A working group set up to tackle climate change in Chesterfield met for the first time last week.
Chesterfield Borough Council agreed to set up the group made up of local volunteers after declaring a climate emergency at a meeting of full council meeting in July (right).
Councillor Amanda Serjeant (below), Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “We were bowled over with the response we received to our request to volunteers to take part in our working group on climate change.”
“There will also be a wider consultative group of people from different backgrounds and experiences that will help inform the actions taken by the council.”
“Individuals included in the working group have interests or experience in this area so this will be very useful in helping us to shape our plans for the future.”
The working group will explore how both the council and borough can work towards becoming carbon neutral.
The working group will develop a fully costed action plan that will be presented to a meeting of full council by March 2020.
The 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been hailed a success by organisers, event partners and participants after enjoying a record-breaking third outing.
More than 1,500 people registered for the event’s three elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford UK Fun Run – with new course records also set by both the female and male Redbrik Half winners.
Richard Start, from Wingerworth in Chesterfield and of North Derbyshire Running Club, was the first to cross the Redbrik Half finish line with a record time of 1:11:52, with Leeds’ Susan Lewis, of Roundhay Runners, the first female to finish in a time of 1:24:29 – also a new record for the current Redbrik Half course.
The Redbrik Half’s oldest participant was 79-year-old Dave Onion, from Nottingham, with Daniel Lowe, from Ashgate in Chesterfield, the youngest at 17.
The first male and female to cross the line of the Peak FM Five Mile Run were Rob Shoreson, from Whitwell, in 29:59, and Clowne’s Louise Cocking in 33:11 – with Louise also setting a new female Peak FM Five Mile run record.
Logan Fairey was the winner of the 1KM Blachford Fun Run, which took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.
Around 15 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s events.
The event also helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, with £40,000 pledged in 2019 for charities including the main charity partner, Ashgate Hospicecare, and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
The event was also hailed a huge success online – with people taking to social media to heap praise on the Redbrik Half.
Facebook user Phill Young said: “Be proud of yourself Chesterfield – fantastic event today. Brilliant stewards, brilliant support, brilliant sponsors. Well done.”
Shannon Robyn commented: “Finally got to complete this today with my partner David. An amazingly well-supported race with plenty of water stations. All the marshals were fab. Great event!”
Following the 2019 event, John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with what was a record sign-up total for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – and I’d also like to congratulate Richard and Susan on breaking both the male and female course records.”
“It is truly amazing to see how many people turned out to support the event, both in Queen’s Park at the start/finish line and out on route.”
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event a success once more – including event partners and sponsors, and of course all those who took part.”
“A special mention must go to all the volunteers who helped out on race day – who gave up their Sunday morning to help keep everything running smoothly, to assist runners and to help the general public. Without them, this event simply would not be possible, so a big thank you to everyone who helped out.”
“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.”
“Most importantly, however, the money raised by this event will go a long way to helping good causes like Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which do so much fantastic work in the local community.”
Mark Ross, Managing Director of headline sponsor Redbrik and who took part in the Peak FM Five Mile Run, said: “The 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half was without doubt the best Redbrik Half yet.”
“We are very proud to have been involved in the event’s success again this year – supporting the local community and giving back to the people who have helped make our business such a success since our establishment in 2013 is part of our ethos.”
“It was fantastic to see so many people turn out for great causes, which at the end of the day is what this event is all about.”
“We love this town and we want to see it thrive. Events such as the Redbrik Half Marathon help to do that, with huge numbers of people coming to Chesterfield from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. We can’t wait until 2020 already!”
A new closer working relationship between Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, focussed on delivering key regeneration projects, will help achieve the borough’s growth strategy.
As highlighted in the Chesterfield Borough Council’s growth strategy approved in 2018, there are a number of significant growth and regeneration projects underway in the borough. Collectively, these projects provide an opportunity to put Chesterfield on a higher growth path. For Chesterfield’s communities these projects will bring the opportunity to access up to 10,000 new jobs.
The new Joint Growth Board will ensure the councils will consider at a strategic level how best to deploy resources to ensure delivery timescales and outcomes are met.
