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Action packed 1940s Market returns to Chesterfield next month

The fun-filled 1940s market returns to Chesterfield next month – with a wide range of free entertainment on offer for the whole family to enjoy.

The hugely popular event will bring 1940s music, live entertainment, classic cars and military vehicles to the heart of the town centre on Thursday 11 April between 10am and 4pm.

Visitors will also be able to see the return of the iconic replica spitfire, as the must-see attraction returns to Rykneld Square for the first time since 2021.

Street performers will take centre stage through the day, including the Kalamazoo dance band and The Daisy Belles singers – both back again this year by popular demand, alongside other entertainers.

The action-packed event is taking place alongside the weekly flea market, and as always market traders will be dressing up in 1940s outfits to try and win the competition for the best dressed stall holders.

The team from Chesterfield Museum will also be joined by staff from Up An At Em History, who will be able to share more information about life on the home front and food rationing. There will also be the opportunity to explore the era handling objects and get involved with some crafting.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market is a really popular event that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“I’d definitely recommend coming along if you haven’t been before, as there is sure to be something here to entertain the whole family during half term. You could even get into the spirit and dress up in traditional 1940s outfits too!

“The event has grown to such popularity thanks to its close ties with our much-loved Thursday flea market, and people travel to Chesterfield from all over the country to take part in this unique day. With it taking place in the Easter holidays many people love to come along as a family holiday activity.”

The event is part-funded by external funding from Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

1940s Mining display

The full programme of entertainment can be found below:

New Square (opposite the Portland Hotel)

• Kalamazoo Dance Band: 11am to 11.45am , 1pm to 1.45pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm

Outside Etienne Curtains and Blinds

• The Daisy Belles (singers): 10.15am to 10:45am, 12.15pm to 12.45pm and 1.45pm to 2.15pm

Market Place

• Display of classic cars, vintage fire engine and military vehicles: 10am to 4pm
• Land Army and 1940s Mining display: 10am to 4pm
• Escape artist / glass walker: 10.45am to 11.10am, 1pm –to 1.25pm and 3pm to 3.25pm

Market Square (outside Santander)

• Natasha Harper (singer): 10.30am to 11am, 12.10pm to 12.40pm and 1.30pm to 2.00pm
• Kyle Evans (singer): 11.20am to 11.50am, 1pm to 1.30pm and 2.10pm to 2.40pm
• Shire Horses: 11am to 1pm

Pavements Shopping Centre (outside old Massarella’s Unit)

Between 10am and 4pm the team from Chesterfield Museum will be joined by Up An At Em History.

• Find out about life on the Home Front, what was on the ration and how we kept Britain fed from the gardens and kitchens of Britain
• From the Land Girls and cooks feeding the nation, find out about rationing and have a go at making some basic “mock” foods
• Plant a seed to take away
• Try your hand at milking and learn the way the Land Girls did
• Explore World War II handling objects
• Take part in crafting sessions and view exhibition panels

Rykneld Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre)

• Full size replica Spitfire: available to see between 10am and 4pm
• Jayne Darling (singer): 10am to 10.40am, 11.30am – 12.10pm and 2pm to 2.40pm
• Johnny Victory (singer): 10.45am to 11.15am, 1.10pm to 1.40pm and 3pm to 3.30pm

St. Mary and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire)

Tower Tours: 10.30am to 11.30pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Tickets prices at £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s or a family ticket (two adults and two under 16s) for £20

Kalamazoo Dance Band entertaining the crowd at the 1940s market

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Peak District & Derbyshire businesses celebrate English Tourism Week

People are being reminded about the many great attractions and locations just waiting to be explored in the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby as part of the area’s celebrations for English Tourism Week.

Taking place from 15 to 24 March 2024, English Tourism Week aims to raise the profile of the industry and celebrate the value and quality of tourism in England.

This year’s campaign, co-ordinated by VisitEngland, is using the strapline ‘supporting tourism, the heart of our communities’ to highlight the industry’s important economic, cultural and social impact.

Tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire continues to be a key driver of jobs and growth for the area, generating an estimated £2.59 billion for the local economy and employing over 28,000 people.

The Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) aims to grow the visitor economy further, working with local, national and regional stakeholders to create a strong, sustainable tourism sector that benefits everyone.

As part of the local celebrations for English Tourism Week, Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council, Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and Stella Birks, Visitor Economy Development Manager at Derby City Council, visited Derby’s historic Museum of Making to show their support.

