Chapel-en-le-Frith originated from a small chapel, built in 1225 by the keepers of the Royal Forest, and is the historic Capital of the Peak.
The town expanded with the development of Ferodo Brake Linings – now Federal Mogul – and is a small market town, with a population of 8,000, good communication links and modern industrial accommodation. Chapel has a new privately managed leisure centre and the High School (with technology status), works with young people to ensure they are trained in the latest practical skills including CAM-CAD design.
Next to Chapel-en-le-Frith, the village of Chinley has developed as a major railway junction and is still served by express services to Manchester and Sheffield.
New Mills is an industrial town of nearly 10,000 people, perched above the dramatic gritstone gorge, called the Torrs. It is eight miles east of Stockport and the M60 motorway network. New Mills is home to range of industries, including Swizzels Matlow – the UK's leading children's confectionary company. New Mills has a keen arts and environmental vibe, with its renowned One World Festival, and is home to High Peak Community Arts. The town has recently achieved free trade status. View the New Mills neighbourhood.
A small village close to New Mills is the gateway to Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District and a popular weekend destination for walkers. The village was the starting point of the Kinder trespass in 1932, which led to the call for the formation of Britain’s National Parks. View the Hayfield neighbourhood.
Whaley Bridge is where the Peak Forest Canal starts. The town of nearly 7,000 people has good quality housing, with a number of industrial parks for new and expanding businesses. Whaley Bridge is 40 minutes from Manchester city centre by train from its central station. The town, together with Bugsworth Canal Basin the largest inland waterway in England and a key visitor attraction, celebrates canal heritage with an annual water weekend in June.
The small village of Furness Vale lies midway between Whaley Bridge and New Mills, on the main A6 highway. It is home to many industrial premises, with good transport links.
Chemical and engineering business sectors are core clusters within the Central High Peak towns with a range of companies that both research, manufacture and develop chemicals and polyurethane as well as product handing systems. In addition, a number of companies prototype and produce specialist materials and machinery used by manufacturers within these industries. Key companies include Hyperlast, PVC, Peakdale Monocular and Flowguard. The central area has a range of industrial and development sites with the opportunity to expand or re-locate in modern facilities. The family-friendly towns offer range of everyday shopping needs, and, with access to the countryside, low crime, affordable housing and good schools, make an ideal location for anyone looking to re-locate both their business and family.