Construction of a state-of-the-art rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill, Staveley has been completed – and is set to officially open its doors later this year.
The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will create high-quality jobs and skills opportunities for local people, and bolster Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector.
Works on the new facility, which is located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse, were completed last week by Chesterfield Borough Council’s contractor Stepnell.
The building is designed as a flagship destination for the rail industry offering modern classrooms and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and high-quality commercial workshop space.
DRIIVe is part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal programme and has received additional funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Combined County Authority.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see work on the construction of DRIIVe now complete. This has been a long‑standing ambition for our council, and its delivery strengthens Chesterfield’s position within the rail sector.
“DRIIVe is a unique facility that not only provides space for businesses to undertake vital research and development, including cutting‑edge digital innovation, but also creates new training opportunities for local people. This will help us attract high‑value employers to the area while ensuring our residents gain the skills and qualifications needed to secure high‑quality jobs in the industry.
“Partnership has been at the heart of DRIIVe and this spirit of collaboration will continue, by working with businesses and industry experts we can ensure that this project will deliver for our community. I’m looking forward to meeting the first learners when they start on site later this year.”
DRIIVe is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, which will manage the facility on a day-to-day basis.
Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Deal Board member, said: “This is a project of national significance for the Rail sector, and we are so proud to have this fantastic facility here at Barrow Hill, it will help improve our commercial offer and helps strengthen our position in the industry. These state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities will greatly benefit the area by helping to attract new businesses and providing local people with the skills they need to build a great career in the rail sector.”
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.
Primarily funded through the Staveley Town Deal, DRIIVe has also received a funding boost from East Midlands Combined County Authority.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This isn’t just a new building, it’s a real opportunity for local people, offering them more chances to train, learn new skills and move into well‑paid jobs right here in the region.
“By backing projects like this, we’re making sure innovation works for communities, helping people build their future, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the East Midlands as a place where the rail industry can grow and thrive.”
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.
