Development

New enterprise and training centre opens in Loundsley Green

A new centre has opened in Loundsley Green providing start-up businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with work spaces, meeting rooms, expert coaching and advice.

‘The Green’ is run by Loundsley Green Community Trust (LGCT) who have been operating the adjacent community centre (previously a church) for over 10 years.

One of the free services being delivered during that time has been an Enterprise Coaching programme, helping people to get back into work through self-employment.

Over the years that has helped over 60 people to start new businesses. Around 3 years ago the Trust looked at the Old Vicarage which was unoccupied for most of the time, and saw in it the potential to grow its support for people looking to get back into work.

The team behind the new business support centre overcame several hurdles before its opening, however the space now includes a large training room, a smaller meeting room, and five individual workspaces for use by new businesses.

Office rents are inclusive of all costs including broadband and two of them are already let: one to a husband and wife business, and the other to local community radio station, Peak Radio.

The downstairs meeting and training spaces have been used to provide employability training to young people, health and safety training for people looking to work in construction, first aid training and a variety of meetings of local organisations.

An important feature of The Green is the continued support that will be provided for people looking to start new businesses, and additional funding has been received from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to deliver a programme of training and coaching through 2021-22.

Volunteer enterprise coach Paul Davies explains: “Even though there are reports of over 1 million vacancies being available, many of the people with whom we work have caring responsibilities, disabilities, illnesses and other constraints which mean that working nights for Amazon or Wetherspoons are simply not options. For them, working for themselves, is a practical and realistic alternative”.

Another benefit of taking on the new building is that it has provided the Trust with an enclosed garden which will be a facility used by other centre users. Parent and toddlers, scouts, cubs, beavers, brownies and wide range of other groups will be able to use it for play, environmental projects or simply a healthy outdoor space in which to meet.

LGCT Chair, Ian Birchmore sees this as a really important new asset for the Trust: “The Green has opened up huge new opportunities for the Trust to support and serve its local community. It will provide support to local people who are looking to improve their skills, and look for new work opportunities. It will also provide a further facility to enable people to get together – something they have been missing for the last year and a half”.

Chesterfield Community Hubs support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield College’s virtual jobs board gives employers access to student talent pool

Chesterfield College has launched a virtual jobs board to help employers promote work related opportunities to more than 2,000 college students who are looking to launch their careers in a range of sectors from construction to catering, and many more.

The new jobs board is already giving students access to quality work experience and industry placement opportunities, full-time and part-time jobs, as well as apprenticeships. Local employers are using the service to find students who are keen to start work in roles related to their course or chosen career goals.

The college has highlighted how the virtual jobs board service could help students get the vital work experience they need, at the same time as helping employers fill the skills gaps they have in their organisations, now and in the future.

David Malone, deputy principal of Chesterfield College said; “In today’s market of labour shortages it is vital that employers and colleges do all we can to make sure new entrants to the market are well equipped and ready to contribute to our economy. The jobs board is just one way we hope to develop our partnership with more local employers.

“We have a talent pool of passionate students who are looking for the right opportunities to develop their skills in a working environment. Work experience is as vital as studying to ensure students are ready to develop their careers. When we mix the two elements, we ensure students complete their course equipped with the right mix of knowledge and experience to make valuable employees of the future.”

It is free for employers to advertise jobs, volunteering and apprenticeship opportunities on the virtual jobs board. The college’s work experience team, made up of experienced recruitment and training professionals, supports employers through the process and ensures a quality match with potential candidates.

For more information or to advertise an opportunity on the virtual jobs board please email wex@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 0345 850 1055 and select option 1.

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Plans to revitalise Staveley’s high street to be considered by Chesterfield Borough Council

Draft plans to revitalise Staveley town centre as part of the wider regeneration of the area are being considered by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Staveley Town Centre Draft Vision Master Plan is to go before the council’s Cabinet on 2 November and, if approved, will be subject to a six-week public consultation starting on 8 November.

The proposals set out a vision for the future development of Staveley’s town centre, including improvements to the look, feel and flow of Market Square and High Street, and are designed to harness the opportunities presented by wider investment in the town.

