Leisure

Construction to start on office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

Construction of the seven-storey office building in the Basin Square neighbourhood of the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme is due to start in October.

Chesterfield Borough Council has secured a forward funding agreement with the developer, Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, as a key strategic investment opportunity for the town.

Funding for the delivery of the high-quality office building, which already has planning consent in place, was approved as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious growth strategy. The investment is designed to kick-start the town’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and will spearhead major developments around the train station as part of the council’s HS2 Station Masterplan.

Tenants have already been secured for some of the Grade A office accommodation, enabling the developers to bring forward construction of the circa 35,000ft² building, which is being overseen by project delivery partner, Bolsterstone Group Plc.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, said: “Chesterfield Waterside continues apace. Since receiving planning approval for the office accommodation last year, I am delighted that we have been able to secure tenants and bring forward the delivery of high-quality office accommodation for Chesterfield in conjunction with Chesterfield Borough Council.

“It is an exciting time for Chesterfield Waterside with Avant Homes also building out new homes in the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood. Despite the pandemic, 2020 will be a formative year for the scheme with a significant amount of construction activity planned and more investment proposals in the pipeline, benefitting the local economy.”

The new office building, known as No.1 Waterside Place, will provide office accommodation of the highest specification. It represents the first step in delivering the commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside’s Basin Square neighbourhood.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward this state-of-the-art office building with Chesterfield Waterside Ltd, which will deliver supply chain opportunities for local companies during the construction phase and new jobs for local people with the companies that will be taking space at No.1 Waterside Place.

“These are uncertain times, but we must not stand still. We must continue to invest in this and other growth projects if we are to meet the council’s objectives of making Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of people’s lives. No.1 Waterside Place is just the start of what we believe will be a very special journey for the people of this great town and borough.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby and Peter Swallow

Construction of the offices is expected to be completed in August 2021. Britcon (UK) Ltd, a leading Civil Engineering, Building and Steel Frame Solutions company, has been appointed as the main contractor to construct the office building.

As part of the contract with Chesterfield Borough Council, Britcon will utilise local labour and local contractors across the whole build process and will also be working closely with Chesterfield College to provide opportunities for their students.

No.1 Waterside Place will boast two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high-quality entrance foyer, showers and cycle parking facilities onsite.

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm BHP Chartered Accountants, a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer, will occupy an entire floor within the building. The firm will be relocating its Chesterfield office to No.1 Waterside Place to benefit from the high-quality specification and unparalleled location at Chesterfield Waterside.

Planning approval for the office building, which was designed by Bond Bryan Architects, was granted by Chesterfield Borough Council last year bringing forward commercial negotiations with BHP alongside other tenants who are also in advanced discussions.

As well as office accommodation, the building also offers ground floor retail space and Chesterfield Waterside Ltd. is already in discussions with a number of potential occupiers.

The new large-plate office accommodation is designed to complement the start-up and incubator units at Chesterfield Borough Council’s Enterprise Centre scheme, which is currently under construction at Saltergate.

It is also anticipated that the new offices will be highly sought after by organisations looking to move out of larger cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham and establish regional hubs around mainline train stations in an effort to COVID-19 proof their operations.

Basin Square is the first commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside. When complete, the  £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of 320 Built-to-Rent apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the already constructed canal basin.

This latest step forward for the project follows the announcement that Avant Homes has opened the showhomes at the Waterside Quarter neighbourhood where it is building 174 two, three, and four-bedroom homes. Avant reports strong interest in the development and has already taken a number of reservations.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

FHP Property Consultants and Knight Frank have been appointed as letting agents for the office space at Chesterfield Waterside.

For further information about Chesterfield Waterside, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches campaign to inspire staycations

From award-winning attractions to cosy places to stay, some of the best reasons to book a staycation in the Peak District and Derbyshire this autumn and winter are showcased in a new campaign video released by the area’s official tourist board.

Highlighting 2020 as the ‘year of the Great British staycation’, the video uses clips submitted by local tourism and hospitality providers – including Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council – to shine a spotlight on the area’s vibrant tourism offer in a bid to extend the season and drive domestic visits to the area.

Visitors are encouraged to ‘escape, explore and enjoy new experiences’ in the Peak District and Derbyshire by discovering beautiful countryside, fun days out, unique things to do, charming market towns and delicious local produce.

