Property and Construction

Chesterfield’s brand-new M&S store opens at Ravenside Retail Park

Local people have been supported to secure jobs at the new Marks and Spencer store in Chesterfield, as part of a partnership project with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Located in Ravenside Retail Park, the store is designed with customers and local families at heart with a fresh, market-style Foodhall and a spacious Clothing, Home and Beauty Department, and over 400 car parking spaces.

At 46,000 sqft. the new store marks a big investment for M&S in Chesterfield, with over 100 new recruits joining the current team to welcome customers through the doors.

On the store’s official opening day, (Wednesday, 30th November) the M&S Chesterfield team gathered at the store entrance at 10am with Store Manager, Matt Corker, who was joined by guest of honor, Percy Pig, to cut the ribbon and declare the store officially open.

The opening day was also marked with a live broadcast from North Derbyshire Radio, who hosted the Breakfast and Daytime shows from the shop floor – interviewing colleagues and customers and getting a first-look at all the exciting new features.

Soaking up the opening day celebrations, Store Manager Matt Corker, who has worked at M&S for over 25 years, is exceptionally proud of the new store and his amazing team of of over 200 colleagues.

Matt said: “We’re thrilled to open our brand-new store in Chesterfield today. The last few weeks have been spent putting the finishing touches to our new store and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone in the team who has worked so hard to make sure everything is ready for our big opening day.”

“The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Chesterfield and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features that the store has to offer. As well as bringing our existing M&S Chesterfield team across to the new store, we’re proud to introduce over 100 new recruits to M&S Chesterfield, who can’t wait to meet everyone. With an amazing new, fresh-market feel Foodhall and a Clothing, Home & Beauty department which is the perfect place to shop your M&S favourites, we really do have the best of M&S here in Chesterfield for everyone to enjoy!”

While acknowledging that it’s disappointing to lose the household name from its central location on the high street – Chesterfield Borough Council has welcomed the firm’s commitment to its future in the borough.

Local people were supported to apply for roles at the new store at a recent recruitment event led by the council.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The opening of this new Marks and Spencer store at Ravenside Retail Park represents a significant investment in our borough.

“Whilst we understand that the move is disappointing for our high street, the company’s decision to remain within our town demonstrates the confidence that this national retailer has in Chesterfield’s future.

“It has also created more than 100 new jobs, and we’ve been working closely with the company to support local people to benefit from these new employment opportunities.”

The council does not own the building which has now been vacated by Marks and Spencer, but is continuing to work with the landlord to explore alternative uses for this key town centre building,

Councillor Sarvent added: “While we have no direct control over the former Marks and Spencer building, we will do all we can to explore and support positive new uses for this central site in our town centre.

“We’re also making significant investments in this area to ensure we can create a modern, vibrant visitor destination which builds confidence in the town – including our ambitious ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’ town centre regeneration plans which are moving forward after we secured nearly £20m from the Government’s levelling up fund.”

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Training provider appointed for Construction Skills Hub at Mastin Moor

Chesterfield College and the University of Derby have been appointed as the training provider for the new Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The innovative Construction Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site in Mastin Moor.

Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce that the college and university will be working together to support this project. As well as providing support for trade skills, this partnership provides the opportunity to progress to a university level and develop the skills needed for roles like quantity surveyor or estimator, ensuring that everyone in Staveley can start, stay, and grow in the town.

“I look forward to working with them and our partners the Devonshire Group to progress the development of the Hub and start welcoming learners in Autumn 2023.”

A site has already been identified for the Construction Skills Hub in collaboration with the Devonshire Group, which will be bringing forward a new housing development in Mastin Moor. This will allow trainees to develop their skills on a live housing site, and in time there will also be opportunities to gain experience on other Staveley Town Deal construction projects.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director for Devonshire Group, said: “When I first saw the concept of a Construction Skills Hub and was asked if we could help deliver one for Chesterfield, my resounding response was yes, and I know just where.

“Devonshire Group are deeply committed to offering opportunities for learning and skills development, and to making a real difference to the lives and employment prospects of those in our communities, so we are delighted to be able to assist the Council in providing a home for the Skills Hub. Supporting the next generation of people who will help create our built environment is something to be truly proud of.”