The visit kick-started a week of digital activity that will see the teams from Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Visit Derby showcasing local tourism businesses and urging visitors and residents alike to explore everything the area has to offer.

From stately homes and show caverns, to farm parks and gardens, museums and galleries, and award-winning pubs, restaurants and places to stay, the area offers a fantastic variety of attractions for everyone to explore.

As part of the activity, the LVEP joined team members at Destination Chesterfield to visit local attractions, such as the Crooked Spire, Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Chesterfield Market and Market Hall, Casa Hotel, and local independent retailers such as Adorn Jewellers and The Cheese Factor.

As well as showcasing some of the destination’s key tourism businesses, the activity will celebrate the hardworking people who work in the area’s visitor economy sector.

English Tourism Week also coincides with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s annual Season Opener and Leaflet Swap, which is being held at Thornbridge Hall near Bakewell on Wednesday 20th March.

The popular event – funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered via the East Midlands Chamber’s Derbyshire Accelerator Project – is an opportunity for local tourism businesses to collect visitor collateral for the coming season, network with industry colleagues and benefit from short workshops and advice surgeries.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “English Tourism Week is an opportunity to put tourism centre stage and showcase this vibrant industry which supports thousands of jobs and communities across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

“It’s a great chance to recognise the value of the sector, worth £2.59 billion locally, champion the hardworking people behind the businesses, and highlight our world-class destination as a great place to visit and stay. With Spring upon us and the Easter break just ahead, there’s never been a better time to visit or revisit some of the fantastic places we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep, and I encourage everyone to get out and show their support.”

Find out more about the range of exciting attractions in Chesterfield and plan your visit to the town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

To see what the Peak District and Derbyshire has to offer visit the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire website: www.visitpeakdistrict.com.

Visitors to the county’s attractions and local tourism businesses are being urged to share photos of their visits on social media using the hashtag #EnglishTourismWeek24, tagging @visitpeakdistrict and @visitderby. For more information on events and activities taking place in Chesterfield, search for @ChesterfieldUK on social media.

CasaMollieandNadia

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Hotpod Yoga studio set to open at Chesterfield’s Elder Way

Hotpod Yoga will be the first tenant to locate to the new units created in the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

Chris Wilkinson, owner of the new Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield franchise, has signed a 10-year lease on unit 7, a 1,420 sq ft unit located at the top of Elder Way near Saltergate.

He said: “I love the location. It is prominently located in the town centre and offers convenient parking for customers. It is a beautiful building, full of history and fresh energy. I am very much looking forward to opening the studio.”

Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield will open to the public on Thursday 18 April, with the first class taking place at 12.30pm.

Part of the national Hotpod Yoga chain, the new studio on Elder Way will offer an immersive yoga experience, using a pod as a safe environment for people to practice yoga in 37-degree heat while maximising the senses through relaxing sounds and calming scents.

The new Hotpod Yoga unit is one of seven street level units and large basement that have been created by regeneration specialist Jomast Developments. Additionally, there is a 92-bed Premier Inn hotel which has been successfully trading on the upper two floors of the building since 2019.

Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director welcomed Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield to Elder Way saying: “The addition of Hotpod Yoga to Elder Way brings forward the health and wellbeing element we envisaged for the building when we redeveloped it. Elder Way offers an ideal location for businesses. Not only is it an iconic building, but it is centrally located and benefits from excellent amenities and footfall from surrounding businesses, all of which have been further boosted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s investment in the town centre.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to be able to welcome a new business to the town centre and I am delighted that they have chosen to be based on Elder Way. Following on from the redevelopment of the old Co-op department store we invested in improving the paving and area from Elder Way along Packers Row as part of our Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project.

“This investment has helped create a more attractive area and we will begin work on the wider project in the marketplace later this year. Using external funding to help improve our town centre is about creating an environment where businesses and visitors want to be, which will help grow our local economy.

“I wish Chris all the best with his new business venture, and I look forward to welcoming more businesses to Elder Way in the future.”

Work is now underway to install the heated pod, showers, toilets, changing and reception areas ahead of the opening next month.

Chris commented: “The unit is a real blank canvas which is making for a straightforward fit out.”

As a former NHS mental health nurse, Chris, who is also a qualified yoga teacher, aims to offer both health and wellbeing benefits through the yoga classes which will be delivered by fully qualified instructors. Classes, which are suitable for all levels, will run seven days a week from 6.30am.

The opening of the new yoga studio at Elder Way brings the Hotpod Yoga brand back to Chesterfield. Previously owned by another franchisee, and located at Chesterfield FC, the studio was forced to close amid the Covid crisis.

Chris commented: “I am delighted to bring the Hotpod Yoga brand back to Chesterfield. There was demand for it then and I believe demand has increased further as people recognise the mental health benefits of hot yoga as the heat enables the mind to become more focussed.”

Launched in 2013, Hotpod Yoga is now Europe’s largest yoga business with around 70 locations, including Sheffield and Derby.

Six units now remain available at Elder Way with joint agents, WSB Property and FHP, reporting strong interest from a number of operators.

For enquiries or further information about the units, visit www.elderway.co.uk

To book a class at Hotpod Yoga Chesterfield, visit hotpodyoga.com/studios/chesterfield/

Chris Wilkinson Hotpod Yoga Elder Way

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PEAK Gateway Resort receives reserved matters planning approval

Chesterfield Borough Council has approved the reserved matters planning application for a revised first phase of the PEAK Gateway Resort on the reclaimed Birchall Estate. The 300-acre property is located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

PEAK proposes to bring the scope and services of internationally successful ski resorts to create the UK’s equivalent for biking, hiking and other adventure sports as well as for nature, culture and heritage experiences.

PEAK will have its own micro grid for energy, waste and water. PEAK will generate and consume its own energy and operate a zero-carbon tourism dedicated mobility service.

Planning permission includes extensive overnight and holiday accommodation supported by hospitality, leisure, wellness, a multi-disciplinary bike park and experiential retail. As such, it is one of the largest permitted mixed-use leisure schemes in the UK. Five of the six largest cities in England are within 75 miles, providing a visitor catchment of over 20 million people.

Labelled Gateway at PEAK Image

Locally, PEAK has the potential to create over 1,000 new jobs. It will partner with the education sector to deliver a Green Skills Academy in support of both PEAK and Chesterfield’s commitment to training and upskilling across a broad range of key sectors, but especially for construction and tourism.

PEAK will be open to day, as well as stay visitors. Local residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of incentives and membership opportunities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “PEAK Resort offers a fantastic opportunity to bring more visitors into Chesterfield, grow our local economy and create a range of new jobs.

“It will be an incredible asset for our borough and will be a national leader in respect of clean energy, zero carbon mobility and skills.

“I look forward to seeing this development take shape over the next few years.”

PEAK Gateway Resort from above

The current landowner has, over many years, fully reclaimed the 300-acre Birchall estate from opencast. The property now provides the perfect natural setting for the consented development. Nature and outdoor experiences are at the heart of the PEAK offer and BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) resulting from the development will all be achieved on the property.

Birchall and PEAK hope to be an exemplar of the reclamation of land from the industries of the past into enterprises of the future.

Rupert Carr, a director of Birchall and Peak Gateway Properties, said at the Planning Committee Meeting: “PEAK is the opportunity to deliver a clean growth infrastructure for the regional visitor economy, an opportunity for Chesterfield and indeed the region to build a significant presence in one of the fastest growing economic sectors. PEAK is finally of its time.”

PEAK Resort will also support the UK’s first hydrogen and EV tourist mobility service linking visitors to Chesterfield’s medieval market town centre, its national rail station and surrounding attractions as well as to the trails and natural wonders of the National Park.

Tarah Gear, director at Milligan who are part of Peak Gateway Properties said; “PEAK will become a blueprint for sustainable tourism, adding value to Chesterfield’s economy and community through job creation, investment in skills and regional connectivity.

“Milligan are proud to have been part of the team bringing the project forward to a point of market readiness. PEAK, as proposed, has been achieved through true partnership, a collaboration between local and regional stakeholders as well as national and international commercial operators. PEAK now has the opportunity to be a trailblazer and set new standards for the future of leisure and tourism.”

Colliers’ National Capital Markets team have been appointed to take the project forwards.

PEAK Gateway View

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£117m to be invested in council housing across Chesterfield

Around £117 million is to be invested into council homes across Chesterfield over the next four years – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s continued commitment to creating affordable, decent homes for people across the borough.

The Housing Capital Programme sets out the investment priorities for the next financial year, which will see the council spend £30.1 million on improving and increasing the housing supply in the borough.