The draft plan has been brought forward as part of an ambitious regeneration package being delivered under the Staveley Town Deal programme, which has created a ‘golden opportunity’ to breathe new life into the former mining town for generations to come.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Staveley town centre is a place with rich heritage and character – and a lot of untapped potential to make it the best it can be for the benefit of Staveley’s growing community.

“Taken together with the significant investment and regeneration which is planned for across this area, we have a golden opportunity to transform Staveley for generations to come.

“Currently, like town centres up and down the country – particularly those which are relatively small – Staveley is being hit by the rise of online shopping and changing customer habits, as well as the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is also much more that could be done to better connect some of the area’s key sites and buildings, to make the town centre a real retail, leisure and community hub.

“Our draft vision master plan sets out a framework in which some key improvements can be brought forward and, if approved by Cabinet, we will continue to work closely with the community.

“Staveley’s businesses are key to the future success of the town centre, and we are committed to working with them to adapt and shape these draft plans.”

The draft vision master plan has been put together following initial consultation with Staveley Town Council, local business representatives and key partners – with a view to gathering more detailed feedback as part of the six-week consultation period.

The purpose of the consultation is to get public and business feedback on the draft proposals, so they can then be adjusted and finalised.

Just over £4.85m has been earmarked for town centre improvements as part of the Staveley Town Deal programme – with funding subject to final approval by Government early next year.

Key proposals include:

  • Regenerating Market Square, including proposals for a new building called ‘The Market House’ which would create a commercial and community hub, with potential to host large indoor and outdoor and outdoor events
  • Revitalising High Street, including plans to upgrade and improve landscaping, street furniture and cycle parking
  • Unlocking the development potential of underused or derelict sites which could be used to support a more vibrant evening economy, family facilities and leisure opportunities
  • Installing town centre Wi-Fi, to create a more digitally connected town centre for the benefit of businesses and shoppers
  • Improving signage, and adding new walkways which will link the canal with Staveley Hall and local shops / services – helping people to explore further and stay longer

The updated draft master plan is designed to replace a previous version of the document which was drawn up in 2009 and now – due to changes in within the borough, as well as the national economic context – must be reviewed to ensure it provides a relevant and robust framework for the development of the town centre.

Councillor Sarvent added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Staveley. Together with our partners, our aim is to deliver significant investment and improvements across key aspects of the town in support of our vision to create a legacy for the future – a place where people can start, stay and grow.”

If approved, the draft vision master plan proposals will be subject to a consultation period running from 8 November to 12 December.

This will be via a virtual exhibition, supported by a staffed exhibition at The Healthy Living Centre in Staveley.

 

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Chesterfield pet store continues growth with move to new premises

A Chesterfield retailer known for supplying a range of products for our pets has announced further growth by moving to a new premises at Littlemoor in Newbold.

Quinney’s Pet Supplies was established in October 2016 inside Chesterfield Market Hall with the aim of supplying a range of products for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, fish, cagebirds, wild birds and wildlife. These include food, treats, toys and accessories as well as a range of greeting cards produced by Michelle Quinney featuring her stunning photography.

During the last 5 years the business has grown substantially, being nominated four successive years for a variety of awards including Market Hall Business of the Year (finalist), Retailer of the Year (finalist) and Leisure Retailer of the Year (winner).

Owner Brian Quinney said: “We were extremely proud and honoured to be recognised in these awards and immensely grateful to our customers for their support during our time in the Market Hall. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new shop at Littlemoor.”

Brian also explained how he’ll remember trading in the town’s market hall fondly: “Our time in Chesterfield town centre has been most enjoyable and we’ve met some wonderful people. The Market Hall has been especially good to us and we will miss our friends there. Chesterfield is an amazing town and a great place to shop so please continue to support your high street”.

The dog-friendly store in Newbold will now give Quinney’s the opportunity to sell a greater range of products and cater to more pet lovers across the town. Brian said: “It is now time to take our business to the next level and we are very excited about the move to Littlemoor shops at Newbold.

“The extra space will enable us to expand our product ranges and introduce new and larger products whilst retaining our award winning service. We will continue to operate our free and reliable same day local deliveries and customers will be able to pull up directly outside with plenty of free parking. We are also looking forward to welcoming new customers including four-legged ones into our dog friendly shop!”