Resources will be shared to accelerate and achieve further economic development in the area, with both organisations currently involved in a number of multi-million-pound projects across the borough including the Northern Gateway project, Chesterfield Waterside, Staveley Corridor improvements and planning for HS2. There will also be a dedicated skills delivery officer to ensure the work readiness of local people to take advantage of the new jobs that will be created.
Councillor Terry Gilby (right), Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Both councils have ambitious economic growth programmes underway, so the creation of the new Joint Growth Board will allow us to accelerate project delivery, share resources and have a more joined-up approach to working with our private sector partners.”
“We put our communities first in each of the projects we undertake, so I believe that the new jobs, housing and benefits this partnership will bring to our local economy will help to make Chesterfield a thriving borough.”
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for economic development and regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “As Derbyshire’s largest town, we all want to see Chesterfield thrive.”
“That’s why it makes sense to work together, to pool our resources and efforts to create jobs and drive economic growth. It’s all part of our approach to being an Enterprising Council and it’s what our residents and businesses expect.”
The Joint Growth Board will include the leaders of both councils, as well as the appropriate portfolio holders who will be responsible for monitoring the delivery of a defined list of key projects and decision to ensure plans remain on track.
Councillor Gilby continued: “This is really great news for the borough. The new board will allow a direct link to the political leadership of both councils and will create a multi-disciplinary resource able to work flexibly across identified priority projects.”
One of the next projects on the horizon in the heart of Chesterfield is a new enterprise centre (below) for both start-up and medium sized businesses on the Holywell Cross (donut) car park, with work due to start after the archaeological dig is finalised. This is one element of the Northern Gateway project, funded by a Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund grant of £5.83 million.
Works are also underway on Elder Way and Knifesmithgate to create new retail outlets under the new Premier Inn, as well as there being street improvements planned in the area next year.
One of Chesterfield’s oldest Italian restaurants, Lombardi’s has been named as the town’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the seventh annual Food and Drink Awards.
Established in 2002 and based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, Lombardi’s succeeded in scooping the coveted title after being shortlisted for the top award in 2017. Since then the family-owned Italian restaurant has continued to impress diners with its ‘authentic rustic Italian dishes bursting with flavour, cooked with passion.’
Accepting the award at the glittering awards evening, which was hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner, Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony was this year held at the Winding Wheel Theatre. Recognising the very best people, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and food producers, the awards have been a highlight in the town’s food and drink sector since 2013.
In addition to Lombardi’s, 14 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals also scooped an accolade across 15 categories at the ceremony.
Congratulating all the winners, Brian Turner said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Whether a winner or runner up everyone should be proud of themselves.”
Other headline winners on the night included Casa Hotel, which scooped two awards – International Restaurant of the Year and Conference Venue of the Year.
Town centre-based Sorbo Lounge was also named as Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer. Based in the former Post Office building in Market Place, Sorbo Lounge embodies Chesterfield’s drive to evolve and create a modern town centre environment.
More than 260 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. The awards are also a hands-on learning experience for headline sponsor, Chesterfield College’s hospitality students, who served canapés to guests at the venue.
Brian Turner added: “The hospitality industry is demanding but hugely enjoyable and for all young people on the brink of a career within it, work experience is critical. It is great to see Chesterfield College and its students involved with the awards. Involvement in the Young Chef competition and the practical involvement of the hospitality students serving the canapés on the night deliver invaluable work experience to young people, which will benefit them in their future careers in the industry.”
Young and upcoming talent in the sector was also put under the spotlight at the awards with Chesterfield College student, Jake Parkin being named as the Young Chef of the Year.
David Malone, Chief Operations Officer from Chesterfield College Group said: “It was fantastic to be part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards again this year. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees. It is inspiring to see so many people from the local industry gather to celebrate the success of established businesses and those who are just starting out. It’s wonderful to see the next generation of catering and hospitality experts being recognised too. I hope we will see the finalists and winners of the Apprentice and Young Chef of the Year play a part in this thriving sector in the future.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards ceremony has been a huge success with more people nominating and more businesses and individuals being shortlisted than previous years. The year-on-year growth of the awards is a direct reflection of how the town’s food and drink sector is continuing to grow.
“There is a great sense of community in the sector with businesses and individuals committed to its success, and this was reflected at the awards ceremony. It was a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to everyone.”
The winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant
Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Ryan Purrington, Head Chef and Manager at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant said: “It feels incredible to win. We have worked hard all year for this. We are innovative and make a point of doing our own thing to stand out from the crowd. At the minute we are undergoing a huge refurb and re-opening on 3 November with some exciting things to come.”
Rebecca Walker, General Manager of The Rectory, said: “This is the third time we’ve been nominated for the award but the first year we have won, and it feels absolutely amazing. Over the last year we have really pushed the boundaries with our menu and worked hard to find out what Chesterfield wants and it’s paid off.”.
Oliver Perez, Operations Director of Pump + Grind said: “It feels fantastic to win the award. We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last two years and it’s great to be recognised for this. People like Pump + Grind because we try to do things differently. We take our inspiration from the big towns and cities and bring it to Chesterfield. It’s a great town to go out in and has a brilliant food and drink scene, which we love being part of and are looking to do more as we develop our food menu further.”
Caleb Wilkes, Assistant Manager at Sorbo Lounge said: “A massive thank you to everyone in Chesterfield who helped us win this award. We’ve worked hard to make Sorbo Lounge a place where everyone feels welcome and this award tell us that we have achieved that. And we want to do even more. Next year we have lots of things planned to fundraise for the charity we’re supporting – The Tom Henson Charity and Defib Map. It’s going to be very exciting for all the team and our customers.”
Third time winners at the award, owners of Bottle & Thyme, Hannah and Gavin Grainger, said: “It feels brilliant to win an award for customer service as we work so hard with the team to get it right. We have lovely customers so it’s a real pleasure; delivering great service feels really instinctive as it’s a pleasure to have a chat and catch up with them.
“Moving forward, as a business we’re going to continue to push to be more environmentally friendly. That has been a big focus for us in 2019 and will be in 2020.”
Nick Wilson, Executive Chef at Southgate Brasserie said: “It’s amazing to win and the culmination of a year’s hard work – it’s the cherry on the cake. People like us because we’re accessible and cater for all tastes from a simple roast dinner through to Rosette-winning cuisine.”
David Hemstock, Co-founder and Head Distiller of Derbyshire Distillery said: “This award means everything to us. It’s far beyond what we thought we could achieve when we established the business only 14 months ago. We’ve now got purpose-built premises at Markham Vale, which has given the business space to grow and develop even further. Despite the growth in production, our focus will remain on quality; from the ingredients in our products to the fact that the entire gin making process is all done under one roof and by us – that’s what really sets us apart.”
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons
Jake Parkin
Jake Parkin said: “When I heard my name called out, I was absolutely thrilled. I was confident I’d done well in the cooking element of the competition, but to actually win the award means the world to me. The Young Chef of the Year award is the start of my career to eventually become a head chef. The whole experience has been exciting but nerve wracking.”
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Cocina at Casa Hotel
Luke Gregory, Resident Manager at Casa Hotel said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. We’re overjoyed. We pride ourselves on our service and locally sourced food to deliver an excellent experience for customers and this comes through in our customer feedback – they tell us they love Cocina’s relaxed atmosphere and quality food.”
Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design
Chesters
Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters said: “To win this award for the fourth time in a row feels brilliant. The whole team is so proud as we all work hard to ensure we have the best environment for families who dine with us as we know that keeping the kids entertained is the key to the whole family enjoying their meal.
“We’re hoping to give even more families a taste of Chesters soon as we’re expanding the business into Markham Vale next year with the opening of a new restaurant and drive through. Exciting times are ahead.”
Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)
Donna McMahon, Van Dyk by Wildes
Donna McMahon said: I am astonished to have won Apprentice of the year as I am an older apprentice and people just assume that apprenticeships are for younger people. I decided to do a business administration apprenticeship because my employer wanted to invest in me and it was an opportunity to develop myself. Everything I have learnt in the apprenticeship so far is really helping me in my job role. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, regardless of their age, who wants to develop themselves and build their knowledge.”
Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)
Michael Nash, Operations Director at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa said: “The apprentices work really hard in the business and this award also recognises their contribution. Apprenticeships bring immeasurable value to the business and are a double-edged sword for both us and the apprentices. Everyone benefits.”
Conference Venue of the Year
Casa Hotel
Maroslava Hanatova, Conference Manager at Casa Hotel said: “We’re delighted to win the award. It is well deserved by all the team – from sales to operations. We offer the whole package – from food, passionate staff and accommodation – and I believe it is this, which really sets us apart from other venues in the area.”
Chris Mapp, Head Chef and owner of The Tickled Trout said: “I am over the moon, surprised and humbled to receive this recognition. I am passionate about the industry and Chesterfield because it’s home, also because we have such fantastic produce on the doorstep in the Peak District and South Yorkshire. Youngsters beginning their career need to understand how food works – taste over presentation using locally sourced food is an excellent starting point. It’s an amazing industry to work in.”
Local Martial Arts club, Unit 1, are sponsoring the Chesterfield Halloween Fun Run and Walk at Queen’s Park on Saturday October 26th and are asking our local community to dress up and raise much-needed funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.
Dave Cartawick, of Unit 1 Fitness & Marshall Arts, has been supporting the hospice for many years and knows the importance of giving back to the local community. Dave said, “This is the second year we will be sponsoring the Halloween Fun Run and the fourth year we will be sponsoring the Santa Fun Run. They’re absolutely amazing events and everyone has so much fun doing them! I love seeing hundreds of people dressed up at the start line knowing that every single person involved is helping a someone in need of hospice care.”
John Cannon of Cannon Events has worked closely with Dave in organising these unique events over the years. John said: “The care provided by Ashgate Hospicecare is second to none. You can’t ask for more for your family member or friend than to have compassionate and dignified care right to the end. I also know that the bereavement support they offer can be truly life-changing for those who have lost loved ones.”
“It’s a pleasure to be able to do what I love and put on these events that bring our community together for a great local cause. The Fun Runs gather momentum year on year, and the Halloween Fun Run in particular is great fun for all the family. The event is open to people of all ages and abilities and it’s not necessary to run at all if you don’t want to. There is a 1.5k and a 5k distance to choose from and the event will be fully marshalled for your safety.”
“Come and join us on Saturday 26th October from 5pm and dress up as your favourite scary character, run as a family, parent and child, a group of friends or just yourself if you’d like!”
To join the Unit 1 Chesterfield Halloween Fun Run and Walk 2019, or for more information, click here. All finishers will receive a commemorative medal, with an additional goody bag for children under 16.
If you would like to download a fundraising pack or sponsorship forms to start raising money for Ashgate Hospicecare, click here. Every penny raised will help to ensure that local people can access specialist support when the worst happens. If you’d like any help with your fundraising, the Ashgate Hospicecare Fundraising Team will be happy to help. Please get in touch on 01246 567250 or email fundraising@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.
Note that this event is organised by Cannon Events in support of Ashgate Hospicecare and is not an Ashgate Hospicecare event.
The shortlist has been announced for the 2019 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.
Organised by the area’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, the awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector.
Finalists have been shortlisted across 11 categories celebrating different aspects of the visitor economy – from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.
Categories also champion accessible and sustainable tourism, highlighting businesses who are setting an inspirational and influential example.
Shortlisted businesses will be mystery-shopped and rigorously-judged by an expert panel, with the winners announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.
All Gold award winners will be presented with a luxury engraved award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the area’s best tourism businesses.
In a further boost, Gold award winners from each category will also automatically progress into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Congratulations to our shortlisted businesses, who have successfully reached the final stage of our search for the best of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism industry.”
“We’re proud to be shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area, who are a great reflection of the quality and vitality of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire.”
“We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony next year.”
Chris Sellors, Managing Director of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, said: “As a manufacturing business that is passionate about delivering success and promoting our wonderful area, C W Sellors is delighted to be once again working with the team at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire to deliver a unique design and production of their local business awards.”