The video marks the second phase of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s “Time to…” marketing campaign, designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses weather the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

To support the recovery of the sector, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is also distributing 50,000 Support Local Attractions Maps which will be available at local tourist information centres, accommodation providers, pubs and restaurants from September onwards.

The map, which is funded by the tourist board’s European Regional Development Fund project, encourages visitors and residents alike to enjoy the full range of things to see and do in the area, with a major focus on supporting local businesses and increasing visitor spend.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Local businesses have worked incredibly hard since lockdown to ensure the safest possible return for visitors by putting all the right measures in place, but the next few months are going to be critical for the industry’s longer-term survival.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire has so much to offer in autumn and winter and planning a staycation and discovering the sheer quality and diversity of what’s on the doorstep will help to extend the holiday season and support our valuable visitor economy.

“Our staycations campaign, together with our Support Local Attractions Map, aims to inspire both visitors and residents alike to enjoy the area’s vibrant tourism offer whilst supporting local businesses.

“Whilst we continue to welcome visitors, our main message is still one of safety and visitors can help by continuing to respect the area and local communities, by maintaining their social distancing and by following all of the latest government guidelines in place.”

Together with inspirational imagery, the campaign incorporates a ‘Time to Plan Ahead’ tagline which urges people to check for restrictions and to support local attractions and experience providers by booking tickets in advance.

The tourist board is also encouraging visitors to follow its ‘Respect, Protect, Enjoy’ visitor charter which highlights how to explore the area responsibly.

The campaign is being promoted across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s social media channels and at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/inspiration/time-to, where an online ‘hub’ features content offering inspiration and information aimed at increasing day trips and overnight stays.

Tourism is usually worth £2.3 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and boosting growth.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Royal Hospital launch charity Christmas card competition

Chesterfield Royal Hospital are launching a Christmas Card Competition for children in order to help raise money for their Chesterfield Royal Charity.

They are now seeking entries from creative young people under the age of 18 to come us with a special festive design with lots of colour, vivid imaginations and originality.

Entries will be judged with the ‘winning’ five printed and sold with all proceeds going to the hospital’s charity. Not only will the chosen designs feature on Christmas cards – the winner will also receive a special prize.

Entries must be submitted by Friday 13th November 2020. The winners will be chosen by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Angie Smithson, and Charity Director, Ken Godber.

How to enter

Please email your scanned entries to crhft.communications@nhs.net or alternatively you can post to:

Communications Office
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Calow
Chesterfield
S44 5BL

Please remember to include an entry slip with your design (either included in the email or pop it in the envelope with your design.)

The entry slip can be found on the hospital’s website here or you can find a PDF version here.

Find out more about the competition here.

If you have any more questions or ​​​​queries please contact Zoe or Lois, on crhft.communications@nhs.net or call on 01246 513875.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Spire Radio to host all request radio show for Virtual Sparkle Night Walkers

Spire Radio will be live from 6pm on Saturday 19th September with an all request show dedicated to everyone taking part in this year’s event Virtual Sparkle Night in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare.

The Sparkle Night Walk is Ashgate Hospicecare’s biggest fundraising event of the year and it is important for raising vital funds for the hospice.

Virtually sparkling this year, means that everybody can take part. Like every year, there will be some special surprises in store for the big night that will help recreate that unforgettable Sparkle atmosphere from home – and with younger children and pets able to get involved this year for the first time as well, it will be just as memorable.

All those who sign up will still be receiving a t-shirt, bunny ears, sponsor forms, a fundraising pack and medal.

Jordan Hartshorne, Director of Spire Radio, is passionate about raising funds for the hospice: “Having had personal experience of receiving care from the hospice, I know how important this incredible place is. It’s essential that we raise funds this Saturday for the hospice and I hope our show on Spire Radio will encourage people further to set themselves a challenge to be sponsored.”

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Spire Radio to provide the soundtrack to North Derbyshire’s Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night activities. Whether you’re bopping along at a kitchen disco, or just need that extra push for your 10k run, sparkly dog walk or cycling challenge, we’re so grateful to have Jordan and the team cheering you on.

“We’ve never needed your support more so get your requests into the Spire Radio team, get signed up at sparklenightwalk.org.uk and get raising funds for your local hospice.”

Listen live on Saturday from 6pm on Spire-Radio.com. Listeners can send your requests in to jordan@spire-radio.com.

Click here to find out more about the Ashgate Hospicecare Sparkle Night Walk.

Spire Radio and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Carl Jones and his family members are ready for Saturday

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Children in Chesterfield can learn to swim for just £1

Youngsters in Chesterfield will be able to benefit for swimming lessons priced at just £1 on Saturdays during October and November.

Children aged four and above will be able to take advantage of this great offer at Queen’s Park Sports Centre over the next two months, with classes designed to help build their confidence in the water.

Lessons will be delivered by level two teachers who are currently in training and the sessions are ideal for beginners or those who can currently swim up to 25 meters.  Each session will last 25 minutes and will take place between 4:30pm and 6:45pm. Lesson delivery will comply with Swim England’s Covid-secure guidance.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a fantastic offer and it is ideal for anyone who has children who are wanting to start swimming lessons, or for those who just want to get in some extra practice between their usual lessons.

“We’re encouraging parents to take advantage of this offer and bring their children along to these sessions. You could get eight swimming lessons for just £8.

“Learning to swim is a vital skill that can last a lifetime and it is also a great way to keep fit too, so these sessions are the perfect opportunity to help build young people’s confidence as well as swimming technique.”

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff some changes have been made to services at Queen’s Park Spots Centre. More information can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sport-and-leisure/leisure-centres-re-opening-faqs

Those wishing to attend the sessions will need to book in advance by emailing qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk or Rebecca.truman@chesterfield.gov.uk. More information on the session can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/one-pound-swimming-lessons

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Challenge Chesterfield FC legends in a Fantasy Football league in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare

In a new fundraising campaign set up by Ashgate Hospicecare, local residents can take on Chesterfield FC legends in a Fantasy Football league.

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent registered charity that provides specialist palliative and end of life care and support to adults and their families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

For a suggested £5 minimum donation, the region’s budding Jurgen Klopp’s and Chris Wilder’s can go up against two former Chesterfield FC favourites, Jamie Hewitt and Former manager for Chesterfield, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, Danny Wilson.

Former LMA Manager of the Year, Danny Wilson, said: “I have to admit that I’m a bit of a beginner when it comes to Fantasy Football but I’m delighted to be giving it a go for the first time in aid of such a wonderful cause.”

“It will be fantastic to pit my wits against football fans across the region to raise money for hospice care in North Derbyshire. If nothing else, it’s just nice to be given the budget to choose between Harry Kane or Sergio Aguero.”

Chesterfield FC legend Jamie Hewitt, who made more than 500 appearances for Chesterfield, is best remembered for the dramatic 1997 FA Cup Semi Final equaliser at Old Trafford in a 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough. He said: “I am well known among my friends for being absolutely terrible at predictions so picking a fantasy team will certainly be interesting.”

“As a member of Ashgate Hospicecare’s Retail team, I know how important the work we do is to local families and it’s a pleasure to be involved – I just hope I don’t come last!”

Ashgate Hospicecare Fundraising Manager, Carl Jones, added: “It’s fantastic to have both Danny and Jamie – two local footballing legends – getting involved to raise funds in this way. This year has been an incredibly challenging one for Ashgate Hospicecare and we’ve never needed support from the good people of Derbyshire more.”

“If you, or someone you know, enjoys playing Premier League Fantasy Football then make sure you join our league for a chance to be crowned champion while raising vital funds to support families across North Derbyshire when they need us most.”

Prizes for the eventual winner include a trophy, football tickets and signed memorabilia.

To enter your team into the Ashgate Premier League, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ashgatefantasypremierleague.

Ashgate Hospicecare

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

Chesters to open second restaurant at Markham Vale

The owners of Chester’s Fish & Chips Restaurant, located on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, have now revealed their plans for a second location.

The new premises will be located on the Markham Vale services site at Junction 29A of the M1, opposite McDonalds and adjacent to Starbucks.

The new investment will cost over £1 million and will create over 30 local jobs.

Set to open in spring 2021, the new venue will offer a seaside-themed restaurant and a takeaway counter as well as a separate drive-through lane.

The announcement comes after a very busy period for the team thanks to the Government’s recent Eat Out to Help Out scheme. On their busiest day, the restaurant had to turn away over 196 bookings and in just one day served 756 people.

Thousands of customers visited throughout August, and the owners have decided to extend the scheme, offering 20% of bills, including alcohol, every Monday to Thursday throughout September.

Image courtesy of Chesters

Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters, said: “We are excited to announce the opening of a second restaurant for Chesters, which will serve all our best known dishes. We will continue to support the local community and charities like we always strive to and give back something to Chesterfield and the suurounding areas.”

He added “We’d like to thank all our loyal customers for their support and we look forward to meeting new customers at our new Markham Vale location!”

Competition

To celebrate the announcement, Destination Chesterfield has teamed up with Chesters to offer a £20 voucher to one lucky winner! Click here to enter the draw.

Markham Vale services

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Action Grants awarded to over 900 Derbyshire projects and more grants on the way

Derbyshire County Council have awarded almost £1 million through their Action Grants scheme over the past 2 years.

The cash has been a boost to the activities of community groups, sports clubs, charities and parish councils across the county.At the final tally, Derbyshire County Council have awarded Action Grants totalling nearly £905,000 to 906 projects across Derbyshire in 8 rounds. In the final round 77 groups have been awarded grants totalling £220,000 across the 4 categories of youth activity, community activity, physical activity and sport and community safety.

The grants are supporting activities like tackling anti-social behaviour and scams, sports training and facilities, theatre groups, choirs, music events, allotments, developing apps, art workshops, adventure activities for youth groups, counselling support, building refurbishment, equipment for community buildings, toddler groups, green schemes, clubs for older people and activities to support disabled people.

If grants were given for events planned to take place in 2020 but postponed because of the Covid-19 crisis, the money can be used next year instead.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “There’s excellent work going on in our local communities and our Action Grants have helped to give some financial support to many of the activities.”

“Even modest amounts of cash have made an appreciable difference to some of the groups and I have witnessed for myself how the money has helped.”

“People of all ages are benefiting from the work of these groups and I’d like to thank the staff and volunteers who put in so much time and effort to run these schemes.”

“We are continuing to give grant support with our recently launched Youth Activity Grants which I’d encourage residents and businesses to apply for.”

There is £220,000 available in Youth Activity Grants between now and the end of the year or until all the money has been allocated.

Find details of the recipients from all Action Grant rounds here.

Picture taken prior to the coronavirus pandemic

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure

Tickets for Chatsworth Country Fair 2021 now on sale

Early bird tickets for Chatsworth Country Fair 2021 will be released today (Friday 4 September) on the weekend that would have been the 39th anniversary of one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events.

With the three day extravaganza normally attracting tens of thousands of people to the Derbyshire parkland for the celebration of rural life, it fell victim to this year’s Covid related cancellations.

Held in the Chatsworth Park in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, the three days normally attract visitors from all over the country for a family fun day out. Now Chatsworth has put tickets on sale for the 2021 event with a 20 percent early bird discount in place for a limited period.

With planning well underway, visitors can expect a packed programme of grand ring entertainment, a star-studded cookery theatre, stunt teams, military bands and aerobatic displays, as well as the chance for the whole family to have a go at a multitude of fun activities.

Previous grand ring entertainment has featured daredevil Cossacks on horseback, motorbike stunt teams, dancing diggers, breath-taking parachute displays and the Red Arrows.

Jonathan Fish at Chatsworth said: “We are of course hugely disappointed not to be welcoming visitors this weekend to such a popular event, but the health and wellbeing of all our visitors, staff and exhibitors is our number one priority.

“It is however exciting to look forward to staging the event in 2021 and we can’t wait to reveal the plans we have in the coming months. Watch this space!”

Without a doubt, Chatsworth Country Fair offers a fantastic experience for all the family with plenty of fun and games around the showground situated along the banks of the river Derwent.

Clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing and archery are just some of the activities that visitors can try out. Foodies can sample the delights on offer in the Fine Food Village or pick up tips from the professionals in the cookery demonstrations. A traditional fairground, marching bands and a myriad of dog-related activities make it one of the best summer days out.

Super early bird tickets start at £20, and under 14s go free.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Images by Chatsworth House Trust

©GeraldineCurtis

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Derbyshire residents asked to raise a mug for Macmillan

Macmillan healthcare professional, Maria Leadbeater, is calling on the people of Derbyshire to get involved in Macmillan’s Coffee Morning and support the charity to care for people living with cancer.

Maria provides vital cancer information, practical and emotional support to people living with cancer at the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The countdown to the charity’s annual fundraiser begins as Macmillan Cancer Support announces a predicted loss of around £100million in voluntary income as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

This year, the 30th anniversary of the fundraiser, the charity is asking Derbyshire to find a way to keep the tradition going.

Maria said: “Being diagnosed with cancer is frightening at any time, but even more so now when cancer is in danger of becoming the ‘Forgotten C’. More than ever, people with cancer need practical, emotional and financial support and to know that they will be able to have the treatment they need when they need it.”

“With charities like Macmillan facing huge drops in donations I’d like to ask everyone to do whatever it takes to get involved in coffee morning this year. It may have to be a little different this year but whether you host a socially distanced event in your local park, a virtual get together or something completely different – it all makes a huge difference to the lives of people living with cancer.”

Nationally, Macmillan had expected to bring in about £235m in voluntary donations, but now expects the figure to be closer to £140m.

Hannah Lumb, Macmillan’s fundraising manager, said: “Demand for our cancer support services is greater than ever, but, due to coronavirus, we are facing a significant drop in our income. The truth is that we can’t continue to be there for all the people who need us without your support. That’s why this year it’s so important to not let anything stop your Macmillan coffee morning.”

“Whether you host a coffee morning at home or at work, in the morning or evening, bake a showstopper or buy one of the limited edition products from our partner Marks & Spencer – the money you raise will enable Macmillan to continue providing these vital services. Every Coffee Morning changes lives.”

Macmillan’s work is almost entirely funded by donations and every penny raised at a Coffee Morning helps provide vital support to people with cancer.

Those looking to get involved can sign up at macmillan.org.uk/coffee. The official Coffee Morning is on Friday September 25 but supporters are encouraged to hold their Coffee Morning whenever suits them.

Whether it’s in the garden, the office kitchen, outside the community hall, at school, or on the street for your neighbours to enjoy, make sure to have plenty space and easy access.

Throughout September, Macmillan’s headline partner Marks & Spencer will be selling a selection of Coffee Morning products in M&S food halls – including a bespoke Macmillan Colin the Caterpillar cake and a specially designed travel cup and mug – with 10% of proceeds going to Macmillan.

There will also be a 5p donation from M&S for every hot coffee and slice of cake sold throughout September at the M&S Cafés.

Maria and Sian from Macmillan. Image by Steve Smailes Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire writers encouraged to sign up for online workshops

Writers in Derbyshire are being offered the opportunity to sign up for online workshops that we are supporting this autumn.

The workshops have been organised by LoveLit, an Arts Derbyshire project that Derbyshire County Council fund and support.

LoveLit brings opportunities for writers to access high quality workshops aimed at expanding their writing skills and helping their professional development.

The autumn programme aims to support writers writing for fun or profit and offers a range of subjects ranging from writing a ghost story to plotting a novel or how to gain an agent to represent you.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for experienced or aspiring writers to take their writing further with expert help. We are delighted that we can foster local talent in this way, even during a time of pandemic and social distancing.”

Tutors include talented local writers Sophie Draper, Alex Davis and Joanna Courtney. Workshops are priced at £12 to £14 and last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. Early booking is advised as workshops get booked up quickly.

Workshops on offer include:

  • ‘Writing Psychological Thrillers’ with Sophie Draper
  • ‘Structuring your Novel’ with Joanna Courtney
  • ‘Editing’ with Sophie Draper
  • ‘Putting the Story into History – Writing Historical Fiction’ with Joanna Courtney
  • ‘Writing Ghost Stories’ with Alex Davis
  • ‘Submitting to Agents’ with Sophie Draper
  • ‘The Art of a Good Plot’ with Joanna Courtney

Alex Davis said: “October is the perfect time for ghost stories, and I’m really excited to be running this online session for Derbyshire Arts Services and LoveLit. I’m a lifelong fan of the form, so can’t wait to share a range of examples, tips and exercises to get participants writing their own terrifying tales!”

Sophie Draper said: “I’m delighted to be working with LoveLit to offer workshops this autumn. Writing a novel is such a lonely process, and workshops are a great way to connect, to meet other writers and learn about publishing.”

To find out more or to book, click here.

Writing Workshops Chesterfield Library

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure