News: Footfall up in Rotherham town centre

The number of visitors to Rotherham town centre is above 14 million a year, but is not yet back to pre-COVID levels.

Rothbiz reported in April that Rotherham town centre had attracted a million more visits since 2024, according to the leader of the council.

Now the authority has published the latest annual footfall figures.

In its Statement of Accounts, Rotherham Council said that there were 14.1m visitors to the town centre in 2025/26, an increase of 850,000 from 2023/24.

Revitalising the town centre is a central part of the council's 2025 - 2030 plan, called "Forging Ahead." Long term measures of success include an increase in footfall in the town centre, a decrease in the percentage of vacant units in the town centre and an increase in the proportion of people optimistic about the future of Rotherham town centre.

Although the progress of the plan is monitored, and updates provided to councillors, the data behind these measures is not published.



When data was made public, it showed that yearly footfall figures for Rotherham town centre have been in decline since 2012. From just over 26 million in that year, reducing by ten million to 16 million in 2019, even before the COVID pandemic.

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The way footfall is measured varies. Commercial property agents at nearby Parkgate Shopping promote that the popular retail destination attracts eight million visitors per year. Agents for Meadowhall say that the Sheffield shopping centre has 24 million visitors a year. Barnsley town centre attracted a footfall of more than nine million in 2024-25 according to Barnsley Council.

On the ground, Rothbiz recently reported on a "perfect storm" described by local retailers who said that "a massive dip in footfall over the years, not least due to huge retailers leaving for out of town retail parks, has taken its toll."

In Rotherham, the local authority points to the opening of Forge Island in 2024. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets.

Investment is also being made in events and a dedicated council team designed to make Rotherham’s high streets safer and more welcoming.

Vibrant Town Centres is one of four "gamechangers" in the new plan from the Rotherham Partnership. The vision is for partners to work together to diversify the offer in town centre in order to increase the number of return visits from residents and those outside of the borough.

The plan mentions the continued efforts to create more housing in the town centre, supporting businesses and community organisations to fill previously empty units and revitalise streets, and a collective effort to support residents to buy local.

On using culture and events, the plan states: "An engaging and exciting programme of events will draw people into our town centres, making them vibrant hubs for our communities and places where people come together. In Rotherham town centre, this sense of surprise and discovery will drive a renaissance in the visitor and nighttime economy."

The plan adds: "Across our town centres, including Dinnington, Maltby, Rotherham, Swinton and Wath, we will support the regeneration of our high streets with a focus on improving footfall, business support and making public spaces more pleasant and welcoming.

"We are redefining how we measure success - moving beyond traditional metrics of retail and spending, to also prioritise the social, wellbeing and community value which town centres can deliver."

Images: Flux Rotherham / BTG Eddisons

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News: Rotherham Council knocks back padel plans

Plans to introduce padel courts to Rotherham town centre have been refused by the local council.

The counci's 2017 masterplan placed a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported in May on a planning application for two padel courts to be constructed over the car park of the boutique hotel in the historic George Wright Building on the heritage High Street.

Developers took on an unused underground building next to the George Wright where The Bunka opened earlier this year - a premium underground VIP golf simulator and leisure venue located on Snail Hill featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan technology, in-house PGA coaching and a members-only bar. A spa in the building is set to follow.

The latest plans from applicant, Mark McGrail of SME Holding Ltd, are for the installation of a simple metal deck for two padel courts over the existing car park.

The courts would be surrounded by fencing and protective panels, plus LED lighting, with plans stating that the proposal "represents a sensitive and sustainable development opportunity that respects its historical context, makes efficient use of underutilised urban land, and delivers an additional element to this urban entertainment venue."

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Given that the site is within the town's conservation area, and the George Wright is a listed building, the plans state that the height and massing have been sensitively designed. The required fencing and protective panels around the courts will be covered by canopies, which the plans state: "although quite high in relation to the GW Hotel it will have little impact upon the GW Hotel given its semi-transparent nature." The development is also easily reversible due to its construction.

