Property and Construction

£1.14 billion devolution deal announced for the East Midlands

Local leaders in large parts of the East Midlands will be given new powers to improve transport, boost skills training and build more attractive and affordable homes through a historic, first of a kind county devolution deal signed with the government.

Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark has signed the deal with Derbyshire and Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham, which will see the area appoint a directly elected mayor, responsible for delivering local priorities, backed by a new £38 million per year investment fund, totalling £1.14 billion over 30 years.

The deal delivers on a commitment made in the government’s Levelling Up white paper published early this year to shift in powers and resources away from Whitehall to local communities.

In addition to the agreed funding being under local control rather than control from Whitehall, a new Mayoral Combined County Authority will be created, with control over the core adult education budget, to boost skills in the region, as well as the ability to increase control over transport infrastructure.

The new mayor will also be granted powers to drive regeneration, with compulsory purchase powers and the ability to designate Mayoral development areas and establish Mayoral Development Corporations to promote growth and build new homes.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield’s residents and businesses deserve to have the same opportunities as those living in the towns and cities of the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, and other areas where Mayoral Combined Authorities already exist.

“They do not at present, which is why I welcome the announcement of a devolution deal for the East Midlands. Being able to access new sources of funding and take on new powers in relation to transport, housing, adult education, skills, and other matters can only be a good thing but these freedoms come at a price.

“I will be taking a close interest in how the East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority takes shape over the next 18 months and how we at Chesterfield Borough Council best influence this new body to achieve the very best outcomes for the people of Chesterfield.

“Given the current cost of living crisis, we must avoid power struggles and unnecessary bureaucracy, it is a time for local government at all levels to come together and put our communities first.”

Levelling up Secretary Greg Clark said: “The East Midlands is renowned for its economic dynamism and it has the potential to lead the Britain’s economy of the future. For a long time I have believed that the East Midlands should have the powers and devolved budgets that other areas in Britain have been benefitting from and I am thrilled to be able to bring that about in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

“I am impressed by the way councils in the region have come together to agree the first deal of this kind in the country, which will benefit residents in all of the great cities, towns and villages across the area of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“Taking decisions out of Whitehall and putting them back in the hands of local people is foundational to levelling up and this deal does that.

“The new East Midlands Combined County Authority will also be granted control of over £17 million of additional funding for the building of new homes on brownfield land in 2024/25, subject to sufficient eligible projects for funding being identified, and a further £18 million has been agreed to support housing priorities and drive Net Zero Ambitions into the area.”

In a joint statement, Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, and David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We welcome the £1.14 billion devolution deal from the government on offer for our region. It’s fantastic news.

“We want to make the most of every penny so this can be used to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“As Leaders, we have all fought for a fairer share for our cities and counties, and a bigger voice for our area, to give us the clout and the influence we deserve, and to help us live up to our full potential.

“This deal would help make that a reality, creating more and better jobs through greater investment in our area, with increased economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training, and an enhanced greener environment, as we move towards being carbon neutral. These are what we all want to see, and we will work together for the common good of the East Midlands.

“We haven’t always had the same level of funding or influence as other areas, which has held us back. This is a golden opportunity to change that and put the power to do so in our own hands.

“There is a lot still to be agreed, and this is the beginning of the journey, not the end. We’re determined to build on this deal over time, as other areas have done.”

This will be the first ever Mayoral Combined County Authority, a new model of devolution provided for in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Implementation of this deal is dependent on Parliamentary approval of the Bill and necessary secondary legislation, as well as a public consultation.

This marks another important milestone in the government’s commitment to ensure that every area in England that wants a devolution deal can get one by 2030, as promised in the Levelling Up white paper published earlier this year.

New powers will help to improve local skills which will meet the specific needs of the local economy, helping to boost the region financially. In addition, there will be greater powers to drive regeneration creating more affordable housing for local people, making the area a more desirable place to live, work and visit.

Town Hall

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‘Regeneration is not just confined to Chesterfield Town Centre’

Destination Chesterfield chair, Peter Swallow has given his thoughts on the town’s ongoing regeneration ahead of the 2022 Chesterfield Investment Summit.

September officially sees the end of summer and, let’s hope, this unnaturally hot weather.

