Celebrate Chesterfield

Town unites to tackle Climate Emergency

More than 60 people attended Chesterfield’s first Climate Emergency People’s Assembly which took place on Sunday 21st July.

The day-long event gave those attending the opportunity to voice their concerns on climate change and work together to draw up strategies for taking positive steps as individuals and in communities towards a sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by Clare Gage, a local mum and ceramicist, who through her membership of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been supported to bring people together to form a ‘Peoples Assembly’ and put action into the hands of individuals.

A group ranging in age from 8 to 80 came together for the day and included individuals new to community action, as well as members of local campaign groups. The activities were led by Martin Yarnit and Perry Walker from Talkshop, making sure that everyone has a voice in the matters that concern them. The morning session was used to tease out key issues and establish areas of interest. Groups focused on specific issues such as transport, food production, environmental education and holding to account politicians and corporate business, all to encourage people to adopt new practices to help lessen our impact on the planet.

Some attendees agreed to continue meeting to further develop action plans and a follow-up People’s Assembly meeting will be held in September.

Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant were in attendance, a reassuring sign for the attendees that local council and central government alike are recognising the concern from local people about the issues.

Clare said afterwards: “As the organiser of the People’s Assembly I found it fantastic to see so many people from our town gather together.”

“We tackled tricky questions about how we could make a difference in the face of the climate emergency. Difficult issues were discussed, and we looked for practical solutions.”

“I am proud of how respectful our community was of one another and pleased to see what progress can be made when we come together as a team. This is just the start. Our town can be a place where people are empowered to create positive change.”

Follow up activity will take place in September with a meeting arranged for 15th September at 11am. Find out more at www.facebook.com/createchangechesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Reserved Matters planning approval granted for office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside

Only weeks after the green light was given for the construction of 173 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside, permission has been granted to deliver 32,000 sq ft of high quality, grade ‘A’ office accommodation together with ground floor retail space of 5,286 sq ft at the £340million development.

Chesterfield Borough Council has granted reserved matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the seven-storey office building which represents the first step in delivering Phase 1 of the Basin Square neighbourhood at Chesterfield Waterside.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the new office building is the first grade A office building to be delivered in Chesterfield for some time and will provide much needed ‘grade A’  office accommodation for the towns businesses. The sites location adjacent to Chesterfield town centre will enable occupiers to benefit from the full range of  services that the Town can offer. The site is also situated adjacent to Chesterfield train station and benefits from excellent access to the A61, providing an attractive location to businesses throughout the region.

Developer of the Waterside site, Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc, is already engaged in commercial negotiations with occupiers for the majority of the space within the new building.

When complete, the first phase of the £75m Basin Square neighbourhood will also see the delivery of residential apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a high quality public realm area overlooking the newly constructed canal basin. Bolsterstone reports significant interest from both investors and occupiers in all aspects of Phase 1 of Basin Square  and hopes to be in a position to make further exciting announcements shortly.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Waterside continues to move forward apace. The granting of reserved matters planning approval for the office building at Basin Square is another major milestone for the development and also Chesterfield’s business community, as the local property market is currently lacking in the supply of high quality, large floorplate office space. It is an exciting stage in the development’s timeline.”

Welcoming the news, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Chesterfield Waterside is a substantial development for the borough with business, retail and resident elements.”

“I’m really pleased to see the development move a step forward with the reserved matters approved for the high-quality office accommodation at Basin Square and look forward to work beginning on site.”

“With its central location and excellent transport links, Chesterfield is a great location for business and we have a proven track record of growing local businesses and for existing businesses locating here and this will complement the current business accommodation in the borough.”

The scheme is making significant progress in 2019 with Avant Homes beginning the construction of 173 two, three and four-bedroom homes at the site. Named Waterside Quarter, Avant Homes’ £36 million development will form part of The Park character area of Chesterfield Waterside and will be the company’s largest site in the Chesterfield area to date.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

For further information about office accommodation at Chesterfield Waterside visit www.chesterfieldwaterside.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Speaker line-up announced for 2019 Chesterfield Investment summit

One of the 100 most influential women in technology, Polly Barnfield OBE, is headlining the speaker line-up at the third Chesterfield Investment Summit which is being held on Wednesday 11 September.

Founder and CEO of Maybe*, Polly is part of the UK Government’s High Street Task Force which was launched by High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP on 2 July to support local leaders to revitalise high streets and town centres.

As part of her presentation, Polly will address how Chesterfield businesses can use social media analysis to attract shoppers and revitalise the modern high street.

