Work begins on second phase of East Midlands Investment Zone site, Hartington Business Park

Work has begun on the second phase of the Devonshire Property Group’s (DPG) Hartington Business Park in Staveley near Chesterfield. Today, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, visited the site to understand the plans, which include 65,000 sq ft of industrial space across 11 units.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The second phase of Hartington Business Park is a clear example of how the East Midlands Investment Zone is unlocking new opportunities for growth in our region. This development will not only create high-quality jobs for local people, but it will also strengthen Staveley’s role as part of a nationally significant cluster for innovation and industry.”

Located to the northern edge of Staveley, with easy access to the M1, the site sits within a wider designated tax site that has been identified as one of three strategic areas within the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s wider East Midlands Investment Zone.

As such, the site is aimed at advanced manufacturing and clean industries occupiers, in line with the Investment Zone’s plan to support these key local specialisms and growth sectors.  A range of tax incentives will be available for industries in those specific sectors.

The development is expected to create around c.120 local jobs.

Andrew Byrne, Group Property Development Director of the Devonshire Group, said: “The East Midlands was the birthplace of the first industrial revolution and is now positioning itself at the forefront of the UK’s clean industries revolution. These high-quality buildings will give businesses the space to grow, innovate and collaborate in some of the region’s key growth sectors. The second phase of Hartington Business Park will foster a thriving business community.

“As part of one of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s designated strategic areas, we are also looking forward to continuing our relationship with them to bring forward even more opportunities to support growth in the region.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The start of construction on the second phase of Hartington Business Park is fantastic news for our borough. Once completed, this development will deliver high‑quality job opportunities for local people. The East Midlands Investment Zone will further strengthen Chesterfield’s position as an attractive location for businesses in advanced manufacturing and green industries to invest and grow. Through the Staveley Town Deal, we are working to ensure that this investment brings real, long‑term benefits to our communities.”

Early enabling works have already been undertaken, with the service road and utilities fully functional. Wilten Construction is DPG’s chosen contractor for the scheme, which is scheduled to be complete and ready for occupation by October 2026.

Mayor Claire continued: “We’re proud to be working with partners like Devonshire Property Group to ensure that investment translates into benefits for our communities and places the East Midlands at the forefront of the UK’s green industrial future.”

The first phase of Hartington Business Park comprises three industrial buildings split into six units, ranging from 4,064 to 8,136 sq ft. It was completed in April 2023 and is now home to firms ranging from food processing to electrical engineering.

Investment Zones are a flagship Government policy to accelerate regional growth, and the East Midlands is one of just 12 across the country. The East Midlands Combined County Authority is committed to a place-based approach for the East Midlands Investment Zone – meaning policies and investment are tailored specifically to the strengths, challenges, and opportunities of the region.

Working closely with government, businesses, universities, and local partners, EMCCA is ensuring that investment is coordinated, strategic, and focused on long-term impact.

Backed by £160 million of Government funding over ten years, alongside a suite of tax incentives, EMIZ gives businesses the confidence to invest and grow locally.