‘High-quality’ offices and retail space planned for Staveley Waterside

Staveley Waterside is a multi-million pound project centred on Staveley’s canal basin.

MORE: Surge in coronavirus fines issued by Derbyshire police

The planned development is being led by Derbyshire County Council (DCC).

A DCC spokesperson told the Derbyshire Times this week: “We are currently putting together a business case for a two-storey development to provide high-quality, flexible office, retail and workshop space for start-up businesses next to the canal at Staveley.

“If approved it would build on the success of our flagship development, Markham Vale Environment Centre, and would form part of bigger plans to regenerate Staveley Basin to create jobs and support the local economy.”

Earlier this year, Staveley secured £25.2million as part of the Government’s Towns Fund programme.

To unlock the funding, a 52-page document – called the Staveley Town Investment Plan – was put together and sent to the Government for consideration.

The document outlined a number of local projects which would benefit from Towns Fund cash, including Staveley Waterside.

According to the document: “Staveley Waterside is the proposed first phase of a mixed business and residential development centred on Staveley’s canal basin.

“The project, led by DCC, includes an access road and paths to open up the site, pontoon decks and electric or water points for moorings and a waterside hub that will comprise a café and flexible office and workshop units for start-up businesses.”

It adds: “Staveley Waterside will create a new destination hub for tourists and water-based leisure enthusiasts as well as creating employment opportunities for the local community all in an attractive waterside setting on the fringe of the town centre.

“Some 55-60,000 visitors pass through the town basin each year – but with no parking or ‘service’ facilities on site, most do not stop to rest, eat or drink.

“The Waterside hub with café or restaurant facilities and bike and car parking will address these needs and create the future opportunity for public parking and overnight water-based stays allowing greater numbers of tourists and visitors alike to begin and end their day in Staveley.”

MORE: The areas of Chesterfield and north Derbyshire with the highest cases of Covid-19

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times editor

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper.