News: Development partner search for massive Rotherham greenbelt scheme

Landowners are looking for a partner to deliver a proposed 2,000 home development on former greenbelt land in Rotherham, ten years after a previous search was discussed.

The vision is to create a "well-connected 21st century garden community" at Bassingthorpe Farm.

A Bassingthorpe Farm Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was signed off by the Council's cabinet last year that provided detailed guidance to developers when preparing planning applications, to help bring forward development of the site in a way that meets the Council’s objectives.

A formal tender process is now underway with landowners, Rotherham Council and the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, "seeking to identify and appoint a strategic development partner in connection with the planning, servicing, delivery and/or facilitation of the phased development of land at Bassingthorpe Farm, Rotherham."

As part of the Local Plan core strategy that was adopted in 2014, the 215 hectare area close to Rotherham town centre was controversially removed from the Green Belt and designated as a Strategic Allocation and the main location for new housing, employment and retail growth.

Around 57 hectares (26%) of the site is under Rotherham Council's ownership and the Council has been leading on the proposals for a number of years, working collaboratively with major landowner, Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) Estates (FWE), on how to bring forward the project.

The allocation was for around 2,400 new homes, a primary school, a local centre, employment land and commercial opportunities. Work has been carried out to detail just where development platforms, new roads, the school and flood preventing reservoirs could be located.

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Regarding employment uses, the framework plan shows proposed employment uses on a dedicated site to the eastern edge of the allocation area. Development here could be integrated with the existing employment area at Mangham Road and would benefit from access from Greasbrough Road. Land to the west of Carr Hill, to the north of the recycling centre is also proposed for employment uses.

Tender documents state: "The procurement in intended to identify a strategic development partner capable of:

- working collaboratively with the landowners to optimise viability, deliverability and value;
- promoting and securing a comprehensive and deliverable planning strategy;
- coordinating and/or delivering enabling and strategic infrastructure;
- facilitating phased development delivery, including potential onward parcel disposals to housebuilders or other delivery structures; and
- supporting long-term stewardship and delivery objectives."

The precise commercial and contractual structure through which the development will ultimately be delivered has not yet been determined and the council says that this may include elements of development agreement, land disposal, phased land drawdown and related agreements.

The selected strategic development partner is expected to assume substantial development, delivery, market and implementation risk associated with the project.

Back in 2016, Council Commissioners were asked to approve the appointment of a "Promotion Partner" to bring skills and funding to facilitate the delivery of the site. Other options were considerd, such as selling Council-owned sites on the open market, to direct development between the landowners. In 2018, the authority was considering utilising a "Bare Trust" to pool its land together with that of other landowners in order to progress development.

Alongside the masterplan, the Bassingthorpe site was identified to spearhead the government's historic £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. For South Yorkshire, a indicative spend, subject to suitable bids, has been set out at £700m with Bassingthorpe Farm and Rotherham town centre sites put forward for Rotherham.

Images: RMBC / HYAS / Google Maps

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News: New NED at SBD

Rotherham-based SBD Apparel has appointed a former Olympian to the board as a Non-Executive Director.

SBD Apparel is already the global market leader in strength sports apparel, clothing and accessories worldwide. The company, which counts elite strength and fitness athletes across the world amongst its growing client base, as well as being synonymous with the World’s Strongest Man Competition, successfully opened a new manufacturing hub at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in 2022.

The move to new 100,000 sq ft premises was part of a desire to boost exports. The company now sells in markets including Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway and Iceland.

Don William brings more than 35 years of experience in professional services and business advisory, having held senior partner roles at both KPMG and BDO. His expertise in strategy, governance, financial oversight and business growth will further strengthen SBD as we continue to expand internationally and invest in the future of the business.

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Simon Clegg CBE, SBD Group Chairman said: "As one of the country’s leading Retail Partners at both BDO and subsequently KPMG, Don brings immense skill sets and experience which will support the further growth of our business at this exciting time. Don’s additional sporting credentials as a former Olympic hockey player provides an empathy with high performance sport which is so central to our brand."

Don Williams, Non-Executive Director at SBD, added: "I am delighted to join the Board of SBD Group. SBD has built a world-class reputation within strength sports through innovation, quality and an unwavering commitment to athletes. The business has exciting opportunities ahead and I look forward to supporting the leadership team as it continues its growth journey."

Don is a former Great Britain and England hockey player with over 120 caps who represented GB in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

SBD Apparel website

Images: RCK

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News: Second set of Millmoor plans sees all stands and buildings demolished at Rotherham United's former home

Having secured planning approval to knock down large parts of the historic football stadium in Rotherham, the new owners of Millmoor have applied to do the same to the rest of the structures.

Rothbiz revealed in May that the Ron Hull Group planned to demolish parts of Millmoor due to it’s poor condition and the "long term lack of a viable user."

Planning approval was secured for the method of demolition at Millmoor for the incomplete main stand, Tivoli, Admin building, and Tivoli stand first, followed by the terrace, uncovered stand and part of the Millmoor Lane stand, lighting columns and then the other associated buildings.

Now a second application looks to secure approval for the method of demolition for the rest of the Millmoor Lane covered stand, the Railway End stand and a maintenance building in the corner of the ground. All floodlighting columns, and other football associated buildings would be flattened, as would related grassed areas.

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.

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.

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The latest plans state: "The maintenance building is a reinforce concrete frame stucture [sic] with solid brickwork infill panels, steel beams supporting the metal clad roof structure. From appearance it seems to have been constructed in the 1950- 60's. Due to the possible changing nature and use of the site this building may become surplus to requirements with regard to any proposed future use of the site.

