Development

Plans submitted to revitalise Chesterfield’s old Post Office

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.

Post Office Chesterfield WCEC

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Up to £2m available for Chesterfield businesses to grow

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

Great Bear Development Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

German investment comes to Markham Vale

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 (2nd 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.

billstein

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New Support Service Launched for Businesses Across the Sheffield City Region

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

Sheffield City Region

Posted in Business, Development

New Development at Markham Vale to Create 400 Jobs

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

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Derbyshire companies scoop major contracts at Markham Vale

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.”

Great Bear Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Race against time at Staveley Basin

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.

Fitting one of the spill weir culverts

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

Expansion at Markham Vale company

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.”

Industrial Ancillaries Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Big push for Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre

This April a total of 18 fundraisers are set to push a hospital bed from a Dronfield pub to Chesterfield Royal Hospital in support of the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

Set to begin at the Jolly Farmer in Dronfield, the bed push team will head to Chesterfield town centre via Whittington Moor where they will call at Rykneld Square, Burlington Street and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. They will then continue to Hasland through Eastwood Park, before arriving at Calow Lane ready for the last uphill trek to Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Taking place on Saturday 9th April from 9.00am, the epic event falls on the anniversary of the day the Jolly Farmer landlord, Ashley Tipper sadly lost his grandmother to lung cancer. Mary Tipper, a retired nurse had been treated for cancer in hospital last March for the fifth time in 3 months and was helping Ashley to plan the route before she sadly passed away on April 11, 2015.

Ashley, 30, said: “Me and my Nan often spoke about my fundraising and it is something she was very proud of and always supported me in.

“We talked of the bed push and I asked if I could wheel her out for a test drive; always getting that look that only nans give you.”

“I did what I do best and threw everything I had into fundraising and making a difference for the charity I am so passionate about. This time, it was more personal than ever before. I had to find a way to make this event happen, and thanks to wonderful support from the police, local authority and a traffic management company, we have found a way to make this happen. This is for my Nan as it’s the last thing she knew I was planning.”

The funds raised will go to the Macmillan Appeal to help build The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Centre, which will offer over 21 chemotherapy chairs, 2 treatment beds and 3 treatment rooms to North Derbyshire residents.

To support the bed push team and Macmillan Cancer Support go to http://www.justgiving.com/teams/jollyfarmer/

To support the Chesterfield Appeal contact local fundraiser Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk

Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre - bed push

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Visiting

Major funding boost for historic railway site Barrow Hill Roundhouse

Britain’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse is set to receive a £1.17m cash boost to help safeguard its future as one of Chesterfield’s top attractions.

The funding, confirmed by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), will be used to repair and refurbish Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and transform it into a nationally-important museum.

High quality visitor facilities, a dedicated learning and meeting space and a conservation workshop will all be created at the site, which will also enjoy a new entrance, shop and café. A wide range of learning, training and skills activities will accompany these developments, ensuring that the roundhouse can attract a much wider and more diverse audience.

Mike Kennedy, chair of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, said: “We are delighted by the news of our success. The project will enable us to safeguard the roundhouse for future generations, and provide the improved facilities that we need to attract a new audience, while retaining our existing audience of rail enthusiasts.

“It will also provide us with the expertise and equipment to tell the story of the roundhouse and its workforce to a wide range of people, particularly local people including families and schoolchildren.”

Barrow Hill Roundhouse was built in 1870 for the Midland Railway and houses an operational turntable serving 24 radiating roads or tracks. It was used to repair and maintain engines and rolling stock for the Staveley Iron and Coal Company.

As one of the few roundhouses to survive the transition from steam to diesel engines, it operated until the industry went into decline during the 1970s and 80s.

In 1991 it was saved from demolition by local campaigners with just 48 hours to spare and has since become a popular place to visit, primarily for railway enthusiasts. Visitors can currently see a host of rare locomotives and over 4,500 items including tools, lamps, uniforms and photographs.

Now the Engine Shed Society wants to attract local people as well, many of whom are unaware of what is on their doorstep and its history.

The main building also requires urgent attention to make it watertight and prevent the collections from getting damaged. There is also a pressing need to record the memories of people who worked at the site, many of whom are now elderly.

Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “As the last surviving operational roundhouse, Barrow Hill has a unique role in telling the story of the UK’s evocative transport heritage.

“There’s no better way to learn about this history than getting up close to the buildings that survive from that time, so we’re delighted that thanks to National Lottery players we can support this much-needed project to repair the building and enhance visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of the site.”

HLF previously provided a £96,400 development grant in 2014 to work up plans for the project. Now, following a further application, the full grant has been awarded allowing the major works to commence.

It is hoped that work will start at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in June this year and be complete by mid 2019.

Barrow Hill Champions Breakfast

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

DIY SOS star opens Chesterfield College Construction Centre with gold medal winning joinery apprentice

Celebrity carpenter Mark Millar from DIY SOS helped to celebrate the opening of the new construction workshops on Infirmary Road today, along with Chesterfield College’s Worldskills UK gold medal winning apprentice, Jack Chambers.

The duo gave expert advice on how to carve a career in construction as well as judging a ‘We Built That’ competition for Year 8 & 9 school pupils from across Derbyshire.

School teams were given a brief to build the best rocket before spending the day working in the joinery, plumbing and painting and decorating workshops of the new construction workshops under the watchful eye of Chesterfield College students and tutors.

The competition finished with a rocket launch for VIP guests, prize giving ceremony for the winning team from Chapel-en-le-Frith High School and the official opening of the new building by Mark Millar, Jack Chambers and the Chair of the College Corporation Frank Smith.

Mark Millar said:

“It is a fantastic honour to be part of the opening of the new workshops and to be able to spend time with the next generation of construction experts. I can see already that the college is training people with the ability to shine. Who knows, they might be the construction stars of the future.

“When I started my career as a carpentry apprentice, learning at work and in a college, I never thought that I would be doing what I do. Not many carpenters end up on TV, but it is amazing where construction skills can lead to. It‘s fantastic to see young people being inspired and learning important construction skills in modern facilities like this because I know skilled employees are in demand.”

The new building was part funded by the Skills Funding Agency and houses several workshops and classrooms designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in a range of construction disciplines from plumbing and joinery to painting and decorating. The facility provides internal and external space for students to gain practical experience in areas that replicate real construction sites.

Joinery apprentice, 18 year old, Jack Chambers is one of the students benefitting from the facilities at Chesterfield College. He recently beat the best of the best to bring home the gold medal in joinery from the Worldskills UK competition. He says that mixing college study and his apprenticeship at Pennine Woodworking in Bradwell gave him the skills he needed to succeed and could help him compete internationally in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Jack spent some time explaining to the school teams where apprenticeships and studying at college can lead to. He said:

“When I left school I knew I would end up doing a hands-on job but I had no idea that learning a trade through studying at college and doing an apprenticeship would give me the chance to compete at an international level. It has given me a brilliant opportunity to prove what I can do and it has helped me to be better at the job I do every day too.”

Chesterfield College Construction Centre official opening

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development