While the heat has brought with it lethargy and exhaustion for many, the same can’t be said for Chesterfield’s ambitious investment plans which are to be put under the spotlight at the Chesterfield Investment Summit. And there is much to talk about.

The opening of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre recently signified the completion of the first phase of the £20 million Northern Gateway regeneration scheme.

Phase 2 is already underway with the demolition of the former Chesterfield Hotel the redevelopment of which forms part of the ambitious Chesterfield Station Masterplan which will deliver regeneration of the area around Chesterfield train station.

Phase 1 has transformed the northern entrance to Chesterfield town centre so I have no doubt that phase 2 will be equally effective.  As well as the Enterprise Centre and transformation of the iconic 1920s iconic former Co-op department store into units targeted at food and drink businesses, the project also comprised the redevelopment of the Saltergate multi-storey car park, and improvements to the public space at Elder Way and Knifesmithgate.

The new office space at the Enterprise Centre will shortly be joined by One Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside. It’s a different offering to that provided at The Enterprise Centre, as it delivers larger floorplates, but offers accommodation which much needed in the town if we are to achieve our ambitions. Already, there are tenants set to move in – BHP Accountants, a long-standing Chesterfield business which, because of the availability of suitable new Grade A office space in the town, is able to remain in Chesterfield and grow their business further.

Make no mistake, the investment and regeneration in Chesterfield is not just confined to the town centre; it is happening throughout the borough.

The Staveley Works development, which is being delivered by Devonshire Group, will transform 150 hectares of former industrial land in Staveley into 700 homes, shops, leisure, a hotel, primary school, and a canal marina. It is considered the largest regeneration opportunity in the area.

Regeneration and construction are one thing, however a key success factor in Chesterfield’s growth and development is creating and promoting job opportunities in all sectors for everyone; they go hand in hand like the public/private partnerships which are transforming the town and surrounding areas.

I am immensely proud of the ongoing work by all partners – public and private, to not only transform the town but ensure all young people in Chesterfield are aware of the many job opportunities here. It is a team effort, and the results very much speak for themselves.

 

Restoration of Chesterfield Canal, Staveley

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Recognition for Robert Woodhead Ltd following work on Bolsover housing projects

Robert Woodhead Ltd has been shortlisted for two awards, following work carried out in the Bolsover area.

Working alongside Bolsover District Council in bringing new homes to the area, the construction firm has been recognised in two categories by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE).

The first award that the partnership has been shortlisted for is the Best Housing, Regeneration or New Build Initiative. The entry, Bolsover Homes New Build Initiative, details the success of the Bolsover Homes partnerships as it stands at the midway point of the 4 year agreement in the construction of high quality homes, the innovations within the programme as well as social, economic and environmental value that has been delivered to the local community.

The second award is the Best Public / Private Partnership, which focuses on the collaborative nature of the Bolsover Homes scheme as a key reason for the programme’s success.

This achievement follows the partnership also reaching the finalist stage for the Constructing Excellence East Midlands 2022, where they were finalised for the Integration & Collaborative Working Award.

Mathew Hall, Marketing Manager at Robert Woodhead Limited commented: “Being shortlisted for an APSE Award is a fantastic achievement, there were over 300 submissions from across the UK, all highlighting the very best of public sector excellence.

“To be recognised as finalists in two categories is fantastic and it demonstrates the exceptional work Bolsover District Council is delivering in terms of investing in high quality, sustainable housing and social value.  Well done everyone and good luck in the final!”

Find out more about living and working in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

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

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Chesterfield’s top sustainable businesses set to be named in annual awards

Four Chesterfield businesses are in the running to be named as the winner of the Sustainability Award in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Astra Designs UK, Bridge Help, Northern Tea Merchants and Robinsons PLC have all been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award which is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Sustainability Award was introduced to the Love Chesterfield Awards and recognises organisations that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable business practices and are working towards becoming carbon neutral.

The four finalists not only measure and report their progress but have also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability during the past five years.

Donna Swift-Moore, Designer and Company Director at Astra Designs explained: “With the fashion industry being the second worst industry for polluting water from dyeing textiles and over a third of all clothing being sent to landfill, it is vital for us to create fashion that has the least impact possible.

Donna Swift-Moore, Astra Designs

“I’m absolutely over the moon that our company has been recognised as a finalist for the Sustainability Award. Our entire business is built around creating sustainable fashion and accessories, so being acknowledged for this is truly amazing.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “At the start of this year, we were delighted to become carbon neutral. To be recognised by the Love Chesterfield Awards for the work we’ve done in achieving this is fantastic. Sustainability is incredibly important to us; it is something the whole team is passionate about.”

Chris Sellars, Bridge Help

James Pogson, Director at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We put a great deal of time and focus into understanding the impact of the work we do. From the food miles right down to the packaging, we’re always striving to make the operation as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. We’ve made some significant positive steps over the last five years and it’s wonderful to get this recognition.”

James Pogson, Northern Tea Merchants

Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson PLC commented: “Sustainability is at the core of what we do as a business here at Robinson and we are working on a wide range of initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment, as well as enhance the experience of our employees and local communities in which we operate.

“We are delighted to be selected as a finalist for the sustainability award; the team at our Rigid Box site in Chesterfield is proud that our products are not only 100% recyclable and made from 95% recycled materials, but also promote consumers to reuse the beautiful presentation and gift boxes in the home.”

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO of Robinson PLC

Chesterfield Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since committed to the Council and borough becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Sustainability Award. We all need to work together to tackle the climate crisis and reduce our emissions. It’s important that we celebrate and learn from those businesses that are leading the way and changing their business practices to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of recognising sustainability: “Having forward-thinking businesses and individuals is something that Chesterfield prides itself on and the four businesses shortlisted for the Sustainability Award are no exception, helping the town achieve its ambitions of becoming carbon neutral.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair

The Sustainability Award is one of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The winners of all the categories will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

As well as Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management and Chesterfield Borough Council, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, BusinessWise Accounting and Tax, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

There are a limited number of sponsorship packages available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

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Woodall Homes to expand footprint with £10 million funding boost

A North Derbyshire housebuilder has secured a £10m funding package from Lloyds Bank to help ramp up activity and capitalise on the growing demand for new homes.

Family-run Woodall Homes, headquartered in Barlborough near Chesterfield, delivers high-quality homes across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. It has recently developed new properties in nearby Mansfield, Tansley and Bolsover.

Founded in 2011, Woodall will use the funding from Lloyds Bank to increase its number of active sites, expand its footprint across the region and maintain high-quality development across its portfolio.

The homes that Woodall delivers range from two-bed to large family homes and have a strong emphasis on premium-quality finishes. With each property tailored to its location, they are designed to complement local surroundings and are built with sustainability embedded in the construction process.

The firm’s turnover has grown by 25% over the last three years, with Woodall completing 60 homes in the last financial year. Woodall is now aiming to break the 100-home mark this year, with a view to completing 250 homes a year within the next five years. To bolster this growth, the business is looking to recruit five additional staff over the next year.

In December 2020, Woodall received a £4.25m investment from BGF. This created a step change in the aspirations of the group to accelerate acquisition of land in prime locations, and to increase development activity and building output. Finding the right banking partner to support future growth aspirations was the next natural step in the group’s evolution.

Experienced non-executive chairman Derek Mapp has also recently joined Woodall’s Board as it seeks to scale and drive quality. Mapp currently holds the same role at outsourcing group Mitie and has also held chair positions at the East Midlands Development Agency and Sport England.

Ian Grundy, CFO at Woodall Homes, said: “As the demand for housing continues to increase, we want to ensure that Woodall Homes is in the best position it can be to deliver the premium homes that the Midlands and South Yorkshire need.

“We’re doing this by adding fresh talent to our team, and also by working with experienced banking partners such as Lloyds Bank. Their know-how and understanding in this area meant that they immediately bought into our building ethos and ambition to drive quality. The funding from Lloyds Bank opens many new doors in terms of development for the business and I am excited to see where this will allow us to take the company in the future.”

Jeremy Prentice, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Woodall Homes is an excellent example of a business that’s investing smartly and capitalising on demand. Housing is always high on communities’ agendas, and there’s huge demand from families looking for green space following the pandemic.

“Investing in growth, where possible, is a strong way of mitigating current inflationary challenges. We’re committed to helping firms like Woodall target growth and achieving their ambitions, and we’re excited to be by the businesses side as they target this.”