The capital programme also details the council’s longer-term plans through to March 2028 to ensure that the council can continue to meet the decent homes standard, further improve the energy efficiency of its houses, and provide quality, affordable and accessible homes for local people.

Modernisation and refurbishment of the council’s existing homes remains a key priority in the council’s programme and will see the continuation of kitchen improvements and roofing upgrades, whilst there will also be improvements to footpaths, fencing and gates to help improve the look and feel of neighbourhoods.

In addition to refurbishing the existing housing stock, the council is committed to building almost 100 new council properties by 2028 to increase the number of affordable homes available in the area. Work to create 22 new build properties at Middlecroft and Westwood Avenue is now well underway, and additional sites have also been identified for new build projects.

In line with the council’s climate strategy, the work set out in the capital programme will also make a significant step towards improving the energy efficiency of its homes, for example replacing boilers and windows with more efficient options – allowing Chesterfield to become a low carbon, resilient and sustainable borough. This will not only help to reduce carbon emissions but will also help to reduce energy bills for tenants.

A further investment will also be made to help tackle damp and mould in homes. A recent survey has shown that the number of homes experiencing issues with damp and mould has almost halved but the council remains committed to tackling these issues.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our aim, as always, is to enhance Chesterfield’s housing offer and ensure we can provide affordable high-quality homes. A stock condition survey carried out in 2022 identified that the quality of our council homes has improved from the previous survey that took place in 2017.  This shows our investments have been made in the right areas, but we know there is more that we can do to ensure we can achieve and maintain a 100% decent homes standard.

“Our newly approved capital programme set out our strong commitment to achieving this and improving our homes to ensure they meet the needs of the people of Chesterfield, as well as actively contributing to the climate change agenda by ensuring all homes are energy efficient.

“Like local authorities across the country, the council is facing unprecedented financial challenges  but our priority is to make sure under-pressure budgets are spent on the essential services that local people rely on, including the provision of quality and affordable homes for the people of Chesterfield.”

town hall drone shot

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Show your love for Mum this Mother’s Day in Chesterfield

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to show some appreciation and spread some love for the amazing mums in Chesterfield, whilst enjoying all the unique offerings and charm of our town.

Here are three great ways you can show your love for Mum, whilst also supporting our town and enjoying everything Chesterfield has to offer.

1. Surprise Mum with some fantastic gifts from Chesterfield’s independent shops

Dotique 873x466

Take a stroll down the picturesque streets of Chesterfield, and you’ll find a treasure trove of quirky shops with handmade items, made by people with a passion for great products and services.

From stunning jewellery to the perfect bunch of flowers, our local shopping hubs have so much choice when it comes to memorable gifts. It’s an opportunity to give our high streets a much-needed boost, whilst treating our mothers to a gift that is as unique as them. Our businesses will help you go beyond the ordinary, helping you to treat mum to locally sourced food and beverages, crafted with passion and care by our town’s talented producers.

Looking for a last-minute present? See our Mother’s Day gift guide here.

2. Show your appreciation by treating Mum to her favourite meal

Couple dining at Casa Hotel

Of course, no Mother’s Day celebration is complete without indulging in your mum’s favourite meal. Fortunately, there’s no need to get stressed about the cooking! Chesterfield’s independent culinary scene is once again pulling out all the stops to offer your family an unforgettable dining experience.

Local restaurants are gearing up to pay tribute to the extraordinary mothers in our lives, presenting a menu of unforgettable dishes that will make this Mother’s Day truly special. Get ready for some mouthwatering dishes and special menus to show our mums that they’re one of a kind.

Check out our guide to dining out this Mother’s Day. 

3. Give Mum the chance to let her hair down

Couple enjoying the spa at ringwood hall

If Mum likes to get her dancing shoes on, we have some fabulous acts performing in Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel theatre this year, with Shaun Ryder, Aled Jones and the legendary Showaddywaddy coming to town. On top of that, tributes to familiar favourites such as Queen, Tina Turner, Abba and Elton John will give her a night to remember.

See what’s on at the Winding Wheel Theatre here, or visit our events listings page for more great ideas.

Or, if she’d rather relax and wind down, why not buy her a voucher for one of Chesterfield’s local spas or hotels? Look out for some of the luxurious packages being promoted by the likes of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park, and Casa Hotel.

See our guide for places to visit in Chesterfield.

