Exploring the feasibility of developing an Innovation Park at former Coalite site

Steer Economic Development was commissioned to undertake an assessment of the feasibility of developing an Innovation Park at the former Coalite site, a 60-hectare former chemicals site spanning the Bolsover and North East Derbyshire Districts. The work was commissioned by Bolsover District Council, as part of a consortium with Derbyshire County Council and North East Derbyshire District Council. 

The purpose of the study was to explore the feasibility of creating a successful Innovation Park at the site, this taking account of locally-differentiated innovation capacity and capability, local strategy priorities, and wider technology and market trends.

Steer Economic Development undertook a mixed-methods approach to the study, this including market demand/supply side assessments, national and international case studies highlighting critical success factors, and a range of one-to-one consultations with local partners. Supported by quantitative and qualitative evidence, Steer Economic Development developed a series of ranked options for potential uses to create high-value employment. The study’s output highlighted the most favourable options based on a range of criteria, with recommended actions provided for progressing these.