The next phase of a multi-million pound project to regenerate Chesterfield town centre is set to get underway this summer.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’ project – which has already seen good progress on work to refurbish the iconic Stephenson Memorial Hall, as well as improvements to Packers Row – will transform the look, feel and flow of key public spaces.

The detailed timescales are being finalised, but it is expected that work to revamp the town’s historic market place, which includes New Square and Market Square, will start in summer.

Key improvements will include:

• Market Square – the historic market will be revitalised – with a new layout to make it easier to walk around, new stalls with modern facilities for traders, and vibrant new canopies in heritage colours. The plans will also ensure the historic Town Pump is made into a unique feature in this space.
• New Square – the plans will create an attractive and flexible space that will complement the main market and speciality markets, but can also be used to host festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings – bringing the town centre to life.
• Rykneld Square – this area will be transformed to create a more welcoming, green space from which to enjoy the much-loved Crooked Spire, and better connect this landmark to the town centre.
• Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy the iconic Crooked Spire, this includes imaginative new lighting that will enhance the appearance of the spire at night and link into Rykneld Square.
• Corporation Street – improved paving and lighting will revamp this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum. This will provide an attractive and welcoming new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Attractive lighting, new digital facilities, more greenery, new seating and signage will feature across the regeneration sites – creating a more attractive, welcoming and safe town centre for everyone to enjoy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re immensely proud of our town and these widespread improvements will create a revitalised and vibrant town centre that builds on our strong history and heritage, supporting it to thrive for generations to come.

“A lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to get to this stage, including ongoing conversations with our market traders, businesses and residents, and we’re excited to look ahead to a start on site in the summer.

“Chesterfield certainly has positive times ahead, with the major refurbishment work at Stephenson Memorial Hall – home to our beloved theatre and museum – also progressing well.”

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will be completed in phases and is due for completion in 2025.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We have a strong track record of making the most of external funding opportunities to invest in the future of our borough, and through projects like the Revitalising the Heart of project this work will bring real improvements for the residents and businesses of our town, while boosting our appeal to visitors.”

The project will complement improvements at the Northern Gateway and Elder Way and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.

Plans for a new landmark building which would form a key part of the Staveley town centre regeneration project have been formerly submitted.

The new landmark building if approved will form a key part of the £6 million Staveley 21 project which will transform the market place, enhance the connections to the Chesterfield Canal and improve lighting in the town centre.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This project aims to transform Staveley town centre – enhancing the area and encouraging more people to visit and support both existing retailers and market traders. Town centres are changing and by trying to expand the offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.

“We’ll continue to engage directly with local businesses and residents over the coming months to finalise the plans and ensure the project meets their needs, including hosting more drop-in sessions for residents.”

If approved the new landmark pavilion building will sit between the Staveley Miners Welfare building and Staveley High Street as a striking new focal point in the heart of the town centre.

The building aims to reflect Staveley’s heritage with a modern twist, opening the view from Market Street into the town centre. Several uses for the building are currently being considered including as a potential site for Staveley library and is also being considered for retail, leisure, and business start-up uses.

In November regional construction contractor Stepnell were appointed to finalise the plans for the town centre and begin working towards delivery.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We bring vast experience of collaborating with local authorities and partners to enhance public town centre spaces, and, as a complete construction partner, we aim to deliver exceptional quality throughout the design and build.

“By being sympathetic to the needs of residents and businesses in the town, Staveley 21 will enhance the wider package of works as part of the Staveley Town Deal. We look forward to working with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the Staveley 21 project, which will generate lasting value to the community.”

The building has been designed by Whittam Cox Architects, who are based in Chesterfield.

Ryan Fish, associate director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “Our team have meticulously developed the Pavilion building as part of the Staveley centre masterplan with utmost care and consideration. This project presented us with a unique opportunity to influence a scheme close to home, drawing on our intricate knowledge of the local area.

“The result is a contemporary development that not only honours Staveley’s heritage but also serves as a catalyst and hub of activity for future development, aligning with the long-term vision for the area.”

Staveley 21 also includes the transformation of the market place to create an enlarged public space to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Proposals include new tiered outdoor seating to support outdoor theatre and open-air cinema screenings, and natural play equipment to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.

New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

There is also a shop front improvement grant scheme for businesses based in the town centre. Up to 80% of the costs of shop front improvements like new signage, windows, canopies, and much more can be funded through the scheme.

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Staveley 21 project has the potential to be transformative for the town centre, ensuring that it is a place where local people and visitors will want to spend time whilst also supporting local businesses to grow not only now but in the future.

“Our aim through the town deal is ensuring that Staveley is a place where people can Start, Stay and Grow and the town centre reflects this with something to entice all ages to visit, support local businesses and to help them to grow.”

Plans to transform part of the East Lincolnshire coast have taken an important step forward, following unilateral approval of the 336-acre sustainable urban extension scheme in Skegness. The news, delivered Wednesday 20 March at an executive meeting of East Lindsey District Council in Horncastle, means the town is on the cusp of receiving more than £300 million in economic benefits, delivering hundreds of local jobs. Projections undertaken by the Gateway team showcase the scheme will deliver employment benefits of £289.7 million, £20.5 million and £16 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) measurability for commercial, industrial and retail sector jobs. The proposed Local Development Order is seeking to expedite the delivery of up to 1,000 new homes and more than 49 acres of combined business, industrial and community space. Situated to the west of the town, on land principally owned by Croftmarsh, with additional areas owned by the Scarbrough family, the Skegness Gateway scheme is set to breathe new life into an area of the Lincolnshire coast that drastically needs change in order to secure its future, boosting the local economy and providing the education and jobs for local people that will encourage them to stay in the area. Sue Bowser of Croftmarsh said: “This is a milestone moment for the people of Skegness and an important step in revitalising our town and community. It is a pathway for people to carve a real future in the town, with employment, skills and learning opportunities all situated within one site, connected by an ambition to restore Skegness at the heart of East Midlands economic investment. “Having farmed the land at Croftmarsh for 30 years, it was always hoped that it could eventually be used for development. Now, it’s a chance for prospective consultants, developers and investors to look more closely at our plans and be a part of transforming Skegness’ future. It will become a new home for thousands of families, a place of ambition and prosperity, with a lasting legacy for generations to come.” As part of the proposals, the Skegness Gateway site also includes provision for a new crematorium, 78 acres of green open space, supported living options and a new local centre. The scheme has garnered wide stakeholder and public support since its launch three years ago, following a series of engagement sessions and appearances at local community events. Last November, it was described by Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness as a catalyst to ‘allow people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want.’ The scheme was also mentioned in the House of Commons as offering a ‘significant boon to local NHS services.’ Enabling works on the new Skegness TEC college, which is situated on the Skegness Gateway site, is already underway, following planning permission being granted in February last year. Adrian Clarke, group vice principal for corporate services at TEC Partnership, said: “The new campus will provide fantastic opportunities for the local community to undertake courses in further and higher education and develop the skills the area needs for its future.” Chris Baron, chair at Connected Coast, said: “We are seeing unprecedented investment in Skegness which is supporting the delivery of aspirational and transformational projects. “The Skegness Gateway represents a further and significant opportunity to create much-needed facilities for the area and enhance Skegness for people who live and visit here. “Together the opportunities, interventions, and investment – which includes the Towns Fund and the recently announced Long Term Plan for Towns – will bring long-term, sustainable benefits for Skegness which will be felt for generations to come.” Councillor Steve Kirk, East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for coastal economy, said: “I am delighted to see another positive step taken towards delivering this transformational piece of investment to Skegness and East Lindsey as a whole. “By supporting these plans, we are helping to create new jobs, new education and skills development options, new homes and new opportunities for businesses and the local economy. This is yet another example that shows Skegness is a great place to live, work, play and invest. “Alongside our ongoing Towns Fund and Levelling Up projects, the positive impact of these developments will be felt for generations to come, and I look forward to continuing to see them become a reality in the months and years ahead.”

Plans for new apartments on Nottingham’s Waterway Street, in place of a vacant 1970’s two storey office building, have been approved by the city council. The proposals for the site near Nottingham train station come from Rainier Developments, and will see the demolition of the existing Waterway House building and construction of a new build development comprising 191 apartments. The scheme is to offer 122 one bed and 69 two bed flats over a block of three to eight storeys. The development is to provide 22 car parking spaces and 4 disabled parking spaces, as well as 191 cycle parking spaces within cycle store rooms. The site on Waterway Street was purchased by Rainier Developments from Nottingham City Council last year.

A multi-disciplinary firm of chartered surveyors specialising in property auctions, surveys and agency has moved to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. PriceLinsey boasts a combined 43 years of experience, with each team member having worn many hats in the property industry across Chesterfield, Sheffield, and also Manchester. The three directors had known one another for almost a decade before deciding to venture out on their own and join forces, with Richard and Marcus going on to meet Jodie when they worked alongside each other at another local property firm. Marcus Linsey, Director at the company, said: “Moving into the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was a really good move for our business. “The new grade A office accommodation with its easy-in easy-out terms suits our growing business and is superbly positioned within the heart of the town for us to connect with other solicitors and estate agents that we work alongside. The modern look and feel of the building also reflects our brand image.” The company said that with all three directors living and working in the town, it made sense to make Chesterfield PriceLinsey’s new home. Marcus continues: “Chesterfield is the perfect place to live and work being strategically located close to the M1 motorway, mainline railway station yet also within touching distance of the peak district for when you need to get away from it all! “We work closely alongside other local business including valuation work for solicitors and survey work for estate agents, and have been humbled by the positive response we have received since establishing. When we were expanding and looking for more office space, the borough council pulled out all the stops to allow us to move into the Enterprise Centre in the timescales we needed – which was short notice!” PriceLinsey is now hoping to capitalise on further growth in the town following its recent move, with Marcus adding: “We hope the business will continue to grow by increasing the number of properties sold at auction and are keen to work alongside local authorities in the region to act on their behalf. “On the other side of the business, we are carrying out an ever increasing amount of survey and valuation work. As this builds up we hope to take on an apprentice to help with this work. Who knows – we may soon need a bigger office in the NGEC!”

