Gateway Enhancement
Chesterfield Gateway Enhancement Scheme
Funding of £500,000 (approx) was secured from Barratt Homes and the European Regional Development Fund to deliver the Chesterfield Gateway Enhancement Scheme.
The project aimed to utilise quality public realm improvements, alongside public art, as a catalyst of raising the profile and quality of Chesterfield as a place to invest, visit and live.
The funding must be used to make environmental improvements and install public art at key sites around the edges and entry points to the town centre.
TEP was commissioned by Chesterfield Borough Council to manage the delivery of a programme of public realm improvements at key gateway locations throughout Chesterfield Town Centre.
Horns Bridge Roundabout – Growth
Plans were submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for the transformation of this key gateway into the town centre and work completed in the Autumn of 2014.
The plans were for the artwork, Growth, chosen by local residents and business leaders and designed by Chesterfield-based artist Melanie Jackson. Landscape Architect, TEP, which is coordinating the work on behalf of the council, submitted the application.
The design features a wheel, or cog, integrated into the landscape showing the borough’s industrial heritage with an opening bud or flower rising out of the centre – representing the town’s future development. The flower is influenced by the flower of the Pomegranate Tree, which features on the towns coat of arms. The eight petals relate to the eight twisting facets of the town’s famous spire and also represent eight community areas that make up Chesterfield.
Melanie Jackson documented the progress of this project online. To see her blog and photographs click here.
Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and executive member for regeneration said: “Hornsbridge roundabout is the main route into Chesterfield from the M1 and is also seen by passengers entering and leaving the town by train – it is our shop window and the prime site for this artwork chosen by local residents.”
Chesterfield’s Railway Station Link
There were also improvements to entry from Malkin Street at Chesterfield Railway Station through to Corporation Street in the town centre.
The work was carried out by landscape architects TEP in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and incorporates a ‘rain garden’ which operates by diverting drainage from the road into a planted filter bed instead of going direct into the sewers.
The system slows down the release of water into the formal drainage system but also improve its quality. This will help control the flow of water at source rather than it causing flooding in other parts of Chesterfield.
The works are next to North Midland House, the town’s first railway station and, to pay homage to its heritage, the pavement will feature replica railway tickets displaying the locations people could have travelled to in the early days of Chesterfield’s railways.
What are Gateway Enhancements
Gateway enhancements are targeted improvements at key junctions which act as entrances to the Town Centre. They are provided to welcome visitors and promote the town. Examples include Sculpture, Art installation, Interpretation, Signage, Way marking, Lighting, Paving, Planting and Ground modelling.
For further information contact:
Joanne Neville
Senior Economic Development Officer (Infrastructure) Economic Development Team
01246 345254
Chesterfield Borough Council
