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Scheme launched to improve employability prospects for young people with learning disabilities

A new initiative has been launched, aimed at getting more young people with learning disabilities across our region into work.

‘Connected Futures in D2N2’ is an in-depth research project seeking to identify the system and issues around employment for young people with Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).  It considers preparation for work, as well as securing employment and career progression.

The project, the first of its kind locally, is a partnership between D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2LEP), Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and Nottinghamshire County Council.  It is one of only seven projects nationally to be awarded the Connected Futures Fund from The Youth Futures Foundation.

The project initially focuses on Chesterfield, Derby City, Ashfield, Mansfield, and Nottingham City (D2N2 eligible areas) before learning is applied wider.

It involves examining the processes and pathways available for young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism, to enter employment and identify recommendations for strengthening outcomes.

Clare Talati, DEBP Chief Executive Officer said: “We are keen to work with as many organisations and representatives as possible to help compile a comprehensive study of what is currently available.  We can then work together to create a shared understanding of the problem, shared ambition for change, and shared commitment to action.”

Currently, just 1.8% of the working-age population with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism secure employment across our local area, meaning there is a huge talent pool for employers being lost.

One young person said: “No one really understands how hard it is and how frustrated I can get; I just want a job and to be like everyone else.”

Clare Talati added: “Amplifying the voice of young people to inform and influence other key stakeholders is fundamental to ensuring that there are accessible, consistent, and inclusive pathways towards employment.”

Inclusive employment has so many benefits, not just for the young person and the employer, but for the wider society too.  It enriches the workplace, brings in new perspectives, provides access to a new diverse talent stream, creates an employer base more representative of communities and so much more!

If you are interested in getting involved, here are just some of the ways you can help:

  1. Promote ‘Connected Futures in D2N2’ across your network and encourage engagement with the project.
  2. Support in engaging and capturing the voices of representative young people aged 14-25 and/or parents/carers.
  3. Engage with a survey about your current organisational offer.
  4. Commit to being part of a Strategy Group, to look at the learning further and support our Development Boards to shape their recommendations.

For more information, please email enquiries@debp.org

DEBP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

laptop social media

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Business park in Chesterfield with ‘great location’ goes up for auction

An investment opportunity has been made available in Chesterfield, with a business park which is already home to a number of tenants set to go under the hammer in early April.

The First Stage Business Park in Chesterfield, which is home to multiple light industrial businesses, has been put up for auction with a guide price of £1.1m. The business park will be included in the next online property auction held by Sheffield firm Mark Jenkinson, now part of Eddisons, on 4 April.

Comprising 17 light industrial units, the multi-let 3.3 acre site produces an annual rental income of over £109,000 and is home to a number of local companies. Metal finisher First Stage Machining; garage and repair shop Autofit; and MR Emergency Medical Services, which provides an independent ambulance service, medical cover for events and first aid training courses, are among current tenants.

Adrian Little, director at Mark Jenkinson, said: “This is a well known business park that’s in a great location on the outskirts of Chesterfield and close to junctions 29a and 30 of the M1. Occupancy levels remain consistently high and all 17 units are currently fully occupied, making this a fantastic investment opportunity.”

Bidding on the First Stage Business Park, and the other lots in Mark Jenkinson’s online property auction, opens at 9am on 4 April and closes from 12pm the same day. To view the full catalogue, go to www.markjenkinson.co.uk  

Mark Jenkinson is now part of property group Eddisons after it was acquired by the Leeds-based firm, which has 25 offices across the UK, earlier this month.

Find out more about the range of benefits associated with investing in Chesterfield, including the town’s ideal location, collaborative business community and quality workforce: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Mark Jenkinson & Son supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

First stage business park

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Chatsworth opens for new season with design led exhibition adding to 500 years of creativity

Chatsworth is once again back open to the public for the Summer season, with a new exhibition titled ‘Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth.’

The historic North Derbyshire house has always been a centre for creativity, with successive generations of the Cavendish family commissioning art and design contemporary to their times.

The new exhibition continues this legacy and is now on display in the house and garden until the end of September 2023.

The exhibition features commissioned works by 16 contemporary designers. Each has responded to one of Chatsworth’s spaces, either indoors or outside in the garden and have been chosen for the way that they reflect on the key issues of today, from climate, sustainability and equality to how people connect.