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

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Eligible Chesterfield homeowners to receive green funding boost

Eligible homeowners in Chesterfield could benefit from support to make fully funded energy efficient improvements to their properties – and reduce their bills.

Chesterfield Borough Council has teamed up with Marches Energy Agency, and E.ON Energy Solutions to help residents make energy improvements to their properties, after successfully securing funding from the Government’s Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme.

Through the scheme, a number of people in Chesterfield will be contacted directly by Marches Energy Agency, inviting them to apply for fully funded energy efficient improvements. The improvements will include External Wall Insulation or Solar Panels. A small number of grants may also be available for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and room in roof insulation.

Households who are believed to be eligible will be contacted directly by Marches Energy Agency, inviting them to apply. To be eligible, the following criteria needs to be met:

  • You are an owner-occupier
  • Your home has an Energy Performance Certificate of D, E, F or G.

You can check your EPC online using www.epcregister.com. We can get you a free EPC if you haven’t got one.

AND

  • You receive a means-tested benefit OR your combined annual household income is under £30,000 (gross)

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise, in particular energy charges. With funding secured through the Green Homes Grants scheme, we can support homeowners in making improvements to their home to help to increase the warmth and comfort of their homes, whilst also reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

“This scheme will play a key part in our work to help tackle the ongoing issue of fuel poverty in Chesterfield, and it will also help to support our ambition of creating a carbon neutral Borough by 2050. In Chesterfield almost 60% of annual greenhouse gas emissions are from buildings, by ensuring buildings are more energy efficient this will lead to a significant reduction in emissions.”

Further information on the scheme can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing/private-property/green-homes-grant

Due to limited funding, the grants are not open to the wider public at the moment, however if you have any questions or would like any advice on how to make energy efficient improvements to your property, you can contact the Marches Energy Agency local team (Warmer Derby and Derbyshire) by calling 08006771332 and selecting option two, or by emailing wdd@mea.org.uk

Manor Drive, Brimington

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BRM Completes Over 800 Plot Sales In 12 Months Exceeding £100 Million

Strengthening its position as one of the strongest property firms in our region, BRM Solicitors plot sales team had an incredible close to July having completed over 800 plot sales in the previous 12 months.

The BRM Solicitors plot sales team was specifically recruited in June 2019, in advance of large-scale instructions from several regional developers, based on staffing for success and business modelling to ensure that client needs were met from the outset and not in reaction, as is often the case. This has continued as developers have increased instructions.

In total, 846 homes were sold during the period, an increase of 38% compared to the previous year, with the average selling price increasing to £156,000.

This culminated in an incredible close to 30th June, with the team completing over 127 property completions in one day.

Sales across the regions on that day saw the department complete on properties as far away as Cumbria, average values of around £153,000, total value exceeding £19 Million, with the final completion taking place at 11.30 pm.

Having already had a busy first half of 2022, the team, headed by BRM Director Stuart Taphouse, is predicting more of the same.

BRM Head of Real Estate Adrian Sheehan said: “The success comes on the back of the hard work and organisation of the plot sales team and we are looking forward to more completions in the coming months. The figures speak for themselves, but the positive feedback from our clients is particularly gratifying.”

The property team at BRM advises on all aspects of property management and transactions, including portfolio management, finance, and development with specialisms in hospitality, retail and shopping centres, and commercial and residential developments.

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

BRM Solicitors Adrian Sheehan Chesterfield Champion

Adrian Sheehan, Head of Real Estate, BRM Solicitors

 

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Chesterfield Estate Agent completes move to The Glassyard

A Chesterfield estate agent has announced a move to The Glassyard, building on a successful 12 years of trading in the town.

Lime Living has moved into the new development on Sheffield Road, which provides the company with a modern and accessible environment for staff and customers.

Jamie Wajs, Managing Director at Lime Living explained how the move came about: “Following the pandemic and the changes in the day to day working & social habits, we started to look around the town for new premises that combined a modern & vibrant, accessible work / social environment.

“From initially viewing the units during the build phase and working out the viability of such a move, every time we popped down to the Glass Yard we got a great feeling about the development and that this was ticking the boxes, not just for us as a business but also for our staff and clients.

