Leisure

Chesterfield’s The Gateway @PEAK development showcased at COP26 regional roadshow

Milligan’s forthcoming development on the Peak District National Park boundary, the Gateway @PEAK has been showcasing its sustainability credentials at the East Midlands COP26 Regional Roadshow, as part of its strategic partnership with the University of Derby.

Milligan and landowner Birchall Properties have formed a working group with the University of Derby to bring the latest applied thinking in sustainable tourism, circular economies, data collection and monitoring, geosciences and biodiversity planning to the project.

The Gateway @PEAK is a great example of the Net Zero Carbon developments being discussed at COP26 in Glasgow.

At the heart of the development is a Zero Carbon transport hub. Hydrogen powered vehicles will connect to a travel network that has the potential to remove over 500,000 car journeys from the park each year, drastically reducing carbon emissions and improving the visitor experience for everyone.

The travel network will also open access to thousands of park attractions, spreading the economic visitor benefit and relieving destinations that become overwhelmed during peak seasons. Planning permission for 2,800 car parking spaces and 5,000 overnight beds has already been granted to the Gateway at PEAK which is situated on 300 acres of fully reclaimed land.

The COP26 East Midlands Roadshow took place on the 11th November 2021, during the international summit in Glasgow. In the virtual conference, delegates were able to browse other projects from the region and learn more about the Gateway’s ambition to create a blueprint for the sustainable delivery of mixed-use ‘smart’ campuses.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Prof Chris Bussell, said “The University will help the Gateway @PEAK project team define sustainable tourism, bringing innovation to this landmark project for the region, and for the UK’s National Parks.

“Our research and experience in building digital twins and data sciences will give the project a credible data strategy, which is critical to it delivering its sustainability goals. The collaboration offers university students an exciting, local project which is breaking new ground, and the project itself access to the latest thinking and research.”

Find out more about The Gateway @Peak and the Wider Peak Gateway, Resort, Campus development at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/peak-resort/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane to bring the Magic of Christmas with Santa’s Grotto and Post Office

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield Town Centre is once again doing its bit to ensure local people can get into the festive spirit this Christmas.

Customers are being invited to experience the magic of Christmas, with a visit to Santa’s Grotto and Post Office.

Families can enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Post Office, where little ones can meet the elves, before writing their letter to Santa, posting it in the magical post box and watching as it is sent to the North Pole.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager at Vicar Lane said: ‘’We really wanted to help our shoppers experience the magic of Christmas this year (especially after last year!), and what better way to do it than to bring back Santa’s Grotto and Post Office.”

Autism friendly sessions are available to book via Centre Management on enquiries@vicarlane.com or 01246 234630.

Santa’s Post Office is open 11am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays from 20th Nov to 19th Dec, then every day from 20th to 23rd Dec.

Families wishing to visit the Grotto can then make their way through the magical winter wonderland, where they’ll find Santa surrounded by all the toys for the good girls and boys. Every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

The Grotto is £8.50 per child (this includes a gift, official ‘Nice List’ certificate and reindeer food). Photographs are £3.50, or £10 for three.

Santa’s Grotto and Post Office are located on Steeplegate, opposite F. Hinds.

Santa will be in his Grotto on the following dates and times:

November

  • Sat 20th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 21st, 11am – 4pm
  • Sat 27th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 28th, 11am – 4pm

December

  • Fri 3rd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 4th, 10am – 5pm
  • Sun 5th, 11am – 4pm
  • Thurs 9th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 10th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 11th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sun 12th, 11am – 4pm
  • Thurs 16th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 17th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sat 18th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Sun 19th, 11am – 4pm
  • Mon 20th, 12pm – 5pm
  • Tues 21st, 12pm – 5pm
  • Wed 22nd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Thurs 23rd, 12pm – 5pm
  • Fri 24th, 10am – 2pm

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Christmas shopping in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Bridge Help launches Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank

With an ambitious new target, Bridge Help has launched its annual Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank, and is calling on Chesterfield Champions to help.

