Next phase of development at Staveley Moorings begins - to turn new waterside development on Chesterfield Canal into visitor destination
Next phase of waterside development launched to boost visitor economy
A vision to turn Staveley Town Basin into a thriving visitor destination has taken a step forward now work has started to install nine jetties at The Moorings.
Following the opening of the two-storey business and retail development in July, the next phase of the development is taking shape to provide facilities for boats to moor.
It marks a return to the original vision for the development after initial plans to install the jetties were removed due to an increase in construction costs.
Now following a funding injection of around £800,000 from the East Midlands Combined County Authority supported by Chesterfield Borough Council and the Staveley Town Deal Board, nine jetties each measuring 25 metres in length are being lifted into place and will be equipped with mooring facilities, electricity hook-up and drinking water supply for boats.
The jetties were built off-site in preparation for installation which is expected to take around six weeks to complete.
Councillor John Lawson, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, said: “The installation of the new jetties represents another important step forward for The Moorings and Staveley Town Basin, helping to make greater use of Chesterfield Canal and further establish the area as a destination for boating, walking, cycling, businesses and visitors.
“Our ambition is to create a thriving waterside destination which supports businesses and jobs while encouraging more people to visit and enjoy this part of the canal.
“Providing proper facilities for boats to moor in the basin will help bring more activity onto the water, building on the investment already made in the new businesses, improved access and public open space around The Moorings, and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring back this important element of the original vision for the scheme.”
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Moorings has already brought significant investment into Staveley Town Basin, and these latest improvements will help build on that progress. The new jetties will strengthen the relationship between the development and the Chesterfield Canal, helping to encourage boating activity and making the basin an even more attractive place for residents and visitors.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “It's really encouraging to see work getting underway on this next phase of The Moorings. I know how much potential there is in Staveley Town Basin, and I’m committed to investing to unlock it.
“Bringing the jetties back into the plans means we can make the most of the canal, welcome more visiting boats and give people another reason to explore and spend time in Staveley. That can make a real difference to the local businesses already based here, as well as creating new opportunities for the town.”
The Moorings, which is currently home to seven local businesses, is managed and funded by a partnership of Derbyshire County Council and the Staveley Town Deal – a £25m Government-funded regeneration programme which is overseen by Chesterfield Borough Council. The Town Deal provided £3.5m of the £4.5m cost of the project with the balance being met by the county council.