chesterfield borough council

£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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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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

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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Chesterfield Digital High Street project equips 127 businesses for the future

More than 120 businesses in the Chesterfield borough are now up to speed with the online revolution after receiving expert digital support via an innovative scheme.

Since being launched in June last year, the Chesterfield Digital High Street project has engaged 127 small and microbusinesses reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into the digital world by building their online offering for customers and improving their social media profile.

Of this cohort, 81 businesses worked with a digital high street adviser, 56 companies developed a digital action plan and 50 firms accessed grants worth £2,200.

Some 38 new websites are now either live or in development – many of these equipped with the latest payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber and its strategic partners Purpose Media and Destination Chesterfield, the year-long project aimed to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which were hit hardest by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level of engagement with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project among businesses, which are now well-placed to embrace current and future digital trends.

“This will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

Among the businesses that have benefited from support is Café Nellie, a recently-opened independent coffee shop in Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.

Owner Tracey Wallis said she was aware the business needed a marketing strategy to quickly become visible to a wide and varied audience.

But as none of the six-strong team had much experience of using social media, the Chamber’s support came at “exactly the right time”, with digital high street advisers Steve Phillips and Alex Gardner helping to build a website and Facebook page.

“Since our Facebook page went ‘live’, we have seen a marked increase in in table bookings,” said Tracey. “Despite the recent heatwave, our sales have increased by about 30%, which our own research suggests is a direct result of our social media presence.

“Having a website is just as important in enabling non-social media users to access attractive, up-to-date information about Café Nellie. In the future, we hope to develop the site to enable our customers to purchase gift vouchers, our own brand of coffee and to make table bookings online.”

While Ibrahim Assaf was literate in using Facebook to promote his business Ibzy Salon, located in Chesterfield’s Jawbones Hill, he noticed it couldn’t be found very easily on Google – with the barbershop, tattoo studio and shisha bar’s location on Google Maps in the wrong place.

“I struggled with the process of updating Google but after experiencing frustration, I left it,” he said.

He signed up to the Chesterfield Digital High Street project and received one-to-one support from Steve, who talked him through the problems he had encountered and came up with a digital action plan.

Ibrahim, who also took up the offer of creating a website, added: “I didn’t have a Google Business Profile at the time, which meant we weren’t listed and new customers couldn’t find me. Steve helped me to set up my page and download the app, so I can easily make changes to opening times and prices.

“I have noticed an increase in new customers who have come to us by finding us on Google and through our new website. In one week last month, we had a 300% increase in visitors to the shop compared to the previous week.

“The website has given me credibility and with setting up the Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews, which will help boost my visibility and attract new customers.

“With the bigger customer base, I have now recruited another two barbers so we can offer more services and shorter waiting times. We are very much looking forward to the future – with the help from my advisor Steve, we have the tools to grow the business.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The Digital High Street project has been very successful in helping many organisations that were affected by the pandemic to get online and increase their interaction with customers in a new way.

“We have been able to review current marketing and social media activities, and support businesses on any recommended actions, set up Google listings if needed and offer each organisation a one-year membership to East Midlands Chamber.

“We have received excellent feedback from those who have taken part in the project, with many increasing their online profile so they can expand their business presence.”

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project has now ended but the Chamber continues to offer support to businesses across the region via a digital high street adviser. To find out what support is available, email information@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333.

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Council seeks training provider for new Staveley Construction Skills Hub

Chesterfield Borough Council has published an exciting tender opportunity in order to secure a training provider for the Staveley Construction Skills Hub.

The Hub will provide an innovative on-site construction training facility where trainees can benefit from practical skills development in a wide variety of construction occupational areas on a live construction site in Mastin Moor.

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

There will also be a careers insight programme, which will be developed in collaboration with local schools, and opportunities for work experience to help young people make informed decisions about their futures.

The first cohort of learners will be engaged from the Autumn term 2022 with the training compound expected to be fully operational from September 2023.

Funding for the Construction Skills Hub has been allocated through the Staveley Town Deal and the land for the site has been provided by the Devonshire Group who are the developer for the major housing site.

The £25 million Staveley Town Deal is a significant milestone for the range of projects that will receive funding through the Towns Fund, which are being delivered by a variety of organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Staveley Town Council, Barrow Hill Community Trust, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and Tawnywood Ltd.