Last year, the bridging loan company donated £1500 worth of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank.  This year the company wants to do even better and is hoping to donate at least £2021 of goods to the local food bank.

Bridge Help is now appealing to the local business community to donate money or drop off donations of tinned goods, toiletries, nappies and luxuries, including biscuits, chocolates, crisps, and Christmas cakes and puddings at its offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road.

Bridge Help will match all donations before delivering to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at the company’s office until Wednesday 15 December. All monetary donations will be used to purchase goods before the drop off at the Foodbank.

The annual charity fundraising campaign is organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.

Phoebe explained: “Being a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice I am aware of the financial hardship many people experience. Working for Bridge Help I am in a position to do something practical that will help people in need over the Christmas period.

“Last year Chesterfield’s business community was incredibly generous, enabling us to donate a total of £1500 of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank. We want to do even better this year and ensure that more people can enjoy Christmas.”

Roisin O’Gorman, Deputy Project Coordinator at Chesterfield Foodbank, explained the importance of supporting the Foodbank, saying: “Since the start of the pandemic the Foodbank has provided food to over 9000 people, with a third of those sadly being children. With the end of the universal credit uplift, increased heating costs and the government furlough scheme ending, we anticipate that even more people will have to turn to foodbanks. We need donations now more than ever, so please consider donating to the foodbank. Your kind donations will enable us to keep supporting local people in crisis who cannot afford the basic essentials. No one should have to go hungry.”

Phoebe added: “The team and I will be working around tins, cartons of long-life milk, toothpaste and boxes of biscuits in the office for a few weeks, but it’s something we are all happy to do knowing what a difference the donation will make to so many people in the area this Christmas. I love this project, and we are incredibly proud as a team to do this for our local community.”

Chesterfield Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks. Last December Chesterfield Foodbank fed 488 people in crisis.

To make a donation to the Bridge Help Chesterfield Foodbank Christmas appeal, contact Phoebe Sellars on 033 3303 4681 or email phoebe@bridgehelp.co.uk.

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Shortlist announced for Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2022

The shortlist for the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards 2022 has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism sector.

Chesterfield Champions Casa Hotel, The Chatsworth-owned Devonshire Arms pub and Matlock Farm Park have made the shortlist, amongst some of the best businesses across the county.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District & Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District & Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Shortlisted businesses will go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on Thursday 3 March 2022.

Organised for the second year by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, the 2022 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst also highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

In regognition of the challenges faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for 2022: the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ and the ‘Resilience and Innovation Award’.

Two new local awards – ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Tourism Young Achiever’ – have also been added to recognise the thousands of jobs supported by tourism across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “After such a challenging year for everyone in the industry, the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards present a great opportunity to celebrate the hardworking businesses and individuals who continually raise the bar of the area’s tourism offer.

“These awards are a celebration of quality and excellence within the visitor economy and never has our sector been more deserving of recognition. We’re proud to be shining a light on some of the most inspirational tourism businesses in the area and look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony next year.”

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

“The tourism sector has been one of the last areas to return to normal operation from Covid-19 and it’s great to see so many local businesses, individuals and attractions return with a bang and working hard to attract visitors into our beautiful county.

“These awards are a great way to recognise their fantastic efforts and congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted.”

Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2022 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Sandybrook, Ashbourne
  • Boutique Camping at Scaldersitch Farm, Sheen
  • Beech Croft Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Taddington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Experience of the Year

  • Drive Dad’s Car, Great British Car Journey
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Hotel of the Year

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rafters at Riverside House, Ashford-in-the-Water
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow

New Tourism Business Award

  • Country Luxe Derbyshire
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon

Pub of the Year

  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow
  • The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley
  • The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Stainsborough Hall, near Wirksworth
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon
  • Oaker Farm Holidays, Hope

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Awards

  • The George, Alstonefield
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Bluebell Dairy Ltd, Spondon
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • White Peak Distillery, Ambergate
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Jack Boam, Tagg Lane Dairy
  • Luke Henshaw, Great British Car Journey
  • George Finlay, Matlock Farm Park

Team of the Year Award

  • Pinelodge Holidays Ltd
  • Rafters at Riverside House
  • The Welcome Team Ltd

Unsung Hero Award

  • Rob Hattersley, Longbow Bars & Restaurants
  • John Whelan, Rafters at Riverside House

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House returns to Chesterfield

The Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House will reopen in a new location this year.

