Development

Markham miners remembered with memorial unveiling

1st October 2018

Eleven new life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of a memorial to miners who lost their lives at Markham Colliery.

The figures were unveiled as part of the ‘Walking Together’ memorial – led by Derbyshire County Council – which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead. There are now 45 figures at the site – the first 2 were unveiled in 2013 to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1973 disaster.

The Walking Together memorial has been designed by Cheshire-based Artist Stephen Broadbent. Each figure is part of a walking trail which symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in 3 accidents at the site.

On 21 January 1937 an underground explosion claimed the lives of 9 men and in 1938, 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured in a second explosion.

Eighteen miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury in the third disaster at the colliery when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed on 30 July 1973.

The former colliery site has now been reclaimed by Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale regeneration scheme which is working to create 4,100 jobs for local people.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “It has been a special day remembering the brave men that lost their lives in the 3 disasters at Markham Colliery.”

“It was really nice to meet and spend time the relatives and hear more about each miner.”

“I remember the site well. Not only as a place of work but where were great friendships formed.”

“We now have 45 figures as part of the memorial and more sponsors are needed so if you’d like to take part and support the project please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

Relatives of the miners commemorated at the unveiling also attended the event to pay tribute.

Each figure carries a tag with the name of 1 of the miners, along with their age and job role. These most recent additions have been dedicated to:

Arthur May, 59, Contractor
George Edward Pether, 30, Ripper
Harry Lavender, 39, Ripper
James Stanley Rowland, 34, Contractor
John Arnold Bray, 34, Ripper
John Thomas Brown, 26, Timber Drawer
John William Lievesley, 46, Deputy
Leonard Atkin, 53, Contractor
Thomas George Yates, 38, Timber Drawer
Walter Bluer, 41, Ripper
Wilfred Haywood, 36, Ripper

The latest figures have been sponsored by:

Duckmanton Primary School
G F Tomlinson Group Ltd
Maureen (nee Bray) and John Fidler
The descendants of Thomas George Yates
The Freemasons Derbyshire Fund through Foundation Derbyshire
The Markham Mining Memorial Working Group
The Milnes Family
The Pether Family

Henry Boot Developments and their consultants Jefferson Sheard Architects, Warrington Martin, Anderson Green Ltd and BWB Consulting Ltd have also sponsored figures.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a figure can contact Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey, email: peter.storey@derbyshire.gov.uk

Councillor Tony King (centre) holds a photograph of Markham miner Wilfred Haywood with Wilfred’s granddaughter Janet Wilkins and his second cousin Alan Perry

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Ashgate Hospicecare unveil new Garden Room and Dementia Friendly Courtyard thanks to a generous donation

28th September 2018

Last week, Ashgate Hospicecare officially opened the doors to their brand new dementia friendly courtyard and garden room thanks to the amazing generosity of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust.

The new garden room provides a homely sanctuary to patients and their families who want non-clinical, modern space to spend precious time together. The garden room is also a gateway to a welcoming outdoor space which has been designed to be dementia friendly. There are sensory plants, a tranquil water feature, comfortable seating and a mural that all contribute to creating a peaceful outdoor space.

Graham Moore, Chairman of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust, said: “As a longstanding supporter of Ashgate Hospicecare we are delighted to have funded the new courtyard and garden room, which I had the privilege of officially opening. This is an amazing space where patients and their families can spend quality time together, which I’m sure will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of patients.”

The transformed area will significantly improve the Hospice experience for all of our patients and their families, particularly for those with cognitive difficulties, as well as providing families with a place to take loved ones that is easily accessible but close by to the nurses which is important for continuity of care.

John Beeston, a patient in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “This was my first time seeing the courtyard and I think it looks amazing. It reminds me a lot of being at home because we get a lot of sparrows in our garden, just like those painted on the mural. It’s wonderful to have the bird feeders too because hopefully they will attract lots of birds into the courtyard.

