chesterfield news

Chesterfield Champions among the shortlist for Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

Chesterfield Champions, Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel have been nominated as finalists for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

The full shortlist has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.

Matlock Farm Park has been shortlisted for a total of three awards, including the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Team of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Chesterfield’s Peak Edge Hotel has been nominated for the coveted Hotel of the Year award.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby on Thursday 7th March 2024.

Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the 2024 awards celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

The 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by digital solutions company Destination Core and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism experiences to visitors from across the country, but they also serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in making the destination such a great place to live, work and visit.

“We’ve received a record number of applications this year and reaching this impressive lift of finalists is an achievement in itself. We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2024.”

Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards: The 2024 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • The Coach House, Derby
  • Sheldon House, Monyash
  • Underleigh House B&B, Hope

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock
  • Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Longnor, nr Buxton
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Bakewell
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Experience of the Year

  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale
  • Pure Outdoor, Bamford

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne

New Tourism Business of the Year

  • The Bull I’ Th’ Thorn, nr Buxton
  • Muse Escapes Ltd, Buxton
  • Pub Tours Ltd, Darley Dale

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Great Longstone
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington
  • Stainsborough Hall Ltd, Carsington
  • Waterside Barn, Bradbourne

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Award

  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • The Patternmakers, Duffield

Team of the Year

  • The George, Hathersage
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Muse Escapes, Buxton

Tourism Young Achiever

  • Helena Smith Parucker, The Museum of Making
  • Steph Taylor, Atlantik Inns
  • Emma West, Longbow Bars and Restaurants

Unsung Hero

  • Adrian Gagea, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Alan Hobson, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Jane Redfern, Wildhive Callow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Sudbury
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • The Museum of Making, Derby

For more details see: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDDTourismAwards.

Peak Edge Hotel, Matlock Farm Park and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Matlock Farm Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Graysons raises a glass to a quarter of a century in Chesterfield

A North Derbyshire legal firm is celebrating 25 years since it opened its first office in Chesterfield.

Glass Yard-based Graysons first moved onto Saltergate in 1998 and went on to help secure millions of pounds worth of compensation for former miners and their families.

Since first being in Chesterfield, the firm has been a sponsor and active supporter of Chesterfield Football Club – something that continues to this day.

In more recent times, Graysons has been a supporter of Ashgate Hospice and has sponsored their Forget Me Not Appeal for the past three years.

The company also moved to new premises at The Glass Yard development on Sheffield Road in 2022, further cementing its presence in the town.

Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons, said: “We’ve enjoyed our 25 years serving the people of Chesterfield and our recent move to the Glass Yard demonstrates our commitment to the town now and for the future.”

Graysons offers a full range of legal services to the people of Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. Graysons Solicitors specialise in property, family law, lifetime planning, wills, estates and trusts, elderly client services, personal injury and clinical negligence. The firm originally formed in 1925. Visit the company’s website to find out more.

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

The Glass Yard

The Glass Yard is a new mixed use 50,000 sq ft development in Chesterfield, comprising of a mix of office and retail space plus an artisan food and drink hall.

It is located on the former fire station site on Sheffield Road and has created a space where you can work, eat, meet and collaborate.

Find out more about the wide range of investment opportunities in Chesterfield. and discover why our town is perfectly positioned to support the growth of your business.

Hospice launch 2023 Graysons solicitors

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Planning application approved for new homes at Chesterfield Waterside

A planning application for more than 100 houses, along with more than 40 apartments at Chesterfield Waterside has been approved.

Following the submission of a detailed planning application in summer 2022, Woodall Homes has secured permission for a residential development and two commercial units as part of the regeneration scheme.

The residential development features 103 contemporary homes and 41 apartments, comprising a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, to suit a range of lifestyles and buyer needs.

Darren Abbott, Planning Director at Woodall Homes said: “We are thrilled that our Chesterfield Waterside application has now been approved.

“Sitting alongside the River Rother corridor, this development will transform the local area with modern, bespoke and energy-efficient properties plus comprehensive landscaping proposals, which include a linear riverside park with trim trail and a natural habitat edge that will provide a significant net gain in biodiversity.

“We can’t wait to reveal more details about the development over the coming months and see the exciting work getting underway as we look to further enrich the community.”

Pedestrian and cycle links are to be provided throughout the site to encourage residents to take advantage of the excellent local commuter facilities and nearby amenities of Chesterfield town centre, including the railway station, Chesterfield College and Tapton Golf Course.

Development at Chesterfield Waterside is rapidly continuing, following the completion of  One Waterside Place, a seven-storey office building which has already been fully-let to new tenants. Companies now operating from One Waterside Place include two financial firms, BHP and Rosewood Wealth Management, along with Fashion brand, Varley.

To find out more about Woodall Homes and their work within Derbyshire, visit: https://woodallhomes.co.uk/

If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about the perks of living in our town.

Woodall Homes and Chesterfield Waterside support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Woodall Homes Waterside artist impression of houses

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

Chair’s blog: “Make a difference to independent businesses this Christmas”

Christmas is approaching rapidly, which means we’ll soon see Chesterfield lit up once again. With twinkly lights, trees dressed in tinsel, and our favourite festive tunes on repeat, it’s a truly exciting time for everyone.

With so many activities to enjoy in the town, you can make many precious memories with your loved ones this Christmas period.

Regular events like the Christmas Lights Switch On, the Crooked Spire’s Festival of Christmas Trees, and the pantomime are returning. I’m very much looking forward to this year’s production of Aladdin, which will be headlined by The Chase star, Anne Hegerty… Oh yes, it will!

In our historic town centre, festive editions of the Chesterfield Artisan Market provide plenty of opportunity to source some of your favourite festive goodies. The regular market will also trade every day from Thursday 14th December, right up until Christmas Eve, making sure you can stock up on all your favourites before the big day.

And that’s not all… Santa Claus is coming to town once again! He’ll be back in his grotto at Chesterfield Market Hall, offering a chance for your youngsters to meet the man himself. You’ll also be able to catch Santa on Chesterfield Canal, so keep your eye out for their special cruises.

We’re getting into the festive spirit at Destination Chesterfield, by encouraging you to shop, eat, drink, and spend time in the local area this Christmas. We’re supporting local businesses by showcasing the best gifts, experiences and produce in the area.

Last year’s ‘Christmas in Chesterfield’ campaign was seen more than a million times online. This time around, we’re hoping to inspire more people to see what the town has to offer.

There are plenty of ways you can support Chesterfield over the festive period. Whether you’re buying gifts from local retailers or going for a meal in one of the town’s superb restaurants. We know that high streets across the country are facing challenges, so anything you can do to support your small businesses will make a big difference.

That said, businesses need your support all year round to sustain themselves and make our town thrive. We all have a daily choice whether to use the online giants or to take those extra few moments to see if we can source a product or service locally. It is simple – we use it, or we lose it.

I’ll leave you with a quote which I read recently from the team at Adorn Jewellers, based in The Shambles, one of many unique independent businesses in our town. – They said: “Christmas is a time for joy and hope. By choosing independent businesses this year, you will help to keep Chesterfield a vibrant town and bring happiness to our small business community.”

For more details on the great activities taking place across Chesterfield this festive season, go to www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On & Market

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Planning application submitted for the Gateway at PEAK Resort

Revised Phase 1 planning applications have now been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for the Gateway at PEAK, which has been consented on 300 acres of land regenerated from opencast mining located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park, outskirts of Chesterfield.

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

Like a ski resort, 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.

Phase 1 of the development will create around 1,000 jobs across these sectors with a commitment to education and green skills delivered via an onsite skills academy.

The planning consents for PEAK Gateway Resort were implemented and safeguarded in 2016. The founders of Birchall Properties, the landowner, have already invested over 35 years in nature recovery, passive rewilding and preparation for the development on the 300-acre Birchall Estate which had been the subject of extensive open-cast activities.

PEAK PHASE 1 PLAN

The development footprint for Phase One of PEAK Resort is just 10% of the 300-acre reclaimed estate. The rest of the estate continues to facilitate ongoing work and experimentation to improve biodiversity net gain and research into suitable building materials for the future development which can be gathered and replenished. It is also currently home to Forest Schools, helping bring children from urban environments into the great outdoors in safe, educational settings.

Stanton Williams were recently appointed to design the Gateway at PEAK and in recent months key, strategic agreements have been entered into, which will be announced soon. These include:

  • Heads of terms with national retail brands to become anchor tenants for the commercial village element of the Gateway.
  • An agreement with a hotel operator to bring a flagship concept to Gateway and operate the 165-room hotel.
  • Heads of terms with vehicle and transport partners to operate the zero-carbon travel hub.
  • Agreements with regional education providers to develop education and learning opportunities at the Gateway.
  • Heads of terms with a leading UK Waste Management partner to deliver waste management solutions and enable an innovative circular economy with a focus on waste reduction and recycling.