"The covered Millmoor Lane football stand (Stand 'D') has stepped concrete ground slab with steel framed structures above with asbestos roof cladding , and is now showing signs of neglect and disrepair as a result of having not being maintained since the football clubs relocation. There is no protection from falls to the rear of the stand either.

"The Railway End (Stand ' E' ) was the away fans section where over 2,000 fans were accommodated. This end is covered and all seated. The only access being via the narrow alleyway to the rear from Millmoor Lane .This stand has a stepped concrete ground slab with steel framed structures above with asbestos roof and wall cladding , all are now showing signs of neglect and disrepair as a result of having not being maintained since the football club's relocation."

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 origins dating back to 1890, 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.

Ron Hull Group website

Images: Ron Hull / Eton Construction

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News: Beatson Clark celebrates 275 years of manufacturing in Rotherham

Historic glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark welcomed customers and special guests to its Rotherham site recently to celebrate 275 years of glass packaging manufacturing.

Beatson Clark has been manufacturing glass containers on the same site since it opened in 1751, and it now supplies glass bottles and jars to the food, beverage, healthcare, homeware and personal care sectors across the world.

The company began as a small canalside glassworks, and the Beatson Clark name emerged from a series of partnerships between the Beatson and Clark families for over two centuries. Today, the business is owned by Newship Group, retaining its proud status as an independent, family-run company.

It is the only independent, UK-owned glass container manufacturer, and the oldest glass manufacturer in the country.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion attended the celebration, which featured tours of the glassworks and spray decoration plant, a chance to experience virtual reality training technology, a nostalgic demonstration of glass blowing, and a display of Beatson Clark memorabilia and products.

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Eddie Pickering, Managing Director of Beatson Clark, said: “Beatson Clark has continued to evolve, embracing innovation and investing in new technologies, processes and skills to meet the changing needs of our customers. That willingness to adapt, while remaining true to our core values, has been fundamental to our success.

He continued: “Most importantly, today is a celebration of our people. I am immensely proud to be part of the Beatson Clark team. Their dedication, expertise and resilience continue to drive our business forward.

“As we celebrate this significant milestone, we do so with gratitude for those who have contributed to our success over the last 275 years and with confidence in what the future holds. We remain committed to building on our proud heritage and ensuring that Beatson Clark continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, said: “Since the earliest days of the industrial revolution, Beatson Clark has been manufacturing glass in Rotherham. Throughout this time they have consistently provided generations of skilled, well paid jobs.

“Through world wars, economic decline, depression and renewal, Beatson Clark has endured, helping to drive our regional economy.

“I’ve just had a fabulous afternoon learning how to make and decorate glass with them. I want Beatson Clark to continue to thrive for another 275 years. It has been my honour to represent them in Parliament to celebrate their achievements and challenge any threats they face.”

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

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News: Plans for two new tenants at Rotherham retail development

QFM Group, the Sheffield-based developer and operator of a number of fast food franchises, has submitted plans to kickstart a site in Rotherham.

The group is one of the largest franchise companies in the UK and was founded in 1982 when it opened its first restaurant in Sheffield. It now has a chain of quick service restaurants and is continuing to grow with a current expansion programme.

Rothbiz reported back in 2018 on plans for new premises close to The Tanyard shopping centre in Wickersley.

Planning permission was secured and KFC opened in Wickersley in 2021 in the building that was formerly used by Tirobaggi, an online supplier of quality handbags and accessories, and Edward Healy & Sons, a provider of shoe repair materials.

Having encountered parking issues, the KFC has since closed and plans to add a Costa to the site were never carried out.

Now a new planning application has been submitted to Rotherham Council that would enable a Dunkin Donuts outlet and a new concept gym to open alongside the exisiting, but closed, 1,615 sq ft KFC.

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The proposal is to subdivide the existing Class E unit at the rear to form a third unit, "including amendments to the arrangement of doors, glazing and windows to suit the revised occupier." Plans state that there is no increase in floorspace, no changes to the existing KFC, no alteration to the approved use class of the premises and no changes to access, parking or servicing arrangements.

With entrances facing Fairways and the Tanyard, plans show that a 1,399 sq ft Dunkin would sit next to KFC with the third 706 sq ft unit set to be occupied by J.I.M - Joy In Movement.

If approved, opening hours would be 5am to midnight.

J.I.M - Joy In Movement is the UK’s first fully automated infrared fitness studio. The new concept involves "30-minute, low-impact classes in 40° heat, set to fresh DJ-produced beats, designed to help people sculpt, stretch, strengthen, and feel good in their bodies."

The Australian firm opened its first studio in 2023 and now has 35 studios. It signed a franchise deal to expand to the UK and is targeting ten studios in the next 12 months, with 100 the target over the next five years.

Rothbiz reported last month on QFM's plans to open a J.I.M branch, alongside KFC, Taco Bell and Dunkin at its Eastwood development.

QFM brought the franchise to Sheffield earlier this year and is rolling it out across the UK. It offers 100+ classes per week and is open 365 days a year - designed to fit real life.

The state of the art infrared technology helps create a detoxifying sweat that stimulates blood circulation, improves flexibility, and accelerates weight loss. Each J.I.M. class offers short and effective workouts that incorporate aspects of popular and effective exercise methods, such as Pilates, Yoga and Functional Training.

Dunkin Donuts website
Joy In Movement website

Images: Google Maps

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