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Climate Change Forum to launch in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council is getting ready to launch a climate change forum and is looking for Chesterfield based representatives to get involved.

Climate change is a huge issue, and everyone has their own view on how Chesterfield Borough Council can make a difference in our communities. Therefore, if you are part of a community group or organisation and could spare a bit of time, the council wants to hear from you.

The forum is planned to launch in September and will meet in person around once each quarter.

The representatives involved will be asked to act as a sounding board, comment on current projects, suggest new ideas and help Chesterfield Borough Council to raise awareness about climate projects happening either through the council or locally. The plan is to create a wide consultative process, in which the council is working closely with a variety of community representatives.

No experience of climate projects is required, just an interest in helping to shape plans in relation to climate change in the future.

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “By joining the group you will have the opportunity to network, collaborate, and discuss how climate change will affect your communities of interest and what we can do to support an effective change across the borough.

“We always welcome new ideas and community views, so if you do run or attend a local interest group and would like to make a difference to Chesterfield and its future, consider applying to be a part of the climate forum.

“Taking action on climate change is a collaborative process, and we can work together to find new ways of making changes in our communities.”

The council launched a new seven-year climate change strategy (2023-2030) earlier this year that is based around several themes including: buildings and energy use, travel, green space, land use and offsetting carbon emissions. This is Chesterfield Borough Council’s formal commitment to putting climate change at the centre of everything it does, ensuring this is always considered as part of service output and decision-making processes.

The creation of the climate forum will help to build and shape the authority’s future plans and will allow it to get an insight into how community groups or organisations could play a part in the communication of messaging and get involved in climate projects.

Councillor Stone continued: “I’d like to encourage representatives from our communities to join us in progressing our efforts to becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and help to reach the goal of being a carbon neutral borough by 2050”.

If you would like to be part of the forum, please contact the climate change team at Chesterfield Borough Council via email climate@chesterfield.gov.uk.

The first session will contain a training element, so individuals are requested to get in touch with the team at their earliest convenience.

town hall drone shot

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Renovated tennis courts reopen in Staveley

Tennis courts in Staveley have officially reopened after a £130,000 renovation, and local youngsters can try out the new facilities at free taster sessions this month.

The courts in King George V Park were reopened at an official ceremony attended by Toby Perkins MP, Councillor Jonathan Davies, representatives from the Lawn Tennis Association and coaches from Tennis Chesterfield on Friday 4 August.

Extensive work has been undertaken to ensure the courts can be used by the community for many years to come, including resurfacing and painting, new fencing, new nets, and a new gate system. The improvements have been managed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and funded by the UK Government, LTA Tennis Foundation and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Refurbishment of the tennis courts follows on from a series of investments in the park including the installation of new play equipment, an outdoor gym and improvements to the bowling facilities, multi-use games area, and skate park. Together this has led to the park earning Green Flag status – an internationally recognised mark of quality parks and green spaces.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic to see these courts reopen.

“Public tennis facilities help people of all ages get more active. They also give visitors to our parks more quality options for their leisure.

“We’re committed to providing fantastic facilities in all our parks and investing in facilities like these tennis courts in Staveley, so everyone can enjoy our green spaces.”

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform the courts in Staveley, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.

This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Staveley officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.

“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”

Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said: “We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.

“The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Staveley.

“These improved tennis facilities in Staveley will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”

As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

The LTA and Chesterfield Borough Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

If there are any issues with the courts like damaged nets or fencing, you can report this by either calling the council on 01246 345345 or reporting online at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/my-chesterfield

In August, Tennis Chesterfield will be hosting free taster sessions for children, which have been funded through the Holiday Activity Fund. Find out more about these sessions and book online: https://itsaboutmederbyshire.co.uk/

New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier for everyone to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. The courts will be free throughout August and there will then be a small fee of £6 per hour to ensure that the courts are maintained at the new high standard for years to come.

Courts are available for the public to book via the LTA website: www.lta.org.uk/play

staveley tennis courts renovation

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Businesses welcomed to express interest in new flexible units in Clay Cross

Businesses in the leisure and the food and beverage sectors can now express their interest in moving into one of several flexible units coming soon to the heart of Clay Cross.

Each 50 square-metre shell unit is self-contained but can be leased alone or in multiples for the short or long-term. Leases include full repairing and insuring.

Each unit comes with outdoor space in front of each unit and have dedicated delivery space at the rear. Free parking is available nearby and each unit will also be under CCTV coverage.

The units are estimated to be available for moving into by January 2025.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Clay Cross Town Deal, Cllr Jayne Barry said: “We’re pleased to finally have discussions with business owners, or owners to be, about the opportunity to potentially become part of the new Broadleys town square.”

The Town Centre Regeneration project in Clay Cross is supporting several changes being made to revitalise the area, as part of the £24.1m Clay Cross Town Investment Plan.

The proposed masterplan covers four key elements:

  • Transport and connections improvements (subject to an upcoming consultation) – proposals include providing enhanced parking and access from the A61, improving traffic flow through the town, re-opening Bridge Street from Harris Way and the pedestrianisation of Market Street from Bridge Street to High Street.
  • Skills and Enterprise zone – renovating the clock tower building (Adult Education Centre) into a hub for learning and business engagement, which also includes a proposal to bring the library into the town centre.
  • Clay Cross Community/Social area – preserving, restoring and enhancing heritage buildings in the centre of the town, focused on restoring the annex of the clock tower building and creating a new leisure space fronting onto the proposed new town square area.
  • Broadleys site – forming a new town square as the heart between other elements of the Town Deal, providing flexible accommodation for start-up businesses in pop-up enterprise units and providing a space for community activities.

Work is well under way on this project, pending the business case approval from central government which is expected by the end of March 2023.

Looking to locate your business in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire? Find out more why our town is an ideal location to help your business grow at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Clay Cross

Birds’ eye view of Clay Cross Town Centre

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First ever Chesterfield Children’s Festival attracts more than 8,000 attendees

More than 8,000 people attended the first Chesterfield Children’s Festival last weekend, with over 4,000 children participating in the weekend’s workshops and activities.

The free two-day event at Queen’s Park was organised by local arts charity, Junction Arts and was funded by Arts Council England.  The line-up included live music, comedy, silent disco walking tours, theatre, art workshops, storytelling and games – with children of all ages taking part.

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “Wow, what an amazing weekend! It was great to see so many families turn out for our first Chesterfield Children’s Festival, thousands of people came along to Queen’s Park to have fun with family and friends.

“It was a celebration of childhood and imagination with a host of free activities for families to enjoy and take part in.  Visitors enjoyed impressive live performances including a brass band, a string quartet, a comedy club, theatre shows, Chinese music and daring circus skills!   Children of all ages participated in the various activities trying new things with our interactive art workshops, actual arcade games and silent disco walking tours.

“They also got to explore The Garden of Imagination a newly commissioned artwork for the festival, which took the form of a child’s bedroom and had lots of interactive elements for them to play with, including sound sensors and fantasy characters.

“The aim of the event was to create a welcoming space, where young people and their families could explore art, culture and creativity in an accessible way. I hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did and made lots of memories.

“We’d like to thank everyone who came along and created such a lovely atmosphere, we hope to see you all again next year!”

Looking for more events and activities to keep the family busy in Chesterfield this summer? Get all the inspiration you need on our Summer in Chesterfield page!

Junction Arts is an award-winning participatory arts charity, that organises a number of festivals and events, including the Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade.

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

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023

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Chesterfield-made drinks awarded two stars at prestigious Great Taste Awards 2023

Hogg Norton, an independent producer of fruit liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages has taken two stars at the Great Taste Awards 2023.

Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food & drink accreditation scheme, with products across the world being put to the test by a panel of more than 500 experts.

Hogg Norton’s Rhubarb Liqueur and Gooseberry Liqueur have both been awarded two stars, meaning they have been rated as ‘outstanding.’

The producer has now won a total of 10 Great Taste Awards, after winning accolades in 2019, 2020 and 2021 for various products.

Michael Norton, Co-Owner at Hogg Norton commented: “We are so proud to win the awards, as it is judged by industry experts.

“Winning the awards shows that we consistently deliver a quality product which gives confidence to our customers and also makes us stand out against our competitors.  Having these international awards just shows what local producers can achieve and what amazing products are produced in Chesterfield.”

“It is so important that we use local products, as all our liqueurs are made from all-natural products and are free from any additives, preservatives, colours or flavourings – so the full flavour of the fruit comes through. Being based in Chesterfield and on the edge of the Peak District gives us a fantastic location to source our products.”

Other local winners from our area include Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop, which was given a two-star ‘outstanding’ award for its Chatsworth Honey Ale, and also Global Brands, which recieved a ‘simply delicious’ rating for a number of products across its ‘Franklin & Sons’ range of drinks.

Find out more about Chesterfield’s fantastic range of producers, retailers and food & drink businesses at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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

Hogg Norton selling drinks at the Norton Arms

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DBCP confirmed as sponsor for this weekend’s Eat in the Park festival

DBCP, the leading provider of building control services in Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, has been announced as one of the sponsors of Chesterfield’s inaugural Eat In The Park festival.

The exciting family-family food, drink and live music festival, which is already successfully established in Buxton, is coming to Queen’s Park in Chesterfield this weekend (5 – 6 August 2023.)

Thousands of people across Derbyshire are expected to attend the two-day festival which will showcase an array of local traders serving up food and drinks from around the world, as well as top tribute bands and magicians providing entertainment for all the family.

As part of the sponsorship, DBCP banners will be displayed throughout the festival. With many of the team based remotely, DBCP’s 30-strong team of building control surveyors and technical staff will also be using the event as an opportunity to get together.

Jake and George of Eat in the Park said “We are delighted to bring Eat in the Park to Chesterfield this year. To enable us to do this successfully we need to partner with brilliant local organisations and DBCP is certainly one of those. We are excited to showcase their sponsorship at the event and cannot wait to welcome the team to Queen’s Park on 5th and  6th August.”

David Pratt Building Control Manager explained: “DBCP has been a part of Chesterfield’s business community since 2015 and we see our sponsorship of Eat in the Park as an excellent opportunity to both support the town and showcase who we are and what we do to property owners and residents throughout the area.

“DBCP is not just here for our communities in times of emergency, when buildings are compromised, we are to provide advice and support to help ensure properties meet the legal requirements of Building Regulations and are safe, secure and energy efficient for all users.”

Most recently DBCP has overseen building control for Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s new £24million A&E department. The department has been labelled “a jewel in Chesterfield’s crown.” The new building is the hospital’s largest development in almost 40 years and can accommodate 115,000 patients per year.

John Taylor, Senior Building Control Surveyor at DBCP who issued the Building Control certificate for the completed A&E building in April this year praised its high standard of construction saying: “I am very impressed at what has been achieved at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. It is a building everyone can be proud of.”

DBCP is the amalgamation of eight Local Authority Building Control services across Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, including Amber Valley Borough Council, Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

David added: “The team and I are looking forward to attending Eat In The Park. It will be a fantastic event for Chesterfield.”

The two-day festival is a ticketed event with under 5s free. Tickets can be purchased at www.eatinthepark.uk/visitor-information

Find out more about the fantastic range of events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer on our Summer in Chesterfield page.

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

Eat in the Park Main Stage

Eat in the Park Main Stage

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How an apprenticeship could kickstart your career in retail

Are you good with people? Do you like to provide excellent customer service and leave people with smiles on their faces? Then a career in the retail, food and drink industry could be the one for you.

The road to a new career can sometimes be daunting, but it is also an exciting time of discovery, learning and new experiences.  With a range of different routes into the sector, hear from two individuals who started out as apprentices and how this has helped them build a successful career.

Why should I start a career in retail, food and drink?

Man stood behind desk with 'ETS' written on it

The retail sector is extremely varied with roles to suit everyone. Perhaps you’d like a customer service-facing role, working with members of the public to ensure they have a positive experience. Or maybe you would prefer working behind the scenes in an organisational role. Whatever your interest, there are plenty of opportunities to consider including front of house, chef or sales advisor.

The industry can be fast-paced and exciting. If you like to be kept on your toes, working in this sector guarantees that no two days are the same. Careers in retail will also help you build lots of skills, from problem-solving to communication, making you very employable.

In Chesterfield, more than 20 businesses have invested in the town centre in the last year. This, as well as the lively market town and borough-wide attractions and events, makes it the perfect place to start your career in retail. With plenty of customers coming to explore the town, might you be the one to serve them?

Success stories: why an apprenticeship?

Brandon Howard, Level 4 Marketing Executive at Vicar Lane

Man in a black shirt standing next to a storage trolley with boxes

 

After working in a bank, Brandon decided to become self-employed and started creating videos and social media content. He then took on a Level 3 Marketing Course. This lead to his current role as a Level 4 Marketing Executive at Vicar Lane shopping centre.

Why did you become an apprentice?

I became an apprentice because I wanted the opportunity to be in full-time employment whilst progressing my learning journey. This was something that would not be available to me in other routes of education, such as University or College.

What’s it like working in the food, drink, and retail sector and what do you enjoy?

As the Centre Administrator for Vicar Lane shopping centre, I have an overview of all the food, drink and retail shops within the centre. Working with the shops to ensure that their messages are passed on via social media is an important factor of what we do. One of my main roles within the team is being a point of contact for the public, including organising events and working with local businesses. I really enjoy the scope of what we do and how it can influence my own learning/career journey.

What did you enjoy about your apprenticeship?

I enjoyed the idea of splitting time between learning and working. It felt good to know that I was still earning an income whilst also increasing my knowledge in a related field of education. My employers provided dedicated studying time for me. I was allowed to shut my office door and crack on with whatever tasks I needed to do. The support from my line manager was also beneficial as she was studying a similar course and it helped to compare viewpoints with someone in a similar field.

How did your apprenticeship help you progress into your career today?

I transitioned from the Apprentice Centre Administrator role at my employment to the standard, full time Centre Administrator role once it had been completed. It felt great knowing that not only had I achieved a qualification, I was also now in full-time employment on a standard salary. I believe it has opened up new opportunities for my career going forwards. I can’t wait to see what the future brings.

What would be your advice for someone considering a career in the food, drink, and retail sector?

I would advise choosing something that you feel passionate about and have a keen interest in. There’s nothing worse than starting a new job/apprenticeship that you immediately dislike! Choose something with open progression/learning options so that you can be constantly growing. Always be open to new challenges or tasks.

Curtis Newsome, Branch Manager at Eden Tyres

Curtis Newsome branch manager

My name is Curtis & I’m the branch manager at Eden Tyres & Servicing in Chesterfield. Even though I’ve only been at the branch for a few months now, I’ve been with Eden for nearly 5 years. I started off as an apprentice at the Burton On Trent branch. I’ve since become a qualified MOT tester as well as service technician. I have also really developed my customer service skills.

How did your apprenticeship help start your career in the retail, food and drink industry?

The Eden Tyres & Servicing academy is an apprenticeship programme that actively takes on applicants throughout the year. My assistant manager, Jack, and I both started off as apprentices. We have worked our way through the business to where we are today. The programme itself allowed me to learn and develop my industry skills, whilst also learning about the importance of customer care. With 3 active apprentices in the company and many more that are now fully qualified employees Eden have always focused on investing in their future staff.

Why do you love working in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire?

I love the customers that we get here in Chesterfield. Everyone is always friendly and has a smile on their face. Car repairs can sometimes be a real mood killer, but I’d like to think that the team here do their best to make having a car in the workshop as pleasant and easy as possible. Working in Chesterfield is great, the people are really down to earth, and the local scenery is beautiful. We love having the new Glass Yard at the back of the branch. It’s been great seeing the local area develop.

Find out more about the apprentice programme and careers at Eden Tyres.

Feeling inspired?

There are lots of apprenticeship providers in Chesterfield and, with affordable housing and great transport links, we’re sure the decision to start your career in here is the right one. If you feel excited about the possibility of starting a career in the retail industry, take a look at the career routes on offer with Chesterfield businesses. Brandon and Curtis were once sat where you are now – maybe it will be your story we share soon.

Browse apprenticeship vacancies in Chesterfield…

 

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Triple Award success for Travel Counsellors

Travel Counsellors, an agency which provides people in Chesterfield and beyond with their dream holidays and trips, has taken home three prizes at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards 2023.

The annual Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards are the largest celebration of the travel trade in the UK & Ireland, and the highest accolade for travel agencies and agents. Travel Counsellors won a hattrick of accolades at the event:

  • Home working Agency of the Year (Large)
  • Best Agency to Work For (Large)
  • Sustainability Champion of the Year (Large)

Travel Counsellors prides itself on creating an experience unique to each customer, with every detail taken care of.

Speaking on the company’s award success, Chesterfield-based Travel Counsellor Katie Styring commented: “Personally this is extremely important to me and my business. Sustainability is something that is very important to us, and we are doing our best to drive and improve this across the business. We even have a dedicated person now working in our support team to lead our sustainability strategy.”

“As a business, we collectively strive to ensure we’re delivering the best customer service possible, both across our support teams and our travel agent franchisees.

Speaking about doing business in Chesterfield, Katie added: “My business is built on word of mouth and referrals, with the majority being local customers from Chesterfield. I support businesses locally and I’m an active member of small business networking groups, this has absolutely helped to grow the business to be the success it is, and I am beyond grateful to all clients that have gone on to spread the word.

Find out more about Travel Counsellors and get in touch with Katie at: https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/katie.styring/ Alternatively, get in touch via email at katie.styring@travelcounsellors.com or by calling 01246 660006.

The company also has a team which can support businesses in Chesterfield with their travel needs. Chesterfield business we collaborate with to support all their travel needs. Find out more.

travel counsellors award win

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Peak Gateway appoints Stirling Prize winning architects

International, award-winning architects, Stanton Williams have been appointed to design The Gateway at PEAK, consented on 300 acres of reclaimed land located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park, near Chesterfield.

The Gateway is intended to play an important role in cementing Chesterfield as a destination town as part of the Peak District experience and providing visitors and the local community with low impact ways to explore the National Park thanks to a zero-carbon travel hub.

Alongside Stanton Williams, a multi-skilled project team has been assembled, led by Milligan, a specialist destination and mixed-use real estate developer, who are working closely with regional strategic partners, including Chesterfield Borough Council, The University of Derby and the Peak District National Park Authority.

Peak Gateway Properties has briefed the team to define and design the Gateway build and operations around the principles of a ‘regenerative enterprise’, promoting the restoration and regeneration of natural resources and social systems.

The founders of Birchall Properties, the landowner, have already invested over 35 years in nature recovery and passive rewilding on the 300-acre Birchall Estate which had been the subject of extensive open-cast activities. By way of the Environment Act 2021 any development on the property must achieve a biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10% on its pre-development status.

The Gateway at PEAK will be an international standard tourist destination providing a basecamp and a gateway into the 550 square mile Peak District National Park.

Like a ski resort the PEAK Resort will be built around a carless mobility service, not in this case to mountains and skiing, but into the Peaks for biking and hiking, for nature, heritage, sport and culture. The commercial village will comprise of experiential retail, locally sourced dining and unique spaces for events, artisan craft and learning experiences.

Gateway @PEAK location

John Milligan, CEO of Peak Gateway Properties and Chairman of Milligan said: “It used to be that an iconic building was one that stood out from its surroundings. The Gateway will be iconic, but we’re setting a new standard for what that means. Here buildings will integrate with their surroundings and work to enhance biodiversity beyond what will be mandated.

“We want to attract a discerning visitor, who cares about the protection of the UK’s original National Park and wants to enjoy the wellbeing benefits that nature and being in the outdoors, for either leisure or sport, can provide. A wide range of experiential retail brands with a unique proposition centred on nature and the outdoors will help create the destination.

“The travel hub is central to the Gateway’s proposition, allowing visitors to transition into electric or hydrogen vehicles for onward exploration of the Park, its stunning landscapes and thousands of activities and attractions. This is a way to expand access to the park and support more destinations in a low impact way. Currently 85% of visitors travel into the Park by car which is not sustainable. Last year we ran the first trial for the travel hub alongside Toyota and other local partners. The technology operated on a 40% regenerative energy basis which is fantastic. The trial stakeholders and users endorsed the urgent requirement for this sort of service – when it’s up and running we hope it will be an exemplar for other hubs around the Park and for other National Parks in the UK to follow.”

Gavin Henderson, Principal Director at Stanton Williams, said: “We are delighted to be working with PEAK Gateway Properties to realise their ambitious vision for this exceptional site. The Gateway will be a unique destination designed as a cohesive group of buildings integrated into the landscape. The scheme embraces the principles of the circular economy and uses highly sustainable, durable materials including local stone and timber. As well as regenerating a former open-cast mine, it supports natural ecosystems through habitat protection and enhancement, while connecting people with nature and encouraging active and low-carbon travel to and within the Peak District.”

Rupert Carr, a founder shareholder in Birchall Properties, the landowner, and a director of PEAK Gateway Properties said; “The planning consents for PEAK Gateway Resort were implemented and safeguarded in 2016. We are very pleased to be moving forward again after surviving the challenges of Brexit and COVID.

“The realisation of Gateway fulfils our long-held ambition to showcase regenerative enterprise through land reclamation, a low carbon build and significant local employment creation.

“It is particularly pleasing to be a first mover in respect of offering tourists a zero carbon, carless mobility service to the attractions and landscapes of the UK’s first national park and to the medieval market town of Chesterfield.”

The Gateway’s zero carbon mobility service and its related infrastructure are critical to the delivery of this £300m investment programme into the visitor economy. The intention is to emulate the success of an international ski resort by providing hospitality and mobility from the outside of a national park. The Gateway, phase one of the PEAK Gateway Resort, represents a £150m capital investment and over 1,000 jobs, secured through a ‘green economy’ skills academy.

Section 73 and Reserved Matters Applications relating to the consented planning approvals will be submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council early Autumn.

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

The Gateway @PEAK Bird's Eye View

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Events to celebrate 100 years of entertainment at the Winding Wheel Theatre

A series of events and activities are planned to celebrate a century of entertainment at the Winding Wheel Theatre in September.

On Sunday 10 September from 7pm there will be a Centenary Gala Concert to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building opening. This will feature performances from nine different local theatre schools, performing arts groups and theatre companies, and will be compered by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist impressionist Tony Rudd, with a special guest appearance from comedy legend Bernie Clifton who lives locally.

From 11 September to 15 September there will be cinema screenings showing a film from each decade over the last 100 years to celebrate A Century of Cinema, since the building opened. These were selected through a public vote in June. Classic films being shown are Metropolis, The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, The Bridge On The River Kwai, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Godfather, Chariots of Fire, The Full Monty, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Paddington.

There will also be a free exhibition with objects and photos telling the story of the last 100 years and exclusive tours of the building including the backstage areas.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Winding Wheel Theatre has a rich history in our town and residents of all ages will have fantastic memories of performances they have seen at the venue over the years. We’ve made sure there is something for everyone to enjoy and join in the centenary celebrations.”

Originally built in 1923 for the Chesterfield Picture House Company it was intended to be the most luxurious destination in the town. As well as a cinema the building also housed an elegant ballroom and silver service restaurant.

In 1937 it was renamed as the Odeon but maintained the lavish interiors. In the 1970s the Ballroom was used as a well-known disco venue.

The cinema closed in 1981 before being taken over by Chesterfield Borough Council and reopening as an entertainment venue in 1987. Since then, it has hosted live music, conferences, theatre productions and cinema screenings.

In March 2023 Chesterfield Civic Society installed a Blue Plaque on the Grade II listed building to mark its historical importance in the town.

Tickets for the Centenary Gala Concert are £19.20 and confirmed performers include Academy of Dance, Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra, Chesterfield Operatic Society, Chesterfield Studios, Diana Bradbury Theatre Dance School, Directions Theatre Arts, Gekkota Arts, Rumpus Theatre Company and Wise Owl Theatre Company.

Cinema performances are £5.20 per ticket but visitors can also book tickets for all centenary films for just £20.20. Tours of the building are free but must be pre-booked.

Tickets for the concert, cinema screenings and tours of the building can be booked on the Chesterfield Theatres website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/100

Winding-Wheel

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Expansion for popular Chesterfield café and restaurant

A popular Chesterfield town centre café and restaurant has expanded, enabling it to serve more customers its wide range of food and drink.

No.10, a family-run business based on South Street has been open since 2008 – and over the last 15 years has continued to gain popularity, serving tasty home-cooked food.

The café has now opened a brand-new upstairs area, with seating available for 40 people. The room, which has a modern and homely feel, can also be hired for private functions, such as birthday parties, baby showers and hen parties.

Keith Todd, Owner of No.10 launched the business after being inspired by his father, who was a sergeant and chef in the army.

Keith says growing the business has been tough but rewarding, especially after the difficult trading period the business faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He commented: “We’ve always had strong work ethics and needed to think of an alternate way of keeping going, hoping that our family business would survive.

“Our dining area was transformed into a mini supermarket stocking up with essentials from our suppliers. My son Adrian went from Café Manager to Delivery Driver taking essential goods to customers all over the area. Many people gifted Afternoon Teas to relatives that needed a pick-me-up during such a stressful point in our lives.”

However, the business recovered quickly once lockdown restrictions were eased, and Keith soon realised the premises needed to expand to cater for the ever-growing footfall.

He added: “Every day we were having to turn people away as we just didn’t have enough seating to meet the demand. At this point, we decided we needed to make the huge decision to try and expand further.

“This definitely came with huge amounts of issues, plenty of blood, sweat and tears, but we did it!”

The business is now looking to add an entertainment offering to help bring more people into the town centre, Keith said: “Our long-term aim is to offer events every night of the week, from Open Mic and Quiz Nights to Psychic Medium Evenings and Paranormal Investigations.

“We have bookings for a very popular Magician who specialises in Mentalism Magic. We just want to try and offer something for everyone under one roof.

“Chesterfield is definitely on the up and a town of growth and we hope to be a part of the growing entertainment community, not just be a cafe and restaurant which people know and love us for. My motto is ‘always look to improve and never stop developing’, which is very much like Chesterfield.”

Looking to launch your business in Chesterfield? Find out why our town is an ideal location to invest and grow: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

no10 cafe

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