News: Have your say on safety in Rotherham town centre

Rotherham Council is running a consultation on local safety matters in Rotherham town centre.

The issue of feeling safe has been prevelant for a number of years. A hotspot initiative is having an effect on bringing down anti-social behaviour (ASB) rates in Rotherham town centre, according to South Yorkshire Police, whilst Rotherham Council is also investing £570,000 to launch a new "Street Safe Team" focused on increasing safety in town and village centres.

Recent consultations to help decide where millions of pounds of government regeneration funding will be spent continue to highlight safety and perceptions of crime in the town centre. A council report said that "safety is one of the biggest concerns. Crime, antisocial behaviour, and intimidation make people feel unsafe, especially at night."

An online consultation is currently running to find out the specific issues for those that live, work, visit, study in or own a business in the town centre.

The council say that the consultation "will allow us to effectively respond and address residents’ concerns."

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Respondents are being asked how safe they feel in the town centre during the day and at night, and if they or someone they know personally, has been a victim of crime within Rotherham town centre within the last six months. The council also wants to find out if there are any areas within Rotherham town centre that make people feel less safe.

In September Rothbiz reported on government data relating to the £20m Pride in Place initiative that will see "left behind" areas use government funding to help build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people.

For crime rates, Rotherham is ranked 13th highest out of the 70 areas where data is available with a recorded crime rate per 1,000 population (2022) of 131.

Interestingly, given many people's perceptions, both Barnsley (146) and Doncaster (142.8) built up areas, that will also both receive £20m, have higher recorded crime rates per 1,000 population than Rotherham.

RMBC Consultation website

Images: SY Police

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News: Plans to expand café capacity at Wentworth Woodhouse

Plans have been carefully developed to bring more of Wentworth Woodhouse back into use.

The Grade I listed mansion in Rotherham is owned and operated by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) which is overseeing a huge regeneration project focusing on delivering high quality, creative and relevant visitor experience.

The building has more than 300 rooms but also includes a number of courts and courtyards. The 2018 masterplan identified parts of the house which could be brought back into use, including areas such as Bedlam Wing, North Wing and areas surrounding Basin Court.

The popular Butler's Pantry Café on the ground floor of the house is a warm and welcoming environment, perfect for a light-bite with friends or a sweet treat.

New plans have been submitted that would improve access to Basin Court which is next to the existing café.

The Court is currently accessed via a sash window which has been previously adapted with the addition of stable doors at its base and concrete steps.

Donald Insall Architects have drawn up plans for the installation of a ramp to the courtyard for use by members of the public. No further works are proposed and the existing sash window / door configuration remains unaffected.

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The plans for listed building consent say that: "Currently, the café experiences problems with over-crowding and large queues which take up corridor space during busy periods. Therefore, the proposals aim to enable to the use of Basin Court to provide more useable space for the café, alleviating overcrowding without causing harm to the existing fabric.

"The proposals will allow for Basin Court to be brought back into use, which is currently unutilised, and will increase available capacity to the café area.

"The proposals will preserve the architectural and historic interest of Wentworth Woodhouse, allowing for continued occupation in a sensitive and sustainable manner."

Replacing the sash and stable door with a full height door was considered too intrusive. Instead work is planned to overhaul, redecorate, and introduce minor amendments to the door to allow for improved access and weatherproofing detail.

The plans hint at the history of Basin Court. Studying historic maps and plans, experts have ascertained that the underground spaces of Wentworth Woodhouse were mostly used as storage cellars for wine and champagne. By 1843 drains and supply water pipes were installed to form a 'water cellar' which appeared to form part of a wider, more complex water system for the house. According to historic plans, water appears to have been collected and drained from Basin Court.

As part of the significant regeneration of the stables at Wentworth Woodhouse, planning permission was secured in 2022 to convert part of the vast stable block for use as a production kitchen and another part for a 120 cover café catering for visitors as they arrive and leave the Grade I listed architectural jewel.

An award-winning restoration of the Camellia House provides visitors to the site with fine dining options.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT / Donald Insall Architects

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News: Rebrand for former Rotherham asylum seeker hotel following sale

A hotel in Rotherham that was temporarily used to accommodate asylum seekers has undergone a rebrand following its sale.

Rothbiz revealed in 2024 that the Ibis at Bramley was being advertised for sale by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co. In 2023 it was reported that the use of the hotel for asylum seekers was to end.

Since around 2020, there has been a marked increase in the use of hotels for contingency asylum accommodation. The cause of this has been attributed to several factors including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and public health measures, an increase in the number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, and a backlog in unresolved asylum cases.

The Ibis Rotherham East, situated just off Junction 1 of the M18, was one of three hotels recently sold to an owner-operator on behalf of offshore owners.

David Lee, Regional Director – Hotels at Christie & Co, said: “We are pleased to report this sizeable transaction which generated significant interest. Limited service hotels continue to be very popular with all types of investors.”

The hotels were sold at an undisclosed price.

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Now the former Ibis on Moorhead Way, that was put up for sale with a guide price of £4m, is being advertised as "Garner Hotel Rotherham East" - part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies.

IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand has seen rapid growth since its global launch in 2023, particularly in the company’s largest market in Europe – where appetite for hotels in the essentials segment continues to gain traction.

Garner strives to become the leading choice for travellers of all ages seeking quality stays at an affordable price point – offering the all-important things guests value, including convenient locations, comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi. Guests will experience Garner’s signature ‘refreshing moment’ free drink and snack on arrival, as well as having access to fresh bean-to-cup coffee and the Garner Shop.

Joanna Kurowska, VP & Managing Director, UK and Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’re proud to see Garner hotels, our midscale conversion brand, gaining strong momentum across the UK, reflecting its compelling value proposition for owners and investors. IHG’s streamlined conversion processes and dedicated support, enables owners to efficiently integrate with IHG’s enterprise and gain faster returns.

"Our dedicated operations and development teams work hand-in-hand on the ground to deliver a seamless, efficient value proposition for every Garner property. This includes delivering the brand’s competitive conversion cost per key, flexible design and reduced pre-opening costs through a rapid conversion process. This coordinated effort not only supports our owners but also guarantees guests a consistent, high-quality, and affordable experience.

"As we continue to expand Garner’s presence across the UK, we remain committed to partnering closely with our owners and investors to maximise value and unlock new opportunities in the midscale segment.”

The 2024 listing stated: "This purpose-built hotel has 86 en-suite bedrooms spread over four floors. On the ground floor there is an open plan multi-functional space, which includes the reception area and a combined dining area for breakfast and dinner with a bar, featuring a pool table and a large screen TV (capacity approximately 50). There are also four well-equipped meeting rooms with a capacity of six up to 20 guests."

The particulars explained that the hotel was let to Accor UK Economy Hotels Limited for a term of 25 years from August 2000. The current passing rent was £364,370 per annum.

Garner Hotels website

Images: Garner / Christie & co

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News: Government involvement in future of Speciality Steels "not envisaged"

The government has ruled out taking a stake in South Yorkshire's speciality steel business and remains confident a buyer can be found.

In August, a judge approved an application from creditors to place Speciality Steels UK (SSUK), previously part of Liberty Steel and GFG Alliance, into compulsory liquidation. With the Official Receiver taking over, and the Government covering costs with Teneo Financial Advisory Limited as Special Managers, a formal sale process recently got underway.

An update from Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald, shared by Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion, states: "The Government is providing financial assistance to enable the Official Receiver to fulfil its statutory duties and identify a suitable buyer capable of operating a sustainable steelmaking business.

"The Official Receiver is currently inviting indicative offers from interested parties. From early November, these offers will enter a due diligence phase. Over the coming weeks, the focus will be on evaluating the proposals received, determining the optimal strategy, and preparing for the next stage of the sales process. Final bids will be formally requested to structure the concluding transaction discussions.

"As part of this wider process, we do not envisage any direct Government involvement in the business, including taking a stake, as you suggested in your letter. We want the steel sector to thrive, and the best way to achieve that is through commercially run businesses with private investment."

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The minister recently met with local politicians to tour the sites in Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, described the visit as "a welcome sign that this government recognises the strategic importance of our steel industry - not just to our local economy in Rotherham, but to the UK’s national resilience and industrial future."

Read added: “Steel production in Parkgate has stood at the heart of Rotherham’s identity for two hundred years. These are not just jobs. They are livelihoods, communities, and a proud legacy of British manufacturing excellence.

“The closure of these sites would not only be a devastating blow to our borough and South Yorkshire — but it would also leave a hole in the UK’s sovereign capability to produce the high-grade steels essential for defence, aerospace, and clean energy.

“We presented a united South Yorkshire team, calling for a sustainable solution that protects skilled jobs, secures strategic capabilities, and supports long-term growth across South Yorkshire. It is heartening that there is strong commercial interest in continuing steel production on the site, and we will continue to urge the government to do everything in its power to ensure that this is realised.”

Chris McDonald added: "I met with workers, Trade Union representatives, and local authorities, including the South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard. It was clear from these conversations how deeply the steel industry is woven into the fabric of the local community. The business clearly has a unique capability in the UK, a highly capable workforce and there is a strong market for its products. Whilst it is for the Official Receiver to run the process, I remain confident that a buyer for this business will be found.

"I fully recognise the uncertainty this situation brings for employees and their families. I want to reaffirm the Government's commitment to securing a strong and sustainable future for steelmaking in the UK, particularly in South Yorkshire, where I hope to see a buyer emerge who can run a successful and enduring business."

Council reports have revealed that the Speciality Steel operations in Rotherham had the borough's biggest bill for business rates - £2.8m a year. Liquidation has presented a financial challenge to the Council through the need to write off £4.2m of business rates debt, spanning across the final quarter of 2023/24 through to 21st August 2025. Due to the way business rates are retained, the Council is only directly impacted by 49% of this debt.

Images: Sheffield Council

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News: Housing plans refused for Masons Arms in Rotherham

Following the successful conversion of the upper floors of a former fire-damaged pub on the edge of Rotherham town centre, Rotherham Council has refused plans to add further flats on the ground floor.

Rothbiz reported back in 2022 on proposals to create a house in multiple occupation (HMO) on the upper floors of the prominent Wellgate building.

The former Masons Arms had been vacant for a number of years, having most recently been used for retail use on the ground floor. It suffered a suspected arson in 2019.

Plans were appproved with local firm, Al-Shafa Healthcare Limited, wanting to create ten studio flats on the first and second floors with the ground floor remaining as a commercial unit.

The upper floors are now fully occupied and managed by Rotherham Housing but despite sustained marketing efforts, the ground floor retail unit has remained vacant.

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The same applicants, said that: "Commercial agents have confirmed that the presence of residential use above has limited interest from prospective retail tenants, making the ground floor increasingly unviable for its previously approved use. Over the past three years, the unit has failed to generate interest or contribute to the activity of the street frontage. It is clear that a more sustainable long-term use is required to prevent the space from remaining underutilised."

However, new plans for six flats on the ground floor have been refused.

Council planners said that the proposed development would not meet national and local planning policies that requires development to have a high standard of amenity for existing and future occupants, and to ensure that sufficient daylight can penetrate into buildings.

The report adds: "The proposed new windows along the western and northern elevations are considered to suffer from restricted outlooks, and consequently each bedroom and living area suffers from a poor standard of amenity.

"The proposed new windows along the northern elevation (bedroom 06 and kitchen/lounge area) are considered to materially increase (and suffer from) overlooking to other new private windows within the same development."

Images: Google Maps

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