Author: Louise Bilbie

New block opens at Norbriggs Primary School

Category: Education

Stepnell has completed the construction of a new single-storey Key Stage 2 classroom block at Norbriggs Primary School in Woodthorpe, Chesterfield, creating modern, purpose-built learning spaces for local children.

Completed in summer 2026, the £2.7 million project has also delivered an expanded playground, enhanced boundary fencing, additional staff parking and extensive landscaping works.

The new facility has been officially named The Falconer Building, in memory of Father Ian Falconer, a dedicated school governor who cared deeply about Norbriggs Primary School and its pupils. The name will serve as a lasting tribute to his contribution to the school community.

Creating a better learning environment

The new block provides four modern classrooms, a dedicated group room and new toilet facilities, creating an enhanced learning environment for both pupils and staff. Designed to complement the existing school, the flexible spaces support teaching and learning while retaining valuable outdoor space for pupils.

Early works included extending the playground into the school field and forming eight additional parking spaces to support the new facility. Modern construction methods and enhanced building performance standards have also been incorporated to help reduce energy use.

Celebrating the official opening

Stepnell joined pupils, staff, families and local representatives for the official opening ceremony, which included a welcome from the Headteacher. Staveley representative Elaine Tidd and Derbyshire County Council’s Anthony Potter were among those in attendance, before parents were invited to tour the new facilities.

The event celebrated the completion of the project, delivered for Derbyshire County Council and providing four new Key Stage 2 classrooms, a group room, new toilets and additional staff parking. The development creates flexible, modern learning spaces while retaining valuable outdoor space and helping to reduce energy use.

Russell Short, Principal Architectural Designer at Concertus, said:
“Working in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and Stepnell, we are proud to have played a key role in delivering this important investment for the local community. The completed development will provide lasting benefits for current and future generations of pupils, for many years to come.”

Supporting growing demand

Norbriggs Primary School is one of two schools benefiting from a £4.6 million investment by Derbyshire County Council, alongside Eureka Primary School in Swadlincote. The projects respond to growing demand for school places and help ensure children can access high-quality learning environments close to home.

The Norbriggs expansion was funded through developer contributions secured by Derbyshire County Council and was carefully planned around the needs of the school and its pupils.

Councillor Simon Mabbott, Cabinet Member for SEND and Education, said:
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and having access to a great local school is a vital part of that. These new classrooms will benefit hundreds of children over the coming years, providing modern, welcoming spaces where pupils can learn, develop confidence and reach their full potential.”

Overcoming complex site challenges

The building was constructed to the rear of the main school, with the site sharing the school’s only access route. Stepnell carefully planned and coordinated all deliveries and site activities to minimise disruption to pupils, staff and visitors throughout the project.

Ground conditions close to former mines required a complex piling solution, with gas monitoring in place throughout the works. The team also maintained clear communication with local residents to keep them informed about the construction programme.

Surface water drainage presented a further challenge. Works in the nearby school field—which is shared with the public and forms a designated overland flow route that floods during heavy rainfall—included installing an attenuation tank and pump chamber, as well as constructing a headwall to discharge surface water from the new block into the watercourse.

Recognition for quality and community

The project achieved a full score of 45/45 in the Considerate Constructors Scheme and was awarded Bronze at the CCS awards in Manchester, recognising the site team’s commitment to high standards of presentation, community engagement and considerate construction.

Featuring Dan McMahon, Site Manager at Stepnell

Stepnell also delivered a wide range of social value initiatives alongside the build:

  • The Stepnell team delivered assemblies and lessons with Norbriggs pupils, including site safety sessions and Step into Construction workshops for children in Years 3 to 6.
  • T Level students from Chesterfield College spent time on site with Stepnell engineers, learning about and assisting with foundation setting-out.
  • The team prioritised the use of local labour and suppliers wherever possible, supporting employment and businesses in the surrounding area.

