Construction of a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill is beginning to take shape as construction of the steel frame begins.
The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) is being built next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse. Once complete it will provide classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space.
Work on the project began on site in early June and has progressed quickly with the foundations being completed and construction of the steelwork frame in progress. The next stages of the build will see work on the external cladding begin.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It is fantastic to see this project coming together so quickly. DRIIVe will help grow our local economy by providing local people with the skills they need to access great careers in the rail sector and will help cement our borough’s position in the sector by attracting new businesses to the area.
“Not only is it a key part of the Staveley Town Deal programme but it is a key development that will support the nearby Hartington-Staveley East Midlands Investment Zone site – providing crucial facilities that will drive growth in new sectors and benefit future generations.”
The DRIIVe project is funded primarily through the Staveley Town Deal but has also received funding from Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Combined County Authority and from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
It is being delivered in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, which will manage the centre on a day-to-day basis following completion. Any profits from the centre will be re-invested into the Roundhouse site.
Bob Burgess, Director and Trustee at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “We’re thrilled with the works on site. Once complete this facility will help local people to access new opportunities and ensure that we can continue to help people connect with our heritage at the Roundhouse.”
DRIIVe is a key project within the Staveley Town Deal programme and through the creation of training opportunities and attracting new businesses it will help ensure that Staveley is a place where people can start, stay and grow.
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s exciting to see works on this project and the wider Town Deal progressing. It has taken time to get to this stage but hopefully people are now seeing the projects coming out of the ground and will be able to benefit from these projects.”
Stepnell are carrying out the design and construction of the building on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.
Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “Following the completion of the foundations for the DRIIVe project, we’re progressing on schedule with the steel frame now taking shape - a key milestone as the centre begins to come to life.
“As we move toward the installation of external cladding, we’re actively engaging with the community to ensure alignment with the ambitions of the Staveley Town Deal and Chesterfield Borough Council. We’re committed to delivering meaningful opportunities for local people throughout the build, through targeted local spend and support for employability.”
DRIIVe is a first step in the development of the nearby Hartington-Staveley East Midlands Investment Zone site by creating a place where businesses can carry out crucial research and development it will support the growth of the advanced manufacturing and clean technology sectors.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “DRIIVe is a powerful example of how we’re turning ambition into action with the East Midlands Investment Zone. By investing in skills and innovation, we’re building the foundations of a smarter and greener economy while making sure that local people are at the heart of our journey. The East Midlands is stepping up as a leader in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable transport – and DRIIVe is proof of that progress in motion.”
DRIIVe will include classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space.
The centre will support a network of specialist training providers – offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research.
Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.
Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to submit an investment plan to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.
To find out more about DRIIVe, please visit the Staveley Town Deal page.
