Summit hears how Chesterfield is on course for fast recovery

Delegates at the recent Chesterfield Investment Summit have been hearing how the borough is on course for a faster recovery from the pandemic than many other towns and cities.

The annual summit, which was held in-person for the first time in two years, was organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Speaking at the summit, Dr Huw Bowen, chief executive of Chesterfield Borough Council revealed the town’s plans for its recovery and growth.

This includes plans to make the case for the re-opening of a rail line and a new £125 million road in the northeast of the borough.

He said: “The town has shown a great degree of resilience and done really well during the pandemic.

“We are now looking towards recovery and growth. Chesterfield’s myriad of competitive advantages, including location, history, transport links, university, skills base, affordability and current construction projects have come together to make it an attractive opportunity for investors.”

At the summit it was announced that the council remains hopeful that the Government will commit to supporting the reopening of the former Barrow Hill line which will connect Staveley, Barrow Hill, and Whittington to Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Proposals for the re-opening of the rail line look set to be submitted early next year.

A total of £1 billion of investment is expected to be made in Staveley over the next 15 years, creating 3,500 new homes and 2,200 new jobs.

Chesterfield Borough Council is also pressing ahead with its plans to transform the area around Chesterfield train station.

The multi-million-pound Station Masterplan, which includes demolition of the former Chesterfield Hotel, will feature residential, commercial, and light industrial development.

Next year, Chesterfield is set to welcome a number of high-quality office developments when One Waterside Place, The Glass Yard and the Enterprise Centre are set to be completed.

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield and managing director of Bolsterstone Group, which is developing the 60-acre Chesterfield Waterside scheme, said: “The pandemic has brought about changes in the requirements for office space.

“Businesses want good quality, sustainable office space with environmental and social governance being a key consideration.

“Once again, Chesterfield is ahead of the curve with the modern, quality office developments already under construction which will enable the town to attract investors, create jobs and new opportunities for local people.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I am very pleased at the wide range of construction projects going ahead across the borough right now.

“All these developments represent new jobs and opportunities for local people, especially those looking to start their careers.”