Find out more about the new shop on the company’s website: www.quinneyspetsupplies.co.uk

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Chesterfield’s CBE+ recognised for outstanding international contribution

Chesterfield-based manufacturer CBE+ have been awarded the ‘Outstanding International Contribution Award’ by the Surface Engineering Association (SEA) at the Surface Engineering Awards and Gala Dinner which took place at the Regis Hotel, Birmingham recently.

CBE+ electroless nickel plating (NiTEC) is one of few businesses in the UK, who deliver the specialised service. CBE+ stands out from its competitors due to housing the largest nickel-plating tanks in Europe, paired with the businesses reputation for working in partnership with its customers to develop tailored solutions.

The business showcased a variety of the outstanding examples of the electroless nickel plated components which are used in number of market sectors worldwide, achieving the top spot in this category.

A few of these examples included the surface treatment of:

  • End fittings destined for new flexible piping connecting offshore oil rigs worldwide, and over 25% of all flexibles deployed to South America.
  • Topside and subsea drilling equipment that is flown to our facilities from across the globe, from destinations such as the Middle East and USA
  • High precision rollers up to 13 metres in length to cut huge coils of product into standard size, for example domestic rolls of cling film for our customer based in Germany.
  • 6 metre copper crucibles used in vacuum arc re-melting furnaces
  • Mission-critical subsea equipment used world, such as a hook 12ft in height, capable of lifting 3000 tons.
  • Electroless nickel plating (ENP) uses reactions in aquatic solutions to create a perfectly uniform, anti-rust protective nickel coating on the surface of a metal.

Once applied, ferrous substrates including steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminium, can withstand extreme temperatures and environments, including attacks by chemicals, salt water and abrasive substances, meaning it is widely used in subsea applications.

“CBE+ are extremely pleased to have won the Outstanding International Contribution category in the Surface Engineering Awards 2021. It is a great recognition of the hard work contributed by the team and we look forward to working together with internal and external partners to achieve more. Together we do more.”

CBE+ supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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1940s Market returns to Chesterfield this week

Chesterfield’s 1940s Market returns during half term with lots of entertainers for the whole family to enjoy.

Taking place on Thursday 28 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve worked really hard to put together a packed schedule of entertainment and to ensure there is something for the whole family to enjoy. It is one of our most popular town centre events and I hope lots of people will come along and support our local businesses and traders.”

Kalamazoo Dance Band will be performing in New Square at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Etienne Curtains and Blinds have entered into the 1940s spirit and booked the Daisy Belles to sing outside their shop at 10.15am, 12.15pm and 1.45pm.

Find all the timings for the event below:

In the Market Place, there will be a display of classic cars, a vintage fire engine and displays about the Land Army and 1940s mining. An escape artist will also be performing at 10.35am, 1pm and 3pm.

Next to the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square a replica Spitfire will be on display all day. Singer Jayne Darling will be performing at 10am, 11.30am and 1.45pm. Johnny Victory another singer will also be appearing at 10.45am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

The Market Place will host the flea market with singers Natasha Harper and Kyle Evans taking it in turns to perform outside Santander. The Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Glenys Falconer will be judging Market Trader costumes at 1pm and then presenting the prizes at 3pm.

Chesterfield Museum will also be open as usual from 10am to 4pm where visitors can learn more about the town’s history, including a final chance to visit the Put That Light Out exhibition, which finishes on 30 October.

The exhibition looks at life in Chesterfield during World War Two, featuring displays and objects that will help visitors learn more about rationing, holidays at home, the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Home Guard. Entry to the museum is free but donations are welcome.
The 1940’s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

There is lots of parking available in Chesterfield during the event, full details of both council owned and private car parks can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/car-parks

Visitors are also being encouraged to use public transport to attend the event, options available include trains and busses.

Find out more about the event by visiting: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/1940s-chesterfield-flea-market/

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Derbyshire Voluntary Action celebrates opening of new community hub

Friends of Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) gathered at a new community hub recently to celebrate ‘Feeling Connected Week’.

The Hub @ Low Pavement is DVA’s new pop-up community venue in Chesterfield’s town centre and will serve to promote better social connectedness and improved mental health and wellbeing for people in the local area.

The Hub will host activities, exhibitions and social get-togethers, as well as providing information about the local voluntary and community sector.