Alex Hodby, Senior Curator of Programme at Chatsworth, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the design histories at Chatsworth and bring them to the fore with an exciting array of international artists and designers. We’re fascinated with how the contemporary works in our exhibition have used materials in innovative ways to make functional and intriguing objects that are also deeply connected to the house, garden and the collections here at Chatsworth – a place where design has been a key feature for 500 years.”

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “We have invited 16 world renowned artists and designers to reflect on 500 years of design and craftsmanship at Chatsworth. Their bold, inspiring and sometimes humorous works allow us to connect with the many stories at Chatsworth and to also reflect on the urgent issues of our time from our use of materials, sustainability and the climate crisis. As a charity, we are very proud to continue to commission and support artists and by doing so we make Chatsworth’s history come alive, while looking forward to the future.”

Lord Burlington, Chairman of the Chatsworth House Trust said: “We are thrilled to bring Mirror Mirror and these 16 remarkable designers to Chatsworth, to continue the tradition of placing new objects and ideas in direct conversation with creative choices from generations past. With this exhibition, as well as a significantly enhanced programme of talks, tours and workshops, the aim is to ensure Chatsworth upholds its role as a gathering place and a resource for artists, thinkers, makers and learners. We look forward to welcoming them all in 2023.”

Co-curated by Alex Hodby, Senior Curator of Programme at Chatsworth, and writer, historian and curator Glenn Adamson, the exhibition places contemporary works in direct relationship to the historic design at Chatsworth, creating unexpected connections with the house’s architecture, interiors, furniture, ceramics, as well its essential materials of glass, stone, wood, and light.

The sixteen contemporary artists and designers featured in the exhibition are: Ini Archibong, Michael Anastassiades, Wendell Castle, Andile Dyalvane, Ndidi Ekubia, Najla El Zein, Formafantasma, Joris Laarman, Max Lamb, Fernando Laposse, Jay Sae Jung Oh, Samuel Ross, Chris Schanck, Ettore Sottsass, Faye Toogood, and Joseph Walsh.

Chatsworth House Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Joris Laarman, Maker benches in the Painted Hall

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Chesterfield skills providers recognised at prestigious apprenticeship awards ceremony

Two skills and training providers in Chesterfield have been recognised in a national ceremony, which celebrates the best in apprenticeship delivery across the UK.

The AAC Apprenticeship Awards took place on 14th March 2023, in a special ceremony in Birmingham. A record 375 entries were received from training providers, colleges, universities and employers.

Workpays won the award for Legal, Finance, and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, while GBS Apprenticeships were worthy finalists in the Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year category.

2023 marks the third year in a row that Workpays have won an accolade at the annual award ceremony, and is the second time that Workpays have won Legal, Finance, and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

Alex Glasner, Managing Director of Workpays (pictured above), said: “We are thrilled to win such a prestigious award for a third year in a row. This really is testament to the dedication of our apprenticeship team, who work day-in day-out to provide the best training possible to individuals across the country.

“Apprenticeships are an amazing way to support employees to gain the skills they need to excel as well as a great path to grow new talent. Our portfolio of apprenticeships and accredited qualifications enable this to happen.”

Alex continued: “All our programmes are tailored to the businesses and individuals we work with, each with its own unique learner journey, this is what has set us apart. We know first-hand how this can change people’s lives and help businesses grow. This award is further recognition of
the hard work of our entire team and I’m incredibly proud.”

Speaking about the company’s nomination as finalists in the Digital Apprenticeships category, GBS Apprenticeships said it was a ‘great honour’ to be recognised – adding that it indicates that the work the company has been doing is being acknowledged by experts and peers in the industry.

A statement from the company’s CEO, Penny Guard said: “I would like to thank the GBS team for their continued hard work and dedication to the company, and our students that continues to push boundaries through stretch and challenge creating talented individuals that strive for even greater successes in the future”.

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town, demonstrating its commitment to developing future skills for young people and providing a strong pipeline of talent for local businesses. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/what-is-apprentice-town/

Workpays and GBS Apprenticeships support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

AAC Awards GBS

GBS Apprenticeships at the AAC Awards 2023

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Custom Solar completes rooftop installation at neighbouring manufacturing business, Weightron Bilanciai

A Chesterfield solar installation business has recently completed a project with one of it’s neighbours, improving the sustainable energy use of one of our town’s manufacturing firms.