In a political climate where Brexit seems to be dominating the headlines and creating economic uncertainty, I am pleased to report that Chesterfield continues to buck the trend.
We’re boasting some of the biggest developments in the region, including Markham Vale, HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort, and this feels the tip of the iceberg. There is huge opportunity for Chesterfield’s high street.
In a room packed with members of the business community, we heard how the regeneration of our high street is taking shape. Excitingly, footfall at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has increased by 36% over the last six months thanks to their use of social media.
I was stunned to hear that we are spending an average of 136 minutes a day scrolling through 300 feet of content on our phones. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV. While I don’t think I fall into this category, my adult children definitely do.
There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years which has been driven by our use of social media. But, as always, Chesterfield is ahead of the game. The town and its retailers are using their social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram, to engage with people and draw them not just to their business but to the town in general.
Partnership and collaboration have been at the heart of the town’s marketing campaign since we launched Destination Chesterfield in 2010. It’s reaping rewards for everyone – investors, residents, businesses and visitors. But there is still room for improvement.
If you are active on social media, then consider using it to help Chesterfield grow further. The next time you’re visiting Chesterfield town centre, ‘check in’ online to the businesses you visit. If you’ve had good service, leave them a review on their social media pages or on TripAdvisor. Share pictures of the many town centre events, food and drinks and tag Chesterfield in your post.
With a smart phone and a social media account at your fingertips, you can become an unofficial but valued member of the Chesterfield marketing campaign.
Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and the more people that know this will drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to help our high street to not only survive but thrive.
If you want to keep up-to-date with all the developments, news and events in Chesterfield on social media, then you can on Twitter (@chesterfielduk), Instagram (@chesterfielduk) and Facebook.
Visitors to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre should prepare themselves for a right howl this Halloween as the Centre celebrates the spookiest night of the year on Saturday 26th October.
Families are invited to come down and meet Good Witch Gertrude and Bad Witch Brenda at Vicar Lane and take their pick of a great variety of FREE pumpkins from their petrifying pumpkin patch.
Visitors will then have the chance to draw out their creepiest carving design on a template to take away and carve out on their pumpkin at home. The event runs from 11am – 4pm but visitors wishing to take away a FREE pumpkin are encouraged to turn up early to get the pick of the patch! Click here to find out more.
Vicar Lane is also offering customers the chance to celebrate with a special screening of Disney’s COCO at Vicar Lane, in partnership with Bluebird North Events on Saturday 26th October.
Doors open at 1pm for spooky face painting and the film starts at 2pm. Film-goers will find a trick or treat popcorn station, manned by two day of the dead characters in keeping with the theme of the film. They’ll be serving up popcorn and sweets for customers to enjoy throughout the film (subject to availability). Click here to find out more.
Both events take place near CEX.
Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “Halloween is an increasingly popular annual event across all age groups so we are really excited to be celebrating it with these two fantastic events. We look forward to welcoming families to the Centre in the approach to Halloween to join the celebrations!”
The University of Derby has been commissioned by one of the country’s most popular stately homes to measure its economic impact after agreeing a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) initiative with Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
The partnership aims to provide the team at Chatsworth with the skills needed to accurately assess the effect that the estate, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and its commercial activities have on the region.
Under the terms of the partnership, the University will recruit a graduate associate with the required level of economic expertise in business analytics to work on the project for a two-year period. During their time working with Chatsworth, the KTP recruit will introduce and embed knowledge into their practice and processes.
The graduate associate, supported by two economics academics from the University of Derby – Dr Nicola Lynch and Melanie Powell – will create mechanisms for data collection and measurement to make it possible for the economic impact work to be done in-house, rather than having to hire external consultants, which has been done in the past.
Professor Carley Foster, Head of the University of Derby’s Centre for Business Improvement, is overseeing the initiative.
She said: “This is a really exciting project and a wonderful opportunity for the graduate that we recruit. Using their expertise, they will enable staff at Chatsworth to learn how they can measure the economic impact of its commercial activity in a standardised way. The task will be to develop data collection tools and templates, complete with user guides, which staff at Chatsworth can use to support their changing needs in the future.”
