Plans for landmark rail innovation centre move full steam ahead
A milestone has been reached in plans for a rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill, Staveley.
The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe), part of the Staveley Town Deal, will provide skills training, research facilities and space for rail businesses.
Chesterfield Borough Council has appointed Stepnell as the contractor, with work set to start in early 2025 and finish by year-end.
Located near the Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the centre will include classrooms, research labs and commercial offices.
The project is funded largely by the Towns Fund and developed in partnership with the University of Derby, Chesterfield College and the Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society.
It will provide specialist training from entry-level to postgraduate and serve as a base for rail supply chain businesses.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “This is a really exciting, landmark project that will create new opportunities for local people to access high-quality skills and jobs while bolstering Chesterfield’s position as a leading destination for future innovation and investment in the rail sector.
“The DRIIVe project will also play a key role in the emerging East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) with its focus on advanced manufacturing and green technology industries, by attracting the rail sector and associated supply chain to the nearby Chesterfield EMIZ sites.
“It’s great to see the project continue to gather pace, and we look forward to working with the contractor, and our partners, to progress construction of DRIIVe early next year. The facility will be completed by the end of 2025.”
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The DRIIVe project adds to our public sector expertise of infrastructure and education projects, and will enhance our partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the Staveley Town Deal. Through committing to delivering early community engagement in the project, the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards of railway training and have an important impact on developing talent in STEM in the region.”
