News: Council moving ahead with Rotherham town centre health hub plan

Work to create a new Health Hub in Rotherham town centre is progressing with the conversion of the empty former Boots building.

Rothbiz reported last year on the authority's plans to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall. For phase 1, Morris and Spottiswood Ltd started work in January on a £843,580 contract to carry out ground floor internal modifications and a potential fit-out to accommodate the relocation of Abbey Pharmacy.

The completed relocation and opening of Abbey Pharmacy's new location links to the wider regeneration of the nearby markets.

Now, early stage work is underway on phase 2 of the health hub project and establishing which services can occupy the rest of the 25,985 sq ft property that was acquired by Rotherham Council in 2023.

It is expected that Connect Healthcare Rotherham will play a major role. The community interest company was formed by all 28 GP practices in Rotherham as shareholders and provides primary care services at scale. They are said to be keen to relocate their services into a centrally located hub.

A new health hub is expected to enable more same day services and extended access (weekend and out of hours) for services such as GP, nurse and other appointments. Phsyio, NHS Health Checks and stop smoking and weight management services could also operate from the hub.

The council has identified that 80,000 additional people are within 30 minutes of the town centre site using public transport compared to current facilities at Rawmarsh.

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Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, described the project as "an opportunity to bring together both regeneration and health and wellbeing objectives in a way that will benefit both our residents and our town centre."

He added: "The second phase is about that broader vision for the project and the role it could play in improving access to health and wellbeing services in a central and highly accessible location in the town centre. The vision is to create a hub that improves the access to primary health services and supports a more joined up approach between health, local government, the voluntary sector, to help tackle health inequalities and contribute to the vibrancy and footfall of the town centre.

"In terms of the council, it is being led by regeneration. It is a regeneration project but pursuing those wider health and wellbeing benefits for the town centre. It is benefiting the town centre by bringing those alternative uses in. We know that's what we need to do for regeneration and the future of our town centre - we can't rely purely on a retail offer. That's why we are doing the new town centre housing, the new library and markets project, and this is another big key project."

Lorna Vertigan, head of regeneration at Rotherham Council, said: "It's location is really, really important in developing that service strategy - a reason for people to come into the town centre. It sits directly opposite the markets and where the library is going to be open soon. You've got the proximity there of the shopping centres and the interchange right behind it, you've got Tesco and the Drummond Street car park - they are all within a really close walking distance. And when you access that building you are walking past other properties, which helps drive that footfall and give people a reason to meander and move round the town centre."

Gilly Brenner, Consultant in Public Health at Rotherham Council, added: "We really want this to improve patient experience. We do know that from other places where they have put health on the High Street we have seen people combine trips. So rather than just going for their health appointment they are then able to fit that in to their busy day - picking up their shopping or various other things, make it a bit more of a day out and link it then to the other opportunities within the town centre."

A phased approach is being used and a business case for the hub is in development. A big part of the work will be to identify and secure funding to complete phase 2.

£1.7m was secured from the Pathfinder funds (now Local Regeneration Fund) for both phases. Funding was moved away from the live music venue project to the health hub project.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Pre-pack deal for specialist Rotherham recruitment firm

A pre-pack deal has been secured for Rotherham-based specialist engineering and manufacturing recruitment business after it entered administration.

Metalis Engineering Recruitment Limited was established in 2019 and provided specialist recruitment services to the engineering and manufacturing sectors, supporting businesses across Yorkshire, the North of England and the Midlands with permanent and temporary recruitment solutions.

The Templeborough company faced increasingly challenging trading conditions, with a slowdown in recruitment activity and continued pressure on margins contributing to significant cash-flow difficulties. Despite steps taken by management to reduce costs and restructure the business, its financial position ultimately became unsustainable, and advice was sought from CY Group.

Steve Currie and Sophie Murcott of business advisory firm CY Group were appointed Joint Administrators of the Rotherham-based company on August 3 2026.

A report from the administrators states that the company's difficulties began in late 2024 with the deterioration in market conditions. It pointed to wider economic pressure, the adoption of inhouse hiring tools by clients and increased competition from smaller agencies and independent recruiters. Late payments from a key client and a dispute with software providers were also cited.

Following COVID, demand recovered strongly and the business grew steadily for around four years. At its peak the Company employed 28 staff across two offices.

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The Joint Administrators completed a pre-packaged sale of the business and certain assets to Metalis Recruitment Group Limited, a connected company, for an undisclosed sum.