The garden room is a wonderful addition too! It’s lovely because it can be used all year round and you can open up the bi-folding doors and feel like you’re outside even if you’re inside.”

Richard Gosling, who is also in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “I think that the courtyard is super! It’s just what we wanted. I spend a lot of time in the gardens at the Hospice, so having this extra outside space is great.”

Local businesses also added to this special addition to the Hospice. Without the support of Gary Fletcher Surfacing, John Plant MBE, Tesco’s Bags of Help, K B Rouse, Peter Barber, Walton Landscapes, TG Beighton, Hospice garden volunteers, Valley Reclamation, the DEEP Group, the Hospice Dementia Champions and CMC Aluminium this project wouldn’t have been possible.

Julie Foster, Ashgate Hospicecare Matron said: “We are so grateful to the Westfield Health Charitable Trust and everyone else involved who made this project possible. We have known for a long time that the environment has a huge impact on patient wellbeing, this new space is a home from home, a space for patients to relax, to celebrate with loved ones, to simply enjoy when it matters most.”

The Hospice was awarded ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2015 for our care, the garden room and courtyard are now outstanding spaces to match this care and have inspired the Hospice to make improvements to other areas on the Inpatient Unit.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

New play area officially opens

20th September 2018

Fun times lie ahead for youngsters in Somersall following the official opening of a new £56,000 playground this weekend.

The playground has been installed following a joint project between Chesterfield Borough Council and the Friends of Somersall Park to improve the quality of play equipment for young people.

The playground includes:

Traditional and basket swings
Play climbing structures including slides
Talking tubes
Obstacle course type activities to climb

An official opening ceremony for the playground will be held in Somersall Park at 11am on Saturday 22nd September.

The work has been funded by £25,000 from a Viridor landfill tax credit, £23,000 from Chesterfield Borough Council and £10,000 grant from Tesco Bags of Help.

John Ramsey, Principal Greenspaces Officer for Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Over the last three years we have been working with the Friends of Somersall Park to secure funding for the new play space in Somersall Park.”

“It is really pleasing to see that hard work pay off and for a wide range of play equipment to be installed to improve the quality of the play area for children to enjoy.”

The Friends of Somersall Park group has already carried out a range of projects to improve the park experience for users. These include tree and bulb planting, litter picks and organising various events including an annual lantern parade and a play day during the school holidays.

Rebecca Robinson, chair of the Friends of Somersall Park, said: “We are delighted to have successfully delivered a new play at Somersall Park for our local community to enjoy. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Chesterfield on track to create world class visitor economy

20th September 2018

It has been revealed that converting just 5% of Chesterfield’s day visitors into overnight stays would transform the town’s visitor economy.

Speaking at the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit, keynote speaker James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Board, added: “Chesterfield has its foot on the ladder of being world class and is on track to transform its visitor economy. It must focus on creating the distinctive, unique and special.”

At the sell-out event, which was held at Casa Hotel, it was revealed that last year Chesterfield attracted 3.7 million visitors who brought £175 million to the economy, representing a 50% uplift in tourism spend compared to 2009. (Read more about the growth in tourism in Chesterfield)

Mr Berresford praised the town’s ambitions saying: “Tourists today want experiences. We need to focus on the unique and distinctive things we have like the market and the Crooked Spire to stand out from the crowd. They are a wonderful local experience reflecting the character of the town.”

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “It is very much a time of growth for the town and borough. However, as a council we remain committed to the premise that the growth we generate must be inclusive and that local people must benefit in terms of jobs and business opportunities.”

As part of Chesterfield’s drive to increase the visitor economy, more than 2,500 beds will be added to the Borough’s accommodation offering over the next 36 months. The 92-bed Premier Inn Hotel on Elder Way will open in January 2019 and further beds will be delivered at Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort.

Construction of a ‘core four’ phase one of Peak Resort will begin next year on the Birchall Estate. Phase One is scheduled to open at the end of 2020. Phase One will be centered around the Gateway Complex which will provide serviced connectivity and equipment for tourists to engage in all sorts of activities in the surrounding communities and National Park.

The Birchall Estate has planning approvals for up to 2000 hotel rooms and 250 chalets. The hotels will be delivered in phases and in a range of formats from 5 star to hostel accommodation. The aim is to deliver the quality and scope of accommodation and hospitality similar to that of a ski resort, sitting at the heart of the country alongside the Peak District National Park.

Delegates heard that climate change, travel security, changing habits and Brexit have all been key factors in the realisation of Peak Resort. Combined, they are driving more people to holiday in the UK.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Young people need to raise their aspirations and skill up ahead of HS2 arriving in Chesterfield and the opening of Peak Resort to ensure that they and the town makes the most of the opportunities that these schemes will bring.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Marketing Derby and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the annual Investment Summit was held at Casa Hotel.

More than 200 people attended to learn more on the latest investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. In addition to James Berresford, Rupert Carr and Huw Bowen, delegates also heard from Adam Hearld of Jomast Developments, which is transforming the former Co-op building and Frank Horsley, Head of Economic Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council.

Find out more about developments in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Record visitor numbers boost Chesterfield economy

19th September 2018

New figures showing a record number of visitors to Chesterfield are providing a £175 million boost to the borough’s economy were announced this morning at the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The industry figures show that in 2017, Chesterfield received 3.7 million visitors, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2016. This compares with an average 1.3 per cent increase across the rest of Derbyshire.

The year also saw tourism contribute £175.21 million to the Chesterfield economy, a 6.9 per cent increase on 2016.

As a result, the visitor economy sector also supported 2,165 full-time equivalent jobs in Chesterfield, an increase of 4.8 per cent on 2016. This compares with a 2.5 per cent increase across Derbyshire.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep, Chesterfield has long been a convenient place to visit but the fact we see so many people returning to visit us, shows we have a lot to offer in our own right.

“With attractions such as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the traditional open-air market, two theatres offering major shows and plays, Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it’s no wonder people choose to visit Chesterfield.

“This is great news for our local economy and we will continue to organise regular events to encourage people to visit the borough and, while they are here, take advantage of the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars we have on offer here.

“I think it is easy to take what you have on your doorstep for granted but when I talk to visitors they are always very complimentary about Chesterfield and what it has to offer. These latest figures back that up and show how important tourism is to our economy.”

Chesterfield Borough Council organises regular events to attract visitors to the borough, such as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which brings in cricket fans from across the country. The next event is the 1940s market which takes place in the traditional open-air market place on Thursday 1 November.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and events

Crooked Spire in Spring

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

Award winning eatery opens new café at Chesterfield College

12th September 2018

One of Chesterfield’s award-winning eateries, The Lilypad, opened a new branch at Chesterfield College last week in time for the start of the new term.

The café, Lilypad at the Arches, is run by the same team who operate The Lilypad in Chesterfield town centre and is part of the new facilities now on offer at the college’s University-Centre at the Infirmary Road campus. Students studying on a range of courses from professional qualifications to Access to Higher Education and Full Honours Degrees will be able to take advantage of the new service when they return to college.

Open from 8am until 3.30pm and offering a selection of breakfast choices, salads, sandwiches, cakes and drinks in a relaxed space, Lilypad at the Arches is a great addition to the food and drink choices available across the college.

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant were winners of The Best Newcomer of the Year in 2016 and The Café and Tea Room of the Year in 2017 at the annual Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards.

Emily Chapman, Manager of the The Lilypad Café and Restaurant said;

“It is really exciting that we are able to expand into the college. Although the menu here is slightly different to what we offer in the town centre, it is developed with the same quality and approach. We have designed the menu and the space we serve the food from to provide staff and students with a chance to recharge their batteries and fuel their brains in between lectures.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Henry Boot Developments to build speculative unit at Markham Vale

6th September 2018

Henry Boot Developments (HBD) has submitted a reserved matters planning application for a speculative 55,000 sq ft industrial unit, ‘MV55’, at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship Markham Vale scheme.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics development located at Junction 29A of the M1 in Derbyshire, a joint venture between HBD and Derbyshire County Council. It offers a unique opportunity for businesses seeking direct motorway access coupled with high-quality, purpose-built premises.

HBD hopes to start the 55,000 sq ft unit in early 2019, working towards practical completion in summer 2019. The unit, which fronts the M1, will include flexible office space ranging from 2,500 sq ft – 5,000 sq ft alongside high-quality industrial facilities with four level access doors and two dock levellers and 50 parking spaces provided on site.

Markham Vale is one of the region’s successful industrial schemes, home to the likes of Great Bear, Gist, Ferdinand Bilstein and Sterigenics. The new unit, positioned on Markham Vale West, will sit between Meter Provida and Grangers International, which is currently under construction and due to complete in November 2018.

Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is a hugely successful scheme, offering the highest quality industrial premises coupled with direct access to the UK motorway network. This is a sizeable speculative unit which will comprise the facilities and features that we know occupiers value the most and which have the greatest impact on operations, maximising efficiency and their potential for growth.

“Our occupiers at Markham Vale are varied but share a common objective in that they’re striving for growth – we focus on providing the space for them to do just that, continuing to create new jobs and progressing the kind of innovation that puts the region on the map.”

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “Driving economic growth and creating more job opportunities are key priorities of ours and we’re really pleased Markham continues to play a vital role in bringing investment to the area.

“The site is now home to a range of businesses and we look forward to welcoming even more through this latest development in the near future.”

Markham Vale has 39 acres of land remaining, able to accommodate a range of units from 15,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft.

Find out more about Markham Vale

Find out about major development sites in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Local songstress wows visitors at new show homes opening

5th September 2018

Skylarks, one of Chesterfield’s most eagerly awaited new homes developments, got off to a flying start enhanced by local singer/songwriter Emily Harris who serenaded visitors to the two beautiful new show homes opened to the public by William Davis Homes recently.

19 year old Emily performed classics, modern standards and covers by some of her favourite artists including Ed Shearan and Bon Iver, giving the launch a wonderful summer feel. Emily whose entire family are musicians, has been singing professionally for 18 months and will now spend the rest of the summer putting the finishing touches to her new EP, which she’s working on with the Launch Pad programme in Sheffield.

Stephen Rush, Sales Director at William Davis Homes commented: “We were delighted to feature Emily and her music over the launch weekend here at Skylarks, helping to celebrate William Davis Homes return to Chesterfield after five years. Skylarks’ occupies a prime position on the edge of the town, benefitting from local shops, schools and amenities, yet it’s easily commutable to neighbouring Sheffield and really is becoming known as the best address for living in Chesterfield.”

With 16 new homes already sold at Skylarks it’s becoming a popular new housing developments within Chesterfield and will feature a range of two to five bedroom homes in 15 different designs and layouts in a carefully planned and landscaped environment. Ideal for those looking for their first home, somewhere with room to grow or just that little bit easier to manage, homes at Skylarks are all traditionally built with the highest quality finishes including well known-brands such as Smeg, Hive, Porcelanosa and Roca.

For more information click here.

Steve Hodgkin / Credit – Chadwicks

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Expansion and relocation for Chesterfield beauty salon

4th September 2018

A popular beauty salon has relocated from Sheffield to Chesterfield and taken on new premises on Chatsworth Road in order to meet increased demand from customers in the area.

Originally established in Sheffield in 2015 by passionate beautician Rebecca Hales, Blush Nails and Beauty is a full-service salon offering beauty treatments including, nails, tanning, massages and facials.

To date, the entrepreneur has worked alone but, just three years after opening, demand for appointments from customers in both South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire has prompted the move to a new salon that can accommodate her growing team – which now consists of four beauty therapists and nail technicians.

The premises, which is situated next to Bridal Boutique, the Little White Dress and hair salon Elysium, consists of three fully equipped treatment rooms and a nail bar.

Rebecca was advised on the lease of the premises by Chesterfield-based commercial property expert Ian Osborn of Banner Jones Solicitors, who are Chesterfield Champions.

Rebecca commented: “I am delighted to have secured the premises in Chesterfield and have already noticed an increase in clients since opening here.

“From launching on my own three years ago to now being a core team of four I’m proud of how far the business has come and am now looking ahead to the future where I hope to expand the team further in line with client demand.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to Ian Osborn and the Banner Jones team for their support and advice throughout the whole process.”

Supporting Rebecca with the lease of the property, Ian – a commercial property specialist at Banner Jones – commented: “Chesterfield’s Chatsworth Road is thriving, and Blush Nails and Beauty is the latest in a raft of new additions to its retail and hospitality offering.

“We’re delighted to have been able to support Rebecca in securing her new premises, and we look forward to seeing her move forward with her ambitious expansion plans.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield residents invited to name new Mccarthy and Stone development

30th August 2018

The UK’s leading retirement housebuilder, McCarthy and Stone, has announced construction will soon get under way at its site in Saltergate, Chesterfield, which is set to be transformed into a collection of one and two bedroom Retirement Living Plus apartments, designed for people aged 70 and over.

Ahead of the build programme commencing, McCarthy and Stone is appealing to local people to enter a competition to name the scheme. The winning entrant of the ‘What’s in a Name’ competition will be granted the opportunity to attend the official opening of the development, as well as receiving a cheque for £200.

Fiona Brooks, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy and Stone North West, said: “We are inviting people from the local area to suggest an appropriate name for our new Chesterfield development. We are looking for a name which will be relevant to the local community; and it can be anything from suggestions honouring local landmarks or scenery, to names that incorporate elements of the town’s rich history. Simply submit your ideas by Monday 3^rd September to be considered for the prize, and to put your stamp on a little bit of future history in the town.”

To be in with a chance of naming McCarthy and Stone’s new development and to win £200, all you have to do is email mccarthyandstone@mccann.com with your suggested development name and the reason behind it. Please include ‘Chesterfield’ in the subject header and also include your name and contact details in the email. The competition is open to people of all ages from the local and surrounding areas and the deadline for entries is Monday 3^rd September.

The Chesterfield development will consist of 65 one and two bedroom apartments, along with a stunning homeowners’ lounge, ideal for socialising with friends; beautifully landscaped gardens in which to relax; and a convenient guest suite should homeowners have friends or relatives to stay. The development will also benefit from its very own Estates Management team on-site 24 hours a day; while a security entrance system and emergency call points will provide added peace-of-mind for homeowners and their families.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Approval for sports pitch on former sports centre site

29th August 2018

Councillors have approved plans for an artificial turf sports pitch on the site of the former Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield.

Members of Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee approved the plans for the site of the former sports centre on Boythorpe Road at their meeting yesterday, Tuesday 28 August.

This will see a 61m x 43m sports pitch built on the site suitable for seven-a-side football games built to Football Association requirements. The pitch could also be split to be used for two five-a-side games.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Queen’s Park is a key park in Chesterfield and the new sports pitch will meet a need identified by Sport England to increase the number of pitches available in the borough.

“Chesterfield has some of the worst health inequalities and providing extra opportunities for people to exercise, get fit and enjoy themselves is a priority for us.”

The pitch would be sited to minimise the visual impact from within Queen’s Park and nearby properties. The floodlights will be designed to reduce light emissions, with the fencing and lighting columns in dark colours to blend in with the park environment.

The remaining area would be landscaped with trees, shrubs, bedding plants and grass so it is closer to the original park design by William Barron that was in place before the old Queen’s Park Sports Centre was built in 1968.

Councillor Ludlow added: “With the heritage nature of the grade II* listed park, it is important that any development fits in with its surroundings, which is why time and effort has been put into making sure that the plans are sympathetic to the nature of the park and the original landscaping restored.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure