Chesterfield has been selected by the government as one of 55 towns to receive almost £20 million worth of funding over the next ten years (2024 to 2034) to invest in local people’s priorities.

This was announced as part of the government’s Long Term Plan for Towns initiative.

A new and independent board, called the Chesterfield Town Board, is driving forward this investment.

The board is made up of local business and community representatives, together with public sector organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council. Local people will be asked to have their say on how the money should be spent, in line with the government's guidelines.

This section will be updated with the latest information as plans progress, including details of how you can get involved.

What’s happening?

In September 2023, Chesterfield was announced as one of 55 towns across the country to receive almost £20 million of funding to help pay for local projects over a period of ten years (2024 to 2034).

This endowment-style funding is part of the government’s Long Term Plan for Towns initiative and is designed to give local communities a greater voice in shaping local improvements.

What can the money be spent on?

It’s important to understand that the government has set out clear rules about what the money can be spent on – it can’t just be used to fund anything which a community would like to see happen.

The funding must be spent on projects which fit into three key themes: 

• safety and security – this could include projects which help to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, for example

• high streets, heritage and regeneration – this includes projects which would enhance the town, making the place more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses, and visitors

• transport and connectivity – this could include projects which support improved access to the town centre, including work to support greener modes of travel, as well as public transport options

For each of the three themes there is a comprehensive list of ‘interventions’ which the government has identified as eligible for funding, which can be found below.

You can find out more in the Long Term Plan for Towns guidance note

What area does it cover?

The funding applies to Chesterfield but can also include other neighbouring areas. It does not cover the Staveley area, as this has already received over £25 million of government funding through the Staveley Town Deal.

Who decides where the money is spent?

A new and independent Chesterfield Town Board has been set up to oversee how and where the funding should be spent, in consultation with local people.

In line with Government guidance, Chesterfield Borough Council will act as the accountable body for the funding, but the new board members will decide how the £19.5m worth of endowment-style funding is invested over 10 years.

What happens next?

Listening to the views of local people and giving communities the chance to shape how and where the money will be spent is at the heart of this initiative.

During June 2024, Chesterfield Town Board ran a survey, along with a range of targeted engagement activities, to understand where people, businesses and groups across the borough think funding should be invested. The online survey closed on Monday 24 June 2024.

The Board will use this feedback together with the findings from previous surveys to put together a three-year investment plan, supported by a 10-year vision statement, which must be submitted to government. 

This must be submitted to government by 1 August 2024.

Once government has approved the plans, the first year of funding will be released, and the Board can start delivering the projects and initiatives set out in its investment plan.

How can I get involved?

An initial period of public engagement ran in June 2024. People were asked to put forward their views as part of an online survey and a series of engagement sessions were also held with local community groups and organisations. More information about any future public engagement activities will be provided on this web page.

About the Board

The Chesterfield Town Board was established in April 2024, in line with government guidance.

It is made up of several key partners across Chesterfield – from the private, public and community and voluntary sectors – working together as a group, and using feedback from local people.

Board meetings

The Chesterfield Town Board meets several times a year. In line with government rules, it is not a public meeting – but meeting agendas and minutes are published on the website. These can be viewed below.

Board members

The Board is chaired by chaired by local business leader Dominic Staniforth, who sits alongside 17 other board members:

• Dominic Staniforth (Chair) - BHP
• Emily Bowman - Junction Arts
• Canon Patrick Coleman - Chesterfield Parish Church
• John Croot - Chesterfield Football Club
• Simon Davidson - RP Davidson Cheese Factor
• Hannah Grainger - Bottle and Thyme
• Andrew Kelly - Parkside School
• Mahmud Nawaz - Chair of Chesterfield Royal Hospital
• Nicolle Ndiweni - Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner
• Kathryn Mitchell - University of Derby
• Laura Jo Owen - Adorn Jewellers
• Toby Perkins MP - MP for Chesterfield
• Councillor Carolyn Renwick - Derbyshire County Council
• Julie Richards - Chesterfield College
• Councillor Amanda Serjeant - Chesterfield Borough Council
• Angela Stansfield - Department for Work and Pensions
• Jacqui Willis - Derbyshire Voluntary Action
• Simon Wright - Banner Jones

Board papers

The Chesterfield Town Board meets several times a year.

In line with government guidance the meeting is not open for the public to attend, but meeting agendas and minutes are published below.

Monday 29 April 2024

Long Term Plan For Towns Board Agenda 29 April 2024	(PDF 64 KB)
Long Term Plan For Towns Board Minutes 29 April 2024	(PDF 183 KB)