Further information:

  • PEAK Resort is a phased development of national significance. Phase 1 will represent a £200m capital investment supporting and showcasing clean growth in the visitor economy across multiple sectors.
  • Section 73 and Reserved Matters Applications relating to the already consented planning approvals have now been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council.
  • Outline and reserved matters approvals were granted for previous iterations of PEAK Resort. The revised Phase 1 has now been developed to incorporate latest best practice and operator requirements.
  • The Gateway will comprise zero carbon travel hub enabling carless access to and within the Peak District National Park, a 165-room resort hotel, a variety of F&B outlets and spaces for experiential retail facilitating all types of outdoor pursuits including a significant focus on horticulture and adventure sports.
  • The Gateway will deliver 1,000 new FTE jobs and key strategic partnerships and heads of terms are being reached with several parties which will secure the Gateway’s proposition as a travel hub, in education and skills, experiential retail, leisure, hospitality and accommodation.

Find out more about investment opportunities here in Chesterfield.

Birchall Properties supports 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, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Hogg Norton wins prestigious Great British Food Award

Hogg Norton, a North Derbyshire producer of fruit liqueurs has won Silver at this year’s Great British Food Awards for its Passion Fruit Liqueur product.

The latest accolade is Hogg Norton’s 3rd Great British Food Award, which sits alongside 10 Great Taste Awards the business has won since it was founded.  Find out more about Hogg Norton’s latest Great Taste Award win.

Explaining his delight at being recognised once again, Mike Norton, co-founder of Hogg Norton commented: “The Great British Food Awards provides us with the opportunity to have our food and drink tasted by some of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs, critics and influencers.

“This is why it is so important as we are judged by experts in their fields and we are proud that we have achieved 3 of these awards which shows we produce our liqueurs to a consistently high standard.

“Winning this award shows that our products are recognised throughout the country.  All produced in Chesterfield and made with no artificial colours or preservatives. Our liqueurs are great on their own, with Prosecco, added to tonic or a lemonade for a long drink or can flavour Gins, Vodkas, Whiskeys or Rums or even poured over desserts and ice cream.”

Speaking about how Chesterfield is the ideal location for the producer, Mike added: “Being based in the Chesterfield gives us inspiration, as we have the best of both worlds – being on the edge of the Peak District and close to all the amenities of the town.”

Hogg Norton also appeared on an episode of ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh earlier this year, with the company’s gooseberry liqueur featured on the show.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your business in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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 – Mike Norton displaying products at Chatsworth Country Fair

Mike Norton displaying Hogg Norton products at Chatsworth Country Fair 2023 – Image by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

Posted in Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

East Midlands Chamber secures £8.9m funding to deliver new generation of business support

Businesses in the region are to receive a significant boost to their operations with a helping hand from East Midlands Chamber’s new generation of business support.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has secured £8.9m of public funding until March 2025 to deliver its Accelerator project, which aims to provide one seamless point of entry for relevant business support.

It comprises key activities under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance, with the aim of helping companies at all stages of their development to start, sustain, grow and innovate.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator project brings together a number of publicly-funded contracts including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a key part of the Government’s levelling up agenda to enhance communities, businesses and skills; Innovate UK EDGE, which helps innovative SMEs to grow and achieve scale; and Made Smarter East Midlands, which assists manufacturers in switching to advanced and automated technologies.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme has been carefully designed to provide businesses across the district with the right support, at the right time.

“At the heart of the project is a team of locally-based advisers and specialists, employed by the Chamber, who will offer high-intensity support to businesses seeking to grow, create new jobs or exploit technology to improve performance.

“Working with an adviser or specialist will be a key ingredient for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support and a diagnostics report will show them where best to point their energies.”

Key activities will be delivered under the strands of net zero, innovation, digital and finance to help businesses achieve the following:

  • Develop new-to-the-firm technologies
  • Improve productivity
  • Safeguard and create jobs
  • Adopt new digital technologies and processes
  • Engage in new markets
  • Improve productivity
  • Introduce new products and services
  • Increase revenue
  • Make progress on their journey to net zero.

The Net Zero Accelerator will build on the success of the Sustainable East Midlands campaign to deliver events, workshops, and the opportunity for an energy-saving and improvement opportunities audit.

Other investment themes include increasing investment in research and development at local level, with a focus on commercialising ideas and accelerating the path to market; improving training hubs, incubators and accelerators to support entrepreneurs and start-ups through the early stages of development and growth; and taking a whole systems approach to infrastructure investment that delivers effective decarbonisation across energy, buildings and transport.

While the Accelerator programme is open to participation from all sectors, there is recognition that manufacturing, visitor economy, retail and services businesses are critically important sectors that warrant targeted support.

The East Midlands Chamber Accelerator programme will build on the success of the Growth Hub service via a range of fully-funded action-planning workshops delivered locally on topics such as finance, carbon efficiency, HR and digital marketing.

Working with a locally-based business adviser or specialist will be the first port of call for businesses interested in taking advantage of Accelerator support. Diagnostics will be assessed, and a business action plan produced through the Balanced Scorecard strategic management system model.

Growth vouchers worth up to £2,000 – covering 100% intervention – will be available for specialist or sector-specific training or consultancy advice, in addition to support for identifying and accessing grant funding.

Businesses employing more than five people and with a turnover of £100,000 are invited to apply for a Chamber subsidy covering the £750 cost of joining the Help to Grow: Management course being delivered by the region’s universities, with the remaining cost of attendance covered by a Government subsidy.

The course provides an excellent opportunity for senior managers and leaders to engage with and learn from their peers.

Collaboration is very much the theme too for the Chamber’s East Midlands Manufacturing Network, in which manufacturers have the opportunity to share best practice and seek advice during local forums that take place every six weeks.

Businesses interested in benefitting from this next generation of business support are invited to contact the Chamber’s Information team on 0333 320 0333, info@emc-dnl.co.uk to arrange an exploratory meeting with a business adviser.

Upcoming events delivered as part of the Accelerator programme include:

  • 2 November: Building a high-performance team
  • 7 November: WordPress masterclass
  • 14 November: Negotiating sales through excellent customer care
  • 15 November: Getting started with paid advertising
  • 21 November: Managing finance

Workshops will be held in person at various locations across the districts.

For a full list of East Midlands Accelerator events, visit bit.ly/AcceleratorEvents

Find out more about support available to businesses based in Chesterfield.

Commerce House, East Midlands Chamber

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Young people encouraged to discover career pathways in construction

A series of three events aim to help young people and their and parents and carers learn more about apprenticeships and the options available to them after completing school.

The first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Event will be held at Staveley Miner’s Welfare Football Club on Wednesday 15 November from 6pm to 7.30pm. The event is free to attend and designed to allow parents, carers and young people to speak directly with local employers about their options after completing school.

This event has a construction focus with local firms including The Devonshire Group, Harron Homes and Oasis Studio, talking about the wide range of roles in the sector including the building trades but also other roles including architecture, surveying, marketing, business support and many more.

There will be a question-and-answer panel where the attendees can ask about opportunities in the construction sector and pathways into it.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Young Apprentice ambassadors about their apprenticeship experience. Free refreshments and hot food will be provided to everyone attending.

The event is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, the D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is crucial that we provide the support young people, and their parents need to make informed decisions about the future. Earlier this year we launched our Skills Action Plan which is all about taking a more collaborative approach to developing skills and career opportunities in Chesterfield and events like this are key to realising that ambitious approach.

“Working with our partners at D2N2 and the ASK programme, along with local employers ensures that young people attending the event can develop a really good understanding of careers available in the construction industry and the paths they can follow from school to secure these careers. We are creating a thriving borough where everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“Please do come along to this event or one of the other sector specific events later this year – it’s a fantastic way to help young people make the right decision for themselves to develop a great career in our borough.”

Laura Wilkins, Operational Careers Hub Lead, said: “The D2N2 Careers Hub are thrilled to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and WorkPays to hold the first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information event. We are excited to invite young people, parents/carers and the wider community to meet local employers from the construction sector and hear from apprentices about their experience of working and learning.

“This will be the first of three events to be held in the Chesterfield area, our aim for these events is to ensure that young people and their parents/carers receive the information, advice and support they need to be able to make an informed decision about their next steps, and whether an apprenticeship or technical education pathway is right for them.”

Tina Patel, from the ASK programme, said: “I am looking forward to meeting parents and carers who can expect an in depth and insightful talk about the world of apprenticeships to enable you to support your child with their future career decisions. The event will provide you with a greater understanding of the vocational pathways available and how you can support your child to apply for vacancies.”