The popular attraction was introduced last year and will reopen in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021

Visits are free but must be pre-booked, booking opens at 9am on Monday 15 November.

As well as the chat with Santa via the video link to the North Pole, visitors will pose for a special Augmented Reality experience in which Santa will magically appear. A photo of the Augmented Reality experience will be sent by email to visitors after they leave the Santa House.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Santa House proved to be incredibly popular last year and after receiving such great feedback we decided to bring it back as part of our Christmas entertainment this year. It’s a truly unique experience to make Christmas in Chesterfield fun and magical as it always is.

“Last year bookings for the Santa House exceeded our expectations, so I recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.”

There will be relaxed sessions, designed to accommodate children with learning disabilities and other sensory disorders between 10am and 11am on both Sunday 12 December and Sunday 19 December.

The Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House is just one of a series of town centre activities aiming to encourage residents and visitors to shop in Chesterfield Town Centre.

The Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday 21 November, the Christmas Tree Festival will take place at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) between 18-28 November, The Elf Trail will run across December, The Pomegranate Theatre will host the Beauty and the Beast pantomime and a series of walkabout entertainers including stilt walkers and tap-dancing turkeys will be wowing crowds during market days. Find more details about all these events on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/christmas

The Christmas In Chesterfield campaign is delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield.

Visits to the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House must be pre-booked with bookings opening on Monday 15 November on  https://chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk

Meet Santa in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Oasis Studio creates eye catching virtual remembrance commemoration

Oasis Studio, which includes EyeSiteView and Seymour and Lerhn, have brought their own creative style to this Year’s Armistice.

If you pass by the Studio on Dunston Road Chesterfield, you would have most likely seen the poignant image of a loan soldier as poppies fall around him projected in the studio.

The virtual images have been created as a fitting tribute and a very visual reminder of the commemorations for Remembrance Day this year.

The display follows a highly successful, virtual Halloween display in October.

Over the last few years, Oasis Studio has gained recognition locally and further afield for producing eye catching virtual displays, using new technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.

Paul Deakin, Director of Oasis Studio said “We are a forward-thinking Company, at the forefront of development in VR, AR and Immersive Media, we like to push the boundaries in innovation. The possibilities to use this technology are limitless, particularly for the creative team at Oasis.

“Following the success and interest from the Halloween display, we felt it only fitting to do a display for armistice this year. As a studio of mainly young staff why we have remembrance is becoming further away through time, but we say it doesn’t matter how we show remembrance, we simply need to add particular emphasis regarding the dangers of failing to remember.

“We will be pulling all the stops out for a Christmas display, so watch this space!”

Last year, the company produced an impressive animated fly-through showing plans for the town’s landmark Chesterfield Waterside development. You can see the video here.

The company will reveal its eagerly anticipated annual Christmas campaign on social media shortly. Be sure to pass by the studio to take a look.

Oasis Studio supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Have your say on Chesterfield’s Visitor Economy Strategy

Chesterfield residents and businesses can have their say on a new strategy to grow Chesterfield’s visitor economy.

The Chesterfield Visitor Economy Strategy sets out the role of Chesterfield Borough Council in accelerating the growth of the visitor economy over the next five years. It aims to attract more visitors by making Chesterfield a great place to be – a place that people enjoy visiting and spending time in. More visitors will generate additional visitor spend, supporting existing employment and creating new jobs in the local economy.

People can have their say on this strategy until Wednesday 8 December and their views will help develop the final strategy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This strategy sets out the core elements of our visitor offer and the exciting new opportunities we can build on, such as the successful £20m bid to transform Stephenson Memorial Hall and enhance public realm in the town centre, to encourage more people to come to Chesterfield. Not only do we want to attract more day visitors, but we also believe that Chesterfield makes a great base where people can stay to explore Derbyshire and the Peak District.”

“Your feedback will help ensure that this strategy is the right approach to marketing Chesterfield and encouraging more people to visit.”

The strategy is underpinned by a focus on quality place making, seeking to reinforce a distinctive Chesterfield identity that differentiates us from other visitor destinations.

It also identifies other priorities to attract visitors, which include:

  • Enhancing the ‘Crooked Spire’ experience to build a stronger unique selling point
  • The development of PEAK Resort as a major driver of visitors
  • Speciality markets, festivals, and events to capitalise on investment in the town centre
  • Developing our cultural and heritage offer including work to enhance Stephenson Memorial Hall and the development of an interpretation plan to bring our heritage stories to life
  • Increasing hotel capacity to provide space for both leisure and business visitors
  • A new ‘inspired’ marketing approach to raise awareness of the area as a place to visit.

The online consultation is open until Wednesday 8 December and people can find out more and submit their feedback by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/visitor-economy-strategy-consultation

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Spireites submit planning application for new sports bar

A planning application has been submitted by Chesterfield FC for the construction of a sports bar in the car park at the Technique Stadium.

The plan is for Bar 1866 to open on matchdays and from 4.30pm to 12am on other days. Fully accessible, it would be used by Chesterfield FC Community Trust as an educational space during the day.

Featuring an open kitchen and a 10m video screen, with a capacity of around 320, the design shows fully-glazed doors at the front of the building with doors opening to an amphitheatre facing south-west.

Spireites chairman Mike Goodwin said: “We feel that this venue, behind the Motan Colortronic (South) Stand, would be a welcome addition to the current facilities at the stadium.

“A privately-financed initiative has been devised for this project and others and the financial projections for Bar 1866 Sport are very encouraging.

“There will be a public exhibition of the proposals during the consultation period and people are welcome to contact Chesterfield Borough Council to offer their support for the project.”

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped that Bar 1866 will open during the summer. Further details will be announced in due course.

The Spireites have recently launched a number of charity initiatives off the pitch. This week, Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal was launched, with more than £3,000 worth of toys donated on the first day alone. Read more here.

This Saturday, ahead of Chesterfield’s fixture at home to Weymouth in the National League, the club will be collecting donations for the Pathways charity, asking fans and people across the town to donate any suitable clothing or footwear.

The appeal comes as part of manager James Rowe’s ambassadorial role with the charity, which provides support for homeless people in our area. The Community Hub at the Technique Stadium will be open from 10am on Saturday, 13th November to receive the donations.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Families to be treated to a magical Christmas in Chesterfield this year

Christmas in Chesterfield is set to be a magical experience for all – with new Christmas themed experiences and festive favourites returning.

Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, has launched its signature Christmas in Chesterfield campaign with lots of events and activities planned to encourage visitors to support local retailers this Christmas.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Last year our Christmas celebrations looked a bit different because of the pandemic but this year we’ve taken the most popular experiences from last year and brought back some of the festive favourites to create a magical Christmas experience for all visitors.

“Christmas is a fantastic time of year that everyone can enjoy and we not only want to create experiences that will create memories we also want to encourage visitors to shop local and support our town centre retailers and market traders.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “I am delighted that in person events can resume this year. It is a great boost to the town’s businesses based in and around the town centre. The Christmas festivities and events are a key part of town centre life and why so many people choose to visit at this time of year. With the great events programme and the town’s wealth of independent retailers and food and drink businesses, there are even more reason for all the family to Love Chesterfield this Christmas.”

After being cancelled last year the Christmas Lights Switch on event will return on Sunday 21 November. There will also be a market on this day from 12pm.

The Amazing Magical Santa House, which proved to be very popular last year, will be open for families to visit for free in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021. Booking opens at 9am on Monday 15 November at: https://chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk/

Families will be able to follow the Christmas Elf Trail from Monday 22 November until Tuesday 4 January. This experience will guide visitors around the town centre whilst they hunt for the magical elves.