The team at Custom Solar say they are proud to have recently completed thr Solar PV Installation for Weightron Bilanciai, on Chesterfield Industrial Estate.

The 57kWp system was installed using 115 Solar PV Panels, allowing 48,019kWh of green energy to be generated per annum for the client.

During the delivery period of this project, Custom Solar’s operations team had to work particularly cautiously as they faced the challenging weather conditions of frosty December mornings. Their health and safety team closely monitored the situation daily and assured it was safe for the installation team to proceed with works. Monitoring the environment daily meant Custom Solar were able to complete the install successfully with no complications, maintaining their 10-year incident free Health and Safety record.

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron stated, “Custom Solar were able to deliver a solution that meets our current requirements, yet has the capacity to be expanded in the future if required, a seamless project from enquiry to completion.”

Custom Solar’s Director of Business, Gary Sucharewycz, said “We are proud to have worked in partnership with Weightron Bilanciai to deliver a system that puts the business on the road for a more sustainable future. We loved having the opportunity to work locally with a neighbouring company to support them on their renewable energy journey.”

Custom Solar LTD designs, develops, installs, and maintains large scale infrastructure storage and solar systems for clientele including commercial and public sector institutions across the UK. The company’s track record of tailoring projects for large-scale commercial clients relies on creativity, expertise in engineering, and an industry-leading attitude to health & safety.

The collaboration with Weightron is a great example of two local businesses working together to improve sustainability across the town, and shows partnership working to help our local economy grow. Find out more about how the town’s businesses are being encouraged to further collaborate, following the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference 2023.

Custom Solar and Weightron Bilanciai  support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

custom solar weightron installation

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Local community groups invited to apply for grant funding

A new scheme has been launched in Chesterfield aimed at improving the lives of people in the town, with local voluntary and community organisations being invited to apply for funding.

More than £260,000 will be available over the next two years – including a pot of £118,000 which will be allocated during 2023/24 – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Community Grants Fund.

Local eligible organisations can now apply for support from the fund, which will allocate grants ranging from £500 to £6,000.

The council secured funding for the scheme from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, said: “We are really pleased to have secured funding that we can share with local organisations to help them make a real difference to our residents. The funding will support the delivery of important projects across the borough – helping to improve life for local people and making sure our communities continue to thrive.

“I urge groups to check if they are eligible and get their application in as soon as possible so that we can start to see this funding make a real difference in our communities.”

The Community Grants Fund aims to support local projects that will help to build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Funding can also be used by community projects to develop volunteering opportunities, help people prepare to get in to work, and to support organisations to expand their reach into different areas of the borough.

The 2023/24 funding will be available in two tranches throughout the year. Applications for the first round of grants is now open – with applications invited by the deadline of Friday 28 April.

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wanting to apply for the grant.

Further details, including the full eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

town hall drone shot

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Chesterfield FC’s inspiring community awards ceremony to return in 2023

Chesterfield FC is urging people in the town to contact them, if they know of someone in the local community who has gone above and beyond to help others.

The club is once again organising its community awards, which aims to showcase the inspirational people in our town and surrounding area.

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC’s Marketing Manager, said: “We are delighted to once again provide an opportunity to recognise those in the community whose valued efforts may otherwise go unrewarded.

“I would like to thank the companies who are supporting the awards through sponsorship. We look forward to another memorable gala awards event!”

Karen Mosley, a director of KranLee Logistics, explained why they are sponsoring the event.

She said: “It’s all about recognising the amount of amazing people we have in our community and rewarding them, which fits in well with the ethos and the culture of our business.

“We’re really excited to be involved and we’re looking forward to the night.”

Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards:

  • Community Award, sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
  • Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by KranLee Logistics Limited.
  • Above & Beyond, sponsored by Ideal Flooring.
  • Act of Kindness, sponsored by Elite Contract Clean.
  • Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Bridge Inn Travel.
  • Green Champion of the Year, sponsored by Penny Hydraulics.
  • Local Hero, sponsored by Kimberley Caravans.
  • Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Netcoms IT.
  • Sporting Achievement, sponsored by Leengate Valves.
  • Carer of the Year, sponsored by WS Sherburns LGV.
  • Adult Bravery, sponsored by FabworX.
  • Young Person of Courage, sponsored by Graysons Solicitors.

To make a nomination, visit www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk. The winners will be announced at the event being held in the SBK Spires Restaurant on Saturday, May 20.

Technique Stadium

Spireites involved in pioneering sign language initiative

Elsewhere, the club has also lead the way on a new accessibility initiative, which used children from a local school to communicate with supporters using British Sign Language on the big screen at the Technique Stadium.

Level Playing Field, a registered charity campaigning for an inclusive matchday experience and equal access for all disabled sports fans in England and Wales, praised the initiative.

A reporter from ITV Calendar was at the game to interview some of the children involved from New Whittington Primary School, along with head teacher Miss Tooley, who organised the initiative with the Chesterfield FC Community Trust inclusion officer, Alyss Jackson.

Miss Tooley was delighted with the outcome. She said: “The quality of the signing on the big screen was fantastic. The children were beyond excited when they saw the big screen.

“They were pointing at the screen and patting their mate on the back when it was their turn to be on the screen. It was just what you’d want it to be and just what you want to see from your young people.”

Club photographer Tina Jenner worked on putting the videos together and she was praised by Miss Tooley, who said: “She came into the school and put the children at ease. She was incredibly patient with the children and I dread to think how many hours she spent editing the work to make it just perfect!

“Tina also made the t-shirts for the children to wear. I’d like to thank Tina and Alyss for their valued efforts.”

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

New Whitt Schoo

Image by Tina Jenner Photography

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Unique shop opens in Chesterfield selling comics, retro games and trading cards

An independent shop which sells comic books, trading cards and retro games has opened it’s doors on West Bars in Chesterfield, after proving a big success in nearby Sheffield.

The Vault is an independent store founded originally in late 2020, and opened in the city on the first day after the last Covid lockdown ended.

After more than two years of continued success, the business has expanded with a second store, choosing Chesterfield as it’s new location.

The shop stocks a wide range of comics, trading card games, retro games and much more. It’s most popular items are individual cards which are on sale in-store, with Pokémon cards being a sought after item for collectors.

Owner of The Vault, Samir Jaouane told us that the shop has somewhere in the range of 90,000 cards on sale – making it one of the only shops in the country to stock that amount of individual cards.

Samir said: “Our Sheffield shop proved to be very popular and gained a lot of local return customers, so we decided we should try and open a second shop in Chesterfield as we noticed there was a gap in the market for our shop in the area.

“Chesterfield is a great town with a bustling market on market days. The local area is full of friendly people and is really well maintained. We hope all our customers feel welcome when greeted by our friendly staff.”

Samir also had a message on the importance of supporting local businesses and keeping the town’s high street thriving: ” As a small independent business, we rely on the trade of the local residents to stay open. The best description for supporting an independent local business is ‘if you don’t use it you will lose it.’

Find out more about Chesterfield’s fantastic range of local independent shops and market traders at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

the vault pokemon cards

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Opportunity to meet employers at Chesterfield market recruitment event

People looking to take the next steps in their career are being invited to meet employers and find out about local job vacancies at a recruitment event in Chesterfield Town Centre.

The recruitment day – which is the latest in a series of other successful events run by Chesterfield Borough Council and partners – takes place on Wednesday 22 March between 10am and 12pm, in Chesterfield market place.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m proud that as a council we have continued to host these events with our partners, and they have to date led to more than 200 job offers with around 100 people securing new careers in our area.

“It helps job seekers and employers to meet informally and discuss available roles before an application. If you’re looking for a new job in Chesterfield, then please do head along to this event and speak to some of the great businesses based in our area.”

Paul Munday, Employer Adviser at DWP Jobcentre Plus Derbyshire, said: “Having first run one of these events in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council back in 2021 it’s a testament to their success and positive feedback that on Wednesday 22 March that we are running our fifth event.

“As with our last event held in October 2022, we will be focusing on sustainable employment opportunities and health and wellbeing support for Chesterfield residents, as well as offering support and information around the latest Government initiatives of supporting the over 50s into work and In Work Progression for those already in part time employment.”