Refusing the plans without going to the council's planning board, officers took issue with potential noise and disturbance, and with how the courts would look in proximity to the Grade I listed Rotherham Minster, and Grade II listed George Wright Hotel.

A report from planners states: "The proposed Padel Courts would introduce an incongruous form of development to this commercial Town Centre Location that would cause noise and disturbance to local residents and occupants of commercial properties harming their amenity.

"Due to the visual prominence, height and materials of the proposed Padel Courts the development would appear incongruously within this Town Centre location and would materially harm the setting of the Grade I listed Rotherham Minster and would lead to less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Rotherham Town Centre Conservation Area.

The proposed development would also lead to less than substantial harm, at the higher end to the setting of the adjacent Grade II listed building known as the George Wright Hotel. Whilst some public benefit has been identified from the proposals, it is considered that it does not outweigh the harm to these identified designated heritage assets."

To fit in the courts, the structure would go over the Snail Hill access road. Council planners said that this would create "an intimidating environment for pedestrians."

Images: Google Maps / SME / Just Architecture

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News: Whitestone solar plans accepted by Government

Plans to build one of the largest solar farms in the country have moved a step forward - it would cover 1,169 hectares of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster.

Rotherham Council and the three local MPs have all raised issues with the application.

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.

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.

Having assessed application documents, the Government's Planning Inspectorate has now accepted an application for an order granting development consent.

A three month pre-examination stage will now begin looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage which is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies and people whose land is directly affected can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

Rotherham Council has already made a representation stating that: "it has been made aware of an apparent failure to serve the requisite notice on the occupiers of Springvale Farm, Springvale House, Morthen House, and New Sycamore Farm. In the absence of evidence demonstrating that such service has been lawfully affected, the Council’s position is that the statutory consultation requirements may not have been fully satisfied."

Local councillors, parish councils and local residents have raised insues over the quality and effectiveness of the consultation.

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John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisborough says that the consultation has been "fundamentally flawed" adding that each of the three sites are seperate.

The MP said: "Residents do not experience the same local impacts across these three areas, and no reasonable observer would describe them as one contiguous or coherent site.

"Instead of respecting the different communities and recognising each of the three schemes should be subject to a separate consultation, Whitestone has lumped the schemes together in a single consultation. No doubt this is for convenience and to cut costs, but aggregating the three schemes deprives communities of a proper consultation and fails to fully discharge Whitestone's obligation under the act."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, said: "Each of the three schemes exceeds the threshold for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and therefore requires a robust, standalone consultation. Whitestone's decision to amalgamate them appears to prioritise administrative convenience and cost-saving over compliance with the Act [The Planning Act 2008] and over meaningful engagement with residents."

The MPs are asking the Government's chief planner to assess the the adequacy and validity of the Whitestone consultation.

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "Should this be found to be inadequate, I would urge you to ensure that proper, detailed consultation, which recognises the unique impacts across the three separate schemes, is undertaken prior to any planning application moving forward."

Applicants are hoping for a decision on the plans in Autumn 2027.

Whitestone website

Images: Pexels / Adrinil Dennis

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News: Manvers whitewater course plans submitted

A planning application has been submitted for a new whitewater course at Manvers Lake in Rotherham.

The £14m project involves a new 250m channel for both paddlesport and public recreation, together with an additional channel for the training and education of professional and volunteer swift water rescue training.

Rothbiz reported on the official launch event last year at the Waterfront regeneration project that has transformed the area following the closure of the Wath Main & Manvers Main colliery complex. It now includes 450 homes, business parks, a hotel, pub, retail outlets and neighbourhood facilities. Operated by a trust, a boat club provides facilities for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and other activities, while the lake also supports open water swimming, fishing, and cycling.

The proposed new facility is based on a new channel running along the North East bank of the lake. The channel would cut into the bank along the line of the existing footpath that runs around the lake.

A pumphouse will lift water at a rate of up to 10 cubic metres every second, 3 metres [10 feet] from the lake into a start pool out of which the water will flow down the course back into the lake. The facility makes use of the existing water resource of Manvers Lake, recirculating water through the channel without the need for significant additional water supply.