The free to attend business event, which is being held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield from 8.30am – 12 noon, will give delegates a detailed overview of investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The event is organised by Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Destination Chesterfield and Marketing Derby joint partners in the EU funded Invest in D2N2 project with a focus on promoting Derbyshire both nationally and globally as the place to invest for growth and quality of life. The event is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

In addition to Polly Barnfield, speakers at the event will also include by Peter Storey, Head of Markham Vale at Derbyshire County Council who will update on  the 200-acre business park considered to be Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme and Dr. Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.

As well as the keynote speakers, there will be a networking breakfast, exhibition and a question and answer panel with speakers and local decision makers.

Commenting on the event, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The town is renowned for bucking the trend, from retail figures to tourism, but we must not rest on our laurels. The annual Investment Summit is an excellent opportunity for the business community to come together and understand the investment potential of the town, be enthused for the future and work with each other to ensure we achieve Chesterfield’s potential.”

Places at the free business event are limited and booking is essential. To secure your place, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

Chesterfield Investment Summit 2018

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

Five Chesterfield parks keep their Green Flags

Five of Chesterfield’s parks maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council have once again received Green Flag awards.

The parks and open spaces, maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council, received the recognition from the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy after inspections held last month.

The Green Flags were awarded to:

  • Eastwood Park, Hasland
  • Holmebrook Valley Park
  • Poolsbrook Country Park
  • Queen’s Park
  • The grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Brimington, which are maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Chesterfield and District Joint Crematorium Committee, which consists of Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m really proud of the quality of the parks and open spaces we have here in Chesterfield.”

“They are appreciated by our residents and visitors and are a credit to the staff and volunteers who work hard year-round to maintain them to the highest standards which have once again been recognised by the Green Flag award.”

This international award is a sign to the public that the green spaces space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Derbyshire vs Yorkshire at Queen’s Park is sold out!

Derbyshire County Cricket Club have announced that Saturday’s Vitality Blast opener against Yorkshire at Queen’s Park is now SOLD OUT.

The match sees the return of explosive Twenty20 cricket to Derbyshire, as the Falcons take on Yorkshire as the climax of the BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

For the third-consecutive year, the game will be played in front of a sellout crowd at Queen’s Park, with Dominic Cork’s side aiming to make it three wins in-a-row over their rivals.

The club received unprecedented demand for the eagerly-awaited local derby against Yorkshire with almost 5,000 supporters purchasing their matchday tickets in advance.

With capacity now reached, only matchday ticket holders will gain entry into the ground and tickets will not be available for sale on the gates. Members and Six Pack Ticket holders who have not already claimed their matchday ticket will also not be able to gain entry.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “Facing Yorkshire is always one of the highlights of the season and we’re really pleased that the fixture has once again sold out.

“It’s great that our first Twenty20 match of the season will be played in front of a capacity crowd in Chesterfield to round off another well-supported week of cricket in the north of the county.

“This is a fantastic summer for the sport, with the World Cup victory, an Ashes series on home soil and a packed domestic calendar. It’s pleasing to see the continued support for county cricket and we look forward to what is now an exciting block of Vitality Blast matches.

“We’re continually grateful to our Members and supporters and we know we have a strong base in Chesterfield. We’d also like to thank our Principal Partners, Pattonair, Festival sponsors, BRM Solicitors, and Chesterfield Borough Council for their continued support.”

Rainbow at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Champions working together for local house hunters

Two Chesterfield Champions are now working together to provide house hunters in Chesterfield with a sleek and professional home buying service.

Chesterfield based mortgage advisers Mortgage 1st and local Estate Agent Pinewood Property Estates are now proudly working together to enhance the home buying experience for their customers in Chesterfield and surrounding areas.

When a customer visits Pinewood Properties in search of a new home or buy-to-let investment they are met by an award winning team of estate agents, led by Stacey Davies-Bowler, who will assist them in finding the ideal property.

To put in an offer to buy a property, the customer needs an AIP (Agreement in Principle) which is proof that they can get a mortgage. Mortgage 1st has a team of experienced mortgage advisers, led by Jon Stones, that can search the market to find the best mortgage deal available to them based on their circumstances.

The two local businesses have come together to do what they do best and will provide expertise, guidance and exceptional levels of service to meet the needs of the modern house hunter of today.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

University of Derby Civic Roadshow

The University of Derby is hosting a ‘Civic Roadshow’ at its  Chesterfield campus, as part of a series of free events to provide the wider community with the opportunity to share their thoughts on how the University can help to deliver long-term positive impact for Derby and Derbyshire.

