Destination Chesterfield

Peak Pharmacy set to move to ultra-modern headquarters in North Derbyshire

Work has begun in Derbyshire to build a new ultra-modern headquarters for Peak Pharmacy, which will process millions of prescriptions per year for their patients.

Called Project Horizon, the multi-million pound venture at Markham Vale near junction 29A of the M1 signals a new chapter for the Chesterfield-based company.

The new Pharmacy Service Centre will handle prescriptions and dispatch medicines for the firm’s 150 community pharmacies across England. Prescriptions will be assembled for individual patients, then either delivered to local pharmacies for collection the next day, or direct to patients’ homes.

The facility will use state-of-the-art robots and automated systems to support staff handling over 400,000 medicines and other prescribed items every month – that’s 20,000 a day, more than 40 every minute.

Peak Pharmacy’s move is in response to caps in Government funding, which mean that pharmacy businesses are having to be more efficient in how they handle prescriptions. Centralising the process will also free up local pharmacists and Peak Pharmacy staff to provide other services for patients, such as vaccinations, blood pressure checks and healthy living advice.

Managing Director Joe Cattee, whose parents Peter and Jane founded Peak Pharmacy in 1981, said: “These are ambitious plans for our company, staff and customers – in the face of a rapidly changing pharmacy landscape.

“This will be transformational for us. We’re investing now to future-proof our business, so that we can continue to provide great local customer service which means so much to us.”

The new hub is due to open in April next year. It will house up to 100 staff, with the potential to grow into a 24-hour operation in future.

Peak Pharmacy is planning to be in a position to offer a centralised dispensing service to other independent pharmacies which don’t have the resources to develop their own centralised service, should the legislation allowing this change in the near future.

Mr Cattee added: “We’re inviting other pharmacies to contact us now, so we can show them how our hub can benefit them too.”

The company is investing more than £20m on Project Horizon, a significant proportion of which will be spent on automation technology. Around 40% of all prescriptions can be processed in this way.

The project will replace five smaller existing Peak Pharmacy sites in Derbyshire.  The new hub, on the site of the former Coalite coking plant in Bolsover, will:

  • Cover 113,000 square feet
  • Have a continued focus on sustainability, with energy efficiency measures, electric charge points for colleague and business vehicles, major tree-planting and a bat box
  • Provide an excellent working environment for staff, including a canteen and leisure facilities

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

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

Business community called on to shout about its success

Businesses both new and well-established are being urged to celebrate their successes by entering one of five categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards.  

The annual awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire Facilities Management, recognise the resilience and progress of the town’s businesses.

The five categories, now open for applications, are designed to raise the profile of organisations that have made a meaningful impact to the built environment of Chesterfield; new sole traders and limited companies; firms benefitting from forward-thinking apprentices; companies demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability; and accessible hospitality businesses. The deadline to enter is Thursday 30 June.

This year, the Regeneration Award is open to both individual businesses and collectives that have supported or delivered high quality spaces within six miles of Chesterfield town centre.

Once again, the winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award will get a further boost, receiving 10 hours of free mentoring from Banner Jones Solicitors’ and also a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We originally launched the Love Chesterfield Awards to recognise the hard work of the wider business community. The challenges of the last two years have made these awards all the more important and I hope members of the business community will put themselves or their apprentices forward for an award and get the recognition they so deserve.”

Businesses can enter the following categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards:

The deadline for applications is Thursday 30 June. Apply today here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/apply-for-the-love-chesterfield-awards/.

The five business categories are in addition to the 10 public nomination categories for Chesterfield’s high street food, drink and retail businesses. Public nominations closed on 31 May with nominated businesses now set to be evaluated by a panel of mystery judges.

The winners of all the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards categories will be announced at a glittering black tie ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

Peter Currey, CEO at Entire Facilities Management commented: “As well as the many great food and drink businesses and retailers in Chesterfield, it’s great to be able to recognise the wider business community in the Awards. Apprenticeships, sustainability, accessibility, regeneration and entrepreneurship are helping drive the town’s growth, and I am delighted that this is being recognised at the Love Chesterfield Awards.”

