Development

Gist’s new Chesterfield site is open for business

Gist is excited to announce that its newest distribution centre, Gist Chesterfield, opened for business recently at Markham Vale.

Chesterfield began replacing Gist’s operation in Sheffield in July last year. At 90,000 sq. ft., Chesterfield was purpose-built to support business growth and increase the scope of current Gist operations in the North East and Midlands. The site will offer temperature controlled storage and consolidation, order picking and, as part of Gist’s national transport network, will deliver to UK retailer regional distribution centres 24/7.

The site is strategically located to enable Gist to service its food manufacturer and food retail clients.

Martin Gwynn, Gist Chief Executive, says: “We are always looking to build on our successful customer partnerships and our Chesterfield site is an important new extension to our national food logistics network, allowing us the space to grow our business in this area. This new facility will significantly increase our ability to bring great service to our customers. We look forward to announcing new contract wins in the near future and were pleased to create new job opportunities for the surrounding area.”

Gist’s new Chesterfield site

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

The first food barn in the North has been granted planning permission

The first food barn in the North has been granted planning permission in
Chesterfield.

The Batch House will feature a mix of bars, restaurants, start-ups, street food traders
and a demo kitchen, as well as offering creative flexible space on the upper atrium
floors.

Common place in many European towns and cities, the concept of a food barn
offering quality artisan food in a casual relaxed environment is only just beginning in
the UK. The Batch house is going to create that atmosphere for Chesterfield and its
surrounding neighbours.

Popping up all over London, food halls offer diners a range of exciting food and
drink all under one roof.

The Batch House is an integral part of Blue Deer’s latest project, The Glass Yard. It’s
going to bring people together who want to create something special, whether that
is food, products, or experiences.

Directly opposite Chesterfield’s Proact football stadium, the barn will form an
imposing centrepiece of the whole project with its eye-catching design, and will be
surrounded by 18 state-of-the-art office buildings.

The whole project has already attracted exciting local businesses, as well artisan
food producers from across the country, all sharing the ethos of: “Whatever you
sell, make or create, make it as good as you can”.

Tim Turner, Blue Deer founder, said: “I’ve visited food destination buildings in lots
of European towns and cities and always have the same thought ‘why don’t we do
something like this back home in Derbyshire’. Now we’re going to.

“The Batch House will bring a European culture and experience to Chesterfield and
its neighbours that is currently springing up all over London.

“We know from the interest we have already received just how much support there
is out there for this project, and now planning permission has been granted we are
in the position to make it happen. Is Chesterfield ready for this? We think so!”

The Glass Yard Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

University of Derby Invest to Grow fund creates 1,000 local jobs

The University of Derby has supported the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in key growth sectors across the East Midlands since launching its Invest to Grow funding scheme in 2014.

More than a quarter of the new jobs have been created in Derbyshire, including roles in transport equipment manufacturing, life sciences, construction, food and drink manufacturing, logistics, engineering and low carbon sectors.

It is a major milestone for the fund, which through a re-circulating finance scheme, provides a combination of loans and grants to SMEs to support specific projects. These are typically related to businesses growing, developing or improving their products and related services, as well as creating new and sustainable jobs.

Mr Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief-Executive and Finance Director of the University, said: “I’m delighted that the scheme managed by the University with an independent panel has reached this impressive milestone.

“The funding from Invest to Grow provides much needed financial support to businesses across the East Midlands and has had a significant economic impact over several key growth sectors. Alongside the ongoing Invest to Grow scheme and the additional support to SMEs from the University, we can expect to see further job creation and growth in the wider business community.”

The University was originally awarded a total of £16.35m in funding by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) for its Invest to Grow scheme. This is not the end of the scheme however. As this is a re-circulating finance scheme, there is still recycled loan funding to be repaid into the scheme and recirculated to new projects.

Mark Wheddon, Head of Delivery for Invest to Grow at the University of Derby, added: “In addition to job creation, managing the Invest to Grow fund has facilitated enhanced links between businesses and the University. There are several examples of ongoing collaboration, knowledge exchange and a general increased awareness of the University’s wider role as an economic anchor institution supporting the region’s businesses.

“The funding has directly enabled many businesses to recruit new staff and bring in new skills or contributed to training and upskilling existing employees, often in relation to new equipment, technology or processes. Many of our funding recipients have also continued to work with the University through employing PhD students to undertake research.”

Homecare Direct Limited, based in Chesterfield, provide services to people who need individual care to organise their own support at home. The company was awarded £160,000 by Invest to Grow to enable them to relocate to new fit for purpose premises and to invest in its IT infrastructure.

Speaking about the impact of the Invest to Grow fund, Roger Adams, Director at Homecare Direct Limited, said: “Support from Invest to Grow not only enabled the business to grow and create new employment, but also led to further collaboration with the University. In 2017 Homecare Direct took on two placement students which proved to be highly successful and beneficial to both the company and the students.”

For more information about the University of Derby’s Invest to Grow Fund, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/investtogrow.

New £6.9 million University Campus brings history and future together in Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Development

Another new business at Markham Vale

Catering Projects Ltd, has recently taken possession of Unit 2 Waterloo Court at Markham Vale.

Catering Projects is at the cutting edge of the hospitality industry providing innovation throughout the design, build and installation of kitchens and bars.  Their client portfolio includes some of the UK’s most successful restaurateurs and entrepreneurs.

The team at Catering Projects Ltd have over 120 years of commercial experience, from Design and Contract Management to Installation and Operations.

Paul Turnbull, the company’s Managing Director explains the company’s reason for investing at Markham Vale.

“Why we chose Markham Vale?, simply, right location close to transport hub and local amenities. Easily accessible for staff members and central location for our clients and supply chain. Our new premises provides the perfect platform for future growth with a large employment pool in the local area”.

 

Markham Vale

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Annual Celebrate Chesterfield event to announce future plans for town

The latest developments for Chesterfield’s £320million Waterside scheme will be unveiled at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Plc, the company behind the scheme, will reveal at the free business breakfast event how the ambitious regeneration project – one of the largest in the UK – will take a major step forward this year.

The programme aims to create a thriving new community with homes, offices, shops, bars and restaurants surrounding a new canal basin.

Peter will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who will update on the progress the town is making as a whole.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its sixth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest business events in the region. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend at the Winding Wheel this year.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “We are a town on the up and we have a lot to be proud of.  Celebrate Chesterfield is a fantastic opportunity for the local business community to come together and toast achievements from the past 12 months and look forward to what is coming up during 2018 and beyond.

“Last year’s event was a complete sell-out and we expect this year to be even more successful.”

Delegates can listen to case studies from growing local businesses, hear updates on some of the exciting plans in store for the town and will have the opportunity to quiz some of the town’s business leaders.

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale as associate sponsors.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care, said: “The University of Derby is proud to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event once again in 2018.

“We remain committed to making a difference to Chesterfield and its population, growing our involvement in social and community projects to promote health and wellbeing. We have seen a significant increase in students at our Chesterfield Campus, particularly in adult and mental health nursing, giving more local people the opportunity to progress their careers. It is a joy to see the old girls’ school which has been restored sympathetically, but with state-of-the-art facilities, thriving as a vibrant educational centre of excellence. We are seeing occupation of our incubation space, and we are committed to supporting local businesses through innovation and creativity in areas such as health technology and product development, as well as working together to develop higher, degree and masters level apprenticeships.”

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology, added: “Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us.  Having been established and working in Chesterfield, with year on year growth for over 15 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with local mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection.

“2018 is a big year for Central Technology as we move to a fully fitted 11,000 sq ft office later this spring to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.

“With a key focus on staff training and development, we will have dedicated training facilities and test labs for technical learning time. By attracting excellent technicians and developing our local apprenticeship scheme, we will be able to continue to provide the excellent service our customers expect.

“The event is a great opportunity for us to meet and work with like-minded mid-market organisations that are keen to grow business in Chesterfield and make it a great location to both work and live.”

Destination Chesterfield was launched in 2010 to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

Over the past eight years it has brought together the business community as Chesterfield Champions to market the town, drive investment and bring it to the attention of national investors.

Celebrate Chesterfield is part of its campaign to make the town a “modern destination.”  Tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11am, are available to book now. Limited exhibition spaces for businesses to showcase their work are also available.

To book your ticket at the event, or reserve exhibition space, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development

New Leisure Development Approved

Chesterfield Borough Council have approved the development of the Glass Yard in Chesterfield

The Glass Yard is a mixed use development comprising of retail, bar and restaurants , business centre and car parking.

It will be built on the former fire station site on Sheffield Road

The Glass Yard will create an innovative workspace for new and growing businesses in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

The Batch House is inspired by artisan food and retail halls found around central Europe, such as Barcelona, Lisbon, Florence and Rome.  The ground floor is proposed to be occupied by artisan food producers and suppliers, restaurants, cafes and retail units.

The developers already have interest from several high-profile chefs to create restaurant spaces and are looking for more to join them.

More information about the Glass YardThe Glass Yard Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Go Outdoors confirms March opening for Chesterfield store

Outdoor company Go Outdoors have confirmed that their new Chesterfield store will officially open in March.

Go Outdoors follows a number of retailers to invest in the town recently including Deichmann Shoes , Trespass and Patisserie Valarie as well as a number of new independent stores.

