DRIIVe opened
posted on 28th Jul 2026 11:00
The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) in Barrow Hill has been officially opened in July 2026 and is ready to welcome businesses, researchers and learners. It provides classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices. The first learners are expected to start on site in October 2026.
The centre has been designed to support speciality training providers - offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research. This will help ensure that local people can access the skills they need to secure careers in the rail sector. Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe serves as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.
Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund. This project was delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council in collaboration with Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society. The new training, research, commercial office and workshop space will support more than 20 full time jobs. By year five, DRIIVe aims to support around 270 trainees, ensuring local people can access highly skilled careers in the rail industry.
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