Chief Executive of DVA, Jacqui Willis, explains: “We’ve wanted to create an inclusive, welcoming and friendly place for members of the public and for volunteer-led community groups to come together and forge new connections for some time.  To have the opportunity to do this at accessible premises in the heart of Chesterfield is fantastic.”

The Hub will also be an important asset for DVA’s Feeling Connected project, which supports local people and groups to combat loneliness. During ‘Feeling Connected Week’ the project shone a spotlight on some of the great volunteer-led initiatives that bring people together week-in week-out in North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield.

The aim of Feeling Connected Week was to inspire people to talk about what they have done to make themselves or others feel more connected, as well as encouraging people to come together and reconnect as group, whether it be with colleagues, friends or a social or special interest group.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is an innovative independent charity, which strategically represents and champions the work of the health and wellbeing related voluntary and community sector in Derbyshire. It provides vital support to a diverse range of local charities and community groups, and connects people and resources to projects and ideas.

For more information about The Hub @ Low Pavement and the Feeling Connected project, contact Derbyshire Voluntary Action: info@dva.org.uk / 01246 555908.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Multiple accolades for Brampton Brewery at prestigious regional awards

Chesterfield’s Brampton Brewery took home three Silver medals and one Bronze award at the annual SIBA Midlands Independent Beer Awards, which took place at the Trent Bridge Inn, Nottingham last week.

Their award-winning beers are listed as follows :

  • Terminus is a 4.2% session pale ale and won the Bronze medal in the Session IPA category.
  • Brampton Best is a 4.2% Best Bitter and won Silver medal in the British Bitters category.
  • Wasp Nest is a 5.0% Premium Bitter and won Silver medal in the Premium Bitters category.
  • Speciale is a 5.8% IPA and won Silver medal in the Cask IPA (5.5% – 6.4%) category.

Roy Allkin, SIBA Chairman commented: “Judges had a tough job separating the pack as the standard was extremely high once again. Lucky beer festival attendees at Nottingham CAMRA Beer Festival were able to try these and other award-winning beers immediately after the competition, something which is great for brewers too as they get to put their beers into the hands of real beer-lovers. The winners from the SIBA competition are officially the best independent craft beers in the Midlands region, something brewers should be extremely proud of.”

The SIBA Midlands Independent Beer Awards judge a huge range of beers across a number of styles in separate cask and small pack (bottle and can) competitions. As the awards are judged mostly by brewers, industry experts and beer journalists the SIBA Independent Beer Awards are very much seen as the prestigious ‘Brewers’ choice Awards’ by the industry.

Chris Radford from Brampton Brewery had this to say on their win: “It’s fair to say we’re all blown away by the success we’ve had at this year’s competition. It’s been a pretty miserable last 18 months for everyone, but none more so than in the Brewing industry and hospitality trade. We’re such a small team down at the brewery, but we’re just passionate about what we do and dedicated as to how we go about it.”

Brampton Brewery was re-formed in 2007 resurrecting a once-proud brewery name that traded successfully in Chesterfield and the North Midlands for well over 100 years until 1955.

The brewery now operates 3 pubs – The Rose & Crown, Brampton; The Tramway Tavern, Brampton and The Glassworks, Sheffield Road as well as licensed premises at the Brewery on Chatsworth Road itself. The Brewery produces a range of award-winning beers in Cask and Keg, as well as small-pack bottles and mini-kegs.

To find out more about SIBA’s Independent Beer Awards visit www.siba.co.uk/awards/

Brampton Brewery supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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First homes set to be completed at new Chesterfield housing development this November

Dozens of new homes are soon set to be available on a newly-regenerated site in Chesterfield, with some properties available on the government-backed Help to Buy scheme.

Walton Peaks is a collection of 35 detached and 22 semi-detached houses for sale in the town, comprising 6 two-bedroom homes,  38 three-bedroom homes and 13 four-bedroom homes for open-market sales through Linden Homes.

The shared ownership and rented element of this development is made up of 46 further plots, of which 35 are shared ownership and 11 are rented.

The scheme involves the regeneration of a brownfield site to provide much-needed new homes, including shared-ownership and Help to Buy homes that will help first-time buyers and young families onto the housing ladder.

The development includes a play area in the development and attention to biodiversity through installation of bat boxes, swift boxes, swallow boxes and a hedgehog highway.

Houses on the development have been on sale since July 2021, with first completions expected this November. The site is expected to fully completed around Spring/Summer 2023.

Linden Homes is hosting a Help to Buy information event this Saturday and Sunday, 16th and 17th October, from 10am to 5pm which will provide people with more information about the scheme.

Andrew Handslip, Head of Sales and Marketing at Linden Homes, commented: “Chesterfield is a vibrant town with a rich heritage and excellent amenities. At the gateway to the Peak District, and with excellent transport connections, it offers an exceptional quality of life.

“We’re pleased to be regenerating brownfield land that has been derelict for a long time to create this new collection of high-quality homes for the local community, which includes shared ownership and Help to Buy homes, giving young couples and families a chance to get on the property ladder.

“We’re also proud to be working together with local schools to promote construction as a career option in the area.”

“Walton Peaks has proved to be an extremely popular development in the Chesterfield area. We currently have six homes available under the Help to Buy scheme, which are sure to attract plenty of interest from buyers.

“So, we would encourage anyone interested in purchasing a Help to Buy property at Walton Peaks to attend this event, which will be a great opportunity to find out more about Help to Buy, with financial advice provided by a representative of Meridian Mortgages.”

Find out more about local regeneration taking place across Chesterfield here.

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Green-fingered residents brighten up communal gardens

Green-fingered residents in Chesterfield have been busy brightening up communal gardens – creating attractive places that they can enjoy together.

Throughout lockdown, keen gardeners living in Chesterfield Borough Council’s older persons housing schemes have come together to work on a number of projects that not only brighten up the gardens, but also help bring the community together after a difficult time for many.

Residents living at Markham Court – home to a number of avid gardeners – have gone all out after returning to their homes following the recent refurbishment project and the garden is now blooming with colour and ornaments. New vegetable plots have also been planted and the residents are growing produce in the greenhouse.

At Brocklehurst Court, the council has helped to install a greenhouse at the request of residents to allow them to grow their own produce to share with neighbours. This project will also provide residents to come together and socialise as well as provide a valuable respite activity for residents who are also carers.

New outdoor furniture has also been introduced to the courtyard at Brocklehurst Court, giving residents further opportunities to get together and enjoy the outdoor space.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “The past 18 months has been incredibly difficult for many people and due to the COVID-19 restrictions, residents living in our older persons housing schemes have not been able to get together as much as they have in previous years.

“Many people have experienced loneliness and social isolation throughout the pandemic, so we’re really happy that we could help the tenants with these projects and create outdoor spaces for them to enjoy. I’m really proud of our teams that have helped our tenants on these projects.

“Projects such as these not only help brighten up the outdoor areas, but they also provide an opportunity for our tenants to come together and get to know their neighbours. It helps create a really sense of community spirit.

“A number of our residents are already well-established gardeners but it’s been great to see even more residents get the gardening bug during lockdown and discover a new hobby.”

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Grants on offer to help young musicians in Chesterfield

Young people, schools or other organisations in Chesterfield can now apply for grants to help them develop their music making.

Thanks to a bequest from a local resident, Derbyshire County Council is offering individual grants of £500 for those aged 5 to 18, and grants of £2,000 for schools and other organisations for those living in Chesterfield.

The money can help to support any kind of music maker either to buy equipment or pay for lessons or other support required. It can help pay for support which will nurture a young person’s musical talent, or can fund music-related trips or visits.

The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “This generous bequest from a local resident means that we can offer grants to help our young people continue to make the sort of music they love.

“It also means that schools and other organisations can apply for funding to help them further develop their student’s music education, and maybe pay for visits that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to go on.

“I’d urge schools and families in the Chesterfield area to look really carefully at this grant scheme and to apply if they think they are eligible.”

  • Applications are welcome from or on behalf of anyone aged 5 to 18, or by schools or other providers of music activities to fund projects to further develop young musicians.
  • Applicants must reside or go to school in the Chesterfield area or live in Derbyshire and the organisation they attend must provide regular activities to young people in Chesterfield
  • Organisations or shcools must provide regular activities to young musicians in the Chesterfield area.
  • If you are unsure about whether this applies to you, please contact music.partnership@derbyshire.gov.uk
  • Feedback | Successful applicants will be required to complete a feedback from regarding the outcomes and impact of the grant.

For more information on the funding, click here.

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