A lasting legacy

The headteacher praised Stepnell’s delivery of the project, saying:
“Stepnell have done a fantastic job delivering our new KS2 classroom block at Norbriggs Primary School. The quality of their work, professionalism and support throughout the project have helped us create a fantastic learning environment for our children.

We have also been incredibly grateful for their generosity in donating resources and materials, which we have been able to use to improve other areas of our school, such as a new library, a new inclusion room, and a new outside canopy for Nursery. We would recommend Stepnell to other schools looking for a reliable, professional and supportive building company.”

The Falconer Building represents more than additional classroom capacity: it provides a modern environment for hundreds of current and future pupils, while permanently honouring Father Ian Falconer’s commitment to the school and its community.

Specialist Diabetes Centre completes

Category: Healthcare

Stepnell has completed a £5.5 million refurbishment and extension to Leicester Diabetes Centre at Leicester General Hospital, strengthening its position as the largest and one of the leading clinical research centres for diabetes in the UK.

The three-storey extension sits within the original building’s H-shaped footprint of more than 10,000 square metres, adding clinical research rooms, offices, staff facilities, a lifestyle gymnasium and a metabolic kitchen. Full-height windows on the south elevation maximise natural daylight while a glazed atrium encloses the southern courtyard.

Delivered for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester through the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) framework, the project enhances a centre that has grown from a single research nurse to more than 200 colleagues.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:
“Live healthcare sites demand specialist experience and the client-contractor relationship is vital to exceeding the required behaviours of working on site. Building next to live wards caring for very ill patients meant we had to work closely with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust to ensure we took a considerate and efficient approach to the delivery programme.”

Designed by Stephen George + Partners, the scheme was completed within a 52-week programme on a steeply sloping site enclosed on three sides by occupied hospital buildings. The team first removed an embankment and diverted a mains electrical supply beneath the footprint.

Stepnell installed encapsulated doors and integrated panel systems to meet Health Technical Memoranda standards, overseen by a hospital hygiene inspector. Instead of fixed scaffolding, Stepnell used mobile elevating work platforms to install the silver profiled steel cladding, coordinating road closures with the Trust for crane lifts and deliveries.

Stepnell also supported a T Level student who spent one day a week shadowing site managers, while the team volunteered to plant 2,000 saplings in the hospital grounds. Engaging with Stepnell’s trusted local supply chain, most of the labour and supply chain spend stayed within a 30-mile radius of the site.

Step Energy, part of Stepnell Group, was also utilised to deliver the project’s renewable energy strategy, installing photovoltaic panels on the roof.

Tom added:
“With no defects reported by the Trust since handover, it’s incredibly rewarding to have delivered a high-quality expansion of this world-class research facility that will improve its capabilities for diabetes and long-term conditions research.”

The project, the first phase of a wider expansion of the centre, was a finalist for Medium Non-Residential Scheme of the Year at the 2026 ProCon Leicestershire Awards.

Bernie Stribling, assistant director of international and external business development at Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said:
“The building has exceeded our expectations, and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved. This has been a genuine team effort, bringing together colleagues from the Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, the University of Leicester, Stepnell and the wider project team.

The new space will strengthen our ability to deliver world-leading clinical research, education and innovation in diabetes and other long-term conditions, ultimately helping us improve outcomes for people living with these conditions.”

Stepnell completes lace-inspired West Park Bridge

Category: Industrial

Regional contractor Stepnell has completed and officially opened the new West Park Bridge in Long Eaton, replacing a 113-year-old crossing with a striking, lace-inspired structure that connects the town centre to West Park for walkers and cyclists.

The £4.2m, 10-month scheme is the latest public realm project delivered by Stepnell as part of the wider £25m Long Eaton Town Deal regeneration programme, procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework.

Stepnell directly managed the civil engineering, substructure foundation works, heavy lifting logistics and public realm landscaping, with the completion marked by a public opening ceremony.