For more ways to help you find the perfect way to spoil mum, be sure to check out our  guides to 50 fantastic retailers and 50 brilliant bars and restaurants on social media. Whether it’s a cosy brunch, a heartfelt gift or some quality time in our beautiful local surroundings, let’s ensure our mums feel valued and cherished on this special day.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the remarkable mums in Chesterfield!

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Budding Chesterfield artists invited to submit their creations for the Chesterfield Postcard Show

Chesterfield’s annual exhibition of mini masterpieces is back for 2024, and residents across the area are being invited to take part.

This year’s Chesterfield Postcard Show is entitled ‘Memories Are Made of This” and will take place between the 7th and 17th of May at West Studios. Artists of all abilities are invited to be part of the exciting exhibition. All you need to do is submit a postcard-size piece of art by the 24th of April 2024.

Organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom, the event celebrates the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being. Last year 173 artists submitted their works with 329 pieces of original art on display, raising over £1,200.

Hannah Bowdler, Fundraising Coordinator at Junction Arts said: “We believe that everyone should have access to art. The Chesterfield Postcard Shows provides a free exhibition of marvellous miniature artworks for local people to enjoy, a space for new artists to exhibit and showcase their talent, plus people can buy an original piece of art for just £10.

“This is the third year of the show, and we’d like to see more people get involved. It’s open to people of all ages and abilities to take part, and every postcard that is sent to us will feature in the show. Your postcard can be whatever you want it to be, a painting, a photograph, digital artwork, you can use whatever material you like, as long as it’s A6 size and is based on the theme of Memories Are Made of This.”

The original pieces will be available to buy during the exhibition to raise money to support local arts charity Junction Arts and their work within the community. Local businesses are also being invited to support the event, businesses requiring more information can contact hannah@junctionarts.org.

Submissions should be created on A6 card, not paper, and sent to The Chesterfield Postcard Show, Junction Arts, West Studios Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 7LL by the 24th of April 2024. If participants need a card, they can send a message to Hannah@junctionarts.org to request a blank card to be sent to them.

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

Chesterfield Postcard show

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Research shows Derbyshire is still on track for EV boom

New research suggests our area remains on track for an EV boom. A study by Midlands Connect predicts that Derbyshire and Derby city could see just under 66,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of the decade, with a significant increase in public EV charge points needed to keep up with demand.

The new projections were announced today at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference. Figures suggest Derby and Derbyshire will see a 440% increase in uptake in electric vehicles by the end of 2030, with projections predicting to rise from 12,216 EVs today to 65,915 on its roads by the end of 2030.

New research forecasts have shown Derby and Derbyshire require a further 6,949 public charging points by 2030 to support the increase in EV use over the next decade, an 1,534% increase from the 453 chargers existing across the region today.

Estimates suggest that by 2030, the Midlands could be home to over 2million EVs, with just under 1 in 3 (32.5%) vehicles being electric. To support this growing number of EVs, 58,997 new public EV charging points must be installed across the Midlands by the end of the decade. This means installing 27 new EVCPs every day, 194 per week, and 9,832 per year until the end of 2030.

The work is part of the Sub-national Transport Body’s efforts to support Local Authorities in increasing EV charger roll-out. In September 2023, it partnered with 14 Local Authorities for a total of £40.3mil of Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to be part of consortium approach, accounting for ~61% of the regions £66.5mil funding.

The figures were announced at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference today, which brought together senior leaders and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Electric Vehicle industry. Discussions included hearing from firms manufacturing EVs; electrifying fleets of vehicles and ensuring that electrified transport is accessible to everyone.

Commenting on the research, Midlands Connect’s CEO, Maria Machancoses, said: “It’s clear Derby and Derbyshire is still on the brink of a boom in Electric Vehicles, that could see just under 66,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of decade.

“Local Authorities across the Midlands are doing a great job to roll out charging points, but they cannot do this alone. We’re already working with Local Authorities to support their work and help secure EV infrastructure funding from Government.

“Our conference allowed us to bring together many different aspects of the EV industry, including Government, to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. We want to make the Midlands the home of the green industrial revolution.”

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “We welcome this valuable research from Midlands Connect which qualifies the actions we’re taking to meet this projected demand.

“We’re committed to providing convenient, comprehensive, and cost-effective charging solutions for road users in Derbyshire and are progressing several projects in this area.

“We’re providing solutions for those without off street parking by developing a network of slow chargers utilising existing street lights. This solution is perfect for overnight residential use and we’re working with residents to locate suitable sites where there is demand. We’re also exploring opportunities to develop Rapid and Ultra rapid charging hubs, through private sector partnerships, to keep commercial fleet operational.