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

Gavin Varley, Director of Advanced Engineering, Building Technologies and Construction at The Chesterfield College Group, explains: “We make a commitment to our students to not only provide them with the skills and qualifications they need, they are just the start, but with the work experience and industry knowledge that gives them the clarity of how and where to progress their career for years to come. We’re delighted to be a partner of this project as it comprehensively addresses this wider student experience, we commit to providing for all.”

Professor Chris Bussell, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the training provider, alongside Chesterfield College, for the new Construction Skills Hub, which will provide real-world learning opportunities to thousands of people looking to embark on a career in the construction industry or develop their skills so they can progress onto new roles.

“The Hub will enhance the existing construction training offer by providing the opportunity for local learners to develop their skills in a live on-site centre. Our ambition is for this to be ground-breaking, delivering a model that builds on the innovative approach of other such centres, and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with Chesterfield College as well as working with prominent private sector companies on this exciting project.

“As a Civic University, we are committed to supporting the city and county’s long-term economic growth and prosperity, improving the life chances of people, developing a pipeline of talent that choose to live and work in the area, and addressing the skills gap through our involvement in initiatives such as the Construction Skills Hub.”

Working on a live construction site will not only allow learners to develop the skills they need, but it will also provide practical experience and help provide a link to construction companies where they could find permanent roles.

Staveley is set to benefit from £25.2 million of investment through the Town Deal with the aim to create a town where everyone can start, stay and grow. This investment will support eleven different projects across the town and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to help shape the future by improving transport links, creating new housing, providing skills for local people, enhancing community facilities, and regenerating the town centre.

Find out more about Staveley Town Deal: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

property and construction

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Devonshire Property Group commences construction on major industrial site in Staveley

Six much-needed industrial and warehouse units totalling 22,613 sq ft are being built in North Derbyshire to meet market demand.

Devonshire Property Group has started work on Hartington Business Park, off Farndale Road in Staveley, which will comprise three terraces of brand new, high specification, modern industrial and warehouse units ready to let for the start of 2023.

The development will offer six units across three terraces with units available from 2,429 sq ft to 4,856 sq ft. Alternatively, units could be combined to create single units up to 8,044 sq ft, offering ultimate flexibility and catering for occupier needs. The units are being marketed by the Sheffield office of Knight Frank and Commercial Property Partners (CPP).

Harry Orwin-Allen in Knight Frank Sheffield’s industrial team said: “There is a distinct lack of supply for good quality industrial spaces under 10,000 sq ft. This speculative development delivered by Devonshire Property Group will prove attractive to occupiers seeking high quality accommodation in the region.

“The units are currently under construction and will be ready for occupation in Q1 2023.”

Max Pickering of CPP added: “With the supply of good quality, smaller industrial buildings expected to remain low, Hartington Business Park will address some of the apparent supply imbalance with good quality units that cater for a range of occupier requirements.”

Key features of the units will include modern steel portal frames, steel profile cladding, concrete floor, secure concrete yard areas, ground level loading door, EV Charging points, three phase power supply and fibre broadband.

Hartington Business Park is located on the northern edge of Staveley, which is around five miles northeast of Chesterfield. The site benefits from access to the motorway network via J30 and J29A of the M1, both around three miles away from the development.

For further information contact Harry Orwin-Allen at Knight Frank on 0114 272 9750 or email harry.orwin-allen@knightfrank.com or call Max Pickering at CPP on 0114 273 8857.

Find out more about the range of developments taking place in Staveley at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

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

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BHP becomes first tenant at flagship One Waterside Place in Chesterfield

Leading North Derbyshire and Yorkshire accountancy firm BHP has moved into Chesterfield’s most sought-after address at One Waterside Place.

BHP is the building’s first tenant and takes one floor in the six-storey building, relocating from its current site on Saltergate in Chesterfield town centre, which they occupied for more than 30 years.

The new office will be home to more than 70 BHP employees across its Personal and Corporate Tax, Healthcare, Audit and Accounts, and Payroll teams.

The ‘Grade A’ 5,550 sq ft office space boasts state-of-the-art office facilities, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, a café/bar area, modern kitchen, LED lighting, air conditioning and cycle parking.

BHP Partner Dominic Staniforth said: “We’re delighted to have officially moved into our brand-new office here at One Waterside Place. It’s been exciting to welcome the team in to experience the facilities first-hand.