The roadshow event which will be held on 24 July at the University’s St Helena campus in Chesterfield is an opportunity for external stakeholders to find out more about the University of Derby’s civic ambitions. The University is keen to understand what the biggest challenges are facing the local community, businesses and organisations within the city and county, and how it can focus its civic endeavours.

All are welcome to attend the roadshow to help shape the University’s future civic direction. There is also an online survey to provide feedback for anyone unable to attend the events.

As part of the University’s commitment to becoming a true Civic University, it signed up to developing a Civic University Agreement, a document that will reaffirm its ongoing commitment to playing its part in the city and county’s prosperity and wellbeing.  

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are committed to becoming a true ‘Civic University’, responsible not only to our students and our staff, but also to the places around us. To ensure the impact we make is long-term and sustainable, we first need to understand what the real needs of our city and county are.

“The Civic University Agreement is an opportunity to set out clearly, coherently and creatively how we will fulfil our responsibilities. It will see us working closely with our partners to help deliver positive change across Derby and Derbyshire that makes a significant impact on the county’s local communities, businesses, organisations and overall prosperity.”

Under the Agreement, the University will be driven by the following principles:

1.       As a place-based institution, it is committed to attaching a high priority to the economic, social, environmental and cultural life of its local communities.

2.       Its civic role will be informed by an evidence-based analysis of the needs of its place, developed collaboratively with local partners and informed by the needs of its local community.

3.       It will collaborate with other anchor institutions and form partnerships to overcome the challenges facing local communities.  

4.       With its partners, it will be clear about what it does and how this is measured, so it can say with confidence what it has achieved – and how it might do better in the future.

The University of Derby Civic Roadshow is a free event taking place from 1pm-4pm on Wednesday 24 July at St Helena, 2 Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield S41 7LL

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Judges visit blooming marvellous Chesterfield

Chesterfield played host to judges from the East Midlands in Bloom committee to judge the borough’s entry into the regional competition.

Chesterfield in Bloom is a year-round campaign, led by volunteers working with Chesterfield Borough Council to make continual improvements to the borough’s environment.

As part of the tour on Friday 12 July, the judges visited some of Chesterfield’s parks and green spaces, including the Green Flag award winning parks at Queen’s Park and the grounds of Chesterfield and District Crematorium. They also met volunteers and residents who have entered the Chesterfield in Bloom best kept garden competition.

Caroline Pollard, East Midlands in Bloom judge said: “It’s a very vibrant town centre, we’ve seen a very busy market and we’ve seen how some really colourful floral displays make such a big difference to the town centre, they really make it a lovely place to be.”

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Chesterfield in Bloom is such a great campaign, it takes part in helping to improve the local environment. It’s great to see that the Bloom projects and competitions throughout Chesterfield bring a variety of people together throughout the year.”

Chesterfield won three gold awards in last year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition. The results of this year’s awards will be announced in September.

Chesterfield In Bloom

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Eat, drink, shop and play in Chesterfield this Summer

Read the latest blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

It’s that time of year when many of us are preparing for the holidays, packing our bags or gazing longingly at planes in the sky. But there is lots going on much closer to home, as Chesterfield also gears up for summer.

The market square in Chesterfield town centre is increasingly playing host to events and festivals. They ae proving hugely successful in drawing shoppers to the town and making a real difference for retailers. I am delighted that we were able to recognise this at the recent Chesterfield Retail Awards which, for the first time, had a Best Town Centre Event category.

If you’re in town and are looking for the best retail spots, then take a look at the finalists and winners of this year’s Retail Awards – all nominated by you. Congratulations to everybody involved – it was another stellar event showcasing our town.

Chesterfield Retail Awards Finalists

Alongside Chesterfield’s retail offering, the town centre also has an abundant food and drink offering. The finalists of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have just been announced. This celebration of the wonderful eateries we have in town are not restricted to the centre, either. It’s great to see so many businesses firmly established in other thriving areas, such as Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.

It’s impossible to be stuck for something to do in Chesterfield this summer. The town has something to cater for every taste – whether it’s food, drink or culture.

When was the last time you visited the museum? It’s free and there are always activities for children during the school holidays. If you’re a walker, then consider the town centre. Did you know there is an art trail?  What about a picnic? Queen’s Park offers the perfect spot. If you’re planning a day out this summer, you don’t have to go far from home and you’ll support local businesses.

As we attract more visitors to the town, it’s great to see that Saltergate multi-storey car park is coming soon. Its design may have divided opinion, but it certainly shows that Chesterfield never stands still and is not afraid to push boundaries.

If you want the town to continue to thrive, then it’s important that we all vote with our feet and spend time here. This summer take the time to discover Chesterfield; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Find out what’s happening in Chesterfield this Summer

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Local Enterprise Partnership decision

Chesterfield Borough Council has resolved to remain as a member of Derby Derbyshire Nottingham Nottinghamshire (D2N2) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and to relinquish its membership of Sheffield City Region (SCR) LEP. The Council will, however, remain a non-constituent member of the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a decision that I neither take lightly nor is it a decision that I believe is necessary. But there is no option if we are to comply with the Government’s requirement for Chesterfield’s businesses and communities to in future be represented by a single LEP.”

“Chesterfield’s businesses and communities have benefitted greatly from the Council being a member of both D2N2 LEP and SCR LEP since 2013 with £60 million plus of external funds having been secured for investment in infrastructure, business growth, skills and employment support.”

“We would like this position to continue, however, Whitehall appears determined not to allow the geographies of two LEPs to overlap.”

At a meeting of full Council on 27 February this year, councillors received and considered a detailed report on the Government’s July 2018 review of LEPs.

Councillors noted in particular that councils were to be represented by one LEP from April 2020 contrasting with the position that has existed across many parts of England since 2013 where the businesses and communities of particular local authority areas have been represented by two or more LEPs. This has been the case in Chesterfield borough, where our businesses and communities have been represented by both D2N2 LEP and SCR LEP.

Councillors also noted the Secretary of State’s statement that there would be consequences for non-compliant LEPs. This would include withholding payment of additional capacity funds to support LEPs to develop their respective Local Industrial Strategies and reducing the value of post-Brexit funding allocations (UK Shared Prosperity Fund).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, continued: “I have a responsibility to act in the best interests of Chesterfield borough’s businesses and communities and indeed of all businesses and communities located within the D2N2 and SCR geographies in not limiting the ability of the two LEPs to realise the full value of their respective post-Brexit funding entitlements.”

“By taking this decision today, D2N2 LEP and SCR LEP will be able to finalise their respective proposals to the Government for geographies which best reflect real functional economic areas and remove overlaps.”

“Whilst our LEP membership will remain with D2N2, Chesterfield Borough Council will continue to maintain an active interest in SCR through its non-constituent membership of the Mayoral Combined Authority. This is viewed as essential to ensure the future alignment of D2N2’s and SCR’s key strategies on critical cross-boundary matters such as HS2 and strategic road networks.”

Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We’re pleased that Chesterfield Borough Council has confirmed its decision to remain a member of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area. The UK Government had requested that all local authorities, located where two Local Enterprise Partnerships’ areas overlap, must decide which LEP they wished to be a member of.”

“We very much recognise that the borough’s location means its communities look towards both Yorkshire and Derbyshire.”

“We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Sheffield City Region LEP, to provide the Chesterfield area with the best support for its economy.”

The Leader of the Council will provide a full account of the reasons behind the decisions now made at the next meeting of full Council, which takes place on 17 July.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield

Art group for carers donates paintings to Trust base

A Chesterfield art group for carers of people with mental health issues has donated paintings to brighten up one of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s bases in the town.

Reception and office areas at Bayheath House, location for the Chesterfield Central Neighbourhood Team in Rose Hill West, Chesterfield, now look a lot more appealing thanks to the work of the town’s Mental Health Carers’ Art Group.

The art group meets every Friday from 10.30am–12.30pm at Chesterfield Labour Club, in Saltergate, Chesterfield, and members are encouraged to use the group to express themselves – even if they begin by saying they can’t draw.

Karen Wheeler, OT Lead and Professional Lead for Chesterfield Neighbourhood and Central, said: “At a service user and carer engagement meeting, members of the art group suggested that they would love to contribute to enhancing the environment of the waiting room. The local staff worked closely with the carers and our estates team to make this possible.”

Jo Slinn, Admin Manager at Bayheath House, was involved in the major task of organising and hanging the artwork, with subjects ranging from still life and landscape to an impressive series documenting a recovery journey.

Malcolm Grieve runs the art group, which he started about four years ago with the aim of encouraging any carers who enjoy, or might enjoy, creative work which would also give them some relief from their caring responsibilities.

He said: “The group offers two hours of respite and everyone is really encouraging. When we were asked if we would like to contribute some pictures to Bayheath House, of course we said yes. Staff have supported us so well.

“All the evidence is that when patients and carers engage in this sort of activity, people’s mental health and wellbeing improves, so that’s the message we want to get across. I really want to push the importance of art as a therapy.”

Community Art

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield