News: The Rotherham areas where housebuilders are urged "to go big, go bold and go build"

Two "catalyst sites" in Rotherham have been identified to spearhead the government's historic £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme.

As part of the Housing Secretary’s drive to accelerate the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will be given greater influence over how funding will be used in the region.

For South Yorkshire, a indicative spend, subject to suitable bids, has been set out at £700m.

The South Yorkshire mayor has an overall ambition to deliver 9,000 new affordable homes over the next five years. The ten year national programme aims to deliver around 300,000 affordable homes, with at least 60% as Social Rent homes.

For the first time, mayors, working jointly with Homes England, will shape the course of action for new affordable housing money in their regions, setting out ambitious plans for the types of homes that get built, sites prioritised for construction and how many suitable bids for grant funding could come forward in each area.

As part of these plans, housing providers will be required to demonstrate how their bids align with local priorities, accelerating delivery of homes that genuinely meet local needs, ranging from specialist housing for older people to community-led projects. In South Yorkshire there is a need for 1-bedroom accommodation, level access and 3 or 4-bedroom family homes.

The Housing Secretary and Housing Minister are calling on the sector to be as ambitious as possible in their bids for new grant funding, with the door to bidding officially opening in February, working hand in glove to maximise use of the record investment.

Local councils are set to work with the mayors and will also be given a route to bid into the programme. The government says that it is removing barriers preventing councils building at scale.

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Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Families have been trapped in so-called temporary accommodation for years or stuck on council waiting lists with no hope of a secure home.

“We’re changing that for good with the biggest boost to social housebuilding in a generation and getting behind mayors who are ready to build affordable housing across their regions.

“We’re also backing councils to build again and transform derelict sites into thriving neighbourhoods, urging them to go big, go bold and go build.”

For Rotherham, where the council has made a commitment to deliver 1,000 new council homes, two priority areas have been identified.

Government documents show that "SYMCA encourages proposals for delivery of Housing Pipeline identified Catalyst Sites within priority growth locations that are considered to have the greatest potential impact on the acceleration of regeneration:

- Barnsley — Hoyland (North and South) and Royston and Carlton 
- Doncaster — Unity and Doncaster Waterfront and city centre emerging sites
- Rotherham — Bassingthorpe Farm and Rotherham town centre sites 
- Sheffield – Neeps End and Furnace Hill and Moorfoot"

SYMCA’s Local Growth Plan has also identified the importance of the Don Valley Corridor, which connects Rotherham and Sheffield, as the key part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone. It includes the catalyst housing sites of Rotherham town centre and Bassingthorpe Farm.

In September, a masterplan was approved for Bassingthorpe - a proposed 2,000 home development on former greenbelt land where the vision is to create a "well-connected 21st century garden community" close to the proposed new mainline station at Parkgate.

South Yorkshire is also set to receive over £12m from the Brownfield Housing Fund for 2025/26. Rotherham schemes at Swinton, Canklow, Catcliffe and Waverley have previously used the grants to address funding gaps in developing previously used or neglected land into new housing sites.

Images: Bond Bryan

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News: New operator for popular Rotherham tapas bar

A venue in Wickersley is under new management having been taken over by the operators of its near neighbours.

Based in the popular Rotherham suburb, The Olive Lounge serves authentic homemade tapas with quality wines, beers and original cocktails.

The W Bars Team have recently announced they have taken over The Olive Lounge.

The team are part of the same group that opertates the W Italian Restaurant on Bawtry Road. Formerly Don Guiseppe's, the warm and friendly restaurant also has a lounge bar area.

2018 plans were refused by Rotherham Council to change the use of the premises from a restaurant to a combined restaurant/drinking establishment, with planners concluding that the potential increase in the use of the premises as a bar could result in an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance for nearby residents.

Rotherham Council has a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the Wickersley area.

A post on social media reads: "We’re excited to share that The Olive Lounge Bar is now under new management! There’s a brand-new energy in the air — warm welcomes, friendly faces, and a focus on creating the kind of evenings Wickersley deserves. Expect great cocktails, smooth music, and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere to unwind in. Come join us for a drink, say hello, and be part of this exciting new chapter."

Last month Rothbiz reported on the changes at Wickersley, including Stems Floral Design moving to Bawtry Road.

The changes continue over the road on The Tanyard where long standing butcher, Peter Cusworth, closed the store following retirement.

Reeds Rains has also relocated its Rotherham branch from the town centre to The Tanyard at Wickerlsey, describing it as a strategic move and natural step that places the branch on the doorstep of the local community it serves.

The branch is owned by LSL Estate Agency Franchising partner, Favsco23 Ltd, who is the biggest Reeds Rains franchise operating across the North West and Yorkshire.

Jamie Knights, Regional Director at Reeds Rains Rotherham, said “We’re excited for our relocation to Wickersley where we will continue to serve our local community from our new branch with the same high-quality service they deserve, within a more accessible location. “It’s a modern and inviting space where we can continue to welcome our existing customers from across Sheffield and Rotherham. We’re looking forward to growing its presence in Wickersley and building even stronger connections.”

Olive Lounge website
Reeds Rains website

Images: Google Maps / Reeds Rains

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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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