Together the projects offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents, create new employment opportunities with higher level skills, ensure it is a place where everyone can be proud to live and guarantee that the town and its residents have a bright future ahead – supporting Staveley as a place to start, stay and grow.

The deadline for tenders is Friday 19 August, more information about the tender can be found on Source Derbyshire.

 

recruiting apprentices

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£570 million regeneration programme currently taking place across Derbyshire

It has been revealed that more than £570 million worth of regeneration is currently taking place across Derbyshire, with a large proportion taking place in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The figure was revealed recently by Derbyshire County Council as cabinet members were updated on the progress of various regeneration projects happening in our county.

More than 50 major projects are included in the programme, initiated either by the County Council, by the government or by district or borough councils.

Project currently underway in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire include:

Hollis Lane Link Road phase 1 (£10.8 million)

Construction of new road into Chesterfield Station as part of the Chesterfield Station Master Plan. A planning application has been submitted and if approved the project will be funded jointly through government’s Local Growth Fund (£3.8 million) and £7 million from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.

Find out more

Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (£125 million)

Reclamation works and construction of a 3.7 mile road connecting Chesterfield with Staveley, opening up land for jobs and housing. Outline business case for funding due to be submitted to government at the end of summer 2022 requesting £106 million to help fund the project with a further £19 million expected to be contributed by local public and private sector partners.

Find out more

Staveley Town Deal Investment Plan (£25 million)

Being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council and funded by the government’s Town Deal. Derbyshire County Council is involved in 3 projects as part of the plan: new commercial/retail/leisure facilities at Staveley Basin and town centre improvements including support for the Wheels to Work scheme, plus work towards the potential reopening of the Barrow Hill rail line.

Find out more

Connecting Chesterfield (£20 million)

Chesterfield Borough Council is leading this project to improve the town centre using Levelling Up funding from government with support from Derbyshrie County Council.

Find out more

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure at Derbyshire County Council, Cllr Carolyn Renwick, said: “This regeneration programme demonstrates good growth in Derbyshire with major regeneration projects across the county to support job creation and keep Derbyshire moving.

“These projects follow the successful completion of a £13 million county council-led scheme to build a new road linking Woodville and Swadlincote, cutting congestion and unlocking employment land.

“We’re proud to be a driving force for regeneration and levelling up in Derbyshire and welcome much-needed investment from government to improve our county’s economic prospects.”

To find out more about the wide range of regeneration projects taking place across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Details of Chesterfield’s rapid regeneration will also be outlined at the upcoming Chesterfield Investment Summit this September. Find out more and book your place at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

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Visitors and families to enjoy medieval fun day in Chesterfield town centre

Visitors to Chesterfield town centre will be able to have fun family day out themed around the Middle Ages, as the Medieval Fun Day returns.

The popular town centre event organised by Chesterfield Borough Council will return on Tuesday 26 July from 10am to 5pm. There will be lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy including a fun fair, stalls in the market and medieval re-enactors.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “Chesterfield Medieval Fun Day is a really popular event and always draws large crowds to the town centre. It’s fantastic that we can finally bring this event back this year, it’s a fun day out for the whole family and a great opportunity to learn about our town’s medieval past.”

The popular Thomas Stanley Retinue reenactors group will be setting up their encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire. You’ll be able to find out more about life as a knight in the medieval period and they will be arming the knight, re-enacting skirmishes and marching through the town to the Market Place in full costume.

The dragon that battled with a Knight in the town centre in 2019 will be making a comeback and entertaining audiences in the Market Place.

A Medieval Surgeon will be on Burlington Street to give you all the details about grisly medieval medicine including common diseases, surgical procedures such as trepanning and amputation – he’ll even be bringing along his own leeches.

The Medieval Maniax will bring their hilarious show to Chesterfield, filled with mind-boggling tricks contortions and laugh-out-loud jokes.

For a charge Tower Tours will be available at the Crooked Spire. There will also be a Hunt the Sprite trail where families can search the Church for Sprites, which are a supernatural creature from Medieval folklore.

Members of the council’s museum team will be on Burlington Street and you will be able to learn more about Medieval life, dress up in medieval costume and create some medieval crafts.

The day also features appearances from walkabout characters including the Damsels in Distress, Goblins and other Medieval characters.

