How Staveley could benefit from up to £25million of Government funding

The area could clinch the cash as part of the Government’s Towns Fund programme – in what has been described by council chiefs as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ to revitalise Staveley.

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

The document outlines a range of developments in and around Staveley which would benefit from the money – projects which promise to create jobs, deliver new housing and facilities and improve the look of the area.

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “Our Town Investment Plan is built around a simple vision for Staveley as a place to start, a place to stay and a place to grow.

“Staveley is blessed with great assets, including land for development, heritage buildings and transport links – but these all need investment and local leadership to drive forward the growth and prosperity of the area.

“Following the announcement of the proposed HS2 depot in the area and HS2 services to nearby Chesterfield, we have seen momentum build.

“The Spanish rail manufacturer Talgo has announced its UK headquarters will be here in Barrow Hill where it will establish a new rail innovation centre.

“The innovation centre is just one of the projects set out in our investment plan, projects that will ensure we are ready to adapt and change as the role of towns evolves over the coming years.”

Other schemes mentioned in the Staveley Town Investment Plan include Staveley Waterside, a proposed development comprising of new homes, a café and offices centred on Staveley’s canal basin.

The document also features the planned extension of the historic Staveley Hall to create a ‘high-quality events venue’ led by Staveley Town Council, and the proposed renovation of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall into a ‘21st century community hub’.

When the Derbyshire Times visited Staveley last year, many people said they wanted to see the town centre rejuvenated.

The Staveley Town Investment Plan reveals details about Staveley 21, a Chesterfield Borough Council-led project to ‘revive Staveley town centre into a 21st century market town that is a valued place to visit, shop, work and relax for the local community’.

Staveley 21’s initial proposals include a ‘reshaped retail offer focused on the market place’, a ‘contemporary service hub bringing local public services together’, the introduction of town centre Wi-Fi and a cinema.

And the document also outlines Chesterfield Canal’s plans to complete the restoration of the waterway within Staveley – from Hartington Harbour to the borough boundary with North East Derbyshire at Renishaw.

Mr Fomin added: “At a time when Covid-19 has re-energised the discussion about the use of outdoor spaces, we have a unique opportunity to link Chesterfield and Staveley to the national canal network for the first time in 113 years.

“We know that local places, local services, local amenities have a huge role to play in a post-Covid world and Staveley must be ready to seize these opportunities.

“We know that many more people, employers, visitors and investors will want to come to Staveley to start, stay and grow here.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the borough council, said: “We are proud to submit the Staveley Town Investment Plan to Government and look forward to receiving feedback.

“In the meantime, we will continue to consult with local people and develop the business cases for the projects and programmes that will secure Staveley’s future for generations to come.”

Mick Bagshaw, a councillor on Staveley Town Council and the borough council, said he welcomed the Staveley Town Investment Plan.

“Anything that develops Staveley is, of course, a good thing,” he said.

"I’m particularly interested in the plans for Staveley Hall and the town centre – the town centre definitely needs improving and we need to get more footfall there.

“Over the years I think Staveley has been neglected – and I hope the area is successful in getting this money from the Government.”

The Towns Fund aims to inject more than £3billion into 101 communities across England as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda – a term used to describe its ambitions for addressing long-standing local and regional inequalities.

A borough council spokesperson said: “The Towns Fund recognises the important role that towns like Staveley have in driving economic growth across England and aims to fund improvements and regeneration projects to unlock their potential.

“There has been an extended period of consultation with residents and businesses on the Staveley Town Investment Plan.

“This has been done through online sessions, direct surveys and initiatives with local schools.

“This has helped develop a comprehensive and ambitious plan that has the potential to transform the lives of local people.”

Through the Towns Fund, Staveley has already been awarded £500,000 in initial money which is going towards sport and football pitch improvements at Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and Springwell Community College, the installation of new play equipment at King George V Playing Fields and improving CCTV across the area.

The Staveley Town Deal is managed by the Staveley Town Deal Board, which is made up of local representatives including council and business leaders, education and voluntary sector professionals and the MPs for Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.

It is understood the Government will report back on the Staveley Town Investment Plan later this year, possibly in the spring.

To read the Staveley Town Investment Plan in full, visit https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/staveley-town-deal/staveley-town-deal-information.aspx.

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