“We are surrounded by an array of independent businesses, professional services and a fantastic food & drink hall, all of which receive a good level of footfall and along with the ample parking, provides further exposure for our business.

Jamie went on to explain how being located in Chesterfield has enabled the company to go from strength-to-strength: “Recent growth is very much helped by Chesterfield currently going through the biggest new home building scheme for many years and this is not just good for our business and our industry, but for the town as a whole.

“We are seeing an upward curve in demand to live in and around the town, with many buyers either moving back to the area, or drawn in by the connectivity to other towns & cities, property prices although increasing remain lower than desirable areas of the cities; easy access to the Peak District also is a big draw.”

Find out more about the many benefits of investing in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

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Chesterfield decorator wins national award

A painter and decorator from Chesterfield has been presented with a national award for his work at a Derbyshire residence.

Stuart Yates, of Stuart Yates Décor, was named winner of the Small Contractor category at the annual Premier Trophy Awards hosted by national trade body, the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).

Stuart is a long-serving member of the PDA, current Vice-Chair of the Association’s Management Board and last year, was Very Highly and Highly Commended in the same category.

The PDA appoints six independent judges who visit projects across the UK ahead of the awards ceremony at the prestigious Plaisterers’ Hall in London.

The judges said: “The redecoration of the kitchen, orangery and staircase was to an exceptionally high standard, with crisp, clean lines and an air of pure class.

“The wallpapering to the primary bedroom was magnificent.”

The PDA is the UK’s largest trade body for the painting and decorating sector, and each year, the Premier Trophy Awards celebrate the best work across seven categories: Decorative, Highly Decorative, Small Contractor, Residential, Commercial, New Build and Industrial, with one project declared the Supreme Winner.

Chief Executive of the PDA, Neil Ogilvie said: “I’d like to thank our award sponsors and our independent judges, who are all members of the Institute of Clerk of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI).

“They visited all short-listed projects to assess the quality of work and gain insight into the challenges overcome to produce the final result.

“Congratulations to Stuart Yates Décor, on the skill, professionalism and commitment to quality that is recognised with this award.”

For more about the Premier Trophy Awards, or to find a PDA member near you, visit: www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk

Stuart Yates Decorator of the Year

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Town centre transformation key to success of Chesterfield

A need to reimagine Chesterfield’s town centre to complement social and cultural changes has been identified by a cross-industry panel of local experts. 

Speaking at Willmott Dixon’s ‘Towns of the Future’ round table, hosted at Casa Hotel, the panel highlighted the importance of a town or city understanding, strengthening and marketing its unique selling proposition (USP).  

Using Chesterfield as an example, attendees agreed that – as with many towns and cities across the UK – Chesterfield has the raw social and cultural elements to meet public demand and expectations, but further evolution is required. This includes the need for a strong mix of retail, office and leisure. 

Chesterfield

Chesterfield has a number of regeneration schemes in progress or in the pipeline that are set to redefine the town following the Covid pandemic.

Jenna Frudd, relationship manager at Willmott Dixon and member of the Chesterfield Property & Construction Group run by Destination Chesterfield, said: “Chesterfield is a prime example of a town with hidden gems – it’s incredibly welcoming and you have a local council and business community that is really open to conversations.

“A collaborative approach between the public and private sector is key to getting to this stage and having this enthusiasm for change is one of the reasons why Chesterfield is well placed to make the right moves going forward.” 

A Place Story and brand identity was created in 2010 by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with the local community.  This focuses on the elements that makes Chesterfield unique and is used to market the town to potential investors and visitors.   

Destination Chesterfield was created at the same time and is a collaboration of over 200 businesses, organisations and public sector partners working together to promote Chesterfield. 

As part of the discussion, the group analysed the changing nature of how town centres are used and how the mix of commercial, retail, and social spaces can best be balanced in a rapidly changing world. 

Chesterfield is looking to transform the town centre with the £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme.   This will change the look, feel and flow of the town centre – creating a contemporary market town that has better connections between key public spaces, and a more attractive physical environment. 

It includes plans for significant improvements to Chesterfield’s historic market grounds, along with proposals that will help maximise the potential of the iconic Crooked Spire as a key attraction for visitors, while also re-imagining town centre spaces for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

Together with the £17m refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the Government’s levelling up fund at the end of last year.