As well as the above sponsors, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the turmoil and 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.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information about the remaining sponsorship packages 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, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Dr. Hal Spencer named as new CEO at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Following an extensive independently managed recruitment process,  Dr Hal Spencer has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Hal had been Medical Director at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust since 2018 – after spending two years as the Divisional Director for the hospital’s Medicine and Emergency Care Division. After undertaking his training in Cambridge and London, he went to work as a junior Doctor in Nottingham Middlesbrough and Australia. He then completed his general medicine and specialist Gastroenterology training in and around Sheffield, including a year as a Registrar in Chesterfield where he joined the consultant team in 2004.

Dr Hal Spencer said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, a hospital I have worked in since I was a junior Doctor. I am proud of all my colleagues and the care and support we give both to each other and to our patients. We do great things here, and I am very much looking forward to leading our teams to do so much more. It is a very exciting time to take over the reins.”

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the Trust said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that Hal has appointed as Chief Executive of CRH. I know that colleagues and stakeholders join with me in wishing him the very best in the role. It is Hal’s authenticity, respect, and ability to truly show how he lives our values that will define his leadership of the Trust.”

Dr. Spencer has also joined the board of Destination Chesterfield, helping to drive forward the promotion of the town.

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

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

Nominate now! People urged to nominate their business heroes for Love Chesterfield Awards 2022

Chesterfield’s annual Love Chesterfield Awards are returning in 2022 to recognise the heroes of the town’s high street and wider business community.

The awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprenticeships and sustainability.

From now until the 31 May, people can nominate their favourite pub, restaurant, café, tearoom, food producer, independent and chain retailer, hospitality business, market trader and high street business across 10 categories in the annual awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, nominations for the prestigious awards can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

Nominated businesses will be evaluated by a mystery panel of judges before the winners are announced at a glittering black tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

With 310 new businesses opening in Chesterfield since the start of the pandemic, there should be no shortage of choice for nominations.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “The town’s businesses have, once again, proved that they don’t stand still in the face of adversity, adapting and, in some cases, expanding, during the pandemic.

“Nominating a business for a Love Chesterfield Award is an excellent opportunity for people to show their appreciation and gain public recognition for the town’s businesses that go the extra mile.”

Peter Currey, CEO of EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the headline sponsor of the awards, commented: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor, once again, for the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise the many fantastic businesses, organisations and individuals that are working so hard to keep Chesterfield thriving.”

There are 15 categories in total in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022, however people can nominate across 10 categories:

  • Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management
  • Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
  • Independent High Street Business of the Year
  • Best New Hospitality Business
  • Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
  • Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Sutton McGrath Hartley
  • Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Café/Tea Room of the Year
  • Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
  • Excellence in Customer Service

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022 include the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants, Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd, Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by DBC Training and Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors. Businesses can put themselves forward for one of these prestigious awards with entries opening for these categories from 12 May until 30 June.

As well as the individual award sponsors, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Derbyshire Times, Elder Way and JP Fire Safety Solutions.

Nominate online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/ until midnight on 31 May 2022.

Peter Swallow added: “After the turmoil and uncertainty of the last two years, we expect the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards to be our biggest and best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors. We’re encouraging those who would like to show appreciation for the town’s business community to make an enquiry about the packages available.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information about the remaining sponsorship packages 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, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that Chesterfield is future-proofed”

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow has published his latest blog focusing on the importance of skills and job creation in the town.

2022 certainly kicked off in style (pun intended) with a trip to Chelsea for Chesterfield FC in the FA Cup.

In what was the ultimate David and Goliath match, Chesterfield FC’s players battled bravely to the end and did themselves proud. However, we must not overlook the fans- Thousands of Spireites travelled to Stamford Bridge and their conduct, friendliness, and optimism made them the ultimate ambassadors for the town. I could not have been more proud of Chesterfield on this historic day.

The conduct of players and fans helped raised the profile of our town in a very positive way, not just nationally but internationally with goodwill messages being received from as far afield as Africa and Russia.

At the 80th minute it would have been easier for the players to sit back and prevent more goals. Not our players, they battled on to score a precious goal against the reigning European champions, sending the fans back home with a smile on their face.

Doesn’t this mirror Chesterfield’s response to the pandemic?

Two years, the town could have bunkered down and ridden out the pandemic. Instead, we chose to forge ahead with existing plans and came up with innovative solutions to ensure Chesterfield continued to grow and develop in the face of adversity.

During the pandemic, Chesterfield has attracted more than £30million in government funding to help revitalise the town centre and regenerate Staveley. Most importantly jobs and opportunities will be created for thousands of young people in the borough.

The last two years have been extremely challenging for students and employers, and it has never been more important to work together to ensure Chesterfield has the skills to grow and recover from those challenges.

We’re committed to creating jobs for local people, which is why, with more than 16,000 students in North Derbyshire set to gain their GCSE and A level qualifications in the next five years, it’s important that they are work ready and know about the opportunities – like apprenticeships – available to them when they leave education.

The annual Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills Conference, which this year fell during National Apprenticeship Week – plays a big role in this.

Organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield with support from Derbyshire North Careers Hub, it continues to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses. Apprenticeships, alongside university and college all take equal billing at the conference, recognising the importance each of them plays in ensuring the town has a skilled workforce.

However, let’s not wait for a conference and awareness week to highlight the importance and value of apprenticeships. Make sure young people around you are aware of apprenticeships and the value they bring to their personal and professional development and the town’s prosperity.

We all have a role to play in ensuring that Chesterfield is future-proofed. Having a skilled workforce is key to ensure our town continues to thrive for generations to come.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital announces her retirement

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Executive, Angie Smithson, has announced that she will retire in April.

After serving 36 years in healthcare, Angie joined the Trust almost three years ago and has since provided leadership throughout the pandemic.

Angie has also served as a member of the Destination Chesterfield board, helping to guide the strategic direction of the promotion of Chesterfield as a place to live, work, visit and invest.

Dr Hal Spencer, the Trust’s current Medical Director, will take the role in the interim before recruitment is expected to begin later in the year.

Angie said: “I can’t say enough about how incredibly proud I am of all our colleagues who make the NHS and Chesterfield Royal Hospital the place it is today.

“We have a caring and successful organisation and continue to recruit and retain some of the very best colleagues in the country. We are now setting course for the future with Joined Up Care Derbyshire and the establishment of the Integrated Care Boards, this provides a clear vision of the further ongoing improvements we want to make for our patients.

“Seeing that through is a long-term job and as my plan was to retire at this age, now feels like the right time to leave on a high. I will stay in position to provide a suitable handover and provide stability to the organisation that I am hugely proud of and I will be handing over to Dr Hal Spencer as the interim Chief Executive from 1 April. I know Dr Spencer will offer clear and compassionate leadership during these challenging times.

“It has been such a privilege to have worked in healthcare for the whole of my career and to have been the Chief Executive here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I have relished leading through these unchartered waters with a team that continue to go not only the extra mile but the extra marathon! You are a credit to the organisation, the NHS and the communities we care for. Thank you.”

Angie’s career started in nursing in 1986 and has since worked in nursing and midwifery, whilst completing her degree. She then moved into general management roles, completing an MBA and has served in Board Director roles in Foundation Trusts for the last 14 years.

During her time in charge, Chesterfield Royal Hospital was shortlisted by the HSJ for two years running for Staff Engagement and Freedom to Speak up, receiving highly commended accolades for both, has refreshed the Trust Five Year Strategy and also agreed and commenced the £24m Urgent and Emergency Development – all alongside managing the pandemic. The Trust is currently rated as Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the Trust, added: “We wish Angie all the very best for the future. Her leadership has been greatly appreciated during what has been an unprecedented period of challenge compounded by the effects of the pandemic.”

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

First Staveley Town Deal project approved

Plans to improve parking facilities opposite the Chantry Road Playing fields in Staveley have been approved.

The project will see the number of parking places increase as well as better visibility of the site from the road, improved lighting and better access to the playing fields, cemetery and on to the Trans Pennine Trail.

Terry Damms, Chairman of Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club (MWFC), said: “To follow up on our Town Deal Accelerator Funding for our junior’s Chantry Pitches drainage scheme with this, is terrific news for the local community. There has been and is so much energy and commitment going into the Town Deal from all sides and we wish to thank the Town Deal representatives, Chesterfield Borough Council and their planning department who have guided and assisted us during these very difficult times through the pandemic.

“To see Staveley MWFC being awarded the first of the Town Deal funding and leading from the front is rather unique and sets the scene for the remaining £25.2m projects with their sponsors knowing that they can work towards the reality of seeing their own projects come to life with funding.

“We aren’t finished yet and with the further guidance and assistance from the Town Deal we hope our third project to build a Skills Hub Building above our clubhouse for local 16–18-year-olds to further their own sporting education will be supported by the Town Deal.”

Currently there are just 30 parking spaces available, once complete this will increase to 84 including several disabled bays – allowing even more residents and visitors to park up and enjoy and make use of the area.

Preparatory works are planned to start in the next month and completed in 2022 ready for work to begin on the improved parking facilities.

The application also includes plans to create a new pedestrian crossing which will make it safer to cross the road to access both the Chantry Playing Fields and the cemetery. It will also improve access to the Trans Pennine Trail.

Trees next to the road will be removed to increase visibility in the car park which should limit anti-social behaviour.

The works are being funded through the Staveley Town Deal. The Accelerator Funding, also part of the Town Deal supported the investment of the drainage improvements to the youth football pitches and playing fields.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “To go from discussing these projects at board meetings to delivering them so quickly is a testament to the hard work of all involved. Our plans aim to make Staveley a place to live, work and grow and we have selected a broad range of projects that will benefit the entire community. There is a long road ahead but if we continue to work together, we will see real improvements across Staveley.”

The money has been secured thanks to a Chesterfield Borough Council bid to the Government’s Town Deal – submitted on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board as part of wider plans to regenerate the area, investing £25m for capital projects.

Other projects in the Staveley Town Deal Investment Plan include, DRIIVe (Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle) which is a rail focussed innovation centre, a construction skills hub, an extension to the Staveley Hall Conference Centre, restoration of the Chesterfield Canal, and improvements to the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. These projects are still being finalised and developed with further announcements over the coming months.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see these projects move forward, these improvements will ensure that the community can make great use of the Chantry football pitches and Playing Fields and also ensure more safer use for the Trans Pennine Trail. There are a range of other projects that are being developed which will bring even more positive changes for the entire Staveley community.”

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

Derbyshire Festival of Business launched

The University of Derby, in partnership with Vision Derbyshire, has launched the Derbyshire Festival of Business, a new initiative which aims to celebrate the resilience of our business community over the past two years and help businesses capitalise on opportunities as the county recovers from the pandemic.

The festival will help to connect and support local organisations, whilst showcasing Derbyshire’s extensive business capability to future clients, customers, and investors.

The University is working in collaboration with Destination Chesterfield to promote the wide range of free workshops, masterclasses and networking activities that are available to its members. There will also be an opportunity for businesses to host their own events as part of the festival, as well as participate in a business exposition which will be hosted within Chesterfield.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences said: “We are delighted to have launched the Derbyshire Festival of Business to businesses and community leaders alongside our partners, Vision Derbyshire and the East Midlands Chamber.

“This festival is an opportunity to showcase what our county has to offer, to identify current and future talent, and to create opportunities for collaboration between businesses, the University, policy makers and advisory organisations, which will help us build a strong, resilient and inclusive economy as we recover from the impact and challenges of the pandemic.”

Vision Derbyshire is a joint initiative involving the county council and district and borough councils in Derbyshire to improve outcomes for all its communities.

The festival’s programme of activities has been designed to give businesses the support and opportunities needed to revitalise the local economy following the pandemic and build-back-better by unleashing the talent that is available across the region and showcasing the best practice and innovation that has been fostered over the last two years.

Community focused open days and Expo events will promote Derbyshire’s businesses to its residents, and visits between the University, local schools, colleges, and employers are planned to provide careers related advice and showcase local businesses to the next generation of employees.

Online and face to face master classes from leading professionals and academics in Derbyshire are planned to raise the profile of the county as a thought leader within the UK business community, and as a place to do business.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Economic lead for Vision Derbyshire and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, commented: “The Derbyshire Festival of Business is a great way of bringing the business community together because we need to cooperate in order to recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The event is really broad and aims to support the entire business community from new graduates to established leaders. I hope lots of residents will take part in the many events on offer.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, added: “We are proud to be part of a fantastic new event that will showcase the best of business across Derbyshire, a county that is home to some incredible examples of entrepreneurship and enterprise.

“The Chamber is a conduit for local companies to work closer together, share advice and seek new opportunities – something that has never been more important than right now as the economy recovers.

“Working alongside our strategic partner the University of Derby, we look forward to welcoming businesses to events over the autumn.”

If your organisation is interested in delivering a community day, an educational engagement activity or a masterclass please email DFoB@derby.ac.uk.

Find out more about the Derbyshire Festival of business here.

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

Summit hears how Chesterfield’s ambitions have not been derailed

Speakers at this week’s Chesterfield Investment Summit, have revealed that the borough is on course for a faster recovery from the pandemic than many other towns and cities.

The town’s high rate of public sector employment combined with its strong retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, have been attributed to Chesterfield’s significantly lower increase in unemployment during the pandemic compared to the national average.

At the Summit, which was attended by more than 130 members of the business community, it was revealed that the borough’s level of unemployment increased by 46% during the pandemic compared to the national average of 77%.

The annual Summit, which was held in-person for the first time in two years, was organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Speaking at the Summit, Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council revealed the town’s plans for its recovery and growth, include plans to make the case for the re-opening of a rail line and a new £125 million road in the north east of the borough.

He said: “The town has shown a great degree of resilience and done really well during the pandemic. We are now looking towards recovery and growth. Chesterfield’s myriad of competitive advantages, including location, history, transport links, university, skills base, affordability and current construction projects have come together to make it an attractive opportunity for investors.”

Despite the ‘bitterly disappointing news’ to axe the eastern leg of HS2, Dr Bowen, said: “This won’t stop us in bringing forward our ambitious plans to redevelop the former Staveley Works Corridor. We look forward to working with the landowners to bring forward a mixed-use scheme comprising housing, leisure, retail, and light industrial units anchored around a new road and Chesterfield Canal.”

At the summit it was announced that the council remains hopeful that the Government will commit to supporting the reopening of the former Barrow Hill line which will connect Staveley, Barrow Hill, and Whittington to Chesterfield and Sheffield. Proposals for the re-opening of the rail line will, all being well, be submitted early next year.

A total of £1bn of investment is expected to be made in Staveley over the next 15 years, creating 3,500 new homes and 2,200 new jobs. Dr Bowen added: “We have two priorities – to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of life for local people.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is also pressing ahead with its plans to transform the area around Chesterfield train station. The multi-million-pound Station Masterplan, which includes demolition of the former Chesterfield Hotel, will ‘create a sense of arrival’ with modern landscaping and ‘land hungry carparks’ being converted into multi-storey carparks to free up land for residential, commercial, and light industrial development.

Demolition of the Chesterfield Hotel will begin in spring next year with detailed plans for redevelopment of the site still to be confirmed.

2022 looks set to be a formative year for the town, with a number of high-quality office developments – One Waterside Place, The Glass Yard and the Enterprise Centre set to be completed. Construction is also expected to begin on Summit @PEAK, phase one of the low carbon / net zero all year leisure, education, wellness, and entertainment gateway resort.

Speaking at the Summit, Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield and managing director of Bolsterstone Group which is developing the 60-acre Chesterfield Waterside scheme, said: “The pandemic has brought about changes in the requirements for office space. Businesses want good quality, sustainable office space with environmental and social governance being a key consideration. Once again, Chesterfield is ahead of the curve with the modern, quality office developments already under construction which will enable the town to attract investors, create jobs and new opportunities for local people.”

In addition to Dr Huw Bowen and Peter Swallow, the Summit also heard from representatives from the town’s public / private partnership – Blue Deer Developments, Lomas Mitchell Architects, Whittam Cox Architects, Devonshire Property Group Limited and Derbyshire County Council – which are working together to ensure Chesterfield meets its ambitions.

Jillian Mitchell of Lomas Mitchell Architects, and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, commented: “Nationally, we are on the precipice of a time of seismic change in property design and Chesterfield is ahead of the game on this. The town’s commitment to sustainable construction through private/public collaboration is an opportunity for Chesterfield to lead on nationally.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “I am very pleased at the wide range of construction projects going ahead across the borough right now. All these developments represent new jobs and opportunities for local people, especially those looking to start their careers.

“Making sure that Chesterfield residents benefit from local economic growth is a key priority for us and our partners. A great example of this is the mentoring support provided by Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, which helps ensure that local people get the jobs that are coming to Chesterfield – including those created during the construction phase of projects, as well as opportunities within the businesses that relocate and grow here.

“It is a very exciting time for Chesterfield, which has been made possible by the hard work and commitment that the council and its partners have put in over many years.”

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

Get outdoors and active with the Christmas in Chesterfield Elf Trail

The Elf Trail is launching in Chesterfield this week and everyone is welcome to take part.

This is part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s and Destination Chesterfield’s Christmas in Chesterfield campaign and will begin on 22 November.

The cheeky elves have left some clues on how to find them at www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/elf-trail and want you to spot them around the town centre in this special game.

When you find one of the elves you can scan the ‘Elf QR Code’ which gives you access to some very special and secret Elf webpages, which we’ve hidden on the Destination Chesterfield Christmas website.

On the webpages you will find out more about each elf and you’ll see their special letter. Collect all the letters – spell out the secret elf word – and you will be entered into a competition to win an Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.

You’ll also find discounts and gift guides for shopping locally to support your local high street this Christmas.

Another part of the Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign is The Amazing Magical Santa House, which you can book your tickets for now.

The popular attraction was introduced last year and will reopen in the Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall on every Saturday and Sunday, from Saturday 4 December plus Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December 2021.

You can book your tickets here: chesterfieldchristmas.co.uk

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Both the Elf Trail and The Amazing Magical Santa House are free to attend or take part in, so we encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

“We have lots of entertainment planned across the town centre in the run up to Christmas to keep you busy when you are doing your Christmas shopping or popping into town to support one of our local market traders and businesses by buying your festive food supplies.”

Families are reminded if they can no longer make their slot for the Santa House, to please cancel the booking by going to their confirmation email and clicking on cancel. This will ensure other families get the chance to see Santa this Christmas.

If you’d like to learn more about the festive Elf Trail, it is the perfect Christmas bedtime story and it is now available to download from www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/elf-trail

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “With the return of in-person events to the town centre there will be plenty of Christmas atmosphere in and around the shops, market stalls, cafés and restaurants for families to enjoy. The Elf Trail offers the perfect opportunity to introduce young people to the town centre in a fun and friendly way at a magical time of the year.”

The Elf Trail is a contactless experience using mobile phones. When scanning the QR code you don’t need to touch the window, just scan it from a distance. Once scanned move away from the window to read about the Elf and find the competition clue. Please maintain social distancing if someone else is scanning the QR code of the Elf and wait until they have moved two metres away before scanning.

Full details on everything happening in Chesterfield, please visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/whats-on-this-christmas-in-chesterfield. More information on Christmas gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can also be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas.

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

“A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.”

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow has provided his thoughts ahead of a busy and exciting festive period ahead in Chesterfield 

Christmas this year will look and feel a bit different for us all now that Covid restrictions have been fully lifted.

Once again, we can enjoy and experience the Christmas atmosphere in Chesterfield’s plethora of shops, market stalls, pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants.

While times are testing for the hospitality sector nationally, with many businesses reporting staff shortages it is extremely pleasing to see the fresh shoots of new restaurants in and around the town centre.

Three new restaurants have already opened in time for Christmas – Blaze in Stephenson’s Place, Gingerz on Chatsworth Road and Vegged on Sheffield Road, and more eateries are in the pipeline for 2022.

As well as new places to eat and drink, we’ve also seen new names join Chesterfield’s high street this year, including The Bee Orchid, The Lucky Magpie Salvage and Chesterfield Escape Rooms. I expect more new names to join Chesterfield’s plethora of independents soon following Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s plans for a brand-new initiative to support start-up and small independent retailers with the ‘Vicar Lane Pop Up Shop’.

We really will be spoilt for choice in the nomination stage at next year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

The lifting of restrictions has also meant the return of in-person events to the town centre, like the Christmas Light Switch On, the Crooked Spire’s Festival of Christmas Trees, the Santa cruise on the canal and the pantomime, to name but a few. They have all been missed.

While 2020 was challenging it also provided us with a valuable opportunity to do things differently and sometimes better. Like the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House which offers children the unique opportunity to talk to the Big Man himself via the ‘Santa Zoomer’.

The concept was conceived during the pandemic and was such a hit that it is returning this year. To ensure as many young people as possible can enjoy the experience it is particularly pleasing to see that ‘relaxed sessions’ have been added to the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House for children with learning disabilities and other sensory disorders.

A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.

2021, like 2020, has been a year of change and adaptation. As we continue to navigate through one of the most testing periods in recent history we have shown, once again that Chesterfield is resilient, forward thinking and the place to be. It’s my kind of town… and not just for Christmas!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

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

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