Work on £400million Derbyshire tourism development to start in spring

Work on a major £400million tourism development planned for a site on the outskirts of Chesterfield will start between March and April – it has been revealed.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign, have welcomed news of the Peak Resort project, which will it has been confirmed will be built on a reclaimed open cast mining site close to the Birchall Estate at Unstone, near Dronfield,

The integrated all–weather, year round leisure, health, sport and education destination will create 1,300 new jobs and will be formally announced by Prime Minister David Cameron during a visit to America this week,

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A new Regeneration Investment Organisation, bringing together the two investors – Birchall Properties, led by Rupert Carr, and the US owned Grand Heritage Hotel Group – will be created to lead the project.

Councillor John Burrows, leader and executive member for regeneration at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic boost to Chesterfield and its economy and another sign of the confidence the business community has about investing in our borough.

“I congratulate the developer Rupert Carr for his determination and hard work to make this happen. I also thank the council’s planning and economic development teams who have worked closely with him and his company over many years to make this project a reality.

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“The development will provide 1,300 jobs when it opens, and hundreds more during the construction phase, so the opportunities for local people to get new jobs will be tremendous.

“And once completed the venue will bring thousands of extra visitors to our borough, improving Chesterfield’s tourism offer, with the knock-on benefits that this gives to our local shops and facilities.”

The project – which brings together leading hospitality, university, sport and medical expertise and will have 600 holiday apartments, hotel and hostel units with 250 woodland lodges – has also received the backing of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s marketing campaign.

Chairman Peter Swallow said: “The benefits of Chesterfield’s proximity to the Peak District National Park will be fully realised with the announcement of Peak Resort.

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“The investment by the US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group will put the town on the international map and I am confident Chesterfield will reap the domino effect of this investment far beyond the construction phase.

“Residents, retailers and developers in the area have an excellent opportunity now to capitalise on Peak Resort ahead of its opening and make Chesterfield the best it can be to ensure a positive lasting impression for all visitors.”

Updates to follow.