sites like this for development, as not all the housing can be built on brownfield or previously used sites.

“The land will now go on the market to prospective buyers in the autumn. Once we have agreed a sale the housing developer would need to make a planning application to put forward detailed proposals of the type and exact number of houses they would want to build.”

If a buyer is found, and planning permission is given, it is expected that work could start on site in summer 2018.

Councillor Gilby added: “As with all developments of this type, we will be seeking for up to 30 per cent of the housing to be affordable homes.

“Developers would also have to make a Community Infrastructure Levy payment that will contribute to the cost of providing school places, playgrounds or green spaces or other community needs generated by a development like this.”

The Linacre Road land was originally bought by the council in the 1970s to meet future housing needs and is a site identified for in the council’s Local Plan Core Strategy, which was approved in 2013.

The revised masterplan for the site includes ground conditions, ecology and archaeological reports. All of these would need to be considered as part of the planning application process.

Further information about the development, including the masterplan and a frequently asked questions section that provides answers to questions raised during the public consultation, can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/linacre-road

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New bridge milestone for cycle path

24th June 2016

Work to build a new cycle path in Chesterfield between Queen’s Park and the train station reaches a major milestone this weekend.

A new 30-metre span bridge for pedestrians and bikes will be lifted into place over Hollis Lane next to the railway line during the early hours of Sunday morning. This will provide a direct route from the station across a series of new and re-furbished bridges to connect with existing paths linking to Derby Road, the Ravenside retail park and the Hipper Valley Trail to Somersall.

The new path is being installed as part of the Chesterfield Cycle Network − a long-term project to link shopping areas to the train and bus station and main residential areas in the town.

Hollis Lane and the A61 off-slip road will be closed at the railway bridge from 8pm on Saturday evening until 9am on Sunday to allow the work to take place. Signs will be in place to divert traffic during the road closure.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Dean Collins said:-

“This project will provide a safe and easy route for people to cycle through Chesterfield. We know more and more are using bikes to get from A to B − it’s better for the environment, cheaper than running a car and it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy too.

“We’re carrying out this work at night to cause the least disruption to motorists as possible and apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Uncategorised

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