Celebrating Long Eaton’s lace-making heritage

Designed by Gagarin Studio, the new bridge pays homage to Long Eaton’s historic lace-making industry. The balustrade features vertical galvanised steel fins arranged in a pattern inspired by the wedding lace once produced at Harrington Mills within the Long Eaton Lace Factories Conservation Area, while red painted structural accents reference the repair stitches used in lace making.

The structure replaces a narrow footbridge over the Erewash Canal with a shared deck for walking and cycling and a wider ramp to improve accessibility. New steps connect the bridge to the towpath and the headroom above has been raised, removing a long-standing pinch point on National Cycle Network Route 6.

Stepnell has also created a new waterside terrace with concrete seat steps, inset accoya timber bench tops, a launch deck and resin-bonded gravel paths. The design removes the dark undercrofts of the former bridge to improve natural surveillance across the space.

Delivering complex works in a live public environment

Tom Sewell, Director at Stepnell, said:

“The bridge connecting Long Eaton town centre with West Park needed upgrading into a functional piece of high-quality engineering to support the town centre’s long-term growth plans. We engaged extensively with local community stakeholders, the design team and our local supply chain to ensure the finished bridge adequately reflects Long Eaton’s needs as well as celebrating its heritage.

The environment made the project quite complex, with 124 tonnes of curved steel over a flowing canal, operating next to a high footfall towpath and coordinating the project during a period that included severe flood events that impacted West Park’s flood storage reservoir. However, our offsite expertise meant we could run a trial assembly before building onsite, ensuring public and ecological disruption was minimised and allowing the towpath to reopen in June.”

Environmental and flood risk mitigation

Stepnell coordinated flood risk and ecological mitigation with partners including the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency. To compensate for displaced water, a new flood storage scrape was created in the neighbouring Fox Covert Local Nature Reserve, with an ecological clerk of works overseeing protection of water voles and wetland habitat throughout the build.

The £4.2m project was funded through the £5.7m walking and cycling package within the Long Eaton Town Deal. The design was shaped in collaboration with Erewash Borough Council, the Town Deal Board, Friends of West Park, Long Eaton Victoria Angling Society and Blue Tonic, an East Midlands charity that engages young people in water safety.

Tom Wooley, Framework Manager (East) at Procure Partnerships Framework, added:

“We were pleased to support Erewash Borough Council in bringing this project forward through the Procure Partnerships Framework. The two-stage procurement approach was particularly valuable on a project of this complexity, allowing Stepnell to bring its construction expertise into the project early and work through key buildability, sequencing and environmental considerations before construction commenced.”

Double shortlist for ProCon Leicestershire Awards 2026

Category: Education

Two of Stepnells projects have been shortlisted in the Medium Non-Residential Scheme of the Year category at the ProCon Leicestershire Awards 2026 for two major projects: the Leicester Diabetes Centre extension at Leicester General Hospital (Entered by SGP) and the new Sports Hall at Loughborough College (Entered by Stepnell).

The announcement confirms both schemes as finalists in one of the county’s flagship construction categories, with judging visits completed and membership voting now underway ahead of the awards dinner at The King Power Stadium in November.

Award context

The ProCon Leicestershire Awards celebrate the best of the built environment across Leicestershire and Rutland, recognising projects that have reached practical completion within 18 months prior to 30 June 2026.

The Medium Non-Residential Scheme of the Year Award is for non-residential projects with a contract value between £3m and £10m, judged on design excellence, construction quality, sustainability, innovation and how well the development meets occupier needs.

Shortlisted applicants are visited by a panel of expert judges, before finalists are confirmed and put to a vote by both the expert panel and ProCon membership.

Leicester Diabetes Centre, Leicester General Hospital

The Leicester Diabetes Centre extension is a new three-storey research facility that strengthens the centre’s position as a leading UK institution for diabetes and long-term conditions research.

Designed by Stephen George + Partners and delivered by Stepnell for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester.