“But we can’t do this alone. Obviously, we need to work in partnership with private sector providers to roll out charging infrastructure in Derbyshire at pace and we’re currently in conversations with industry with a view to installing the next phase later this year.”

Cars driving on road with crooked Spire in the background

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Chesterfield council housing project shortlisted for award

An £8 million regeneration project on council homes in Chesterfield has been shortlisted for a Building Communities Award – as works that improve, transform and modernise a housing estate are finalised.

The project, which has seen the transformation of the blocks of flats located at Newland Dale in Stonegravels has been shortlisted for the ‘Refurbishment Project of the Year’ award at the event that takes place on 15 March 2024.

The flats on Newland Dale have benefitted from a major facelift as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to providing quality affordable housing across the borough and create modern, attractive places for people to live.

The modernisation works, carried out by the council’s main contractor Fortem Solutions Ltd. include a rendering works to the outside of the buildings – bringing a fresh and modern look and feel to the area.

In line with its climate change strategy, the council is committed to ensuring its properties are energy efficient, and a number of improvements have been made to the properties to help achieve this.

This included upgrading and fully re-insulating the roofing as well as replacing the windows throughout, whilst each property has also benefited from a boiler upgrade. As well as supporting the council’s climate plan, these measures will also help reduce fuel bills for council tenants.

All indoor communal areas have been redecorated, with non-slip flooring and new handrails being installed throughout to further improve the safety for tenants.

Outside of the properties, the project has seen the addition of two new car parks on site, including additional disabled bays and new cycle store rails. Footpaths and roads have also been resurfaced, with new traffic calming measures being installed – such as new speed signs and a pedestrian crossing.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are really pleased to see another one of our modernisation projects complete. Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and this project really has helped to improve tenant’s homes and brighten up the area.

“It is great that the project has been shortlisted for a ‘Refurbishment Project of the Year’ award as it recognised the hard work that has been put in by the council and Fortem to transform these properties for our tenants.

“It is really positive to see the homes become much more energy efficient too as we work towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050. As the cost of living continues to rise, these measures will also help to reduce the fuel bills for our tenants too.”

Tom Nicholson, commercial manager for Fortem Solutions, said: “We want to extend our praise to both the site team and our esteemed client upon the successful completion of the Newland Dale refurbishment project. The dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the site team throughout every stage of the project was truly fantastic. Their tireless efforts, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills ensured that the project was executed flawlessly, exceeding all expectations.

“We also want to express our gratitude to our client for their collaborative approach and unwavering support throughout the entire process. Their clear vision, constructive feedback, and willingness to engage in open communication were instrumental in achieving our shared goals.

“Together, we have transformed ideas into reality, delivering something that not only meets but surpasses the needs and desires of our client and their residents. It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside such dedicated professionals once again, and we look forward to the opportunity of future collaborations.”

Chesterfield Borough Council and Fortem Solutions support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Newland Dale

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Chatsworth to celebrate childhood with a new season of activities

A new family festival, a reimagined adventure playground and a multi-sensory art exhibition are just a glimpse of the year-long cultural programme of events coming to Chatsworth under the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’, encouraging visitors to experience Chatsworth and its rich history from a new perspective.

From Saturday 16 March, Chatsworth House and Garden will re-open to visitors with the launch of this year’s exhibition, Picturing Childhood. The thought-provoking and multi-sensory exhibition is designed to be enjoyed by all ages through the lens of childhood. It will include rarely seen artistic masterpieces from the collection, some of which will be on display for the first time, alongside new commissions and loans.

Visitors are invited to see, touch, smell, feel, think, do, and play through new commissions and loans by artists that encourage hands-on and perspective-bending interactions, including a unique scent experience curated by food historian and scent artist, Tasha Marks, and ‘Anthronaut’ series by Abigail Reynolds, which invites visitors to shift their visual perspective of Chatsworth.

Chatsworth House Trust is also working with educational partners to ensure the exhibition creates opportunities for collaboration with those in the local community. Children from Athelstan School in Sheffield will be invited for a ‘Chatsworth takeover’ week in June, including taking charge of its social media channel.

Chatsworth is partnering with The Reading Agency, which will help share the charity’s extensive learning resources with over one million subscribers and connect with local families to guide the content of special mindfulness areas, complete with books selected by young users of Chesterfield Library.