The steels for the planetarium dome at Sherwood Observatory have now been installed, marking a huge milestone in the build. The planetarium construction is part of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society and Ashfield District Council’s development to create a Science Discovery Centre and planetarium at Sherwood Observatory in Sutton. The project is one of 16 being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal. The impressive steels can be seen from as far as Penny Emma Way in Sutton, giving residents, and visitors to the District, a sense of what the finished building will look like. Councillor Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, and Local Planning visited the site and said: “It is incredible to see the steel work for both the planetarium and the Science Discovery Centre in place. We are all getting really excited now that we can see the final footprint of the building. “This project is one that will truly benefit the entire District, attracting visitors from across the county and beyond. When combined with the Council’s other projects you can see our vision for the future of Ashfield; a place with a thriving visitor economy, and a great place to work, live, and learn.” The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. The observatory, on Coxmoor Road, sits alongside a Victorian subterranean reservoir which will be sympathetically transformed into an education and exhibition space. The original features of the reservoir, such as the intricate brick arches, will be kept preserving the history of the building. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of the Council, said: “The speed of the progress on site at Sherwood Observatory is fantastic. This project is exciting and innovative and will make a difference to the children living in Ashfield. “They will get to experience a world-class educational centre right here on their doorstep, the power of this cannot be understated. One of Ashfield District Council’s aims is to improve skills and employability and having a centre like this here will help inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.” The Planetarium is being built next to the Science and Discovery centre, that sits on top of and within the reservoir, and will immerse visitors in space with a wraparound experience. Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS), who own and run the observatory, currently run outreach programmes with local schools, group visits for adult and children’s groups, public open events and night schools, and the new building will allow them to expand this valuable work in Ashfield and beyond. Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said: “Sherwood Observatory is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap within our community. We will do this through an ambitious outreach programme that uses astronomy as a means of inspiring people of all ages to take an interest in STEM subjects and careers, particularly for disadvantaged young residents, through extracurricular activities and a world-class visitor attraction. “Recognising that we can inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs, we would love more businesses to get involved. The project team have developed a pledge list for those who share our vision, so please get in touch and add your name to this fantastic project.” In January 2023, it was announced that £3.1million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund had been awarded to the project. Since then MSAS have been working to secure match funding and they have now received contributions from The Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, and National Lottery Heritage Fund that total £850,000.

Plans to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre in Northampton town centre have been given the go ahead by West Northamptonshire Councillors at the Strategic Planning Committee this week. Leisure developer STACK’s planning application will see the creation of an exciting and innovative entertainment hub with independent street food outlets, bars and a dedicated space for interactive games. The scheme also includes a main stage, which will be used for live music and entertainment. The facility is set to be the first in the Midlands and will enhance the town’s vibrancy and vitality, supporting both the daytime and night-time economy and complementing the adjacent ongoing transformation of the historic Market Square and public realm of Abington Street and Fish Street. STACK completed on the site in August 2023 and the planning approval takes it one step forward, license approval is still pending but once granted the design development can be progressed to the next stage. The scheme is being supported by the council, which is providing up to £4.2m investment through the Towns Fund, with a further £8m investment from STACK which will enable the space to be transformed into a new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “I am delighted that plans for STACK’s first facility in the Midlands have been given the go ahead and look forward to seeing works begin to set up this innovative entertainment space in the heart of Northampton town centre. “STACK offers something truly unique for our town centre and will see footfall increase significantly, attracting more families and people who might not normally have visited the area. “Together with our other regeneration projects, the leisure economy in Northampton is set to rocket and provide a diverse mix of entertainment, food and drink, and retail opportunities which will benefit residents, local businesses and traders.” The plans for a STACK in Northampton are the latest in a number of announcements made by the company as it rolls out its master plan to become a nationally recognised brand. Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: “We are thrilled that we can now start to move forward with our plans to bring STACK to Northampton and to create an exciting leisure destination for local residents and visitors. “STACK will play a vital role in the plans to regenerate the Market Square area – of which Market Walk Shopping Centre is a part – and which will make a massive, positive difference to the local economy.”