The new store will be on Spire Walk Business Park in Chesterfield.
Spire Walk Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Helping local companies’ benefit from housing development

Local companies are invited to a meet the buyer event to find out how to tender for work connected to the construction of new apartments in Chesterfield town centre.

MJ Developments Ltd has secured planning permission to create ten flats from the conversion of a commercial building on Knifesmithgate, Chesterfield.

Work has begun on preparing the site to allow building work to begin this month.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, includes local labour clauses in developments such as this to ensure developers use local suppliers and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies to win this business MJ Developments and Chesterfield Borough Council will hold a Meet the Buyer event at Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, from 10am to 11.30am on Thursday 25 January to provide details of a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project.

Opportunities include:

  • Windows
  • Kitchen fitting
  • Flooring
  • Electrical appliances
  • Painting and decorating
  • Wall tiling
  • Cleaners
  • Furniture Packs

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, business and skills and training opportunities.

“I would encourage all local businesses to attend the meet the buyer event and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces.”

MJ Developments will also be organising work experience opportunities for young people from Chesterfield College and local schools.

local companies

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Two new businesses and more jobs at Markham Vale

Distribution and logistics giant Great Bear and supply chain specialist Gist Limited are the latest businesses to be handed keys to new premises at Markham Vale unlocking the way for up to 600 new jobs.

Great Bear Distribution is set to create up to 400 new jobs at its new 479,285 sq ft bespoke distribution centre − which is their second base at the site located just off junction 29A of the M1.

And Gist Limited is set to create up to 200 new jobs at its 90,760 sq ft bespoke, high-spec chilled warehouse and storage facility.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Derbsyhire County Council, said:-

“We’re delighted to handover the keys to Great Bear Distribution and Gist Limited − both companies will be creating jobs for local people which is fantastic news and they will be a real boost to the Derbyshire economy.

“Driving economic growth and creating more job opportunities are key priorities of ours and we’re really pleased that Markham continues to play a vital role in bringing investment into the county.

“We look forward to following the progress of both firms over the coming months and welcoming even more businesses to the site this year.”

Chester-based Great Bear Distribution − which is part of the Culina Group − was established in 1994 and operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as PZ Cussons, BMW, Unilever, Mars and Mondelez.

The firm now occupies just under one million sq ft of land at Markham Vale making them the largest business on the site to date.

Peter Yarwood, Regional Operations Director at Great Bear Distribution, said:-

“We are very impressed with how quick not one, but two units have been delivered by Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council in such a short build time. On the back of the first unit, we agreed a deal for a second on Markham Vale North and due to the transition of a large part of our Midlands operations to Markham Vale, we needed a speedy delivery with no bumps along the way.

“We look forward to our second base becoming fully operational in the coming months, to benefit from the excellent motorway links and access routes which will help us to service our clients much more effectively.”

Gist Limited manages the supply chains for perishable and chilled products for a wide range of customers in the commercial and industrial sector and has 5,000 employees based at more than 40 sites throughout the UK and Europe.

Alan Devine, Managing Director, Gist, said:-

“We are happy to be working with Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot on the development of this important new extension to our national food and logistics network, on time and on budget.

“The new consolidation centre will significantly increase our ability to bring great service to our customers.”

Gist Limited is the third business to join Ferdinand Bilstein UK and Great Bear Distribution on Markham Vale North.

Both firm’s new bases were built by Henry Boot Developments − private sector property partner for Derbyshire County Council.

Vivienne Clements, Director at Henry Boot Developments, said:-

“The announcement of the second unit for Great Bear Distribution and the Gist Limited facility at Markham Vale was absolutely brilliant and reflected great confidence from the firms in the region. Now that the near 500,000 sq ft unit for Great Bear Distribution has completed on Markham Vale North, we are extremely pleased to have delivered circa one million sq ft for them, creating excellent job opportunities for local people.

“Following this we are delighted to announce practical completion of the 90,760 sq ft unit for Gist Limited, the third unit on Markham Vale North. On the North, more than 20 acres of land now remains capable of sub-division into units from as little as 15,000 sq ft up to 300,000 sq ft.”

two new businesses

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Replacement Saltergate car park work begins in February

Work to demolish Saltergate car park and replace it with a modern 24-hour a day multi-storey car park will begin next month.

Chesterfield Borough Council will close the existing car park at 7pm on Saturday 3 February so contractors can decommission the lifts, electric, water and telecoms supplies, ahead of demolition work a month later.

Motorists will be able to use a wide range of alternative Chesterfield Borough Council-run car parks while the work takes place. Signs and leaflets giving drivers further information are being issued this week.

During the spring a planning application will be submitted seeking permission to build a multi-million pound replacement that offers:

  • Safe, secure, 24 hour parking
  • Better parking facilities for motorists
  • Increase the number of parking spaces to 531
  • A more contemporary building.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“The new car park is part of the wider Northern Gateway project. It will deliver a better quality multi-storey car park for shoppers, commuters and users of the hotel, restaurants, bar and gym that are currently being developed as part of the scheme to refurbish the former Co-op building.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this causes motorists in the short term but we believe it will be worth it once the improved 24-hour car park opens, which will increase the number of spaces available.

“We have sufficient spaces in our other car parks to cope with all the motorists who currently use Saltergate. We have already begun talking to customers to make them aware of alternative arrangements and will also be putting up signs across the town to direct people to their nearest convenient car park.

“The existing Saltergate car park is showing its age and does not provide the modern facilities that modern motorists need. We did look at renovating the existing one but the level of structural engineering work required meant that it made financial sense to build a replacement one instead.”

During the work alternative short and long stay car parking is available at the following car parks:  Beetwell Street multi-storey car park, Holywell Cross, Rose Hill, Soresby Street, Albion Road, Devonshire Street, Durrant Road, Theatre Lane, St Mary’s Gate, Station Road, Derbyshire Times, Spa Lane, Hollis Lane, Queen’s Park Annexe, Queen’s Park South and North.

Monthly permit holders will be able to use them at Beetwell Street multi-storey or on selected surface car parks.

From 15 January day saver tickets will only be available for use at Beetwell Street multi-storey car park. Scratch cards for surface car parks can be bought from the Visitor Information Centre or Beetwell Street multi-storey car park.

More details, including an interactive map of alternative car parks, can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/saltergate.

Work on the Northern Gateway scheme began in December 2017 when developers Jomast started refurbishing the former Co-op department store. When completed, the building will include:

  • Seven ground floor family restaurants and bars
  • A 92 bedroom Premier Inn hotel on the first and second floors
  • A health and fitness centre in the basement.

To support this Chesterfield Borough Council is going to build the new Saltergate multi-storey car park and use a £5.83 million grant from Sheffield City Region to:

  • carry out major environmental improvements to Elder Way and Knifesmithgate that will transform the area
  • build an enterprise centre on part of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park to meet the demand for town centre business units for start-up and small to medium sized companies. This will create jobs and bring more customers to the town centre.

Chesterfield Borough Council is in the final stages of procurement for a contractor to build the new Saltergate multi-storey car park. The date for the opening of the new multi-storey car park will be confirmed once the building designs have been prepared and planning permission has been granted.

Saltergate car park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Business rates boost bid successful for Derbyshire

Derbyshire could benefit from up to £21m extra funding following a successful Government bid which will see the county taking part in a business rates pilot scheme.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid announced Derbyshire’s successful bid to become a 100% Business Rates Retention pilot as part of the local government finance settlement statement in Parliament on Tuesday 19 December 2017.

The exact amount of the extra funding is still to be confirmed but the final amount will be used to boost economic growth, support vital services, support infrastructure and promote new development across the county and Derby city.

Derbyshire County Council led the successful bid on behalf of the county’s eight district and borough councils, Derby City Council and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service − which are all business rates authorities.

The bid was one of only 10 to be successful in this round.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said:

“This is fantastic news for the county as a whole and will benefit a wide variety of important projects that will make a huge difference to communities and our local economy.”

At the moment all local authorities currently retain 50% of business rates and the Government is looking to move to all local authorities retaining 75% of business rates by 2020-2021 and eventually to 100%.

A number of 100% retention pilot schemes are already running so that the Government can assess how well the scheme works in practice, test it out across a wide range of environments and learn lessons before it is rolled out across the country.

Derbyshire’s successful bid will see all business rates income from all county authorities being ‘pooled’, which will bring the additional ‘one-off’ funding.

Each authority will receive a share of 70% of the total extra money to support their own services, which could include building new homes, bringing back into use existing properties, supporting children’s social care, waste and recycling, promoting tourism and supporting community safety and safe and well checks.

The remaining 30% of the total amount must be used to support economic regeneration across the county and city. The Derby and Derbyshire Authorities Joint Committee for Economic Prosperity will make the decisions on how this money is allocated for individual projects.

Councillor Lewis said:

“To be chosen as one of only 10 authorities in this round shows that our bid was very strong.

“We obviously welcome the one-off extra funding this will bring, and working with our partners we have an excellent opportunity to see how this scheme will work in practice and what benefits it will bring to the county in the long-term.”

Representatives from each Derbyshire authority will now form a board which will be responsible for guiding and managing the day-to-day running of the pilot.HS2 Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development