David Willis, director at Chesterfield-based Frank Shaw Architects, said:  “A real shift in our urban planning mindset is required, moving away from the traditional town centre mix and towards more social spaces. Chesterfield is a prime example of this – the town square is massively underused, so reinvigorating it is fundamental to what the place has to offer.”

The future of the office was another key talking point, as the panel looked at how a changing approach to hybrid and in-office working will impact town centre spaces. 

The need for high quality, flexible, sustainable, energy efficient office space is being addressed in Chesterfield with two Grade A office developments opening in 2022.

Businesses have started to move into the stunning new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.  The centre, which opened in July, is the first of two recently constructed high quality office developments in Chesterfield town centre. 

One Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside will open later this year giving the town much-needed modern large floor plate office space which will help attract investment as well as provide space for growth for established businesses in the borough. Tenants have already been identified for significant elements of the space, who will take up occupation on completion. 

The Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place are a key part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious growth strategy that will see large scale investment and regeneration across the borough. 

Rebekah Bacon, land and partnerships manager at Pulse Developments, said: “When thinking about the new role that offices have to play, it’s really important to consider how they sit within the town centre and whether that is a space people want to be in. 

“If people want to be in the office, this creates a huge ripple effect across the town, as people are already out of their homes and much more willing to engage with the spaces in the town centre.” 

If you are interested in the regeneration of Chesterfield, you can find out more at the Chesterfield Investment Summit which takes place on the 28th September at the Casa Hotel

The ‘Towns of the Future’ roundtable was chaired by Liz Cartwright (Cartwright Communications), and featured Jenna Frudd (Willmott Dixon), Mark Deakin (Turner & Townsend), Amy Revell (We Are Spaces), Lydia Sadler (DLP Planning), Philip Riden (Chesterfield Civic Society), David Willis (Frank Shaw Architects), Spencer Ryan-Prewitt (University of Derby), Rebekah Bacon (Pulse Developments), Andy Dabbs (Whittam Cox, Chair of Chesterfield Property and Construction Group) and Joanne Neville (Harworth Group). 

Wilmott Dixon, We Are Spaces, DLP Planning, Frank Shaw Associates, University of Derby, Whittam Cox and Harworth Group support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Property and Construction Group is a collective of Chesterfield Champions who are working together to represent and support the property sector and help promote Chesterfield as a place to invest. 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Property and Construction

£1million investment completed at Chesterfield motorway truck stop

Work to resurface a forecourt and lorry park just off junction 29 of the M1 near Chesterfield has been completed.

Truckstop service operator Onroute has just completed the £1m project, providing quality facilities for HGV drivers when taking breaks and refueling.

Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, officially opened the new forecourt at a launch event attended by staff, customers, suppliers, local councillors, members of the Road Haulage Association and contractors involved in the design and completion of the works.

He stressed the importance of the role HGV drivers play in keeping the nation running and praised the work being done by Onroute Truckstops to improve facilities, drive up standards and safeguard their comfort and safety.

Duncan Buchanan, RHA Policy Director for England, also attended the launch. He said: “This is a welcome major investment – a 100 percent privately funded vote of confidence in the viability of high-quality lorry parking facilities. We look forward to more investment from Onroute and many others in the future. We need high-quality lorry parking facilities all over the UK; with a shortage of around 11,000 spaces there is a lot more to do.”

One of Onroute’s busiest sites, Junction 29, forms part of the company’s steadily growing chain of truckstops located across the UK. Their aim is to create a network of high-quality sites where HGV drivers can rest, refresh and refuel before continuing their journey. This aligns with the government’s current plans to boost driver welfare to help tackle the effects of driver shortages throughout the UK.

Onroute acquired Junction 29 knowing that resurfacing would be required to both improve the site and address health, safety and environmental concerns. Plans were drawn up specifying materials that would withstand the volume and weight of traffic to the site.

General Manager at Onroute Truckstops, David Hatherell, said; “The new surface looks fantastic and we are delighted with the outcome. The project is a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to develop and improve facilities and services for HGV drivers. Plans are also in place to further expand our network and we are actively engaged in additional acquisitions which we hope to announce in the near future.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s excellent transport links and connectivity at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/getting-here/

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