Peak Resort Breaks Ground

Posted by Colliers on 18th January 2025 -

The long-awaited PEAK gateway resort situated on the eastern boundary of the Peak District has broken ground. Phase One is scheduled to open to visitors 2027/8. 

Consented on 283 acres (114 hectares) of reclaimed former opencast land, PEAK proposes the UK’s first purpose built national park gateway "resort town". 

PEAK Gateway will offer visitors world class facilities and services as a base from which to access the trails and attractions of the 550 square mile National Park. Similar to a ski resort, PEAK Gateway has visitor mobility at its heart. PEAK’s mobility system will link up the trails and country lanes of the Peak District without the need for a car and help establish the area as the largest integrated off and on road cycling and hiking region in the UK. 

Planning approvals totalling 1.8mft2 (168,000m2) have been granted to facilitate a multi-branded mixed use development available to both day and stay visitors. The approvals offer extensive experiential retail, a wide range of leisure and educational facilities, a wellness clinic with operating theatres, 2,850 car parking spaces and up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 holiday lodges. The development has consent for its own green energy park and utilities. 

PEAK Gateway will be delivered by way of an incremental and phased ground leasing strategy. Heads of terms have already been agreed for the first two anchor plots with Colliers acting as Real Estate Adviser and leasing agents for Birchall Properties, the land owner. Phase One represents in the region of 30% of the consented development and is scheduled to open 2027/8. 

Fully implemented PEAK has the potential to achieve a development value of over £1billion and sustain thousands of jobs. Around 70% of the reclaimed estate will be set aside for continued biodiversity gains as well as offer nature connectivity to encourage people’s engagement and delight in nature. 

Sheffield City Region granted £2.85m for the construction of the now completed public highway access from the A61 interchange at Sheepbridge and the new public rights of way surrounding the resort estate. The commencement of land formation works continues the delivery of the outcomes promised by the grant. 

Booths Group has been appointed lead contractor for the land formation activity. 

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Acting Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “PEAK offers an opportunity to use formerly open cast land in a way that supports nature but also creates new opportunities for our residents and increases the number of visitors coming to Chesterfield. It is great to see work starting on site and I look forward to seeing the development progress.” 

Scott Knowles CEO of the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce said: “PEAK’s gateway manifesto provides the opportunity for regional businesses to participate in the construction and operation of a world class ESG exemplar enterprise celebrating and making available the cultural and natural assets of our region.” 

Jo Dilley Managing Director Visit Peak District and Derbyshire said: “The PEAK Gateway development, is a transformative project that will redefine the visitor experience in the Peak District. With the introduction of high quality serviced hotels, we will be able to cater to more groups and international visitors, offering world-class accommodations and amenities. The sustainable transport solution at the heart of PEAK will not only enhance the visitor experience by providing seamless access to the park's trails and attractions but also significantly reduce car traffic in busy hotspot areas, a change that will be warmly welcomed by local residents. This development marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and enjoyable future for all who visit and live in and around the Peak District." 

James Shorthouse, Head of Alternative Markets at Colliers said “We are delighted to have advised PEAK, and to be delivering exciting new developments bringing visitors and employment to Chesterfield and the East Midlands region of the UK.” 

Matthew Booth, Founder of The Booth Group, highlighted the significance of the project, stating: “This is a three year programme for Booth’s and perfectly complements our specialism of regenerative land solutions bringing challenging landscapes back into beneficial use. We are thrilled to be part of the iconic Peak Gateway development, activating the UK’s growth potential through the regeneration of land for local communities and legacy value.” 

Rupert Carr of Birchall Properties said: “From the outset PEAK has been a land first business, over 30 years and millions of pounds has been invested in the revival of the former opencast estate and the obtaining of now implementable planning permissions. It’s great to finally be underway and to be involved in a regenerative enterprise capable of activating and sustaining clean growth in the regional visitor economy.”