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.

There will be lots of opportunities available on the day from a range of sectors including hospitality, social care, engineering, logistics, transport and many more.

As well as job opportunities there will also be several apprenticeship providers who are currently recruiting for new apprentices. An apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to earn while you learn and can help people at any stage in life. Search for apprenticeships in Chesterfield by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield

The event is free for local businesses to attend and advertise vacancies, if you wish to have a stall at the event please email: chimene.cutler@dwp.gov.uk

Cllr Serjeant with employees from Chesterfield Borough Council

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Chesterfield reveals ambition to increase visitor economy by £32 million

Ahead of English Tourism Week 2023 (17 – 23 March), Chesterfield has announced its bold ambition to increase the value of its visitor economy by 20% by 2030.

A 20% increase in tourism will bring an additional £32 million into the economy annually helping create jobs for local people and opportunities for existing and new businesses.

The town will build on its heritage, retail and leisure offering as well as its proximity to the Peak District National Park, to increase the number of overnight stays in the town.

As part of its drive to attract people to visit and stay in the town, the town’s inward investment marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield has appealed to businesses and residents to ‘talk up the town’ within their networks and help attract visitors.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Chesterfield has an excellent offer for visitors, as well as the town’s close proximity to one of the most visited National Parks in the world. There is an opportunity for us to attract more people to visit and stay overnight in Chesterfield using the town as a base rather than just passing through on their way to the Peak District.”

The Peak District currently welcomes more than 13 million visitors annually with 83% of these arriving by car. Attracting some of these visitors to stay in Chesterfield and using its bus and rail links to visit surrounding areas, including major attractions like Chatsworth House, will not only benefit the borough’s economy but also support the Park Authority’s Sustainable Transport Action Plan.

Additionally, there are cycle paths into the Peak District, the border of which is just five miles from the town centre.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire praised Chesterfield’s ambitions, saying: “Tourism already plays a vital role in making the area such a brilliant place to live, work and visit, and we strongly support Chesterfield’s ambition to grow the value of its visitor economy even further.

“The tourism sector generates billions of pounds for the local economy each year, supporting thousands of local jobs and displaying huge potential for future growth, particularly in areas such as sustainable and active travel, which Chesterfield can really capitalise on.

“Growing and developing the town’s tourism offer will not only benefit local businesses, it will also have a positive and lasting effect on local residents and communities. We look forward to working with partners in Chesterfield to support them in achieving this goal and ensuring the visitor economy’s long-term success.”

Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Casa Hotels which owns and operates two four-star hotels in the borough, urged people to ‘celebrate what we’ve already got,’ saying: “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We have wonderful accommodation, great restaurants and fantastic transport links to bring people to Chesterfield to then go and explore the surrounding area. We don’t need to do anything other than celebrate what we’ve already got.”

The town’s proximity to the Peak District has already attracted major investment to the borough including the £300 million PEAK, an all-year-round round leisure education, wellness and entertainment destination. PEAK’s masterplan has been developed around a transport and mobility system connected to the National Park. Phase one of the development, Gateway at PEAK, which is being developed by Milligan is expected to be completed in 2025.

celebrate 2023 visitor economy panel

Experts discuss Chesterfield’s visitor economy at Celebrate Chesterfield 2023. (Left to right: Jo Dilley – Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, Phil Bramley – Derbyshire Times, Mark Thurman – Casa Hotels, Jimmy Drew – Derbyshire County Cricket Club)

The town is already home to the award-winning Casa Hotel and further hotel accommodation is planned within the £320 million Chesterfield Waterside scheme located close to the close to town’s mainline train station. The developer, Bolsterstone Group Plc, is in talks with major hotel brands to operate the proposed 120-bed hotel within Phase 1 of the scheme. The new hotel will be a further addition to the popular 92-bed Premier Inn Hotel which was opened within the Elder Way development in the town centre in 2019.

Increasing the visitor economy of the town is one of the key targets in the 2023-27 Chesterfield Growth Strategy which was launched by Chesterfield Borough Council on 23 February. In addition to growing the visitor economy, key headline targets, include:

  • Increasing the number of employee jobs in the borough by 4% (2,000 jobs)
  • Increasing the number of businesses by 12% (400 businesses)
  • Increasing the number of higher value businesses by 15% (100 businesses)
  • Increasing the share of Chesterfield residents in knowledge-based occupations by 15% (baseline Census 21 – 18,000)
  • Increasing the value of the visitor economy by 20% (baseline £163m)

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are already a fantastic visitor destination but growing our visitor economy strengthens growth across the borough, it leads to more people supporting our local businesses and town centre. This will in turn create new jobs and opportunities for our residents. To do this we need to work closely with our partners to promote our town, we have excellent transport connections, fantastic accommodation choices and our proximity to the Peak District puts us in a very strong position to bring more people to our town.”

Peter added: “The lasting and far reaching change we are striving for in Chesterfield cannot be done by one organisation alone; it must be a collaborative effort. By doing this, there is a real opportunity to build a thriving visitor economy in the town.”

Chatsworth Country Fair

Chatsworth Country Fair – Image by Chatsworth House Trust

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Chesterfield borough’s parks, green spaces and play areas set for £1.32m boost

£1.32 million is set to be invested in Chesterfield’s parks, green spaces and play spaces as part of new five-year plan to further improve facilities for local people.

The Parks, Open Spaces and Play Delivery Plan (2023 to 2028) sets out Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to making sure local communities continue to have access to modern and well-maintained spaces for leisure and play, and to support people’s health and wellbeing.

Approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 14 March, the plan builds on the significant investment in parks and green spaces over the last five years – and also sets out measures to help achieve the council’s target to create a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Over the course of the five-year programme, communities will benefit from 18 enhanced youth and play spaces, and the council also aims to double the number of its sites that are acknowledged by the prestigious Green Flag Award – an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Projects to be delivered over the coming year include:

  • Improvements to play areas at Stand Road Park, Highfield Park, Ringwood Park, Cottage Close, Devonshire Avenue North, Thirlmere Road and Tapton Park.
  • The full renovation of the circular footpath at Poolsbrook Country Park which, at 165 acres, is Chesterfield’s largest park with miles of trails, extensive woodland plantations, meadows, lakes, children’s play areas and wildlife habits.

As the delivery plan progresses over the next five years communities will also see improvements to youth and place spaces at Pennine Way, Hartington Recreational Ground, Wickins Place, Stanford Way, Barnes Road, Heathervale Road, Manor Road (youth), Somersall Park (youth), West Crescent, Damon Drive and Canal Wharf.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Chesterfield boasts a range of fantastic parks, play areas and green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy and we recognise just how important and valued they are for everyone in our communities.

“We also understand that having an opportunity to play and explore the outdoors is hugely important for developing both physical and social skills, so we want to provide as many opportunities for residents to do this as we can.

“It’s our aim to create a variety of sustainable spaces that provide people of all ages and abilities with accessible, quality, and fun opportunities for play.

“We are really proud to provide good quality parks and play spaces in our community, and this investment will help us to continue to achieve this. Last year was a record-breaking year for us, with five of our parks being recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award – and we’re hoping to double this over the next five years so more of our spaces can be formally acknowledged.

“Last year also saw our beautiful green spaces, colourful floral displays and innovative community projects earn the borough a top accolade in the prestigious East Midlands In Bloom competition. We were officially crowned the winner of the ‘Small City’ category in September, the first time we have scooped the sought-after award and we can’t wait to build on this success over the next five years.

“Our parks and green spaces were a lifeline during Covid-19 and have continued to offer opportunities for people to walk, play and chat. As loneliness is reported to be on the increase, our green spaces are a vital resource in the drive to combat loneliness and isolation.”

The views of local people have helped shape the council’s plan for investment, following a public consultation on two new strategies – the parks and open spaces, and play strategies – last year. The aim is to make sure local facilities meet the needs of local communities now and in the future.

The Parks, Open Spaces and Play Delivery Plan is being part-funded by £158,500 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

It will also draw on funding from a range of sources including the Community Infrastructure Levy, section 106 agreements and Landfill Tax grants.

More information about plans for specific sites – and what improvements local people will benefit from – will be shared as the projects progress.

Queen's Park

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