“This has the benefit of enhancing the skills and knowledge of current employees, something which can’t be gained by hiring external consultants. As well as aiding the professional development of the staff, it will help Chatsworth to evaluate its activity in-house all year round, which will give its staff greater control and ownership of that process.”
Andrew Lavery, Chief Executive of the Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Everyone at Chatsworth is very aware of the fact that our future is intrinsically linked to the future of our local communities, employees, visitors, suppliers and partners. This awareness has been the driving force behind a new initiative called Our Commitment to Our Shared Future, which details 10 goals we will deliver over the next 10 years, including doubling the benefit to local economies from our organisations.”
“The insight that this partnership with the University of Derby will bring will be invaluable in helping us deliver this goal, and will provide the team at Chatsworth with new skills to make more informed decisions for the benefit of the Chatsworth House Trust charity, and our local communities, for many years to come. It is also an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the relationship we have with the University.”
The University of Derby signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust in 2018, pledging to work more closely together.
The University’s Chancellor is Lord William Burlington, son of the current Duke of Devonshire, who had himself been Chancellor for more than a decade before stepping down.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that our long and fruitful relationship with Chatsworth and the Devonshire Educational Trust includes initiatives such as this Knowledge Transfer Partnership. To work together in practical ways was at the heart of our strategic partnership agreement.
“Our solution-focused approach is proving successful and we are delighted to have been selected to work with one of the premier tourism businesses in the country.
“Not only will this project provide valuable insights to Chatsworth and its staff, but it will provide a superb opportunity for the successful graduate to work alongside one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations with the support of University of Derby academics.”
The deadline for applications for the graduate associate post is Wednesday 16 October. Click here for more information about the project and applying for the post.
Pledging its continued support to Chesterfield town centre, Jomast Developments, the company behind the multi-million-pound regeneration of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way, has become a Chesterfield Champion.
Jomast’s Elder Way project is now one of more than 180 champions who are helping to drive development of the local economy and raise the profile of the town.
Welcoming Elder Way to the Champions’ line up, Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Elder Way is a pivotal site in Chesterfield that is helping transform the town’s Northern Gateway. I’m delighted to welcome the scheme onboard as a Champion showing that the town is a great place to not only live and work but also invest.”
Since investing in Chesterfield in 2016, Jomast has spent millions transforming the top two floors of the four storey building into a Premier Inn hotel, breathing life into the town’s famous 1930s, Mock-Tudor building and helping create more than 20 new jobs.
Further jobs are set to be created in the town as the basement and ground floor of Elder Way will be developed into restaurant and leisure space.
Part of the Destination Chesterfield campaign, the Chesterfield Champions scheme is funded through support from local businesses and Chesterfield Borough Council which has worked closely with Jomast to regenerate Elder Way.
Mark Hill (right), Commercial Property Director at Jomast Developments, added: “Since investing in Chesterfield we continue to be impressed by the public and private approach to helping the town reach its potential. It is very much a joint effort that is reaping rewards in terms of attracting investment to the town and we’re delighted that Elder Way is able to play a role in this.”
Elder Way is an integral part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Northern Gateway Scheme which includes the new multi-storey car park on Saltergate. Work will also begin on a new enterprise centre for small to medium sized businesses on part of the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.
For more details about the development, including available units and business space at Elder Way, click here.
Chesterfield has seen an increase in the visitor economy of more than five per cent in the last year.
New figures released by Global Tourism Solutions show that tourism in the borough accounted for £184.1 million in 2018 – an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2017.
Each year Chesterfield sees 3.7 million visitors.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are all aware that Chesterfield is a wonderful place to visit and it seems the secret is out.”
“The visitor economy is important for Chesterfield, with so many visitors coming to see our attractions, staying in our hotels, eating in restaurants and cafés and spending in our shops and businesses.”
As well as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the borough is also home to popular attractions including Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House, the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and award winning parks including Queen’s Park, all owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.
In addition there is Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.
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Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Preference cookies are used to store user preferences to provide content that is customized and convenient for the users, like the language of the website or the location of the visitor.
