The construction of the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) centre is progressing rapidly at Barrow Hill, set to become a hub for rail innovation and training.
Located next to the iconic Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the project is a crucial part of the Staveley Town Deal and aims to provide a variety of facilities, including classroom spaces, research and development areas, a digital lab, and commercial workshops.
The steel frame is now in place, marking a key milestone, with the external cladding set to follow. The centre will focus on rail sector training, offering education ranging from level two through to postgraduate research. It will also support specialist rail-related businesses, providing them access to cutting-edge research and technology.
Funded by the Staveley Town Deal, Chesterfield Borough Council, the East Midlands Combined County Authority, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project is being developed by Stepnell, with ongoing efforts to engage the local community through employment opportunities and local spending.
Once operational, DRIIVe will not only provide essential skills training to local workers but also play a pivotal role in attracting new businesses, particularly in advanced manufacturing and clean technology. This aligns with the broader ambitions of the Hartington-Staveley East Midlands Investment Zone, which aims to foster growth in innovative sectors.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It is fantastic to see this project coming together so quickly. DRIIVe will help grow our local economy by providing local people with the skills they need to access great careers in the rail sector and will help cement our borough’s position in the sector by attracting new businesses to the area.
“Not only is it a key part of the Staveley Town Deal programme but it is a key development that will support the nearby Hartington-Staveley East Midlands Investment Zone site – providing crucial facilities that will drive growth in new sectors and benefit future generations.”
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Following the completion of the foundations for the DRIIVe project, we’re progressing on schedule with the steel frame now taking shape – a key milestone as the centre begins to come to life.
“As we move toward the installation of external cladding, we’re actively engaging with the community to ensure alignment with the ambitions of the Staveley Town Deal and Chesterfield Borough Council. We’re committed to delivering meaningful opportunities for local people throughout the build, through targeted local spend and support for employability.”
