New Derbyshire rail innovation centre starts on site in Chesterfield

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is proud to be the chosen delivery architect for Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe), the ambitious modern rail innovation and training centre at Chesterfield, adjacent to the Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre.

DRIIVe is part of the multi-million-pound Staveley Town Deal programme and has also received additional funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Combined County Authority.

The DRIIVe project is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society. Complete construction partner Stepnell will be carrying out construction of the building.

The contemporary building will provide classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space. The new centre aims to cement Chesterfield as a prominent location for the rail industry.

Working closely with leading regional contractor Stepnell Ltd, SGP’s role as delivery architect included making revisions to the scheme to improve buildability and compliance.

Explains Liam Mottishaw, Principal Architect at SGP: “Our role on the project is to maintain the quality and ambition of the existing design whilst improving the practical build requirements and value for the client. Our revisions, such as “straightening” the main building to avoid encroaching too close to a protected embankment, will make it more straightforward to complete this inspirational project.”

The new building will sit over the existing railway lines, which have been realigned, and nestled between the existing buildings and the historic coal stage. The exterior materials, a black vertical composite cladding with the roof finished in contrasting silver grey, were chosen to harmonise with the industrial setting and complement the local vernacular. A mix of roof lights, ribbon windows and vertical glazing add interest to the exterior whilst bringing in the maximum amount of sunlight.

Concludes Liam: “This is a prestigious project on a sensitive and complicated site. The SGP team will be focused on delivering the amended design, working out practical considerations like the interface detail between old and new structures, and maintaining a safe construction environment as the rest of the location remains live throughout the build.”

The project started on site in May and is due to complete in Spring 2026.

To read more visit: East Midlands Business Link

Stepnell

DRIIVe will include classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial workshop space.

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.

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.

To find out more about DRIIVe and the Staveley Town Deal, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal