Friday, June 19, 2020

News: Rotherham cinema given 2021 start time

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Having secured the approval of the planning board, developers are anticipating that construction will begin in autumn 2021 for the multimillion pound Forge Island regeneration scheme.

The planning board at Rotherham Council met virtually this week and approved unanimously the plans submitted by development partner, Muse.

The proposals detail that the site of the former Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills is set to be home to an eight screen cinema, a 69 bed hotel, four restaurants and car parking.

The Council-owned site of the former Tesco store will include the first phase on a podium above taking them higher than the 1 in 100 flood risk level. Adjacent Council-owned sites are set to feature a new café on the site of the current Riverside precinct with land by the river and on the former courts building earmarked for future residential phases.

Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: "It's testament to the hard work of all partners that we've now received unanimous approval from the council to deliver Forge Island. It's the next stage on our journey to deliver this truly special scheme, which will be completed safely and in line with government guidance.

"At Muse, we're working closely with our public-sector partners to support them in the delivery of place-changing regeneration schemes that will drive economic and social prosperity when it's needed most. Forge Island represents what can be achieved when the best of the public and private sector come together with the same vision, drive and goal in mind."

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Historic England raised concerns over the demolition of buildings on Corporation Street and the potential impacts of later residential blocks on the town's conservation area and views to the Minster and Chapel on the Bridge. Traffic issues were also discussed.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, added: "It's fantastic to see the plans for Forge Island approved by the planning board which is particularly important as the town centre begins to find its feet again as lockdown eases a little. We know residents are keen to see the area develop and this is an important milestone towards delivering a scheme which is a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the rest of the town centre.

"A lot of hard work has gone into putting these plans together and we're determined to see Rotherham town centre thrive, not just survive."

Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd has already started work on the multi million pound "Phase One" works on Forge Island, including flood defence and enabling work on the site which includes retaining walls, terrace seating and high-quality public spaces. The enabling works are necessary to deliver the full Forge Island scheme including a new pedestrian bridge connecting to the wider town centre.

Negotiations continue on the commercial units available for food and drink outlets. Muse said that, following consent and exchange of agreements with the main anchor occupiers, it is anticipated that construction will begin in autumn 2021.

Images: Muse / RMBC / FaulknerBrowns

9 comments:

Anonymous,  June 19, 2020 at 2:48 PM  

Start date Autumn 2021 some seven years after Tesco moved! No end date announced yet? Things move very s l o w l y
in Rotherham!

royherbert June 19, 2020 at 8:49 PM  

Can the council explain why this has taken so long? Someone is dragging their feet, so I suppose the cost will somehow have to escalate?

royherbert June 19, 2020 at 8:56 PM  

This should have been started and finished by now! Can someone from the council explain this and will it be within the estimated budget?

Anonymous,  June 20, 2020 at 3:14 AM  

Can't start before flood defence work is completed, what's currently happening.

Anonymous,  June 20, 2020 at 3:04 PM  

If I mention Rotherham to people not from the area, they turn there noses up. Rotherham isn't desirable but a slum of town. Investing money into a cinema when people can go across to Meadowhall or the Cerntretainment is just a waste of money. A hotel for who? I'm sure the attractive nature of a poundshop populated, betting shop laden, vape shop riddled shopping experience is a must on most people's bucket lists. How about Rotherham Council invests in it's people, in it's public services and provision of better council housing.

You can polish a turd but it will always stink.

Mr me June 21, 2020 at 12:46 AM  

Said higher up, you'd be surprised at how many contractors work in Rotherham, they all stop in hotels or B&B so always business for hotels.Also your view of Rotherham is partly correct, yes it is a hole, but I can tell you, as someone who works allover country, many town centres away from tourist places are the same, shitholes, so why would Rotherham be any different.The days of town centre shopping is over, leisure, bars, restaurants, cinema ect.. Is the way all places are going. I've a feeling you'll be wrong and probably disappointed, think this project will prove a great success, and will probably end up being packed all time, due to being too small.As for point keep being made about free parking, well as said, I work allover Country and can't think of any town centres with free parking.And why would parking be needed anyhow, the development is next to bus station,railway station,tram stop and taxi ranks? If I go out for an evening I like a couple beers as do many, so why drive? Also thought we're supposed to be cutting back on car use, you know, environment and global warming people think Rotherham is excempt from its effects 🤔

Unknown June 21, 2020 at 8:39 AM  

When is deraliced buildings.the first thing you see when you come to Rotherham by tram or train,going to be removed.

Anonymous,  June 21, 2020 at 10:42 AM  

Cinema have they surveyed cinemas up and down the country they on their knees.
People watch Netflix in the comfort of their own homes total waste of rate payers money also it's that multi cultural town are they having different day's for different nationals

RichGods June 22, 2020 at 11:44 AM  

Whoever anonymous is needs to check what you are reading. Typical Rotherhamer who slates that the town is on its knees and then slates it when something positive gets done. What do you want or do you not know!

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