£1 billion investment is a ‘real game changer’ for Chesterfield
Thanks to the combined power of several ambitious development projects, the entire Chesterfield region is already beginning to benefit from the ‘game-changing’ investments.
Coun John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield does punch above it’s weight, and I’m proud to say that.
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Hide Ad“These projects signal that Chesterfield is a town on the up. These investments are truly game changing, and it is so exciting to see everything come together.
“There have been times when I have laid awake at night worrying that we have been too ambitious and won’t be able to deliver everything. But here we are, with all the projects either already started or soon to begin.”
He added: “This is only the start, though. A lot of work has been done behind the scenes and we are already looking ahead to the future.”
Huw Bowen, council chief executive, hailed the £1 billion investment as a ‘real game changer’.
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Hide AdThe total investment comprises of: 400 million investment in Peak visitor park; £320 million in Chesterfield Waterside; £88 million investment in Markham Vale; £55 million investment in Northern Gateway developments, including £8.6 million from Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.
Here is a more detailed look at the projects
Chesterfield Waterside
An £300 million scheme to transform the old Trebor factory, in the north of the town centre, into a major mixed-use development.
Currently the 47th largest regeneration project in the UK, the site – which straddles the River Rother, Chesterfield Canal and the A61 – is hoped to provide a thriving new part of the town centre.
A new community with 1,500 modern houses and apartments has planning permission as part of the outline consent, which is a part of a wider permission that includes offices, shops and restaurants surrounding a canal basin.
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Hide AdBut it is hoped that work will commence on the first commercial phase of development, surrounding the canal basin in 2016.
Peak visitor park
A £400 million pound integrated leisure, health, sport and education resort on the 300 acre Birchall Estate, Unstone.
It will be a major visitor attraction to the north west of Chesterfield on the boundary of the 500 square mile Peak District National Park and will become one of the UK’s flagship tourist attractions Construction is forecast to begin in Spring 2016, but ground clearance has already been completed.
Sports Centre
An enhanced new Queens Park Sports Centre to be built on Queen’s Park Annexe following £2 million of funding from Sport England.
Work is due to be completed by January 2016.
College campus
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Hide AdBuilding work has already begun on the new University of Derby campus in Chesterfield and an official launch is set for Summer 2016.
The First academic cohort will be based at St Helena’s from September 2016.
Northern Gateway Chesterfield
Chesterfield Borough Council are reassessing plans for the Northern Gateway, following the recent plans for the Co-op, in Elder Way and the changes in the economic climate and retail environment.
The project will transform the Donut roundabout area, one of the main gateways of Chesterfield town centre.
Markham Vale enterprise zone
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Hide AdMarkham Vale is an 80 hectare business park offering direct access to the M1 Motorway via a dedicated new junction, J29A. he prime development has already attracted many businesses, which has brought over 700.
n Turn to page 8 for John Burrows’ column.