Key features include:

  • Contemporary profiled silver metal cladding that distinguishes the extension while respecting the original building
  • Full-height glazing and careful orientation to maximise natural daylight for staff, researchers and visitors
  • Additional clinical research space, a lifestyle gymnasium, metabolic kitchen and offices to support future growth

The facility is designed to be flexible and future-proof, enabling the centre to build on its growth from one research nurse to more than 200 colleagues over 12 years and continue improving healthcare outcomes locally, nationally and internationally.

Read more about this project: https://www.stepnell.co.uk/projects/the-diabetes-centre-lgh/

Loughborough College Sports Hall

Loughborough College Sports Hall is a three-storey, 2,750 sq m sports and learning facility that forms a flagship element of the College’s wider £35m investment programme.

Delivered by Stepnell for Loughborough College, with Bond Bryan as architect, the £9.9m project completed in 2025 on a live, operational campus, requiring careful phasing to protect student safety and minimise disruption.

The building brings together specialist sporting and academic accommodation, including:

  • A sports hall capable of hosting a 40m x 20m Premier League-standard handball court
  • A strength and conditioning suite, cardiovascular training areas and an external running track
  • Modern classrooms, changing and staff facilities
  • A Performance and Recovery Centre supporting the College’s sport degree programmes

Sustainability is integral to the design, with high thermal efficiency, air-source heat pumps and a 76-panel solar PV array forecast to generate around 29,300 kWh of renewable electricity per year.

Read more about this project: https://www.stepnell.co.uk/projects/loughborough-college-sports-hall/

What happens next

The winners will be revealed at the ProCon Awards Dinner and Ceremony on Thursday 12 November 2026 at The King Power Stadium, Leicester.

Stepnell’s double shortlisting underlines its role in delivering complex, high-quality healthcare and education projects across the East Midlands, combining technical delivery with strong sustainability and user-focused design.

Manor Academy celebrates progress

Category: Education

Work has been progressing swiftly at Manor Academy as the development of their new Library and Sixth Form building begins to take shape. As construction progresses onto it’s next stage, representatives of Manor Academy, The Two Counties Trust as well as construction company Stepnell and consultants Edge gathered to take part in a steel signing ceremony.

The new building currently under development at Manor Academy will provide Manor College students with a modern learning environment, featuring two dedicated classrooms and a café designed to offer a more independent and relaxed atmosphere where students can study, socialise and unwind between lessons.

Secondary students will also benefit from the facility, which will include two library spaces. One will provide a traditional silent-study environment, while the other will serve as a collaborative reading and discussion area, encouraging students to share ideas and explore their learning experiences together.

At the steel signing ceremony Manor Academy Headteacher, Rob Gladwin, was joined by The Two Counties Trust CEO, Wesley Davies, and The Trust’s Chair of Trustees, Karen Potts, all of who signed a part of the steel foundation alongside, Stepnell and Edge consultancy services.

Speaking on the day Manor Academy Headteacher Rob Gladwin said: “I’m very happy that the work on our new Sixth Form and Library is progressing so well. Both current and future students at both Manor College and Manor Academy will be able to benefit from these new facilities. It’s truly exciting to be a part of the construction of a building that will be part of our school for the next few decades”.

The Two Counties Trust CEO Wesley Davies also added: “This new building will be an incredible addition to the services Manor Academy and College can offer to the Mansfield Woodhouse community. I am aways proud to be a part of moments like this. Moments where we commit to improving the infrastructure of our schools, making sure they access to first class libraries, classrooms and study spaces. I look forward to welcoming our students once work has been completed”.

Tom Sewell, director at complete construction partner Stepnell, said: “Utilising the strength of our local supply chain, we’re proud to be delivering a first-class facility that will enhance the learning experience for students at Manor Academy and College. After the summer break we will be engaging extensively with students through site visits and careers support, opening their eyes to opportunities in the construction industry and providing a real connection to the Sixth Form and Library facilities as they take shape.“

Work will be continuing throughout the summer and into the next academic year. The new building is projected to finish in November 2026.

