Barrow Hill Roundhouse Archives - Destination Chesterfield

Planning permission sought for rail training and innovation centre

20th November 2023

Planning permission is being sought for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) – a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

If approved the new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support speciality rail industry training, research and development facilities and commercial space for rail related businesses.

In total the building is expected to cost around £4 million. Funding for the project has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal.

Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Rail sector offers a fantastic range of high-quality careers and DRIIVe is all about ensuing our residents can receive the skills and training they need to access these opportunities. This is an ambitious project that will create opportunities for generations to come and reflects the council’s aims to expand the local Rail sector.

“I’m delighted that Town Deal funding is being used to support the development of this building because new training facilities like this will improve career prospects and help ensure that Staveley is the place to start, to stay and to grow.”

Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “If it is approved, DRIIVe will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry in Chesterfield and we look forward to speaking to companies about the potential benefits of being based at the centre. Any revenue from the building will be used to support the Roundhouse in achieving its aim of preserving our local Rail heritage.”

DRIIVe will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space consisting of classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.

The centre will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.

Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.

DRIIVe will create about 20 full time jobs and by year five it aims to support around 270 trainees, supporting local people to access highly skilled careers in the rail industry.

Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund.

Derbyshire’s Shine A Light festival marks another successful year

24th February 2023

Shine A Light has been hailed a success for the second year running, with the after-dark spectacular attracting more than 6,000 visitors to Derbyshire attractions.

Crowds were dazzled by stunning large-scale audio-visual displays featuring awe-inspiring animations and live musical performances in the season finale at Hardwick Hall on Friday and Saturday last week (17th and 18th February)

The weekend marked the end of an 8-date run at 4 iconic Derbyshire venues, which included Barrow Hill Roundhouse and most recently Hardwick Hall.

Delivered by internationally renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light was commissioned to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “The return of Shine A Light in 2022/23 promised to be even bigger and better – and it didn’t disappoint.

“We’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which provide excellent family entertainment for tourists and residents alike and I’m pleased to say we’ve had some fantastic feedback.

“Illuminos really are masters of their craft and we look forward to building on the success of the last 2 seasons of Shine A Light for a third run later this year – so watch this space!”

The cutting-edge animations ran at regular intervals throughout the events, with each display incorporating a live performance from a brass quartet featuring trumpeters and trombonists brought together by the Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership.

Matt Dillon, Visitor Experience and Operations Manager at Hardwick Hall, said: “We’re delighted to host Shine a Light in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, and for this wonderful opportunity to highlight the fascinating history of Hardwick and it’s proud former owner Bess.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Shine A Light has entertained thousands of people with magical displays at some of Derbyshire’s most iconic heritage venues. As well as bringing local history to life, these special events have provided a great opportunity for communities to come together and appreciate some of the brilliant attractions on our doorstep.

“Shine A Light has also played a key role in supporting the recovery of local visitor economy businesses whilst encouraging off-peak visits to the area, and we can’t wait to see what the third season has in store.”

Shine a Light Festival at Barrow Hill Roundhouse