Our Growth Strategy sets out the role of the council in supporting the growth and regeneration of Chesterfield borough. 

It provides a framework for actions over the period 2023 to 2027 that will deliver our priority of making Chesterfield a thriving borough and contribute towards the priority of improving the quality of life for local people.

The development of the strategy has been under-pinned by a detailed assessment of the local economy which is available in the supporting documents section below.

It builds on the success of the last decade which has seen the creation of more than 2000 new jobs in the local economy and more than 500 new businesses operating in the area, along with significant regeneration and investment across the borough.

The strategy includes five key objectives, which are:

1. help businesses to grow and secure new business investment in the borough
2. build a competitive place infrastructure that accelerates employment and housing growth
3. strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres
4. develop Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination and as a base for exploring the surrounding area
5. ensure local people have the right skills to support progression in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities

Within each of the strategy’s objectives, key activities and projects are being delivered including supporting the delivery of several significant regeneration opportunities in the borough, the successful development of which will improve the growth prospects of the local economy.

These include: the development of training facilities like the Derbyshire Rail Investment Vehicle (DRIIVe) and Construction Skills Hub (both of which are being funded through the Staveley Town Deal), the Stephenson Memorial Hall renovation, Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, Chesterfield Waterside, HS2 Station Master Plan and the PEAK resort.

It includes support for businesses such as the provision of an Innovation Support Programme and a property advice service for people looking for business premises. In relation to skills, a local Skills and Employment Partnership will be established and a new Skills Action Plan prepared to guide the delivery of skills activity up to 2027.

A key focus of the strategy is enhancement of the visitor economy through marketing activities to raise the profile of Chesterfield, a programme of speciality markets, events and festivals and working with partners to improve the visitor offer.

This strategy is about making the most of the opportunities available over the next four years for the benefit of local people and businesses. The council will work closely with partners to ensure that local people are able to develop the higher-level skills needed to access the new jobs which are created.

Chesterfield Growth Strategy 2023 to 2027 (accessible version)	(PDF 203 KB)
Chesterfield Growth Strategy 2023 to 2027	(PDF 3.75 MB)

Background documents

Chesterfield Economic Assessment 2022

(PDF 554 KB)

Chesterfield Visitor Economy Audit

(PDF 375 KB)