Author: Louise Bilbie

Inspiring the Next Generation

Category: Education

The importance of hands-on experience

As we mark National Careers Week (NCW), Stepnell is proud to celebrate the transformational power of hands-on experience and our ongoing commitment to growing future talent. With 20% of our workforce currently made up of trainees, apprentices, and graduates, we know that nurturing new talent is not just beneficial to individuals, it is absolutely essential for the future of the construction industry.

A vital part of our talent strategy involves partnering with local colleges to offer robust industry placements. We provide T-Level students with 45-day work experiences that are evenly split: half their time is spent in the office learning pre-construction, and the other half is spent on-site seeing projects come to fruition in the real world.

Joe, a T-Level student in construction design and surveying at Leamington College who is completing a two-year placement with us, highlighted the importance of this hands-on approach:

T-Levels students, Joe and Jake from Leamington College completing their work experience with Project Manager, Ashleigh Wilson at Aylesford School in Warwick.

Joe, T-Level student at Leamington College says:

“As much as you can learn in a classroom, if you don’t know how to adapt that into the actual workplace, it’s not a whole lot of use”


Praise from Educational Partners

Working closely with educational institutions ensures our placements deliver real value. Louise, who helps T-Level students at Warwickshire College secure and succeed in industry placements, shared her feedback on the impact of our programmes.

Louise, from Warwickshire College Group says:

Louise, Industry Placements Coordinator from Warwickshire College Group says: Experience onsite is really important  to a learners journey, it adds context to all the theory they learn in the classroom. ‘If they can’t see it, they cant be it.’

Stepnell has a really good culture of involving our students, making the work experience come to light. They arrive on site and feel welcome, included, involved and a part of the project.”


A Two-Way Street of Development

These placements do more than just equip students with industry knowledge; they are also instrumental in developing our own team. Jane Suthard, Talent Manager at Stepnell, notes that hosting students helps site managers, trainee site managers, and degree apprentices develop crucial mentoring skills. Colleagues have reported that teaching students about different aspects of the job, such as commercial design and daily operations, helps them become more well-rounded leaders while refining their own communication and management abilities.


Building a Career with Industry-Leading Support and Benefits

As an equal opportunities employer, we are looking for talented people from all walks of life to reflect the diverse communities we work in. We don’t just offer placements; we offer a supportive environment backed by an award-winning scope of training and support.

Stepnell is proud to be an Investors in People Gold accredited business and a RoSPA Gold Medal winner, reflecting our deep investment in the continued professional development of our employees. When you join Stepnell, you benefit from a wide range of industry-leading features designed to help you thrive:

  • Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and dedicated mental health first aiders.
  • Career Growth: A structured Leadership Development Programme, continuous professional development, and regular check-ins with line management.
  • Recognition and Reward: Performance management, Annual Employee Awards, and Living Our Values Awards.
  • Work-Life Balance: Options like a holiday buying scheme, flexible Employee improvements working groups, and additional annual leave for long service.
  • Social Value: Opportunities to give back with two volunteering days per employee, allowing our team to engage in community volunteering, support schools, and mentor the next generation.


Whether you are a young person seeking industry experience, a career changer bringing existing skills into construction, Stepnell has a place for you. Explore our latest work experience, apprenticeship, and trainee opportunities. https://stepnell.jobs.people-first.com/jobs/search

Stodman St, nears completion

Category: Residential

Work on transforming the former M&S building at 32 Stodman Street is making great progress with a completion date on the horizon in 2026. As one of the flagship initiatives led by Newark and Sherwood District Council and the Newark Town Board, this project, procured through PPF, is set to revitalise the town centre. Backed by the UK Government’s ‘Local Regeneration Fund,’ the scheme is making real headway.

Construction, overseen by main contractor Stepnell, is progressing, with the development now taking its final shape at the heart of Newark.

Once completed, the site will deliver 29 high-quality homes, which will now be for sale, offering a vibrant new residential option in the town centre. 1 and 2 bed apartments will be sold off plan by Arkwood Living, with interested parties able to purchase them soon.  

Alongside these modern homes, plans include attractive new retail units designed to revitalise Newark’s retail offer for residents and visitors, helping to secure a thriving future for the town centre.

The development aims to create a lively town centre where people can live, work, shop, and enjoy leisure time. By increasing town centre living, the development is set to boost both daytime activity and the evening economy, supporting a safer and more dynamic community.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: 
The site’s development has progressed exceptionally well, particularly given the challenges posed by dismantling and reconstructing the building within a limited space. Once complete, this project will bring huge benefits to both residents and visitors, ensuring Newark’s centre remains a vibrant place for all.

We’re committed to making a positive difference alongside our partners, showing how steps like this can help reimagine town centres for the future. By blending living, working, shopping, and leisure, we’re confident Newark will become even more attractive and welcoming for everyone. Without the Council’s intervention, this prominent building on Stodman Street could have fallen into disrepair.”

The development features eco-conscious design with solar panels, modern insulation, and a commitment to recycling up to 90% of materials removed from site. Green planting and the expansion of St Marks Lane will enhance the area’s environment, opening up new links between Lombard Street and Stodman Street.

Tom Sewell, director at complete construction partner Stepnell, said: 
“By incorporating sustainable methods of construction and low-carbon energy management solutions, and working carefully within a constrained town-centre footprint, we are making strong progress. This will enable us to deliver high-quality homes and retail space that will serve Newark for generations to come.”

Design RG+P

Penny Taylor MBE, Co-Chair of Newark Town Board, said:
“As part of the regeneration of Newark Town, this project will allow for a different element of shopping and housing to be seen in the town centre. While acknowledging the changes in the social fabric of high streets and the increase in shopping at retail parks we hope this will bring a different shopping experience to the town.”

The Stodman Street project is a prime example of the successful partnership between Newark Town Board, the District Council, and industry partners like Stepnell. Students from Newark College have also had the unique opportunity to visit the construction site, gaining valuable insight and experience as part of their studies.

Completion of the development is expected in 2026.

Rutland Local Link

Category: Public Sector

Local Link will facilitate Rutland County Council’s newly launched rural transport initiative and the reimagination of the current Jules House site in Oakham into a community space. 

Stepnell has been appointed to oversee all aspects of the building work. The plans are being brought forward under the Rural Innovation in Action scheme collaboratively with Melton Borough Council as part of its combined £22.95m UK Government funding.

Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet member for transport, environment and communities at Rutland County Council, said:

“The first phase of Local Link, including the introduction of some new demand responsive and fixed-route public transport services, launched in March 2025 with a lot of success and high user numbers. 

Expanding on this success, Stepnell will be key to helping us achieve our ambitions for a new community and transport hub in the heart of Oakham, one that locates expert health, wellbeing and community support along a direct route for affordable and accessible public transport.  

Improving the travel opportunities for locals and visitors in rural areas is key to future-proofing our regional economy and growing it, as well as maintaining the health and wellbeing of our residents, wherever they may live. This latest appointment will see exciting works take place to harness the potential in Rutland, Melton and the surrounding areas.”

In addition to the transport aspect, Stepnell will be responsible for the interior and exterior transformation of the Jules House site. Once complete, this will be extended to provide lettable office space and community group access. The project has been procured through Procure Partnerships Framework.  

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:

“With an extensive track record of delivering town centre schemes through public sector frameworks for local authorities across the East Midlands, we are strongly positioned to support the development of this integral hub that will enhance community and connection across Rutland.”

The works are due to be completed late 2026. 

Completion of Thoresby Vale Primary Academy

Category: Education

Stepnell has marked the completion of the new Thoresby Vale Primary Academy in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by partners, project stakeholders and local representatives.

Set in the heart of Sherwood Forest, the sustainable school, designed by Lungfish Architects, provides a forest-style, nature-inspired environment to support the learning and development of pupils aged 5 to 11.

Constructed using energy-efficient materials and methods, the building aims to reflect both its environmental setting and the educational ethos of the Diverse Academies Trust. Stepnell Group’s energy management business Step Energy installed photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps while its joinery business Lawford Bespoke Joinery created various interior elements including teaching walls, IPS cubicles and a food tech workstation.

Opening its doors to pupils for the first time in September, the school forms part of the wider Thoresby Vale development led by Harworth Group plc that includes a 350-acre country park, 800 new homes, and commercial space.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said: “Delivering Thoresby Vale Primary Academy has been a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a wider development that combines education, sustainability and community growth within a new community in Edwinstowe.

From day one, we were committed to delivering a high-quality, energy-efficient building that brings Diverse Academies Trust’s vision of a natural learning environment to life. Through maintaining close collaboration on project requirements, we have created an inspiring new primary academy that will support community development and nurture the next generation of learners.”

Representatives from Nottinghamshire County Council, Harworth Group, Diverse Academies Trust and other partners joined Stepnell on site to celebrate the project’s completion and tour the new facilities.

David Cotton, chief executive officer at Diverse Academies Trust, said:
“I am incredibly proud to gather with our partners to mark this special occasion. This magnificent new school is the result of a true partnership – built on the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision of so many. I want to sincerely thank all our partners who worked tirelessly to make this possible. Thoresby Vale Primary Academy is a testament to partnership and community – a place where children can learn and grow, and where futures can thrive.”

To support learning, Nottinghamshire County Council invested £240,000 in essential equipment for the new academy.

Councillor James Walker-Gurley, cabinet member for economic development and asset management said:
“Investing in our future generations is vital, so it’s fantastic that new furniture and IT equipment will now benefit pupils at this wonderful new school.”

Councillor Rory Green, cabinet member for children and families, described the children as ‘superstars’ after giving councillors a full tour the new school. He said:
“Thoresby Vale has to be one of the best new builds of recent times. A stunning environment integrated into the green space surroundings. It’s a magnificent addition for much needed school placements.”

Andrew Blackshaw, chief operating officer at Harworth Group plc, who took part in the ribbon cutting, said:
“The opening of Thoresby Vale Primary Academy is a milestone moment at our innovative multi-million-pound regeneration-based development, Thoresby Vale.

At Harworth, we believe that creating sustainable, successful places goes beyond building homes – it’s about delivering the green and social infrastructure that helps communities flourish. And, this new school will provide a fantastic environment for children to learn and grow, while supporting families to build strong connections with each other and the natural surroundings.

We’re delighted to have worked with a range of partners to deliver the school and show the power of collaboration between local and national partners to deliver much-needed new infrastructure and amenities, which will support the community for generations to come.”

Positive progress at Newark development

Category: Residential

Transformation of the former M&S building at 32 Stodman Street in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

One of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Newark Town Board’s flagship projects, the development has been supported by the Government’s Towns Fund and hopes to breathe new life into the town.

(From left to right): Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Harry Wade, Assistant Site Manager at Stepnell, Shane Hood, Senior Site Manager at Stepnell, Penny Taylor MBE Co-Chair of Newark Town Board, Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council and Councillor Rowan Cozens Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder of Heritage, Culture and the Arts.

Building work is proceeding well under the management of complete construction partner Stepnell with the development quickly taking shape in the heart of Newark. Once completed, the site will deliver 29 high-quality private rented homes, offering a vibrant new residential option in the town centre. Alongside these modern homes, plans include attractive new retail units designed to revitalise Newark’s retail offer and encourage greater footfall, helping to secure a thriving future for the town centre.

The development aims to create a lively town centre where people can live, work, shop, and enjoy leisure time. By increasing town centre living, the development is set to boost both daytime activity and the evening economy, supporting a safer and more dynamic community.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“The progress on site has been outstanding, especially considering the complexities of dismantling and reconstructing the building in such a constrained space. There was also a number of unforeseen challenges to overcome at the start including asbestos removal and the discovery of a number of exciting archaeology finds. Once complete, this project will bring huge benefits to both residents and visitors, ensuring Newark’s centre remains a vibrant place for all.

We’re committed to making a positive difference alongside our partners, showing how steps like this can help reimagine town centres for the future. By blending living, working, shopping, and leisure, we’re confident Newark will become even more attractive and welcoming for everyone. Without the Council’s intervention, this prominent building on Stodman Street could have fallen into disrepair.”

The development features eco-conscious design with solar panels, modern insulation, and a commitment to recycling up to 90% of materials removed from site. Green planting and the expansion of St Marks Lane will enhance the area’s environment, opening up new links between Lombard Street and Stodman Street.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:
“Drawing on our strong track record of delivering town centre works, our team is making excellent progress on the site of this landmark residential and retail scheme for Newark, ensuring a safe and sustainable transformation of the former M&S site. We continue to engage closely with stakeholders to ensure works remain at minimal disruption in this busy town centre location for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Retail units, marketed by Wood Moore & Co Ltd, have already attracted considerable interest from prospective occupiers, reflecting strong confidence in the regenerated site.

Works progress in Staveley Town Centre

Category: Construction

A multi-million pound regeneration of Staveley town centre is on track to be completed this year.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, started on site last November. Delivered through the Procure Partnership Framework, the new landmark building is in place with work set to begin on the glazing and external brickwork. In the wider market square paving works have been completed outside of shops and the new layout of the square is beginning to take shape.

Local businesses have also been utilising shop front grants to improve their premises and make them more attractive.

The town centre works are expected to be completed by Christmas this year. The building is set to be the future home of Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library.

Representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council and the Staveley Town Deal Board visited the site to see how the works are progressing.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:

“This project is really starting to come together, and you can get a feel for how the completed square will look once complete. This is a transformational project which will help encourage more people to visit the town centre and support both existing and new businesses.

“There are lots of different elements included in this project including things that will help make the area more attractive but also important things like improved signage to help visitors navigate the area and improved CCTV and lighting which ensures the town centre is always a safe and welcoming place. We are working with town centre businesses and traders to try and minimise disruption to ensure that they can continue trading throughout the works and once complete we hope they will all benefit from these improvements.”

The Staveley 21 project received just over £6 million of funding from the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million programme that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:

“This is a key project within the Town Deal programme, and it is fantastic to see works progressing so quickly. It will make a huge difference to Staveley and I can’t wait to see the project complete later this year.”

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said:

“We’re continuing to make strong progress across all areas of the Staveley 21 project, with our focus firmly on completing the pavilion building to a high standard, ready for completion before the end of the year.

“Ongoing engagement and close collaboration with Chesterfield Borough Council, our partners, and the local community – including Staveley Junior School – have been pivotal to delivering this landmark town centre regeneration. Minimising disruption to the public and keeping social value at the heart of the transformation remain key priorities as we move forward.”

Work to install windows on the new pavilion building will begin shortly, the building will then be clad in a traditional red-brick to be in-keeping with the rest of the town centre.

Internal works will then see the downstairs turned into a new home for Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library and the upstairs fitted out as office space.

In the wider square works to the paving are ongoing and the new play area will be installed in September once groundworks are completed.

Designs for the play equipment have been developed in collaboration with pupils from Staveley Junior School, who visited the site with Stepnell and took part in a workshop to discuss what kind of equipment they would like to see installed.

Through the Animate Chesterfield public art project, Coralie Turpin has been appointed to work with the community and develop a new piece of artwork that will celebrate Staveley’s heritage and develop designs that can be incorporated into the new paving.

Taking inspiration from Staveley’s heritage and working with local schools the final design is set to be unveiled soon.

To find out more about the Staveley 21 project and the Staveley Town Deal visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

Three Derbyshire schools complete

Category: Education

Three schools across Derbyshire have seen improvements to facilities through building work now completed.

Working alongside Derbyshire County Council and consultants Concertus, all three projects in the East Midlands were procured through the NHS Shared Business Services Framework across Buxton and Alfreton, with a total value of £3.2 million.

At Harpur Hill Primary School in Buxton, Stepnell’s East Midlands team delivered new KS2 accommodation, a dance studio and two individual classrooms, linked by a central lobby. The finished works also include a group room, unisex and accessible toilets, a cleaner’s store, plant room and storage room. Externally, a covered canopy linking to the staff car park was also delivered. The school hosted a celebration to mark the launch of the brand-new dance studio, welcoming Kristian Cunningham, performer, choreographer and producer, to officially open the space – with the event featuring music and dance performance from pupils.

Work has also concluded at Swanwick Primary School in Alfreton, with the project consisting of an infill extension to create two adaptable group rooms, new fire doors, and alterations to the school layout. External M&E works have enabled the implementation of new steps, balustrades, a ramp, landscaping and external lighting.

At Tibshelf Community School, also in Alfreton, Stepnell’s team has finished work to create a four-classroom block dedicated to the education of students with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND). Aiming to foster an increasingly inclusive environment through the works, the construction of the new spacious and conducive teaching spaces is set to accommodate up to 30 students.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said:
“These three projects collectively showcase the value of a complete construction partner in supporting an evolving education sector in the East Midlands, with a focus on quality and effectiveness being standout elements throughout.

“Working closely alongside Derbyshire County Council and Concertus, these council-led construction schemes have been developed with the core aim of supporting local authorities across the UK with enhanced learning environments, spurring growth in local communities and supporting all children to aim high and achieve.”

Jack Bradley, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for SEND and education councillor, said:
“We’re committed to investing in creating the school places children and young people need and where they need them across Derbyshire.

“These development projects show our ambition to help create positive futures for every child in Derbyshire and to ensure they feel and are included in the right setting for them, whatever their ability or challenge, including children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

“We’re ambitious for all children to achieve their full educational potentials and we believe the right high-quality classroom and learning environment combined with high- quality teaching will help them do just that.”

Glen Bickers, Associate for Architecture at Concertus, said: 
“We are very proud to have worked alongside Derbyshire County Council in delivering each scheme for the benefit of the local communities. A great deal of effort has been devoted to realising each project to meet the individual educational needs of the schools whilst achieving a sustainable, energy-efficient designs. 

“We hope that each project will have a positive contribution to the schools’ facilities and continue to do so for many years to come”.

New Rail innovation centre begins

Category: Construction

Construction of a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill.

The centre will create jobs and skills opportunities for local people, and bolster Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector, has started on site.

The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will sit next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse and will provide classroom and training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and 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:
“This is an exciting project for Staveley, our borough and our region, that will allow both our residents and our businesses to access high-quality skills and jobs – whilst also strengthening our borough’s position in the rail sector. It has taken a lot of work to get to this point, but it is great to see works getting started on site. This now means that all but one Town Deal project is either in construction or already delivering benefits for residents. I look forward to seeing this project completed and welcoming the buildings first users in 2026.”

The DRIIVe project is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society.

Mervyn Allcock, Manager of the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Deal Board member, said: “This is a significant project for the whole rail sector, and we are proud to be able to have this facility located next to the historic Roundhouse. We’re already seeing interest from the rail sector in using this space because the state-of-the-art innovation and research facilities will help set us apart from other locations.”

Complete construction partner Stepnell will be carrying out construction of the building on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said:
“The commencement of DRIIVe is a milestone moment for rail innovation, undertaken as part of the Staveley Town Deal. As we start on site, community engagement remains a vital aspect of the building’s progression, imperative to projects we have supported Chesterfield Borough Council on. Beyond its fundamental aim of creating opportunities in the rail sector, we want to ensure the specialist facility will be built to the highest standards while generating immense value for the community through local spend and employability opportunities during construction.”

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:
“EMCCA is proud to help fund the development of a state-of-the-art rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill. This exciting project will not only create jobs and skills opportunities for residents but also inspire the next generation of rail professionals. It will also strengthen Chesterfield’s position as an innovative destination for the rail sector, offering our young people a path into a rewarding career. We are excited to see the impact this will have on Chesterfield and the region upon its opening in 2026 as we continue to deliver for our residents.”

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

NHS SBS framework agreement

Category: Construction

COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has secured a place on the latest NHS Shared Business Services framework agreement, supporting with the long-term decarbonisation strategy of healthcare estates nationwide.

The new £500m Decarbonisation of Estates framework is designed to help the NHS achieve its ambition of becoming the world’s first net zero national health service, reaching net zero by 2040 for the emissions the NHS controls directly. Stepnell has secured its place on both Lot 1, Decarbonisation of Non-Domestic/ Public Buildings, and Lot 2, Decarbonisation of Domestic Properties.

Stepnell will be supporting the NHS and other public sector authorities, including local government and housing associations, as a complete construction partner. Through competition and direct award, it will deliver comprehensive decarbonisation works including enhancing existing buildings thermal performance and improve energy efficiencies through lighting efficiencies and renewable technologies, which include air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels.

Christian White, senior pre-construction manager and framework lead at Stepnell, said:
“The NHS SBS framework award is reflective of our established expertise delivering on multi-million projects to enhance energy performance and decarbonisation on estates across the healthcare sector.

With expanding capabilities in undertaking decarbonisation schemes, including retrofitting through our partnership with our specialist renewables & decarbonation business Step Energy, we are well placed to deliver decarbonisation projects for the NHS and other public sector authorities to meet relevant sustainability targets.”

The framework agreement has been designed via extensive consultation with the public sector and Greener NHS leads. It enables estates managers to create greater value by combining decarbonisation works with their backlog investment works to create cleaner, greener and more attractive estates.

Anjub Ali, senior category manager at NHS SBS said:
“With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in the Autumn Budget 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The new Decarbonisation of Estates Framework Agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ and respond to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change.”

Read more:
https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/services/framework-agreements/decarbonisation-of-estates

Community artwork at Stodman Street

Category: Residential

A piece of artwork that features more than 160 drawings from Newark residents has gone up as part of the construction wall around 32 Stodman Street in the town centre.

The Community Art Gallery @ 32 was an art initiative that invited Newark residents of all ages to draw what they love most about their town and have the chance to have their artwork featured on the new hoarding.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:

“This was an opportunity for local people to express their creativity and celebrate the beauty and diversity of Newark by drawing what they love about the area.

“A staggering 169 entries in total were received from Newark residents from primary school age and beyond. The standard of drawings was just so high that I’m pleased to say we’ve been able to include them all as part of the final, colourful design for the construction wall, which truly reflects the spirit of our town. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this inspiring piece.”

Designs for the construction wall has this week gone up ahead of work beginning to transform the former M&S building into an exciting hub made of 29 high quality homes and retail units in the heart of Newark. The project is being led by Newark and Sherwood District Council alongside Newark Town Board.

Without intervention, the prominent building could have fallen into disrepair, particularly after a search to find new tenants resulted in no interest for the existing large unit.

By splitting the unit up as planned, the building will go from being abandoned into a thriving and active area where living, working and shopping come together.

Complete construction partner Stepnell, which is well-established with more than 155 years’ heritage in the industry, is undertaking the initial phase and mobilisation of the work.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: 

“As we commence the transformation works at Stodman Street, the Community Art Gallery @ 32 will not only provide a visually pleasing view of the site under construction but also represent the project’s commitment to placing the community front and centre.

“In partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council, we are continuing to strive towards delivering enormous value for the area through local spend and job opportunities, and this will remain vital to the development’s future impact through the next phase of construction.”

Construction work is due to begin soon with the project completion date expected to be in 2026.

Work starts on Spire Lodge

Category: Education

Work starts on new £5 million Derbyshire County Council children’s home

A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place at a £5 million purpose-built children’s home being developed by Derbyshire County Council to provide essential short-break and long-term care for children and young people with significant disabilities and complex learning needs.

County council officials joined project design and build partners at the ceremony at Spire Lodge in Chesterfield recently.

The home, situated on the Ashgate Croft School campus, will offer tailored support and create a nurturing environment for children and their families supporting the council’s commitment to improve services for children with special needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Derbyshire County Council-funded project has been designed by the authority’s design consultant partner Concertus and is being built by construction partner Stepnell.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Support Member for Education Councillor Robert Flatley said: 
“It was great to join with the council’s design and build partners to mark the start of construction on the new Spire Lodge children’s home. Alongside the £7.5 million investment into new children’s homes recently approved by the council’s Cabinet, projects like these demonstrate our continued and long-term commitment to supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable children and young people.

“The new children home features a bespoke design to support children in an individual but social environment in the heart of the community, with local shops, amenities, and parks nearby and is next to Ashgate School where some of the children will attend. I was particularly pleased to hear about the provision the home gives to children in care with disabilities and how it builds a bridge to adult services, supporting families in managing transitions and helping to maintain education placements. l look forward to seeing the building’s completion offering an exciting new chapter of memories and experiences for the children and young people of Spire Lodge.”

Spire Lodge will provide short breaks enable families to continue living together at home and offer children opportunities they may not have in a domestic setting which can help to support independence, education and health routines.

These breaks also give families respite from the pressures of caring for a child with SEND and can improve children’s health and independence helping them develop into adults with a better quality of life resulting in better outcomes for families.

Principal Architectural Designer from Concertus, Andrew Elliot said: 
“We are excited to be part of such a vital project for young people in Derbyshire, which will provide residential facilities in new flagship accommodation. We are pleased to further collaborate with our appointed contractor Stepnell and strengthen our positive working relationship with our client Derbyshire County Council.”

Tom Sewell, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: 
“Our work at Spire Lodge shows how an effective construction process can have positive impacts not only on end users but also the wider community. The finished facility is set to provide such essential care for children and young people that need it the most, and we’re proud to have been involved. The project is one example within a collection that we’ve had the opportunity to be part of alongside both Concertus and Derbyshire County Council, both of which are partnerships that we’re looking forward to continuing in our work across the region.”

We look forward to sharing updates on the project as construction picks up pace ahead of the official opening due in November 2025.

High CCS score for Tibshelf

Category: Education

Outstanding Recognition for Tibshelf Community School SEN Block Project

We are delighted Tibshelf Community School SEN Block project has received an exceptional 44/45 score from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) Monitor. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our team, led by Site Manager Daniel McMahon, in delivering a project that upholds the highest standards of construction excellence.

The CCS Monitor commended the project for outstanding performance across three key categories:

  • Respect for the Community: 15/15 – Recognising our team’s efforts to engage with and support the local community, ensuring minimal disruption and fostering positive relationships throughout the construction process.
  • Care for the Environment: 14/15 – Highlighting our commitment to sustainable practices, including eco-friendly building solutions and effective waste management.
  • Value Their Workforce: 15/15 – Celebrating our dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all team members on-site.

This £1.5 million project, commissioned by Derbyshire County Council and delivered in collaboration with Concertus Design and Property Consultants Limited, is focused on providing four state-of-the-art teaching rooms for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Despite the challenges of working on a live school site, the project is advancing smoothly, thanks to meticulous planning, proactive communication, and innovative construction techniques.

Sustainability lies at the heart of this development. Key eco-friendly features include the installation of photovoltaic panels to harness renewable energy and a hydro-seeded eco retaining wall designed to promote biodiversity and blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. These measures align with our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our projects and delivering lasting benefits to the community.

In addition to the physical construction, our team has gone the extra mile to engage with the Tibshelf school community. Regular updates, careful scheduling, and ongoing dialogue with school representatives ensure that day-to-day school activities remain uninterrupted while fostering a sense of shared ownership in this transformative project.

The SEN Block initiative was procured through NHS Shared Business Services, demonstrating the importance of collaborative frameworks in delivering projects that balance quality, value, and efficiency. Our partnership with Concertus Design and Property Consultants Limited has been instrumental in ensuring that all aspects of the project meet the highest standards of design and execution.

As we move forward, we are excited to see the progress unfold and look forward to sharing more updates in the coming months. This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

North West office opening

Category: Construction

Stepnell has announced the opening of its new office in Liverpool, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion into the North West.

Building on its extensive experience delivering projects across the East and West Midlands as well as South of England, Stepnell is well positioned to serve a broader range of clients across the UK through a growing regional presence.

The new office, located on the Albert Docks, will allow Stepnell to provide dedicated support to projects in the North West, focusing on sectors which include education, healthcare, and commercial. The Liverpool office will serve as a hub for building strong relationships with local supply chains, with particular emphasis on developing framework opportunities.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:
“The North West is a region full of potential and growth and our new Liverpool office puts us right at the heart of this opportunity, enabling us to work closely with local businesses, strengthen our partnerships, and further diversify our project portfolio.
By establishing this office, we can build on our existing frameworks, be agile in responding to client needs, and add significant value to the communities we work in, with particular emphasis on opportunities in the public sector, from healthcare to higher education.”

Stepnell is committed to integrating itself within the local economy, using its established public sector frameworks to enhance business diversity and strengthen its supply chain. With a strong reputation in public sector work and a focus on delivering projects that align with modern sustainability and social value goals, the company aims to meet the increasing demand for flexible and innovative construction services.

This move is part of Stepnell’s wider strategic vision to leverage its multi-regional model and bring the same high standards of service and delivery to Liverpool and the surrounding region.

Stepnell is poised to become a key player in supporting the North West’s development and progression, starting with the recent appointment of Peter Commins as non executive director from Kier, who has extensive knowledge of the North West market, and the latest appointment of Louise Morris as business development manager, formerly of SCAPE.

Louise Morris said:
“It is an exciting time to be joining Stepnell as it expands into the North West region. I look forward to applying my experience to support the company’s ambitious growth here, focusing on opportunities that align with our clients’ needs, developing strong relationships, and further broadening our project portfolio.”

Pictured from left to right: Tom Wakeford, Managing Director; Louise Morris, Business Development Manager; Liam King, Regional Manager; Tom Sewell, Regional Director; Richard Varney, Commercial Manager; Christian White, Senior Pre Construction Manager & SCAPE Framework Manager.

Work set to begin on Staveley market

Category: Public Realm

A multi-million pound regeneration project is set to begin in Staveley in November.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, includes the construction of a new landmark building in the town centre, improvements to the market square and rejuvenation of the high street. Together the works will help support local businesses by creating a more attractive, welcoming and safe town centre for everyone to enjoy.

A drop-in session was held in Staveley market square from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday 23rd October where local residents and business owners can come and find out more about the plans and the programme for construction.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:
“This project will transform Staveley town centre and encourage more people to visit to support both existing retailers and market traders. The project will help expand the town centre offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.

We’ve been speaking with local businesses and hosting drop-in sessions throughout the design process to ensure the plans are right and at this next drop-in session you’ll be able to speak with the contractor who is delivering the project and find out more about the programme.

We’re trying to minimise the disruption caused in the town centre to ensure that businesses can continue to trade and will be ready to benefit from the improvements once work is complete.

This is a really exciting project for Staveley and will help ensure that the town can thrive for generations to come.”

Stepnell who have been working to complete the town centre designs have been appointed to lead construction on the Staveley 21 project.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said:
“Staveley 21 will be incredibly transformative for the town centre and as a complete construction partner with vast experience enhancing public spaces, we recognise the importance of close collaboration with local authorities, partners and future users to exceed on these expectations.

Early engagement with the local community is vital to ensuring the landmark building, market and high street can maximise their impact and we have made great progress since our appointment. Social value can be just as transformative to the community as the build itself, and the Staveley Town Deal will encompass this approach as we look to commence works.”

Works in November will begin with the removal of the disused toilet block on the market square.

In its place a new landmark building will be built that will form a new focal point for the town centre. Once completed the building will house Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library on the ground floor and the upstairs will provide space for new businesses.

Staveley 21 also includes the transformation of the marketplace to create an enlarged public space to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Proposals include new tiered outdoor seating to support outdoor theatre and performances, and natural play equipment to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.

Designs for the play equipment have been developed in collaboration with pupils from Staveley Junior School, who visited the site with Stepnell and took part in a workshop to discuss what kind of equipment they would like to see installed.

New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

There is also a shop front improvement grant scheme for businesses based in the town centre. Up to 80% of the costs of shop front improvements like new signage, windows, canopies, and much more can be funded through the scheme.

Through the Animate Chesterfield public art project, Coralie Turpin has been appointed to work with the community and develop a new piece of artwork that will celebrate Staveley’s heritage and develop designs that can be incorporated into the new paving.

Coralie Turpin said:
“I am looking forward to working with the people of Staveley, we’re planning some fun activities reflecting the local canal heritage and nature to generate ideas for the design. I’m excited to create a great piece of public art for the new marketplace that is friendly and interactive.”

Around £5 million of funding has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million programme that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow.

Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:
“I’m pleased that work will be starting soon on Staveley 21, this is a key project in the Town Deal programme and will make a real impact on the ability of the town centre to attract additional visitors to support local businesses and explore the Staveley area. I look forward to seeing the plans come to life over the next year.”

Working with Whittam Cox, Rodgers Leask, Ares Landscapes, Chesterfield Champions

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