News: South Yorkshire Mayor: "Whitestone is the wrong scheme"

Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire says that he is convinced that plans for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham "is the wrong scheme."

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Following a second round of consultation, the plans have been updated again.

Proponents of the scheme say that the size of the scheme has been reduced significantly.

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An update reads: "We received more than 10,000 pieces of written feedback. We have now reviewed all of the feedback we received. Where the feedback applied to the masterplan, we have made a number of changes to address concerns.

"In response to feedback from two rounds of consultation and ongoing stakeholder engagement, the size of Whitestone has been reduced significantly. The final size is now 1,169 hectares (2,888 acres), which includes 691 hectares (1,707 acres) for solar and associated infrastructure and 637 hectares (1,181 acres) for environmental mitigation and enhancement. Compared to the initial masterplan, this is a reduction of 37% of the developable area and a reduction of 17% of the total size of the project."

Following a public meeting on the plans, Oliver Coppard said: "I went into the room with significant doubts about the scale of the development, and the huge cost it will impose on the local community. I left the meeting convinced that it is the wrong scheme, with huge flaws in the public consultation, the design and the delivery, and it should not be imposed here, in the heart of South Yorkshire.

"I’ll be taking away all the comments and questions that were raised tonight, and following up with all those who attended and are interested in what we might be able to do to mount an objection to the Whitestone Solar Farm.

"It’s not in my gift to stop the scheme, and I can’t promise that will be the eventual outcome, but I can promise to explore all of our options and to work with partners and our communities to raise our voices together, and to do what we can to make those voices heard."

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A DCO submission is expected in Spring 2026.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Whitestone Net Zero Limited

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News: Rebranded Rotherham venue set to reopen

A prominent venue in Rotherham town centre has closed for a rebrand, with plans to reopen with Irish cheer, just in time for St Patrick's Day, reports Visit Rotherham.

Visit Rotherham is the only place that brings together news and events information so you can find out what's on in Rotherham.

At Westgate Chambers, which has been undergoing a multimillion pound regeneration programme, the former Co-op building has long been a part of the evening circuit - as Milano's, Switch and the Jaxx bar.

Maximum Leisure, which currently operates venues in Rotherham including neighbours, Elliotts, has taken the decision to rebrand the Jaxx Bar and convert it into "The Westgate."

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Posts on social media point to it being a sister venue to Elliotts, offering live music, darts and pool.

Fans of the resurgence of stout, will notice the large Guinness vinyl on the new frontage.

The Westgate is set to open on Friday March 13 with Sheffield's Sharon Dreadz bringing the best of Irish / rock / pop / indie and country.

There is plenty of regeneration happening in the area. The new pub is across the road from the recently opened Empire Theatre, with work currently underway on Rotherham Council's multimillion pound improvement scheme on Corporation Street and Riverside Gardens - a new public space which will form a key gateway to the flagship Forge Island leisure development and wider town centre.

The Grade II listed part of Westgate Chambers (where Elliotts is housed) was originally a fine residence built in 1794 by the architect John Platt for himself. Platt sold the house in 1808 but remained in occupation until his death in 1810. The part of the house further to the left was demolished when Main Street was constructed.

The Westgate Facebook page

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Free parking in Rotherham town centre to continue

Rotherham Council is set to continue to offer one hour’s free parking in council-run car parks in Rotherham town centre.

Charges have also been frozen for another year.

Rothbiz reported last year on the authority introducing a scheme aiming to "support local businesses, boost footfall, and encourage residents to shop locally."

£50,000 was outlined in the 2024/25 council budget for the scheme and that appears to have been carried over into the 2025/26 financial year.

The latest budget was agreed by the council last week and documents show that a price freeze is proposed "to encourage visitors to the town centre at Drummond Street, Wellgate North, Wellgate Multi Storey, Douglas Street, Unity Place, Westgate, Clifton Hall, and Scala, ahead of the major developments planned in future years."

Also mentioned in the budget documents, the first hour free initiative is designed to encourage visitors to the town centre by using the same car parks Monday to Friday inclusive.

Free parking is already offered in the town centre at all Council Off-Street car parks all day on Saturdays and Sundays, and on street after 6pm, and there is no indication that this will end.

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Last month, a new parking system came into effect at the Forge Island leisure development in Rotherham town centre. Parking concessions have been extended to customers of all businesses located within Forge Island providing four hours of free parking.

The first hour free is also in operation for people parking on Forge Island but not using the businesses, however, longer free parking is not available on Forge Island on Saturdays and Sundays.

At the popular Clifton Park, on the edge of Rotherham town centre, parking charges remain, with some set to increase. Council budget documents show that parking for up to 1 hour at Clifton Park is going up 10p to £1.70 all year round.

In the summer (July 15 to September 8), up to 2 hours will be £3, up to 3 hours will be £4, up to 4 hours will rise 20p to £5.70, up to 5 hours will be £7, and all day parking at Clifton Park will be £8.50, up 30p on last summer's prices.

Out of season, parking at Clifton Park will cost £2.90 for up to 2 hours (up 10p), £3.90 for up to 3 hours (up 10p), £4.90 for up to 4 hours (up 20p), £6 for up to 5 hours and £7 to park all day.

Images: RMBC

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News: Beatson Clark welcomes key additions

Leading glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark has strengthened its sales and marketing team with three new appointments.

Beatson Clark, which has been making glass bottles and jars in Rotherham since 1751, specialises in providing glass packaging solutions for niche brands in the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets worldwide.

Gary Steen has joined the company as Sales & Marketing Director, Craig Crooks has taken the role of Key Account Manager (UK), and Emma McCartney is Beatson Clark’s new in-house Digital Marketing Specialist.

These three new appointments each bring a wealth of experience and ideas and will bolster Beatson Clark’s sales and marketing efforts as the company looks to grow and expand into new sectors in 2026.

Having worked in the glass industry for 32 years, Gary Steen has got lots of fresh ideas to bring to the team.

“It’s a competitive market, but we’re still seeing plenty of exciting opportunities, especially in amber,” he said.

“With over three decades in the glass industry, I’m really enjoying using my experience to help us focus on where we can grow. Our on-site decoration plant is a big part of that too; it gives us a real edge as we expand what we offer in the spirits and cosmetics sectors.”

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Craig Crooks has worked in the glass industry for over eight years. His new role is to maintain and grow Beatson Clark’s existing customer base across the UK, developing relationships and exploring new opportunities.

“It’s been great so far,” said Craig. “The people here are fantastic: warm, welcoming, very experienced and up for a challenge. Everybody’s working towards the same goal, which is brilliant to be part of.”

Craig says the long heritage of Beatson Clark and its status as the UK’s only independent glass packaging manufacturer are both clear advantages offering stability and experience in the current uncertain climate.

“I like the culture and the history of Beatson Clark and the fact that we’re an independent in an increasingly corporate industry,” he said. “It means we can offer the personal touch and be more agile and responsive, which some of the more corporate manufacturers find hard to do.”

Digital Marketing Specialist Emma McCartney has a degree in English literature and a master's in creative writing, and she’s combining those skills with her digital expertise to enhance Beatson Clark’s visibility in the marketplace.

She’s gained experience in a number of marketing roles since graduating from Newcastle University in 2021.

“I’m interested in glass from a personal point of view – at home I mostly store food in glass, and I appreciate the health and environmental impacts, so it aligns with my values.

“I’ve been here for three months and already I’ve been building out a robust digital marketing strategy and working with the team on developing our 2026 marketing calendar across all marketing segments.

“My aim is to grow our digital presence, develop our brand story and as my role progresses, I hope to build on the professional relationships I’ve made so far.”

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

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News: Community united at stadium to launch "Rotherham Day"

A new annual celebration designed to showcase the very best of Rotherham is gathering momentum, with businesses, schools, charities and community leaders recently coming together at the AESSEAL New York Stadium to launch the town’s first official Rotherham Day.

Planned for Friday September 18, the initiative aims to bring the town together in a celebration of civic pride while recognising the people, organisations and businesses that help make Rotherham what it is today.

The idea is being spearheaded by local figure John Breckin, widely known as “Mr Rotherham”, alongside local businessman Scott Thorpe, founder of TMG Mortgage Network, and David Walker, Rotherham's School Games Organiser, with added support from a growing coalition of business and community groups and organisations across the borough.

Organisers say the day will focus on celebrating the town’s achievements, inspiring the next generation and strengthening the sense of pride among residents.

Events planned for the day include schools across the borough wearing red to show their support for the town, the continuation of the hugely successful Children’s Capital of Culture baton relay, a run to help support all local charities, which will then look to become a half marathon and full marathon to put the town on the map, and community events highlighting local charities, volunteers and businesses.

There are also plans for creative projects in schools, including a poetry initiative led by Year 9 students celebrating what Rotherham means to them with a book to published.

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Organisers say the ambition is for Rotherham Day to become a long-term tradition that grows year on year.

Scott Thorpe said the goal was simple: “Rotherham has incredible people, successful businesses and a strong community spirit. This day is about bringing that together and putting the town firmly on the map, with blue chip companies now on board, we are convinced we can now put Rotherham Firmly on the map.

“We want people to celebrate where they’re from, recognise the achievements around them and create something that future generations can be proud of.”

John Breckin added: “There’s already fantastic work happening across Rotherham every day. Rotherham Day is about connecting all of that and creating a moment where the whole town comes together.

“If we can inspire young people, celebrate our volunteers and remind everyone what makes this place special, then we’ve achieved something important.”

Organisers hope the initiative will grow into a major annual event for the town, attracting widespread participation from schools, businesses and community groups.

Phil Smith, Non-Executive Director at Rotherham United, was at the launch event and talked about his start in life in Rotherham and his journey to the upper echelons in the global financial sector. He is convinced that the local community working together to talk up the town will encourage investors to take a closer look.

Rotherham Day could be the start, as Thorpe adds: "This isn’t just a celebration, it’s a statement: Rotherham is proud, ambitious and ready to put itself back on the map."

Anyone interested in supporting or getting involved with Rotherham Day can contact the organisers to find out more about upcoming plans and opportunities to take part.

Rotherham Day Linktree

Images: Rotherham Day

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