The Christmas Tree Festival will take place at St Mary’s and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire) between 18 – 28 November. It features a variety of Christmas trees decorated by community groups and individuals.

Following on from successful walkabout entertainment over the summer, a series of entertainers including stilt walkers and tap-dancing turkeys will be wowing crowds during market days.

Chesterfield Canal Trust will be hosting trips with Santa along the canal across December, find out more about this event on the trust’s website: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/santa-specials

Revolution House in Old Whittington will be open for a traditional Christmas celebration from Thursday 9 December to Friday 24 December between 11am and 3pm. Holymoorside Brass Band will be hosting a carol concert in the garden from 6.30pm on Thursday 9 December.

The Pomegranate Theatre will be hosting its popular pantomime again. This year visitors will be able to see Beauty and the Beast between 3 December and 2 January. Stars include west end star Suzanne Shaw, Britain’s Got Talent winner Thomas Redgrave, Andrew Fleming also of Britain’s Got Talent and Derbyshire’s own Rosanne Priest. Tickets are available on the Chesterfield Theatres website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

There will also be a selection of market events including the Record Fair and Artisan Market on Sunday 19 December.

Councillor Kate Sarvent added: “Our Christmas programme is packed and we’ve tried to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. I hope lots of visitors will come along to celebrate Christmas in Chesterfield with us.”

Full details on everything happening this Christmas, including gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/Christmas with further details on council services at Christmas at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/Christmas.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane launches new ‘pop up shop’ initiative

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield has announced plans for its brand-new initiative to support start-up and small independent retailers, the ‘Vicar Lane Pop Up Shop’.

Run by retail property consultants, Barker Proudlove, the initiative will see an empty unit turn in to a flexible hub for dynamic independents in the local area.

The space can be rented at an all-inclusive weekly cost which will include bills, rates and furniture.

Local businesses or start-ups who are interested in having their very own pop up shop should DM the team via Instagram @vicarlanepopup.

Jessica Swain, from Barker Proudlove, says: “As the high street continues to face pressures from the rise of online shopping, it’s imperative that we offer our customers a unique and high-quality shopping offer. Bringing in a cohesive range of independent start-ups allows us to do that.”

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, says “This new initiative will present an ever-changing range of operators, allowing Steeplegate to continue to thrive. We can’t wait to see it come to life in the coming weeks.”

The Shopping Centre is already host to a number of thriving retailers and cafes, including Shop Indie, Clarissa’s Interiors, Qoozies, Nana B Baby and Childrenswear Boutique, Gorilla Garms and The Vintage Tea Rooms.

Opportunities for leisure activities are also available, including sporting events and outdoor cinema, with pop-up food and drink vendors under the big screen.

There are also several nationally-known retailers located at Vicar Lane… Find out more about what’s on offer there and around Chesterfield Town Centre here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Spireites launch Chester’s Toy Appeal 2021

Chester’s Toy Appeal 2021 has been launched by Chesterfield FC, with a huge amount of donations coming in of the first day of the campaign.

Sponsored by CRS Accident Repair, the initiative provides toys at Christmas for children’s charities and families who receive free school meals.

Spireites marketing manager Bridget Ball said: “There was a fantastic response when we introduced Chester’s Toy Appeal last year, with many local businesses and individuals kindly donating toys.

“We are looking to provide even more toys this year for children who would otherwise go without at Christmas.

“Every child should have a present to open on Christmas Day and we are doing all we can to put smiles on faces.”

The donation of unwrapped new toys for children aged 0-18 years is requested, and the appeal has got off to a flying start, with over £3,000 worth of toy donations pledged by the end of the first day.

Bridget added: “I am overwhelmed with the response in such a short space of time.

“It shows just how caring people are in the local community and how the club and the Community Trust can make a real difference.”

The toys should be taken to Chester’s Den play centre at the Technique Stadium, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday (except on a matchday).

The club has also launched other initiatives recently to support local people and businesses in the area. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2021/11/chesterfield-fc-supports-businesses-and-residents-with-latest-initiatives/

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,