New Rail Innovation Centre opens its doors

Category: Industrial

A state-of-the-art rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill has been officially opened and is ready welcome businesses, researchers and learners.

The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) is 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.

It was officially opened by Ivan Fomin, who chairs the Staveley Town Deal Board which has provided funding for the development.

Ivan Fomin said: “It is fantastic to be able to open this new innovation centre – it represents everything we are trying to achieve through the Town Deal. We want Staveley to be a town where people can start, stay and grow. Providing training facilities but also space for business will help ensure that local people can develop the skills they need to build fantastic careers in the rail sector.”

DRIIVe is being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, which commercial arm, Barrow Hill Ltd, will manage the facility on a day-to-day basis.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “DRIIVe represents our ambition to be a leading destination for the rail industry – it will not only provide training and a base for businesses but also has the facilities needed to carry out cutting-edge research and development. This complete offer will help attract businesses to Chesterfield and drive growth in our local economy.

By supporting training through this site, we can ensure that we create inclusive growth where everyone can benefit from this investment. This project also overlaps with other key investments in the local area, and we expect that having a facility like this will help attract businesses to the nearby East Midlands Industrial Zone site.

Partnership sits at the heart of DRIIVe and we want to continue working with businesses to ensure DRIIVe supports the sector, but we also want to use this facility to inspire the next generation of rail engineers. We are already developing a detailed outreach programme for local schools to achieve this. DRIIVe is an ambitious project but it can be truly transformational for our borough.”

Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “This is a fantastic new facility, and we’ve been receiving lots of interest from businesses who want to make use of this space. Barrow Hill has been at the centre of Chesterfield’s rail sector for over 150 years, and this development will help ensure we can continue that proud history and support the modern railway industry.”

The centre will support 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.

The £6 million project has also received a funding boost from East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle is a fantastic example of how targeted investment into our region’s strengths can create lasting benefits. By funding this project, we’ve helped bring this important project to life, accelerating the delivery of specialist skills and supporting the future of the rail industry.

The opening of DRIIVe is a significant milestone in the wider regeneration of the area, which will also unlock future opportunities at nearby sites such as Hartington Staveley as part of our East Midlands Investment Zone ambitions. As we work to attract investment from clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing, facilities like this give us a strong platform to grow our high-value sectors, including rail, where the East Midlands has heritage, a strong track record, and a real competitive advantage.”

Works on the new facility, which is located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse, were completed earlier this year by Chesterfield Borough Council’s contractor Stepnell.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate the completion of DRIIVe as it opens its doors to businesses, researchers and learners. Building on an established relationship with Chesterfield Borough Council from previous schemes, we had a clear understanding of the council’s ambitions for this project as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

Through close engagement with the public we helped to create meaningful opportunities throughout the build, including employability support and targeted local spend with our trusted supply chain. DRIIVe is a first-class centre that will be a catalyst for innovation and growth in the rail industry and we’re delighted to have played our part in bringing this specialist facility to life.”

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.

Britannia Mills bridge completes

Category: Industrial

Stepnell has completed construction of a new £2.1 million pedestrian and cycle bridge in Long Eaton over the Erewash Canal, enhancing connectivity to the town centre.

Officially opened by mayor Cllr Greg Maskalick at a ceremonial crossing also attended by Adam Thompson, MP for Erewash, the Britannia Mills Bridge will connect Canal Street to the wider town centre, cutting the previous distance between crossings in half. The project forms part of the council’s £25 million Town Deal regeneration programme, funded by central government.

The project was procured via the Procure Partnerships East Midlands Framework under a two-stage procurement route.

To deliver the project on time and cost while minimising public disruption and ecological damage to the waterway, Stepnell fabricated the bridge offsite before carefully installing the steel structure into position.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:
“It is fantastic to celebrate the opening of the Britannia Mills Bridge, having worked closely with Erewash Borough Council and the wider community to deliver a high-quality bridge that will encourage active travel and enhance access into the town centre.”

The project was delivered in close partnership with Erewash Borough Council, Canal and River Trust, Environment Agency and Futures Housing. The bridge sits within a wider residential development at the former Britannia Mills lace-making complex, where more than 100 new affordable homes have been built as part of the Town Deal.

Stepnell is also undertaking construction of a new Broad Street Bridge, which will replace an ageing structure near the town centre – additionally within the Town Deal. The deal also includes a £10 million transformation of the High Street into a shopping and leisure destination.

Tom added:
“As a business based nearby in Beeston that is highly experienced with delivering public sector town regeneration projects, we have been working closely with our local supply chain connections to maximise local value and opportunities generated through these bridge projects.

We are continuing to strengthen our connection with the community and support Erewash Borough Council’s goals for the Town Deal as we help to bring this complex long-term transformation to life.”

Cllr James Dawson, leader of Erewash Borough Council, said:
“While the Broad Street bridge is replacing a structure that was nearing the end of its lifespan, the crossing here near Canal Street has been built where no bridge stood before. It will be a tremendous time-saver for local people.”

Richard Ledger, chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said:
“There are more than 100 new affordable homes at Britannia Mills, which was an old lace-making complex. The now thriving community there will be overjoyed at the bridge halving the previous mile-long distance between canal crossings.”

Jordan Rhoda, Framework Manager (Infrastructure), said:
“We were delighted to support Erewash Borough Council in appointing Stepnell to deliver this project. The new bridge will improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting active travel while unlocking wider regeneration at Britannia Mills and connecting the growing community of more than 100 new homes with Long Eaton town centre.”

Aylesford School complex refurb completes

Category: Education

Stepnell has successfully completed a major reinstatement and refurbishment works at Aylesford school, in Warwickshire, fully restoring its teaching operations in permanent and modernised classrooms.

Procured through Procure Partnerships Framework and engaged at the early stages of the project, Stepnell in collaboration with the school, Department for Education, design team and supply chain have modernised the existing facilities to create a safe and future-proofed environment that supports teaching, learning and development.

Stepnell commenced on the project with refurbishment works including structural steel installations and joinery, ceiling and floors repairs, as well as M&E upgrades including upgraded cabling and enhanced IT infrastructure. The creation of modern science laboratories, IT spaces and flexible learning areas will also provide students and staff with adaptable environments that support collaboration and innovation.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:
“From the outset, this project has gone far beyond reinstating an existing unused asset to deliver a safe, modern and inspiring environment for the pupils and teachers, delivering modernised teaching facilities equipped to meet the evolving needs of the school community for years to come.

Tackling the concealed building condition issues, this complex project highlights our expertise in delivering specialist and practical solutions within a live teaching environment.’’

Strategic phasing and tight coordination were critical to maintaining operational continuity and minimise disruption to the school community throughout the programme, with sectional handover of critical teaching space allowing areas to be reinstated into use ahead of final completion.

Throughout the project, Stepnell delivered a comprehensive programme of social value, with the initiative generating lasting benefits beyond the construction works, helping to strengthen the regional economy and create local opportunities.

More than 42 hours of educational and community engagement activities were delivered throughout the project, providing students with valuable employability insights through mock interviews, while a health and safety poster competition saw the winning designs displayed across the site hoardings.

Additionally, Stepnell has delivered 96 volunteering hours and a range of employment and skills initiatives, including hosting employment fairs, facilitating work experience placements and supporting the creation and retention of four full-time equivalent roles throughout the contract.

Anna Orme, director of operations at Aylesford School, said:
“Stepnell has consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of the purpose behind this project -never losing sight of the fundamental objective to restore the building into a safe, modern and high-quality teaching environment for our students.

Throughout what has been a highly complex and evolving programme, Stepnell has remained focused on delivering spaces that support learning, wellbeing and the long-term needs of the school community. The quality of the reinstated areas reflects this commitment, with thoughtfully delivered, high-specification environments that will benefit both students and staff.

Equally important has been Stepnell’s collaborative and supportive approach. Stepnell has worked in genuine partnership with the school, carefully navigating the challenges of maintaining day-to-day operations alongside construction activity, and always showing flexibility, professionalism and a willingness to help. Its recognition of the wider impact on our community, alongside its efforts to add social value and engage positively with students and stakeholders, has made a significant difference.

We are extremely proud of what has been achieved together and confident that we have had the right partner to deliver such an important project.”

Staveley town centre regeneration is complete

Category: Leisure

A multi-million-pound project to transform Staveley town centre is ready to welcome visitors to the town.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, has included improvements across the market place along with a striking new landmark pavilion building – together the improvements will make Staveley a more attractive destination and bring more visitors into the town centre.

The enhanced square includes new feature paving which provides a better surface across the square, new lighting to help ensure the town centre looks its best at all hours of the day and night, new seating and planting to make it a more inviting environment, new CCTV to help ensure the town remains a safe place to visit, and a new flagship play area which was designed in consultation with students from Staveley Junior School and ensures the town centre is a place for all ages to enjoy.

Improvements also include a new sculpture which was created by artist Coralie Turpin and draws inspiration from the Cuckoo Boats which were unique to the Chesterfield Canal. It depicts nature scenes from the canal and features works created by students at Staveley Junior School and Netherthorpe School.

Students from both schools have visited the site to see the transformation and their contribution to the project.

The pavilion building is a new landmark for the town centre, with striking features but traditional brickwork so it is in-keeping with the wider environment. It will house Staveley Library on the ground floor and a business on the first floor – this will help attract more visitors and encourage people to support businesses based in the square. The library is expected to open later this year, and the council is in discussions with several businesses with the aim of letting the space as soon as possible.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“This project has transformed the space and will encourage more visitors who will support local businesses and ensure that the town centre can thrive. We’ve created a flexible space that will help encourage visitors on a day-to-day basis but also provides space for the town centre to host events and activities for the community to enjoy.

This is a town centre that the community can be proud of, and I hope lots of people will visit to see the transformation for themselves.”

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.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said:

“I’m delighted that we could welcome the children who have helped create these improvements as the first visitors to this space – we wanted to ensure that young people could feel ownership of the town centre and be proud of where they live. The new sculpture is a fantastic piece that celebrates the canal but has community at its heart and the children’s works are a great addition that help make it stand out.”

The new sculpture created by Coralie Turpin was officially unveiled as part of the opening, it was funded through the Animate Chesterfield programme which aims to create artworks throughout regeneration projects in Staveley and Chesterfield.

The striking sculpture is a new landmark in the town centre and features lighting along with a cuckoo boat shape in the paving as a nod to the importance of the canal in the town’s history but also the role it provides today as a beloved local green space.

Coralie Turpin said:

“I am inspired by the brave ancestors of Staveley’s communities who fearlessly navigated from the canal out to sea in barges with sails called cuckoo boats.

I wanted the communities I worked with to understand how amazingly ambitious and intelligent these ancestors were. How important the canal was to life in Staveley and also to learn about the wildlife there.”

The project has also included improvements to the connections to the canal along with a shop front grant scheme which has seen almost half a million pounds provided to local businesses to enhance their properties and improve the look of the town.

It is one of the key Town Deal projects and its completion represents an important milestone in the overall programme.

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

“The completion of the town centre works marks a major moment for the Town Deal. Together our projects aim to help the community at all stages of their life and ensure that the town is a fantastic place to live and work. I’m delighted to see these works completed as this town centre continues to be a place where the community can spend time together and support local businesses.”

Work started on site in November 2024 and the town centre works were delivered by Stepnell.

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said:

“From the pavilion, seating and planting to the play area designed with local schoolchildren, we’ve worked closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and partners to ensure every element of the Staveley 21 scheme has been shaped and delivered to an outstanding quality.

Having operated in this live town centre site and engaged throughout with the local community, it is incredibly rewarding to have helped bring the revitalised town centre to life. We look forward to seeing the impact this scheme will have on driving footfall into the town centre for decades to come.”

A small amount of snagging works remain around the tiered seating area, these are expected to be completed in the next few weeks and will provide a space for the community to host performances and other activities.

During the works, the statue of three industrial workers which sat in the centre of the town centre, was stolen. Chesterfield Borough Council is currently appointing an artist to work with the community to create something new that celebrates the town’s industrial past. The new statue will be fully funded by Stepnell.

The Staveley Town Deal is a £25.2 million programme funded by Government that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow. It includes new training facilities, enhanced community buildings, a canal extension, and much more.

Laying foundations for future careers

Category: Social Value

Pupils at a Derbyshire school have been given the building blocks for a future career in construction after welcoming an industry professional into the classroom.

Year 10 students from Murray Park School in Mickleover heard first-hand about the opportunities available within the construction sector when Richard Philpott, Masonry Project Manager at Stepnell, visited the school to assist with a practical construction lesson.

Pupils with construction course leader, Adam Cantrill and Richard Philpott from Stepnell | Penguin PR

During the session, Richard supported pupils with a bricklaying activity while also sharing insights into his own career journey, from studying at college and working on the tools to progressing into project management.

Murray Park is among a small number of schools in Derby to offer construction as a vocational qualification, alongside child development, digital IT and health and social care.

Year 10 student Jacob said:
“I feel really lucky to have the opportunity to study construction at school. It’s my favourite subject because every lesson feels rewarding and there’s a real sense of pride in what we achieve. We get to take part in some amazing practical activities and I really enjoy having a mix of hands-on learning alongside classroom-based subjects like English.

It’s such a positive environment when we’re doing things like bricklaying and joinery and I’ve even been able to use some of the skills I’ve learned at home to make my own shelf. It was really interesting to meet Richard and hear about his journey into the construction industry. It helped us understand how the skills we’re learning now can lead to real career opportunities in the future.”

The construction subject, run by Adam Cantrill, lead practitioner in vocational studies, has been recognised as delivering some of the strongest progress outcomes across the school, with attainment exceeding the national average in 2025.

Last year, 77.8 per cent of pupils achieved a Level 2 pass in construction, equivalent to a Grade 4 at GCSE, while 55.6 per cent achieved a Level 2 merit.

Outcomes were also particularly strong across a diverse cohort of learners, with 76.9 per cent of pupil premium students achieving a Level 2 pass, alongside 62.5 per cent of SEND students.

Stepnell is a construction and development company working across sectors including education, healthcare, residential and commercial projects. Alongside delivering projects, the company regularly works with schools and colleges to support young people through practical construction activities, careers talks and industry insight sessions.

Richard said:
“I am so impressed with the facilities the school has here, they are up to college standard. It’s fantastic to see young people being given the opportunity to experience construction in such a practical way while they are still at school. There are so many different career paths within the industry and sessions like this help pupils understand what opportunities are available to them.”

The school’s construction facilities have recently benefited from a £20,000 investment, helping to create an industry-standard learning environment where pupils can develop practical skills and gain real-world experience. The funding included professional equipment such as cement mixers and trade tools, along with PPE including overalls and work boots.

Headteacher Nicola Caley said:
“We are incredibly proud to offer our pupils the opportunity to study construction and gain practical skills alongside their academic learning. While Mr Cantrill does a fantastic job of teaching students the practical skills and knowledge needed within the classroom, it is incredibly valuable for them to hear directly from an industry professional who has experienced the different career pathways available within construction. Experiences like this help bring learning to life and give pupils a real insight into the opportunities that could be available to them in the future.

We are very grateful to Richard and Stepnell for taking the time to support our pupils and share their experiences.”

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.”

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