Derbyshire County Council has announced the commencement of construction on a £5 million purpose-built children's home designed to provide essential care for children and young people with significant disabilities and complex learning needs.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place earlier this month at Spire Lodge in Chesterfield, with council officials joining project partners to mark the start of the development. The new facility will be located on the Ashgate Croft School campus and is set to open in November.
The state-of-the-art home will offer both short-break and long-term care services, providing tailored support in a nurturing environment for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It will also serve as a valuable resource for families, offering respite and creating opportunities for children to gain independence while maintaining important routines related to education and health.
Designed by Concertus, the home is being built by construction partner Stepnell, and is part of Derbyshire County Council's ongoing commitment to improving services for children with disabilities and complex needs.
Spire Lodge will allow children to experience care in a setting that offers opportunities they might not have in a domestic environment, all while giving families a much-needed break from the demands of full-time caregiving. These short breaks are proven to enhance children's health and independence, supporting their development into adulthood and ultimately improving quality of life for both children and their families.
Stepnell Regional Director Tom Sewell 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."
Construction News
21/02/2025
Work Starts On £5m Children's Home In Chesterfield


08/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the successful completion of the main building phase for the King Henry VIII 3-19 School redevelopment in Abergavenny, a transformative £62.5 million project delivered via the SEWSCAP framework. A celebration was held to mark the handover of the new building

08/07/2025
The government has today confirmed funding for over 50 road and rail infrastructure upgrades. These projects, which include long-awaited schemes such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and the Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, are anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the con

08/07/2025
The shortlist for the 2025 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards has been unveiled by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to champion the significant contributions of women across the industry, aiming to make female role

08/07/2025
Watts Group, a prominent property and construction consultancy, has today published the 30th edition of its widely respected 'Watts Pocket Handbook', marking nearly a decade since its previous release.
Recognised as a vital resource for professionals across the built environment, this latest editi

08/07/2025
A team of staff from Leeds College of Building (LCB) recently made their debut at 'The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025'. The annual event, held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at Newark Showground, serves as a key platform to promote the crucial importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (E

08/07/2025
Dan McGrail has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, the UK's publicly-owned clean power company.
His appointment aims to accelerate the government's Plan for Change, with a core mission to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower. Mr McG

08/07/2025
Understanding Custom Rubber Diaphragms
Custom rubber diaphragms are essential components in various industrial applications, playing a crucial role in enhancing performance and efficiency. As a manufacturer specialising in these versatile components, we've witnessed firsthand the impact th

08/07/2025
Modular tiles are among the most popular option for flooring at the minute. These bring character and sophistication through their layout. Most frequently these are made from porcelain which makes them multifunctional and highly durable. Modular tiles are suitable for old and new properties and are

07/07/2025
Travelodge has officially broken ground on a new 100-room hotel in Loughton, marking the latest addition to the UK's first budget hotel brand's expanding portfolio.
The company, which operates more than 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, is aiming to meet growing demand for affordable ac

07/07/2025
Oldham Council has officially unveiled Snipe Gardens, a newly created green space and pedestrian gateway designed to provide a welcoming entrance into the town centre.
Situated on the site of the former Snipe Inn pub, the new landscaped area links Oldham bus station with Henshaw Street. As one of t