“We’ve loved being part of the Chesterfield community for the past 30 years and the move demonstrates our commitment to the local economy and employment market, while providing us with a fantastic base for our firm to grow.

“One Waterside Place is superbly located and offers our people a great place to work, with an array of restaurants, cafés and shops on the doorstep. We look forward to being in our new home for many years to come.”

Lisa Leighton, BHP’s Joint Managing Partner, said: “Chesterfield has always been an important location for us. We’ve had a base in the town since 1991 and have built up a fantastic reputation in the area.

“The new office is an excellent space that provides first-class facilities for our team. I know I can speak on behalf of my Chesterfield colleagues when I say that we’re proud to be the first tenants in such a prestigious building and we look forward to our bright future at One Waterside Place.”

As well as nearby motorway links, One Waterside Place is desirably located next to Chesterfield’s mainline train station, with services reaching London St Pancras in under two hours.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome BHP to our new Grade A office accommodation in the heart of Chesterfield. Their investment is a ringing endorsement of our town and will help ensure there are great jobs for our residents. I want to wish them the best for their future,”

One Waterside Place is owned by Chesterfield Borough Council. The building’s property developer was Bolsterstone Group Plc and BHP’s office space was kitted out by Absolute Commercial Interiors Ltd.

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

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100,000 sq ft warehouse available at Markham Vale

A 102,515 sq ft industrial and distribution facility at Markham Vale, the popular 200-acre prime industrial park in Chesterfield has become available.

Commercial property agents Knight Frank and CPP have been appointed to secure a new occupier for the unit, which is partially racked and has a multi-tier mezzanine floor in situ fronting directly onto the M1 motorway at Junction 29a.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank and head of the Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Given the strategic location immediately adjacent to Junction 29a, the site is easily accessible to the South Yorkshire and East Midlands regions, with direct connectivity to the M1 and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.

“It is directly visible from the M1 at J29a and is ready for immediate occupation having the benefit of extensive fit out, being partly racked which could be further extended and a multi-tier mezzanine arranged over three levels which can be removed if not required. The premises also have heating and lighting throughout, office accommodation and canteen area.

“Given the shortage of such sized units in the region, we expect good interest.”

Availability of units 50,000 sq ft plus across South Yorkshire and NE Derbyshire region has declined by 12% on an annual basis, to stand at 1.2 million sq ft at end-September 2022 (units over 50,000 sq ft). This brought the vacancy rate for the region down to 2.1%, from 2.5% in Q3 2021.

Stuart Waite, Director in CPP’s Nottingham office, added: “The occupational market continues to perform well, with robust tenant demand set against an extremely limited supply of good quality, modern warehousing stock. We are already experiencing good levels of interest in the building due to its strong fundamentals.”

The unit, which features 98,222 sq ft of warehouse space and 4,100 sq ft of office space, forms part of Markham Vale, a 200 acre prime industrial and distribution park and is finished to a high specification.

Markham Vale has proved a huge success with current occupiers such as Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilsteen, Gist, Meter Provida, Daher Aerospace and Holdsworth Food.

For further information contact Rebecca Schofield or Harry Orwin-Allen at Knight Frank on 0114 272 9750 or Stuart Waite at CPP on 0114 273 8857.
Markham Vale Business Park

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New business lounge unveiled in Chesterfield

Business growth and support company, Great2, hosted a successful launch event to unveil their new Business Lounge at their co-working space Great2Work in Chesterfield.

The event was well-attended with local businesses expressing their delight at the Business Lounge. “It is a great addition to the area, there isn’t a facility like this in the town”, “the meeting rooms and training suite are just what I need”. The new Business Lounge at Hayfield House (on Devonshire Street, off Holywell Street) is thought to be the first of its kind in the area.

The event heard speakers including Dom Stevens of Destination Chesterfield who highlighted the investment plans for Chesterfield, Andy Ball CEO of Great2 defined the ethos behind Great2, the new Business Lounge and why he is so passionate about helping local businesses to grow. Front of House, Hannah Finney revealed how memberships and bookings operate at Great2Work.