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The application sets out: "The course and the channel system is designed to accommodate two main user groups:

1) Water safety and flood rescue training, education, demonstration and research.
2) Whitewater canoeing, kayaking, rafts and duckies (small inflatables); both recreational and competitive.

"This venue has the potential to become a national centre for flood rescue training with Fire crews from the whole of the UK attending. The whitewater course is also suitable for all capabilities all the way up to international competitions.

"The facility represents a significant investment in the area and will make a meaningful contribution to the appeal of the Dearne Valley as a visitor destination, while also supporting the operational readiness of rescue services.

"The facility will attract visitors from across the region, create employment opportunities and contribute to the ongoing regeneration narrative of this former industrial landscape."

The plans also involve a new launch area for the dragon boats on the main lake with terraces behind for picnicking and views of the lake. An extension to the existing parking is also proposed, as is a replacement of the existing footbridge and a new access for the emergency vehicles to the east.

The proposals will result in the loss of some modified grassland and scrub habitat so applicants say that habitats accross the site will be improved.

With the plans going through the system, the Trust continues to focus on securing the £14m capital investment required.

Manvers Lake Trust website

Images: Manvers Lake Trust / Alistair W Baldwin Studio

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News: Rotherham bids to become the first UK Town of Culture 2028

Building on the success of the Children’s Capital of Culture programme, Rotherham is entering the race to become the first UK Town of Culture, reports Visit Rotherham.

Adding to the UK City of Culture, the competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme. Showcasing towns’ local visions and voices - through new arts venues, performances, workshops and more - this competition brings local investment, creates a lasting sense of pride in towns, and opens doors to the arts for everyone.

Visit Rotherham reports on the sharing an official postcard on social media where Rotherham Council confirmed that Rotherham is running to become the next UK Town of Culture 2028.

The postcard reads: "Dear United Kingdom,

"Welcome to Rotherham - where our story is your story: the country of courage, not clichés.

"We come from the England people don't put on postcards. We became the town people told stories about.

"This next chapter is where we stop asking whether Rotherham deserves a better future and start writing it. Where culture is the engine of confidence, pride and belonging. Where creativity lives in every community that waited too long to be seen.

"Our Rotherham - and your nation - isn't defined by its past; it's driven by it. Join us as we become your UK Town of Culture."

The strongest bids for the UK Town of Culture will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.

Three finalists - one small, one medium, one large town - will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3m prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.

Almost 400 towns have submitted a bid. Other South Yorkshire bids have come from Barnsley, Mexborough, Conisbrough and Bawtry.

Launching the competition earlier this year, Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from - from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations. They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.

"We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special."

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In 2025, Rotherham became the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture. Over the year, there were events in streets, parks, schools and town centres. These included festivals, performances and creative activities for families to enjoy. More than half a million people took part.

Big events like the Roots Street Carnival, Uplift Urban Sports Festival and a special community opera brought thousands of people into the town centre. This helped support local shops and businesses and made the town feel more lively and welcoming.

The programme also helped young people build skills and confidence. It created 138 paid trainee roles and gave many children and young people the chance to try new things and think about future careers.

A Children’s Capital of Culture trainee said: “Many of the young people involved in Children’s Capital of Culture are now established photographers, illustrators, writers and artists, all making their mark in Rotherham and much further afield. Children’s Capital of Culture has shown Rotherham through the eyes, ears and actions of its young people, and we’ve loved our moment in the spotlight.”

The borough recently won the Best Culture and Arts Scheme at the Town and City Management Industry Awards 2026.

Andrew Bramidge, Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment at Rotherham Council, said: “We are very proud to win this award. It shows the amazing ideas, talent and hard work of our children and young people.

“This programme has helped change how people see Rotherham and how people feel about living here. It has built pride, created opportunities and brought people together.

“It is also helping our town grow and improve, by bringing more people into the town centre and making it a place people enjoy visiting.”

"This award shows how culture and creativity can bring people together, improve confidence and help make Rotherham a stronger and more positive place for the future."

Images: Children’s Capital of Culture

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