In addition to annual favourite events including the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, Country Fair and the spectacular Christmas display, Chatsworth is launching its inaugural family festival. Taking place from 25 – 27 May, families will be invited to unleash their creativity and let imaginations run wild. Developed for all ages, activities will include mastering gravity-defying circus skills, learning bushcraft, running for gold in sports day races, walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs and scavenger hunts.

Elsewhere on the estate, Chatsworth’s much-loved woodland adventure playground is undergoing a large-scale redevelopment, enhancing opportunities for imaginative free play and immersion within the beautiful surrounding nature of the estate. Set to reopen from April, families can enjoy an exciting day out packed full of adventure and play within the safe setting of the farmyard and playground.

The year-round learning and cultural programme will include a series of events including expert-led talks, tours and workshops for adults and children to explore new pastimes or develop an existing skill, many of which will be centred on the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’ at any age.

These include Historic Waterways Tours led by the landscape team through Stand Wood; Cutting Garden Floristry Workshops where participants will learn how to create seasonal arrangements using flowers from the garden; Macramé Plant Hanger workshops led by a local artist, Lamb feeding experiences; and guided tours of Picturing Childhood by exhibition curator Gill Hart.

This season will also see the launch of a new pricing initiative, aiming to take active steps to remove barriers to entry and demonstrate Chatsworth House Trust’s commitment to Chatsworth being a place for everyone. This includes a £10 year-round children’s ticket, giving access to the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground.

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Through this season celebrating childhood, we hope that our visitors can experience Chatsworth from a new perspective – one that is playful and inquisitive, that celebrates learning and encourages a deeper connection and enjoyment of Chatsworth’s rich history.

“Childhood is something that unites us all. This year we will continue to commission new and exciting artists, introduce our first Chatsworth Family Festival, and develop our learning programme that is packed with opportunities to develop new skill. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to join us for a new perspective at Chatsworth.”
William Burlington, Chairman of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “We are thrilled that 2024 will be a year of storytelling, discovery and play as we celebrate children and childhood at Chatsworth throughout the year.

This year’s exhibition presents exciting new work by exceptional artists alongside the very best works from the historic collection, some on show for the first time. The exhibition has been designed to provoke wonder and to encourage new and different ways to get involved with art and ideas in the house and landscape, and we hope it will bring joy to people of all ages.”

For more information on the events being held at Chatsworth throughout the next 12 months, please visit the website here: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/
And for more information on the Picturing Childhood exhibition, please visit: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/picturing-childhood/

To find out more about upcoming events taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, head over to our events page.

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

Chatsworth - Season Opening 1 2024

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Contractor appointed to build new canal bridge at Staveley

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has appointed O’Brien Contractors Ltd. to construct and install a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the soon-to-be restored route of the canal at Staveley.

This will be the first stage of the Trust’s £6 million restoration project. The bulk of the money is from the Staveley Town Deal, a government levelling up project.

The new 38 metre long bridge will take the Trans Pennine Trail across the canal to meet the Arkwright Trail. Later the canal itself will be restored including a new bridge for farm vehicles and a new lock. There will also be a freshly landscaped relaxation area including picnic benches and information boards. This will be carefully planted to encourage wildlife.

O’Brien’s will start on site in April and major groundworks will start in May. The bridge will be installed in the summer and there will be a formal opening ceremony in September. You will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website.

Tony Mitchell, Director, O’Brien Contractors Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed by The Chesterfield Canal Trust to provide the new canal bridge at Staveley. This prestigious project will be a huge benefit to pedestrians and cyclists all over the region and the restoration of this historic route will benefit the community for many years to come. We look forward to working with the Trust and their team over the course of this exciting project.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust Development Manager, George Rogers, said “This is a big milestone for the Chesterfield Canal Trust, and we are delighted to appoint O’Brien Contractors to deliver this statement structure over the canal. Installing this bridge will open up the route for future restoration in multiple ways and I am looking forward to seeing it progress over the summer”.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s taken a huge amount of work by the team at the Chesterfield Canal Trust to get to this point and I want to thank them for their efforts and congratulate them on reaching this important milestone. The expansion of the canal is an important project for the town deal – it will help make the town a more attractive place to visit and provide residents with new outdoor facilities to explore. I look forward to seeing the bridge completed as this will unlock the next stages of this project.”

The Trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former Chair of the Trust.

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

TPT Bridge Chesterfield canal artist impression

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