From a former colliery site to a contemporary business hub housing 70 businesses supporting more than 2,700 jobs, Markham Vale is celebrating turning 20.
A joint venture in partnership with property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, the 200-acre scheme – situated off M1 junction 29a – is centred around what was the mostly derelict Markham Colliery site and has been transformed into a prime business location over the last 2 decades.
The successful partnership has resulted in the creation of bespoke spaces for businesses of all sizes. From local start-ups such as a car body repair shop to large occupiers such as Great Bear logistics, and medium-sized marketing agencies such as Noonah, the site has become a hub of diverse economic activity bringing employment opportunities for the local community.
Plans for further expansion and green initiatives include the installation of 30 electric vehicle charging points in collaboration with Gridserve and the improvement of cycle areas to promote sustainable transport.
Markham Vale has also fostered a sense of community and remembrance through the ‘Walking Together’ memorial as a lasting tribute to men who lost their lives in mining disasters at the site in 1937, 1938 and 1973.
Weaving through the site from the former pithead to the village of Duckmanton, the memorial features 106 individual steel statues – one for each of the men who died down the pit and acts as a permanent reminder of the site’s significant mining heritage.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “Markham Vale is a real success story and travelling around the site today you really get the chance to reflect on its phenomenal transformation over 2 decades.
“From a deserted, overgrown landscape, home to an industry of the past, to a state-of-the-art, dynamic hub attracting business and industry for the future, Markham Vale has gone from strength to strength through uncharted waters including global economic crises and not to mention a pandemic.
“Today Markham Vale continues to attract local, national, and international businesses to Derbyshire and plays a key role in helping to deliver on our commitment to building a strong, diverse, and green economy by creating jobs for local people.”
Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD added: “Our partnership with Derbyshire County Council has been fantastic. HBD is incredibly proud of our close collaboration with the local community and our support in helping occupiers grow and expand their businesses. We look forward to many more successful years ahead.”
Find out more about why Chesterfield is a perfect location to base your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/
HBD supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