There will also be prizes available for the best dressed trader. Stalls can be booked by traders, charities and community groups on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

The Medieval Fun Day was last held in July 2019, it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.

Full details of the event, including timings, will be available on the Visit Chesterfield website: www.visitchesterfield.info/medieval

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Chesterfield car boot sale set to return to Technique Stadium

A regular car boot sale will be returning to Chesterfield once again, located at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium.

After a long pause in operation at the Rose Hill car park site, a transfer back to the football club for the popular weekly car boot sale can now be announced.

Due to the lack of permanent toilet facilities at Rose Hill, a relocation was sought once again.  The football club previously successfully hosted the car boot prior to it being held at Rose Hill.

Both Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Football Club are delighted that the popular weekly car boot can recommence from Sunday, July 10, 2022.

The club will be operating the car boot under licence from the council and in conjunction with the area’s largest car boot operator, Treasure Trove Fairs.

Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, Bridget Ball, said: “We are delighted to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and Treasure Trove Fairs to bring the Car Boot back to the Technique Stadium.

“We have the facilities and space to accommodate many car booters and I’m sure this news will be well received by those who enjoy selling at car boot sales and attending them.”

Treasure Trove Fairs owner, Mike Snow, said, “It’s so exciting to see the rebirth of this incredibly popular car boot sale.

“There will be many introductory offers for car booters, including Tesco gift cards, free matchday vouchers, and many other goodies.

“We’re pleased to have teamed up with Tesco to offer free car parking and we can’t thank the store enough for their kind co-operation.

“We’re thrilled to work with Chesterfield Football Club, who have been kind enough to offer the use of toilets in Chester’s Den and give us this amazing opportunity.”

Full details of set up times, trading times, parking and pitch fees can be found on the Treasure Trove Fairs Facebook Group or by ringing Mike on 07966 445452 Opening times: 7am – 1pm. £10 per pitch. Public admission is free.

Chesterfield Football Club 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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Businesses called on to get involved with Made in Chesterfield 2022

Made in Chesterfield, the campaign designed to bring engineering, manufacturing, property and construction businesses together with schools and training providers, is returning in November and Destination Chesterfield is urging businesses to get involved.

The annual campaign, which will run from 7 November – 2 December now in its eighth year. It has already introduced thousands of young people across North East Derbyshire to the wide range of careers available in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector.

With the skills shortage in the STEM sector becoming an even bigger issue for businesses, Made in Chesterfield 2022 aims to inspire a new generation of employees to join the sector.

Since the campaign’s inception, more than 3,500 young people from schools have spent time in the area’s manufacturing and engineering businesses and Chesterfield College has seen an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects. Now, following its success, the campaign is welcoming businesses in the property and construction sector to take part.

Sponsored by The Chesterfield College Group, Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest.

The organisation of Made in Chesterfield is financially supported by the D2N2 Derbyshire North Careers Hub as part of their regional Open Doors programme.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “There’s a huge skills gap and an ageing workforce issue within the engineering, manufacturing, property and construction sectors. Made in Chesterfield is helping local businesses take those all-important steps needed to inspire the next generation and build a strong recruitment pipeline for future growth and stability.

“The workplace tours, which are organised as part of Made in Chesterfield, are a fantastic way to introduce your business to young people who are at school and college now, showing them the number of high-quality career opportunities available on their doorstep.”

Julie Richards, Principle and CEO of Chesterfield College Group commented: “’We’re delighted to continue our support for the Made in Chesterfield initiative. The growth of engineering, science, technology and manufacturing locally is something we have mirrored in our curriculum and facilities with investment in the latest technologies, such as 3D printing and augmented reality, all with a focus on sustainability.

“Our commitment to the next generation of local workforce is to inspire them and equip them with the skills and experience that sets them up for a successful career in industry. A large part of that relies on the involvement of local employers to provide vital opportunities such as industry placements, work experience, site visits, guest lectures and apprenticeships to help a young person experience an industry. As such, we certainly encourage those businesses not already engaged with Made in Chesterfield to get involved and help to generate the next generation of local workforce.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) added: “DEBP looks forward to continuing in our role with Made in Chesterfield. We will be delighted to support businesses in providing fantastic visits for learners; enabling young people to engage with inspirational employers and learn about the amazing employment opportunities on offer locally.”

