£1million funding boost for new housing development on former industrial site in Chesterfield

The Avenue project, located in Wingerworth, aims to transform a former industrial site into a mixed-use development with over 100 affordable homes to be built on brownfield land, thanks to the funding allocated by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)

The area, a nationally recognised brownfield regeneration project, has already seen significant investment, transforming the area from one of Europe's most polluted sites into a nature reserve and mixed-use development.

The Council has been working with partners EMCCA, Homes England and Derbyshire County Council to deliver the project.

A key challenge has been finding a viable solution for the Mill Lane junction, off the A61 Derby Road, which provides access to the southern part of the site.

The Council commissioned a study by WSP UK Ltd. that recommended a signalised junction as a more cost-effective and technically sound solution. This alternative, supported by Derbyshire County Council, eliminates the need for third-party land acquisition and unlocks the Taylor Wimpey development.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Jayne Barry said, “We are delighted to receive this funding to help unlock the potential of this site.

“This was one of the most polluted sites in Europe and I am proud of the work that we have done to regenerate the site which is now home to new properties and this funding will help deliver over 100 affordable homes, new infrastructure, jobs, economic growth and more for North East Derbyshire.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: "The Avenue at Wingerworth is an ambitious project - one we want to support. It’s transformation from a polluted unused area into a mixed-use site has been great. They are bringing the community and nature back into that space.

This funding will go towards supporting the project so they can expand further and have more development opportunities in the future.

“Sites like The Avenue are vital for boosting both the local and regional economy, so we want to support the work they are already achieving here in North East Derbyshire by investing in the project.”

The money will pay for a new junction into the southern part of the Avenue site off the A61 to the south of Chesterfield.

The Avenue strategic project is one of the most ambitious and effective remediation projects ever undertaken in the UK. This has been achieved through over £185m investment of public money, strong partnership working between NEDDC, DCC and Homes England and a genuine One Public Estate approach.