The transaction secures the future of the business and safeguards all six jobs, enabling Metalis to continue trading and supporting its customers. The sale also represents a positive outcome for creditors, with the secured creditor currently expected to be repaid in full.

Steven Currie, Joint Administrator and Managing Director of CY Group, said: “Metalis had established a strong position within a specialist recruitment market, but challenging trading conditions and increasing pressure on cash flow had created significant difficulties for the business.

“Our priority was to preserve the underlying business, protect employment and achieve the best possible outcome for creditors.

“We are pleased to have completed a sale that safeguards all six jobs, enables the business to continue supporting its customers and is expected to result in the secured creditor being repaid in full.

“This is a positive outcome in what had become a very challenging set of circumstances and demonstrates the importance of seeking professional advice at an early stage, when there may still be options available to preserve value and protect jobs.”

The business will continue to trade under Metalis Recruitment Group Limited following completion of the sale.

Metalis website

Images: Metalis

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News: Rotherham restaurants up for sale

A range of restaurant businesses and buildings in Rotherham have gone up for sale.

At Stag, an established restaurant, takeaway and wine bar is up for sale. Agents say that it is a turnkey, profitable business with significant growth potential.

Although not mentioned by name, the images clearly show La Pondicherry Stag, one of Rotherham's leading Indian restaurants.

The particulars for the sale of the business, which has the leasehold listed for £95,000, states: "An exciting opportunity has arisen to acquire a well-established restaurant, takeaway and wine bar business in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, offering an excellent combination of strong trading performance, attractive premises, an established customer base and significant potential for further growth.

"The business has been successfully operated for approximately 10 years, building a loyal local following through quality food, excellent service and a welcoming dining experience. In addition to the established restaurant and takeaway operation, the premises also benefit from a fully completed upstairs wine bar with its own separate bar area and approximately 40 additional seats.

"The upstairs wine bar forms part of the overall business and is included in the sale. It provides an exciting additional hospitality space that can be developed for wine and drinks service, private parties, functions, events and other occasions.

"The current owner is now looking to sell due to personal circumstances and forthcoming medical treatment. This is therefore a genuine opportunity for a new owner to take over an established and profitable operation with multiple areas for future development."

The advert adds that: "The current owner has made the difficult decision to sell due to personal circumstances and forthcoming medical treatment, making it no longer possible to dedicate the time and commitment required to continue operating the business."

Also at Stag, the nearby property containing Lilia Bistro is listed as being under offer. The 991 sq ft property, which only last year changed from Willows, and was previously Cuccini's, was up for sale for £145,000. The business was not for sale but the particulars state that a three year lease was signed in June 2023.

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At Wales, The property containing the Asia Palace has been put up for sale via auction.

The freehold has been given a guide price of £150,000 by auctioneers BTG Eddisons.

Described as a substantial mixed use property in excess of 5,000 sq ft, the lot includes a ground floor restaurant premises including a bar and large dining areas, customer toilets plus a catering kitchen and prep areas.

The Cantonese restaurant near to Rother Valley and the Waleswood campsite is currently closed with the particulars adding: "The freehold title is currently subject to a 15 year lease dated 16th June 2022, however we have been advised it has been agreed between the seller and the tenant that this will be surrendered before completion."

Also in Rotherham, Veritas Business Sales is listing a pub restaurant in a "desirable semi-rural location between Rotherham and Worksop" as being available for sale.

The freehold has been given a guide price of £599,995. The purchase of the leasehold going concern is also an option.

The advert states: "Believed to date back in excess of 300 years, this historic property is one of the village's most recognisable and characterful buildings. Having stood at the heart of the local community for centuries, the property successfully blends period charm with modern trading facilities, creating a destination venue that enjoys an outstanding reputation for quality food, excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere.

"The property underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2020 at a cost of in excess of £500,000, transforming the business into the impressive venue seen today. More recently, the current owner has invested a further £120,000 over the past two months, installing brand-new commercial catering equipment, carrying out extensive internal redecoration and completely refurbishing the spacious two-bedroom owner's accommodation, including the installation of a brand-new fitted kitchen. As a result, the property is presented to an exceptional standard throughout, allowing a purchaser to continue trading immediately without the need for further capital expenditure."

Although listed as a confidential sale, property websites have the location as Brampton-en-le-Morthern, whose only pub is the Rising Deer.

The listing states that 70% of turnover is generated from food sales with the restaurant accommodating around 60 diners, whilst the business consistently serves in excess of 100 covers every Sunday.

BTG Eddisons website
Veritas website

Images: La Pondicherry / instagram / BTG

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News: Krafty Kidz get support in early years

Krafty Kidz has launched in Rotherham, with support from Launchpad, helping young people build confidence, creativity and friendships through hands-on activities.

After spotting a lack of opportunities for children to socialise away from screens, Karen Powell and Jessica Broadbent established the enterprise in Thurcroft in February 2026 offering a range of creative workshops, after-school clubs and family activities. The business encourages children to develop new skills, make friends and explore their creativity in a welcoming environment.

As parents of ten-year-old daughters, Karen and Jess became increasingly aware of how much time young people spend alone at home and rely on technology for entertainment.

Krafty Kidz offers a wide range of creative activities, including slime making, pottery painting, wooden crafts and other engaging projects.

The business runs dedicated sessions for home-educated children, after-school clubs and weekend workshops, helping young people develop friendships and confidence through creative play. It has also become a popular venue for children’s parties, offering a range of craft-based party activities.

Recognising that creativity isn’t just for children, Krafty Kidz also offers adults-only craft evenings.

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Karen and Jessica run Krafty Kidz alongside their full-time careers. Karen owns a beauty salon and balloon business, while Jessica supports children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Together, they combined their professional experience and passion for supporting children to create a business centred on creativity, learning and social interaction.

Karen Powell, co-founder of Krafty Kidz, said: "We wanted to bring groups of children together to socialise and learn new skills. It is a great way for them to get out of the house, interact and make new friends."

As they prepared to launch Krafty Kidz, Karen searched online for support and discovered Rotherham Council’s fully funded Launchpad start-up programme. She joined Launchpad in January 2026 and began working with one of the dedicated business advisors.

Through Launchpad, they received business advice on costs, pricing and customer targeting. They also accessed financial assistance to support their marketing activity, helping them to distribute leaflets and advertise in local publications to raise awareness within the local community.

Karen added: “The support has been amazing. The advisors are so knowledgeable and really guided us along the right path.

“Their support has been immense. I would recommend anyone to get in touch. There are so many ways they can help with starting a new business."

Krafty Kidz Facebook page
Rotherham Launchpad website

Images: RiDO

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News: Demolition work starts at Millmoor as plans approved for remaining stands

The new owners of Millmoor now have planning approval to demolish all of the structures at the historic home of Rotherham United.

Rothbiz revealed in May that the Ron Hull Group planned to demolish parts of Millmoor with plans explaining the poor condition and the "long term lack of a viable user" of the stadium that last hosted league football almost 20 years ago.

A second set of plans regarding the method of demolition were submitted in July.

Now both sets of plans have been approved, and contractors, Demex - part of the Ron Hull Group - have got to work on the stadium that has its origins dating back to 1890.

The applicants say that the priority to demolish is: The incomplete main stand, Tivoli, Admin building, and Tivoli stand first, followed by the terrace, uncovered stand and Part Millmoor Lane stand and lighting columns.

The second set of plans relates to the demolition of the rest of the Millmoor Lane covered stand, the Railway End stand and a maintenance building in the corner of the ground.

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Approving the plans, Rotherham Council has given applicants five years to carry out the demolition.

Ron Hull Group, the new owners of CF Booth Ltd, took on the old football ground when it acquired the assets of the historic Rotherham firm that had entered administration.

Demex, acquired as part of the deal for CF Booth Ltd, was also the contractor that demolished the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield - the temporary home of The Millers from 2008 to 2012.

The owners are working with local Rotherham firm, Eton Construction, on plans for the area - the 35-acre site that includes the ground and the large Booth operations at the Clarence Works at Armer Street in Masbrough.

It remains to be seen what will happen to the pitch, famed for its quality in league football.

The plans add: "All the proposed buildings to be demolished will be taken down to the ground slabs. The ground slabs will be removed and the site tidied and left in a state where redevelopment will be possible. The client does intend to redevelop the site at a future date."

Despite its history, and the association with The Millers and their fans, Millmooor is not a listed building, or recognised on the South Yorkshire Local Heritage List. Owners generally have permitted development rights regarding the demolition of buildings they own but are often required to get prior approval from the local council.

In the borough's 2018 local plan, the stadium and surrounding area was allocated as a Mixed Use Area. It added: "The area remains appropriate for a mix of uses include business use (excluding offices), housing, residential and non residential institutions and assembly and leisure uses."

Ron Hull website

Images: Tom Austen

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