Details about further Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Events will be shared on the council’s website and social media.

Oasis Studio, The Devonshire Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

College students construction
Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Regional leaders urge government to upgrade Midland Main Line rail infrastructure

Rishi Sunak has been urged to ‘switch on’ the East Midlands rail network as fast as possible by accelerating work to electrify the region’s main link to London.

The Midland Main Line carries 3.75 million passenger journeys a year between Chesterfield, Derby, Leicester and London, but trains still have to travel on diesel power for part of the journey – impacting emissions, reliability and the time it takes to travel.

While the Midland Main Line section between London and Bedford was switched to electric power in the 1980s, the final section into the heart of the East Midlands still hasn’t been upgraded 40 years on.

Now, the region’s local authorities have come together under the banner of East Midlands Councils to call on government to name the date when work will start on a project that has been planned for years and was highlighted as a transport priority two years ago in government’s Integrated Rail Plan.

Sir Peter Soulsby, the elected Mayor of Leicester who also chairs Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) said: “In the wake of the decision to cancel HS2, our message to the Government is simple and unequivocal – name the date for Midland Mainline electrification, sign the project off and switch on the East Midlands rail network.

“If we’re not proceeding with high-speed rail then we must upgrade our existing infrastructure as a matter of urgency. Midland Main Line will be able to offer a better service for more people on upgraded trains if the final stretch into the East Midlands is at last electrified.”

Sir Peter added: “We need to change Westminster’s attitude towards transport investment in the East Midlands. We receive too little, it takes too long, and the huge potential of our businesses and communities is not being fulfilled. This has to change if we’re to power up our future.”

As it stands, 80% of the environmental benefits of travelling by train instead of car can be lost due to the emissions from locomotives moving under diesel power. Diesel trains are also noisier, and impact air quality along the line and in stations.

East Midlands Councils has set out the case for Midland Mainline electrification in a new report called ‘The Future is Electric’. Produced by expert transport analysts, the report shows that:

  • Midland Main Line adds £450m a year to the economy
  • Passenger numbers on the line have more than doubled since the 1990s
  • Midland Main Line’s catchment is more densely populated than either West Coast or East Coast mainlines
  • But while they are fully electrified, Midland Main Line is not
  • Fully electric trains will be cheaper to operate, faster and more reliable
  • Midland Main Line’s diesel operations emit 48,000 tonnes of CO2 a year
  • Experience shows an electrification programme will benefit local jobs and businesses first

The push to speed up electrification of the Midland Main Line is being supported by East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, which represents thousands of firms across the region and is the biggest organisation of its type in the UK.

Its director of policy, Chris Hobson, said: “We cannot cancel our way to economic growth and we want to see government end years of uncertainty by committing to electrify the last leg of the Midland Main Line now. In the space of the last seven years, this project has been paused, cancelled and then revived. It needs to be delivered.

“We already have teams of engineers working to electrify the line as far as South Wigston in Leicestershire. At a time when government is concerned about funding, it would make absolute sense to electrify the next stage as soon as this work is completed so that we avoid the costs and delays involved in having to remobilise a specialist workforce.

“The decision to cancel HS2 has been a bitter blow for a region that has both rail engineering expertise and huge potential for expansion. Given the growth challenges our economy faces, we cannot afford to wait any longer for an investment that is long overdue – Midland Main Line electrification must happen now.”

Electrification of the final section of the Midland Main Line would also become part of a much wider electrically-powered rail corridor, joining up with government’s Network North plan for electrification of the Hope Valley Line between Manchester and Sheffield, the line between Leeds and Sheffield, and enhancements between Nottingham and Newark.

Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This isn’t just about the Midland Main Line finally receiving the investment it needs. It also makes strategic sense to upgrade the line so that it becomes part of a regional and national electrified rail network.”

Chesterfield rail train station

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Hartington Business Park already 66% let following recent launch to market

Hartington Business Park at Staveley, which completed a refurbishment in July, has already secured significant lettings since its launch to market in January this year.

Marketed by letting specialists Commercial Property Partners (CPP), alongside Knight Frank, on behalf of the Devonshire Property Group, interest to date in the brand new, terraced, industrial warehouse accommodation has been exceptionally strong, resulting in three of the units already snapped up with a fourth under offer – leaving just two available.

Ranging in size from 2,479 sq. ft up to 4,899 sq. ft, the units have been built to a shell specification allowing occupiers the flexibility to utilise the space for maximum business benefits. Office fit-out packages are also available from the landlord, if required.

The Hartington units, built with a steel portal frame and steel profile cladding, offer 6m clear height, secure concrete yards, EV charging points, full fibre broadband and ample parking spaces.

The Park is conveniently located on the northern edge of Staveley, five miles to the North East of Chesterfield. The site further benefits from easy access to the M1 via J30 and J29A, located just 3.5 miles and 2.5 miles away respectively.

CPP Senior Surveyor Max Pickering said: “Hartington Business Park has been built to a high specification and is in a great location for a range of commercial or industrial businesses looking to have a base in central Derbyshire.

“Its easy access to the M1 has garnered interest from a variety of would-be tenants and we are confident the remaining units will be occupied in the very near future.

“Its accessibility to a large skilled workforce within commuting distance of Chesterfield, Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, has also been a strong pull for businesses looking to relocate.”

Commenting on the recent deals, Adam Mayfield, Property Development Surveyor at the Devonshire Property Group said, “We are delighted at the current appetite for Hartington Business Park, testament to a first-class build, fit out and premium location.

“Our thanks to the team at CPP for their support and expertise in securing the current deals and ongoing marketing.”

Find out more about locating your organisation in Chesterfield.

hartington business park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Support for Chesterfield residents and businesses affected by flooding

Chesterfield’s businesses, organisations and community groups are working hard to support residents affected by flooding in recent days caused by Storm Babet.

Some residents and businesses had to evacuate their homes and premises due to the rising water levels on Friday.

Read more about some of the support and community fundrainsing efforts taking place across the town in our roundup below:

East Midlands Chamber offers support for affected businesses

The chamber of commerce’s information team, which can be contacted by calling 0333 320 0333, can provide advice to businesses – whether or not they are Chamber members – on what they can do and where support is available in their local area.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Major floods like we’ve seen during Storm Babet can cause huge anguish for business owners, but it’s important they know they aren’t alone and support is available.

“Our information team has already provided key advice to some businesses in our region since the floods hit at the end of last week, and we would urge anyone who would benefit from speaking to a friendly voice to get in touch.”

Some local authorities, including Derby City Council, have also asked employers in the area to encourage employees to work from home where possible to minimise traffic while a clean-up operation is carried out.

Scott added: “During an emergency like this, we are all in it together and there are small steps businesses may be able to take to offer their support, such as through encouraging staff to work from home, where this is possible, for a temporary period.

“It’s also important that all parties – such as local authorities, emergency services, central Government and other local stakeholders – co-ordinate effectively during the clean-up to help everyone get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

Fundraiser launched for residents affected by floods

Lifehouse church, based in the Brampton area has launched the appeal in partnership with Toby Perkins MP and local charities, agencies and businesses.

Hundreds of people in Chesterfield have been affected by the flooding over the weekend. Homes were flooded and businesses were forced to close due to the conditions.

Having already raised more than £25,000 over the weekend, the church is hoping to be able to provide food, clothing, supplies and the necessary essentials for those in need. A dedicated pot from the Church charity will seek to directly support families and homes that have been affected.

Church Pastor, Paul Hollingworth commented in a video posted by the church: “We are right in the heart of the community here in Brampton. The floods swept through the whole heart of the town and has had a huge impact on many people’s lives, not just today but for the months ahead.

“We’ve decided to do as much as we practically can today, by setting up a funding page which is going to help people with some of life’s necessities.”

Paul’s wife Sarah, also a Pastor with the church, said: “What we really want people to do is not only give, but to share, because the more people share it the wider the reach is. We have a £50,000 target and I’m really confident that we can smash that.”

Donate to the Appeal on the GoFundMe website.

Offers of Support from Chesterfield Champions

Wilkins Vardy offers temporary business premises

They have a double-width shop front on glumangate (our building was once two properties which we knocked through many years ago) and some offices on three floors, some of which are currently empty.
• They could possibly house part of a small business to sit along our normal office set up on their shop floor.
• They also have some empty space on the upper floors, with IT and telephone connectivity.
•Their shop front has digital displays, so we would be happy for business to use some of these to help with marketing!
You can contact Wilkins Vardy on 01246 270123

 

Paperclip offers 14 days free call answering support for businesses in Noth Derbyshire impacted by the flooding.

If you would be interested in this support please contact Lousie Bellwood at Paperclip on 01246 418181.

The Spire viewed from Old Whittington along Whittington Moor

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,