There was also an opportunity for our guests to network with the other local businesses attending the event over a drink and nibbles as well as a tour of the coworking space and meeting rooms. The lucky winners of our raffle prizes included John Batty of Paperclip who won the Casa Hotel B&B voucher, Paul Chapman from S40 Local who won a free Great2Work Business Lounge membership for 1 month and Mike Jones from the HQ who won a free Great2Work Day Pass for our coworking office in Chesterfield.

The Business Lounge was developed to attract freelancers, micro and small businesses to the town centre. Giving them a comfortable place to go for informal meetings with colleagues or clients and a place to work from in between meetings. With a monthly membership of £50 and no tie-ins, you can come and go as you please (no need to book). WiFi is included and there’s an ‘honesty box’ for refreshments.

Steve Wicks, Corporate Banking Manager, Handelsbanken, Chesterfield said of the event “Great to see the new Business Lounge. It’s an impressive facility and a great addition to Chesterfield’s offering for quality office/working space.”

Andy Ball, CEO of Great2 commented: “My vision for Great2 is to become the ‘go-to’ partner for local businesses who want to grow sustainably and make a difference. Our new business lounge is a first for Chesterfield and our aim is to give local businesspeople a professional, flexible and comfortable place to work from – keeping businesses in the town and using town centre facilities. The business lounge alongside our coworking space and business support services allows Great2 to provide a full suite of tools to help local businesses grow.”

Great 2 supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Great 2 Hayfield House

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Reserved Matters approval for 75 new homes in Calow

Woodall Homes has announced Reserved Matters approval for the residential development of 75 dwellings in Calow.

Further to Outline planning permission having been granted in December 2021, the brand-new development located on Top Road has now received Reserved Matters approval.

The new site will feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, including bungalows. The development will be accessed from Oaks Farm Lane, which is to be upgraded and will include a 2m wide footpath.

This development includes comprehensive landscaping proposals, providing for broad undeveloped areas of green infrastructure, wildlife-friendly habitats, native planting and additional hedgerows, plus the retention of existing woodland, which is to be protected. The public right of way through the development will also be maintained, providing recreational access to the countryside for the community.

Darren Abbott, planning director at Woodall Homes said: “We can’t wait to get started on the new development, with work expected to begin in early 2023.

“There is already a fantastic community growing within Calow, with our nearby Churchfields progressing well. We love working within the area and I know the entire team are looking forward to the beginning of this next project.”

Woodall Homes currently have five developments currently under construction across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.  For more information on the available properties, visit the website at https://www.woodallhomes.co.uk/developments/#current-developments

The company also recently announced a new luxury eco-development in Chesterfield, featuring some of the latest sustainable technology. Find out more about the project here.

Whether it’s a town or village experience, contemporary or traditional housing, buying or renting, living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable and offers something for everyone. Find out more about living in Chesterfield here.

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

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Global Brands announces £2 million distribution centre expansion

Global Brands, the leading independent drinks company and distributor, are increasing their distribution capabilities with significant expansion to their warehouse facilities in Clay Cross, Derbyshire.

The current Global Brands Distribution Centre has 152,000 sqft of warehouse space, employing 80 members of staff. This expansion will increase the warehouse size to 180,800 sqft, and add 30 members of staff to the production and distribution line at the facilities. The expansion will increase total storage capabilities at the warehouse from 30 million to 40 million bottles, across 17,000 pallets.

Following extensive groundworks, the steel frame is being erected over the next two months, and a concrete slab base will then be poured and set. Works for the 28,800 sqft extension will conclude in January 2023.

The expansion follows a sustained increase in demand versus 2019 (the last year of undisrupted trading) for the company’s portfolio of drinks brands, including VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons, All Shook Up, Shake Baby Shake, Beviamo, Kick Energy, Lustre, and Amigos Tequila Beer.

Steve Perez, Founder and Chairman at Global Brands: “I’m thrilled to announce the expansion of our distribution facilities in Clay Cross, following a sustained increase in demand nationally and huge demand internationally for our key growth brands like Franklin & Sons. The new extension will support our growing operations with additional storage and increased distribution capabilities.

“This is just the first phase in work to continue increasing capabilities at the site over the next two years. We plan to continue investing in our Global Brands Distribution Centre to the point where we can eventually hold one product for every person in the UK.”

Alongside the current construction, Global Brands has recently purchased an adjacent piece of land for further investment into the area and facilities. The acquisition was brokered by BRM Solicitors.

Adrian Sheehan Executive Director at BRM Solicitors: “It is always rewarding to advise on a deal which will bring further development opportunities and employment to the region.

“BRM are proud to stand to shoulder to shoulder with this long-standing client and Chesterfield success story.

“It is great to see Global Brands go from strength to strength and highlights a commitment to Chesterfield.

“The Real Estate team at BRM are delighted to advise Steve and the team at Global, who are always driven and enthusiastic to get deals done quickly and efficiently.”

Steve Perez adds: “BRM have advised Global Brands for the past 35 years, from when the business was just a one-man band, through to becoming one of the largest employers in the area. This is a credit to the expertise that BRM and Adrian Sheehan offer and cater to a variety of business needs.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an excellent place to invest and locate your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Global Brands and BRM Solicitors support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Chesterfield residents, businesses and community groups encouraged to have their say on climate change

Residents, businesses and community groups across the borough are being invited to have their say on local plans to reduce the impact of climate change, as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s ongoing commitment to tackle the climate emergency.

By taking part in the new survey, people can help shape the council’s next climate change strategy which will set out how the authority will continue to reduce its own environmental impact, while working with the community to lower emissions across the borough.

The updated strategy will build on the success of ambitious work already underway to help the council become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, and to lay the groundwork for Chesterfield to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Since we declared a climate emergency in 2019, we have taken clear and effective action to lower the environmental impact of our services – focussing our efforts where we can make the biggest difference.

“This includes a £13.7m programme to reduce carbon emissions from our council homes, at least 1000 trees being planted each year since 2019, a switch to renewable energy purchases for electricity, and policies across the council which builds a consideration of climate change into all that we do.

“We’re now moving to the next phase of these plans and this updated strategy will underpin our ongoing efforts to achieve our robust targets – ensuring we continue to act now, to safeguard our future.”

Residents, businesses, or community groups can comment on the strategy themes by visiting the council’s website where they can find a background document, glossary, and link to the online survey until Monday 12 December.

Councillor Serjeant added: “The climate crisis is one of the biggest issues facing our communities, now and in the future and we know it’s important to local people and businesses. But we can’t tackle this alone. We need to work together to understand what we need to do and commit to taking further action in the areas we can make the most difference – such as how we use land and buildings across the borough, the transport networks we have and the amount of energy we all use.

“We’re urging residents, businesses and community groups across the borough to review and comment on our plans, to help make sure we create a borough which is safe and sustainable for everyone.”

The council is committed to work towards meeting the 2030 target by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions within its direct control and offsetting those emissions that cannot be eliminated by 2030. The council also aims to work with the community to support the transition to a carbon neutral borough by 2050 at the latest.

The first Climate Change Action Plan was officially adopted by the council in 2020 – and has made strong progress against the 45 actions which were identified for the council to take between 2019 and 2023.

The new strategy builds on these achievements and aims to ensure progress can be maintained to reach the target in 2030.

Annual delivery plans will be developed to support the new strategy and will also be shared with the community to comment on and get involved in the plans.

To take part in the survey please visit the council website before Monday 12 December: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/climate-survey

 

 

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Consultation begins on £1.14 billion devolution plans for our region

A public consultation about devolution for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham has begun.

The consultation is taking place from Monday 14 November until Monday 9 January 2023 and is an opportunity for everyone in the area to have their say about devolution proposals. It is open to residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups, and other organisations in the region.

Derbyshire County Council leaders, and those of Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council, and Nottingham City Council all signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August this year at Rolls Royce in Derby, following an announcement from the Government that a package of new powers and funding, worth £1.14 billion, were available for the area.

Since August the councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal for consultation, which includes more information about how devolution would work in our area.

The 4 councils agreed to go ahead with a public consultation as the next step in the process, so everyone has the chance to give their views on the proposal.

Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Devolution is about getting a better deal for Derbyshire and the East Midlands and achieving a fair share for our region. It will bring us more money and mean we can make more meaningful decisions here, rather than in London.

“This deal will bring more and better jobs and opportunities for training, improve the local economy, result in better transport and housing, and accelerate our route to Net Zero. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and give us their views on devolution.

“A devolution deal, should it be agreed, would be the beginning, not the end. We’re determined to build on this deal over time, as other areas have done.”

Devolution would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38 million per year over a 30-year period, and would cover around 2.2 million people, making it one of the biggest in the country.

If the plans go ahead, it would mean a new regional mayor and it would create the first of a new type of combined authority for the 2 counties and cities, which requires new legislation from central government.

The new elected regional mayor, like those who are already in place in other areas, would represent the whole area. The role of the mayor would be to look at major issues affecting the whole region, give the area a bigger voice, and take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.

As well as the £1.14 billion, devolution plans include an extra £16 million for new homes on brownfield land, and control over a range of budgets like the Adult Education Budget, which could be better tailored to the needs of people in our communities.

Devolution would mean that a future mayor and combined authority could:

  • work towards Net Zero and cleaner air with new low carbon homes, retrofit existing houses with external wall insulation, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect and enhance green spaces, like areas for wildlife and green verges.
  • build on the region’s existing knowledge and expertise in green technology and promote the growth of a future low carbon economy by investing in related skills training at colleges and other training facilities.
  • set up and coordinate smart integrated ticketing and enhanced concessionary fares schemes.
  • work with Homes England to build more affordable homes, by using new powers to buy land and housing (With district and borough council consent).
  • enhance the region’s economy by developing new commercial space to maximise opportunities.
  • work with national government on initiatives to address homelessness, domestic abuse, community safety, social mobility, and support for young people.
  • take advantage of economies of scale by using combined and devolved budgets to deliver more value for taxpayers and more cost-efficient services

The 4 councils sent initial proposals to negotiate a combined devolution deal back in March 2022, after being named as pathfinder areas by the Government in February and then being invited to apply for a devolution deal.

The councils have been working with the government to develop details of the deal, alongside discussions with district and borough councils, businesses, and other stakeholders.

If the devolution deal is formally approved, the government will pass legislation bringing a new combined authority for the East Midlands into existence. The first election for a regional mayor for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, would be in May 2024.

The regional mayor would lead the new combined authority, which would also include representatives from local councils, with decision making powers and resources moving from London to the East Midlands. Local businesses would also have a voice, as well as other organisations.

The devolution deal would not mean scrapping or merging local councils, which would all continue to exist as they do now and would still be responsible for most public services in the area. The mayor and combined authority would instead focus on wider issues like transport, regeneration, and employment across both cities and counties.

Find out more about the consultation at: http://www.eastmidlandsdevolution.co.uk/have-your-say/

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£27 million investment to improve county’s travel and transport in 2023/24

Plans to invest £27 million in 2023/24 to repair roads and pavements, reduce flooding and improve local bus and cycle networks will be considered by Derbyshire County Councillors at this week’s Cabinet meeting (17 November 2022).

Funded by the Department for Transport, the investment marks the final part of the county’s major 3-year, £120 million programme to resurface roads and pavements damaged by bad weather, improve bus travel and develop more rural cycling and walking routes to boost tourism.

This year, the Council has already delivered over £20 million of travel and transport improvements across Derbyshire.

Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, said:“This significant investment underlines our commitment to improve travel and transport across Derbyshire, to deliver safer and better journeys with less congestion for everyone.

“By careful planning and despite the challenges of the world economy, we are on course to deliver £120 million pounds of investment across our local roads, cycle routes, pavements and bus network by March 2024.

“Next year, our ambitious plans will target over £12 million to resurface roads and repair potholes across our network.

“Our major investment programme will also help to tackle flooding problems, improve road safety and tackle congestion at some of our busiest junctions.

“This approach is all part of our work to provide resident focussed services to deliver a prosperous and green Derbyshire for everyone.

“We recognise that these improvements will cause some delays as we will need to safeguard the travelling public and our workforce, and I would like to thank everyone for their patience.”

Projects included in next year’s (2023/24) programme have been carefully selected to reflect feedback from local people, councillors, and government funding available.

To find out the breakdown on how Derbyshire County Council will spend the money, click here.

Well served by the M1 and the Midland Mainline Chesterfield is within one hour’s drive of four major airports and London is under two hours by rail. Find out more about the town’s excellent location here. 

 

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