Construction of a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill – which will create jobs and skills opportunities for local people, and bolster Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector – has started on site. The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will sit next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse and will provide classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space. DRIIVe is part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal programme and has received additional funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Combined County Authority. Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This is an exciting project for Staveley, our borough and our region, that will allow both our residents and our businesses to access high-quality skills and jobs – whilst also strengthening our borough’s position in the rail sector. “It has taken a lot of work to get to this point, but it is great to see works getting started on site. This now means that all but one Town Deal project is either in construction or already delivering benefits for residents. I look forward to seeing this project completed and welcoming the buildings first users in 2026.” The DRIIVe project is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society. Mervyn Allcock, manager of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Deal Board member, said: “This is a significant project for the whole rail sector, and we are proud to be able to have this facility located next to the historic Roundhouse. We’re already seeing interest from the rail sector in using this space because the state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities will help set us apart from other locations.” Complete construction partner Stepnell will be carrying out construction of the building on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council. Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The commencement of DRIIVe is a milestone moment for rail innovation, undertaken as part of the Staveley Town Deal. As we start on site, community engagement remains a vital aspect of the building’s progression, imperative to projects we have supported Chesterfield Borough Council on. “Beyond its fundamental aim of creating opportunities in the rail sector, we want to ensure the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards while generating immense value for the community through local spend and employability opportunities during construction.” Primarily funded through the Staveley Town Deal, DRIIVe has also received a funding boost from East Midlands Combined County Authority. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “EMCCA is proud to help fund the development of a state-of-the-art rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill. This exciting project will not only create jobs and skills opportunities for residents but also inspire the next generation of rail professionals. “It will also strengthen Chesterfield’s position as an innovative destination for the rail sector, offering our young people a path into a rewarding career. We are excited to see the impact this will have on Chesterfield and the region upon its opening in 2026 as we continue to deliver for our residents.” DRIIVe will include classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space. The centre will support a network of specialist training providers – offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research. Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation. Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to submit an investment plan to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.

Midlands-based logistics firm D&D Transport has moved its operations from Nottingham to a larger site in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in a move designed to scale up its haulage and warehousing capabilities.

The new site features expanded warehousing capacity, accommodating up to 10,000 pallets, as well as external storage options. The relocation is part of the company’s broader strategy to streamline operations across general haulage, courier, and storage services under one roof.

The facility is also equipped with warehouse management systems that provide clients with real-time stock visibility and control, allowing them to manage inventory and dispatch from a single platform. The upgrade aims to offer a more integrated logistics solution to business customers across the region.

The company’s expansion reflects the rising demand for flexible, end-to-end logistics support, particularly among clients requiring scalable storage and efficient last-mile distribution.

A regeneration project set to deliver over 1,000 new homes, jobs, green spaces, and cultural destinations in Northampton has taken a step forward. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – have now entered into a Development Agreement to bring the vision to life. The Greyfriars scheme will revitalise a long-neglected area in the heart of the town centre, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and well-connected community that supports healthier lifestyles, economic growth, and a renewed sense of place. The 25-acre regeneration area includes the former Greyfriars Bus Station, Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, the Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and the East and West Islands. The plans will deliver a mix of affordable, build-to-rent, and student housing, alongside shops, cafés, restaurants, and leisure spaces. A new public realm, including an outdoor amphitheatre and revitalised green spaces, will enhance the town’s cultural offer and the scheme will also improve walking and cycling routes, connecting Greyfriars to the wider town centre and surrounding communities, and encouraging sustainable travel. The economic impact is expected to be substantial, with up to 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction and over £1 billion in economic value unlocked. Once complete, the development is expected to boost local spending by an additional £21 million annually, supporting businesses across Northampton and the wider West Northamptonshire area. Cllr James Petter, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is a major milestone for a project that will redefine the future of Northampton and deliver lasting benefits for communities across West Northamptonshire. “The regeneration of Greyfriars will not only revitalise a key part of our town centre but also strengthen our local economy, improve connectivity, and create a more inclusive and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.” Sir Michael Lyons, chair at ECF, said: “West Northamptonshire Council has set out a bold vision for Greyfriars and we are looking forward to our collaborative and positive partnership. “Entering a Development Agreement will enable us to take the next important step in the delivery of this important opportunity. It’s a chance to enhance Northampton town centre with new homes, workspaces, retail, culture, and public spaces. “Together, we will move at pace to deliver a masterplan proposal which delivers against this opportunity.”

Nottingham Building Society has opened a new branch in the city centre, marking its first branch launch in eight years and reinforcing its physical retail presence amid widespread bank closures across the UK.

The new site, located on Clumber Street, replaces the previous branch on Upper Parliament Street, which had served customers for over five decades. The move underscores the Society’s ongoing investment in face-to-face banking services, particularly as many financial institutions scale back physical networks in favour of digital operations.

The branch opening also aligns with a broader strategy to modernise customer engagement. Designed in partnership with workplace design firm Claremont, the space includes flexible service areas, private consultation pods, and a dedicated wellbeing zone for staff. Accessibility features, sustainable materials, and biophilic design have been integrated into the layout, reflecting contemporary expectations around inclusivity and environmental responsibility.

The launch coincides with the rollout of a new community-linked savings product that will support homelessness charity Emmanuel House, further embedding the Society’s role in local social initiatives.