As well as the workplace tours during Made in Chesterfield, schools can access a range of careers videos and tours of Chesterfield businesses to allow young people to experience the tours, activities and careers information they would receive in person, virtually. Alongside this, young people can access the Myfuture Virtual Careers Exhibition, where they can meet local employers, learn about exciting employment opportunities and much more.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar, commented on the importance of developing the workforce of the future: “With an eye on future workforce needs, regularly inviting school children to the foundry through the Made in Chesterfield initiative plays an important part in our recruitment.

Destination Chesterfield is hosting a Made in Chesterfield business drop-in session for those businesses that wish to learn more about the campaign, with a representative from United Cast Bar attending to discuss their experiences and answer any questions. The session will be taking place at United Cast Bar in Chesterfield and will run from 2:00pm – 4:00pm on Thursday 14 July.

If you’re a local manufacturing, engineering, property or construction business that would like to find out more about Made in Chesterfield, please visit the website and register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-chesterfield-business-drop-in-session-tickets-366705314467

To find out more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contact Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Pomegranate Theatre set to close for multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to temporarily close its doors later this month in preparation for a multi-million-pound renovation project that will create an enhanced and improved customer experience.

The theatre will close on Sunday 26 June before planned refurbishment works start on Stephenson Memorial Hall.

A series of community led events have been arranged ahead of the temporary closure.  These performances include, An Afternoon of Song and Dance organised by the Chesterfield Theatre Friends on 19 June and local ladies choir, the Honey Belles, on Saturday 25 June. The Heights Ballet & Theatre School will present Peter Pan on Sunday 26 June before the curtains close ahead of the renovation project.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “Stephenson Memorial Hall is a landmark in our town and our ambitious plans are set to make it even more memorable and enjoyable – creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town.

“Colleagues have been working to carefully move all of the treasured items from the Museum into secure storage. Now this is nearing completion, we are now in a position to close the Pomegranate Theatre and move many of our shows into the Winding Wheel while the transformation of the building is carried out.”

Residents and visitors to the borough will still be able to enjoy a trip to the theatre as lots of popular shows will be moving across to the Winding Wheel during the refurbishment, including the annual pantomime which you can purchase tickets for on the Chesterfield Theatres website: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade 2 listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include three new lifts which will enable visitors, staff and artists with mobility difficulties to access all parts of the building including the circle seating area and upper museum floors.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

The project is projected to cost around £17.5 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project received a further funding boost with £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme which will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through the Governments Levelling Up fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help maintain Chesterfield as a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Find out more about the proposals for the Stephenson Memorial Hall on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/revitalising-the-heart-of-chesterfield/stephenson-memorial-hall-development

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

Council partners with Chesterfield Pride for 2022 LGBTQ+ celebration

Chesterfield Borough Council is proud to announce it will once again be the headline sponsor for Chesterfield Pride 2022.

After the successful partnership in 2021 the council has teamed up with the organisers of Chesterfield Pride again to back the annual family-friendly event which supports and celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Chesterfield Pride takes centre stage at Stand Road Park on Sunday 24 July from 12pm until 7pm. Nadine Coyle of Girls Aloud fame will be the headline act this year with support from acts including Jo O’Meara, Kelly Wilde and local musician Alfie Darlin.

Donna Reddish, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – corporate, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.

“Since 2015 the organisers have worked so hard to ensure this event can thrive in our town and it is truly open for everyone to have fun packed day filled with positivity.”

Dan Walker, Chesterfield Pride organiser, said: “We are so excited to have Chesterfield Borough Council as the events Main Sponsors. This partnership will help us deliver a fantastic event for everyone to enjoy and also highlights the council’s commitment in supporting the LGBTQ community.”

Family-friendly music and comedy acts will feature on the council-sponsored Main Stage, with entertainment running throughout the day.

There will also be a cabaret stage, fairground rides and a variety of stalls hosted by local organisations as part of the day’s line-up.

The strengthened partnership is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support Chesterfield’s LGBTQ+ community.

For more information about the event, or to buy tickets, please visit the Chesterfield Pride website or search ‘Chesterfield Pride’ on Facebook.

To find out more about all the events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this Summer, go to: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

joe 1 Chesterfield Pride

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

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