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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

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

Local company completes free repairs at Chesterfield community hub

After water was discovered leaking into the building of Chesterfield’s Monkey Park Community Hub, a local company have completed the repair works for free.

The volunteer team at Monkey Park approached local business DMG Asbestos Management for a quotation to remove the cause of the leak, an asbestos cement flue pipe, and were delighted when they offered to do the job free of charge.

The not-for-profit organisation is located in Brampton and includes a café, co-work space, bike workshop, space hire and hosts community events.

Three workers from DMG Asbestos Management came on one of the hottest days of the year and erected a scaffolding tower in order to lower the problem chimney safely off the roof.

Local resident and director of Monkey Park, Helen Symons, said: “We were worried about the chimney but thank goodness DMG removed all that stress. I could see them working from my garden. They were efficient, hard-working and highly professional. They made me remember that there are good people out there willing to go the extra mile for their local community.”

Aaron Goodwin of DMG said: “We like to try and give something back to our town and Monkey Park is a great cause in the local community.”

The community hub and the café are currently closed and will be re-opening again in late September. The bike workshops & office co-working space are still open however.

Ahead of the re-opening, the Monkey Park Hub is having building work done, including the fitting of an accessible toilet in the café.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Visiting

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

Cashless parking coming to Chesterfield

Paying for parking in Chesterfield has just got easier as Chesterfield Borough Council partners with PayByPhone, the global leader in mobile parking payments, to offer drivers the option of cashless parking when visiting the town centre.

Cashless parking payments will be introduced to all of the council’s pay and display car parks from 7 September 2020 and will mean motorists no longer have to search for the right change.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The new car-parking system will offer you a quick and convenient way to paying for your parking. You’ll no longer need to queue at the ticket machine, and you’ll be able to pay from the comfort of your car.

“Over recent months, we have been encouraged to make cashless payments where possible to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, and we think that this new way of paying will help to do this.

“This new system will help to ensure that we continue to play our part to stop the spread of the virus, as well as offering more flexibility for people who are visiting our town centre and supporting our local businesses.”

PayByPhone will be available in the following car parks: Holywell Cross, Durrant Road, Devonshire Street, Theatre Lane, Spa Lane, St Mary’s Gate, Station Road, Queen’s Park Annexe, Queen’s Park North, Queen’s Park South, Coach Station, Derbyshire Times and Albion Road.

Drivers will be able to pay for parking on their phones through the PayByPhone app which is available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, meaning that they can pay for parking from the comfort of their car. The app is quick and easy to install and use. It also gives drivers the added benefit of extending their parking sessions remotely.

Adam Dolphin, Sales Director for PayByPhone UK, said: “We are very excited to launch PayByPhone in Chesterfield and we encourage everyone to download the PayByPhone app so they are ready to take advantage of this new service.

“With one in 10 adults in the UK now choosing to lead a largely cashless life, and seven in 10 using contactless payments, the shift away from using notes and coins is not only the smart and safe choice, but also one that should be relatively easy for most.”

Frequent visitors can also purchase parking at a reduced rate on a weekly, monthly or annual basis through the PayByPhone app.

Motorists can continue to pay by cash if they prefer by visiting the pay and display machines as usual. The scratch card parking will also continue to be valid and visitors can continue to purchase these from the Visitor Information Centre.

More information on car parking in Chesterfield and how to use the app can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/pay-for-parking-by-phone

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

Greatest Hits Radio goes live in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, with applications now open for ‘Back to Work’

Peak FM has been rebranded as Greatest Hits North Derbyshire, part of the largest commercial radio network in the UK.

The station has also launched local content campaigns today, celebrating the voices and music of North Derbyshire and promoting local job opportunities.

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire. will bring feature upbeat classic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s and will be delivered by well-known broadcasters including Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Janice Long, Paul Gambaccini and Pat Sharp.

News bulletins will carry locally gathered stories, local traffic bulletins and local information to reflect the interests of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. For local advertisers, the move will provide significant scale and a broader range of advertising opportunities. 

Applications have also opened for Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire’s ‘Back to Work’ campaign, providing free advertising of local job opportunities to North Derbyshire’s employers and job-seekers.   

Local employers are encouraged to submit vacancies for inclusion, allowing them to reach a wide audience of local job-seekers free of charge.  Job vacancy bulletins will be broadcast four times a day to local audiences and will be promoted on the Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire website.  

 Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire will kick off with a Top 500 countdown of the country’s most popular songs, ahead of new local content programmes to run over the autumn:  

  • ‘Cities of Sound’ – A weekly documentary series celebrating the musical heritage of towns, cities and regions across the UK, including North Derbyshire

The station has been launched alongside a major marketing campaign across TV, print media, radio and digital and social platforms. Central to the campaign is the idea of ‘music bringing good times’ to our lives. It will feature some of Greatest Hits Radio’s favourite artists, including David Bowie, Tina Turner, Madonna, Queen and Bob Marley. 

Graham Bryce, Group Managing Director, Hits Radio Brand Network, comments, “We are excited about the role for Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire in giving local communities and listeners in North Derbyshire the music, content and local connections we know they value highly, as well as a platform for a future of digital listening.  We are committed to retaining our local relationships and look forward to engaging closely with local listeners and businesses as we launch our airtime initiative.”

Chesterfield council houses homes building Brampton

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