Staveley Roundhouse was built to a standard Midland Railway square shed design in 1870[1] with a central turntable under cover.

[3] Following negotiations with the British Railways Property Board, Chesterfield Borough Council became the new owner of the shed and nearby yard on 20 December 1996.

The council subsequently granted a recurring maintenance lease to the Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, which secured and refurbished the site, including renewal of the original 1870 roundhouse glass roof, except for one section.

The Harry Needle Railroad Company also stores and maintains a number of operational lease locomotives on site.

There is a CAMRA beer festival at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in May each year which attracts brewers and cider makers from around the country.