This is why optimism is blooming in Staveley

It was announced last week that the town had been awarded £25.2million from the Government.

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The money will go towards a number of projects which promise to create jobs, deliver new housing and facilities and improve the look of the area.

When the Derbyshire Times visited Staveley high street on Tuesday, there was plenty of optimism about the news.

Councillor Paul Mann leader of Staveley Town Council, said: “Everyone’s delighted.

“This is once-in-a-lifetime funding and it’s going to revitalise the Staveley area, which is a very special place.”

Coun Paul Wilson, who represents Middlecroft on the town council, said: “I’m over the moon.

“The funding presents a wonderful opportunity to increase people’s pride in the area.”

Mark Evans, town clerk at the council, added: “I’m so pleased for Staveley.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting this funding and many partners have come together to make it happen – it’s been a real team effort.”

To unlock the cash from the Towns Fund programme, a 52-page document – called the Staveley Town Investment Plan – was compiled and sent to the Government for consideration.

It details several projects which will benefit from the money.

The document 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.

Talking about the town centre, Coun Mann said: “We hope more businesses will be encouraged to open here now they know the area is getting this investment.

“We do want to attract more firms and footfall to Staveley town centre – many people say it’s not the bustling place it used to be.

“It would be good to see a mix of big businesses and local artisan companies invest in Staveley.”

Eighteen-year-old Natasha Morehen opened her flower shop, Floral Blossoms, on Church Street on Valentine’s Day.

She said: “I’ve lived in Staveley all my life so it just seemed so right to start my business here.

“Trade has been good and I was really happy to hear the news about the funding for Staveley.

“I hope it helps to improve the area.”

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

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

It also outlines Chesterfield Canal’s proposals to complete the restoration of the waterway within Staveley – from Hartington Harbour to the borough boundary with north east Derbyshire at Renishaw.

The £25.2m will be spent over a five-year period, steered by the Staveley Town Deal Board, and with the overall programme managed by the borough council.

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