Work to transform a key community space in Newbold is now complete, creating a welcoming hub ready to host a wide range of programmes designed to bring local people together.
The ground‑floor community room at Bonsall Court has been fully refurbished after Community Development Chesterfield (CDC) agreed a three‑year lease with Chesterfield Borough Council, creating a modern, flexible space for local activities and support programmes.
The refurbishment project was led by six apprentices from the council’s housing property services and housing assets teams with the aim of creating a modern, energy‑efficient and welcoming hub designed to support a wide range of activities.
The apprentices have played a central role in every stage of the refurbishment. Four trades apprentices took on significant hands‑on responsibilities throughout, working alongside experienced operatives to redecorate the building, install updated electrics and energy‑efficient lighting, fit new toilets, and modernise the kitchen with fresh units and improved washing facilities.
Two more apprentices supported the project through co‑project management, gaining valuable experience toward their apprenticeship qualifications.
The team also worked with specialist contractors to complete key upgrades. Ventro installed a new fire alarm system and fire doors to ensure full safety compliance, while Dalton Roofing delivered a new flat roof system, skylights, soffits and fascias.
The previously uninsulated roof over the kitchen, hall and toilets has now been fully insulated, significantly improving heat retention in the building.
New smart panel radiators have also been fitted, using only around 25 percent of the energy that was previously required by the old storage heaters.
The project has transformed the space into a thriving hub that CDC can use to host activities for entire community to benefit from. The group is already making a difference through its work at the Cosy Hub at Burns Close, Grangewood, and youth groups in Duckmanton and Poolsbrook, and hopes to reflect this at Bonsall Court.
Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “I am delighted to see the refurbishment that has been carried out to the community room at Bonsall Court – the space been transformed to create a modern community hub that is perfect for local people to come together and enjoy a range of different activities.
“We’ve already seen the positive work that CDC are doing in other areas of the town, so we’re really pleased that they have taken on the lease at Bonsall Court and look forward to seeing what activities they have planned for residents in the area.
“The completion of the refurbishment is also a proud moment for our six talented apprentices who have been involved every step of their way. Through their continued commitment, they have not only gained valuable hands-on experience, but they have also delivered a high-quality space that will have a huge benefit for the local community.
“We are also pleased to see so many energy efficient improvements made as part of the project – this contributes to our commitment to becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050, as well as reducing energy costs for CDC.”
Dan Henman, Chesterfield Community Development’s chief executive officer and chair of trustees’, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Chesterfield Borough Council for their support in making this project possible and to the apprentices, contractors and everyone involved in transforming the space. The finished hub is bright, welcoming and fully accessible, providing a fantastic community asset for local residents.
“At CDC, we believe strong communities are built when people have somewhere safe, welcoming and inclusive to come together. This new hub will allow us to expand our work in Newbold and deliver a wide range of activities for children, young people, families, older residents and anyone who may benefit from community support and connection.
“We have seen first-hand the positive impact that community hubs can have through our work at the CDC Cosy Hub in Grangewood and our services across Chesterfield. We are excited to bring that same approach to Bonsall Court and work alongside local residents to develop activities that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.
“This is more than just a building refurbishment; it is an investment in people, relationships and community wellbeing. We look forward to welcoming residents through the doors and creating a hub that the whole community can be proud of.”
Residents who would like to share ideas for future activities can contact CDC at info@cdchesterfield.com.
