£400m leisure complex ‘will completely transform’ Chesterfield and Peak economy

Plans to build a £400m new leisure facility on the outskirts of Chesterfield will totally ‘transform the town’s economy’ and the Derbyshire tourism industry, say business leaders.

The area is set for a 1,300 jobs boost thanks to a £400m tourism development which will be announced by the Prime Minister during his tour of America this week, the Derbyshire Times can reveal.

Peak Resorts will provide a year round leisure, health, sport and education destination on the edge of the 550 square miles Peak District National Park.

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The exact location for the development has not yet been confirmed, but it is understood to be located at a site at Unstone, off the A61.

US President Barack Obama stands with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and British Prime Minister David Cameron at the start of the Nato Summit at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 4, 2014. Photo credit should read: Peter Macdiarmid/PA WireUS President Barack Obama stands with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and British Prime Minister David Cameron at the start of the Nato Summit at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 4, 2014. Photo credit should read: Peter Macdiarmid/PA Wire
US President Barack Obama stands with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and British Prime Minister David Cameron at the start of the Nato Summit at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday September 4, 2014. Photo credit should read: Peter Macdiarmid/PA Wire

In 2008 developers Birchall Estates obtained planning permission for the first phase of developments for a major development at the site.

Last year an order was made to divert a public bridleway and public footpaths crossing the site of the proposed resort, to run around the perimeter of the site.

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George Cowcher, chief executive of the East Midlands Chamber, which represents businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “This is fantastic news and will totally transform both the economy and the tourism offer of Chesterfield and the Peak District.

George Cowcher Chamber of commerceGeorge Cowcher Chamber of commerce
George Cowcher Chamber of commerce

“This scheme has been in development for many years, so it’s great to see it has finally secured the funding to bring it to fruition, along with the green light to make it happen.

“The visitor economy, particularly in this part of the region, is a key driver of economic growth and this new development will further enhance the offering, draw more visitors to the area and make Chesterfield and the Peak District an even stronger proposition for potential investors.”

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The project brings together leading hospitality, university, sport and medical expertise and offers 600 holiday apartments, hotel and hostel units with 250 woodland lodges.

It will create over 1,300 full time equivalent jobs when it opens and many more in the construction phase over the next three and half years.

The investment is a partnership between a UK development company and US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group.

Welcoming the deal, David Cameron: “This partnership between US investor Grand Heritage Hotel Group and a UK development company will deliver a phenomenal boost to the leisure industry in the Peak District.

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“This £400m investment will deliver a world-class resort complex creating over 1,300 permanent jobs when it is completed and supporting hundreds of construction jobs as the site is developed.”

The Prime Minister arrives in Washington today for bilateral discussions with President Obama about how the United Kingdom and United States of America can keep working together to advance our economic prosperity and protect our national security.

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