News: National retailer eyes former Rotherham Wilko store

A national retailer is set to move into an empty unit in Rotherham, but only if planning permission is secured to enable the sale of a wider range of goods.

Rothbiz reported last year on the efforts of the owners of the Cortonwood Shopping Park in Rotherham to secure new tenants following the closure of the large Wilko store.

Administrators were called in to the British high-street retail chain in 2023. A deal to save hundreds of stores fell through and instead, B&M was reported to be acquiring 51 former Wilko store premises and then-Poundland owner Pepco took on the leases of up to 71 stores. The Range subsequently agreed a deal to buy the Wilko brand, website and intellectual property.

Managers, Threadneedle has already secured permission to split Unit 1 into two separate retail units for separate tenants and now they are applying for a change of use for Unit 1B so that it can be used for the sale of food and drink "by a national multiple retailer."

Plans for the 98,000 sq ft development were only passed on appeal at a public inquiry in 2013 after earlier being refused by Rotherham Council. The permission prevents a retail operation that is "primarily for the sale of food" and planning permission had to be secured in 2015 to enable an M&S Foodhall to open at the park.

Now permission is being sought for food retail at the 5,000 sq ft Unit 1B.

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The application states: "The application is submitted to enable a small-scale national multiple food and drink retailer to take occupation of the floorspace and enable its reoccupation. The Shopping Park can already be used for a wide range of food retail operations including M&S, Poundland, B&M and Morrisons. The proposal therefore does not result in a material change of the already permitted retail land use operations that can take place at the Shopping Park."

If approved, a new tenant would bring 25 jobs to the area.

As the site is classed as out of town, a sequential test is also included. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

Applicants say that there are no suitable and available sites in nearby town centres and hope that planners agree, in the same way they did with the M&S approval.

The plans conclude: "The proposal is positive economic investment in Rotherham which will secure sustainable economic growth by providing economically beneficial retail facilities at an existing and established retail location that enhances consumer choice.

"Further, the proposal will bring vacant economic floorspace into productive use.

"With this in mind, the proposal is a positive investment in Rotherham's retail market that results in the sustainable re-use of an existing building which currently does not contribute to the local economy. Reoccupying the floorspace at Unit 1B would provide new job opportunities and wage creation, which would be to the benefit of local people."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham Premier Inn plans passed

The planning board at Rotherham Council has voted to approve an expansion at a popular hotel, despite a number of objections.

Rothbiz reported in 2024 that Premier Inn had identified a "considerable demand" for additional accommodation at its Rotherham East hotel in the Brecks area. It came eight years after the operator secured approval for a similar scheme that was never built.

Rothbiz has also reported that the latest proposed development would lead to a net reduction of 15 car parking spaces and that the recent introduction of time limited restrictions and charges at the car park led to Rotherham's highways department raising concerns. 144 objections from local residents have also been submitted, almost all related to the loss of car parking or an excacerbation of existing parking problems in the area.

The latest proposal, drawn up by Walshingham Planning, is for a 4,800 sq ft two storey extension to the east of the current hotel. It would provide an additional 16 bedrooms but two current rooms would be lost to create a new corridor. It would take the total rooms at the site from 62 to 76 and lead to a net reduction of 15 car parking spaces.

Following a number of surveys requested by the council, including assessing on-street parking nearby and the use of car park between the hotel and pub and the Sainsbury's convenience store, snooker club and dance school, the planners at Rotherham Council concluded that "the objections raised would not outweigh the judgement that the development would not cause unacceptable impact on highway safety, or a severe impact on the road network."

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It is concluded that, based on the survey’s undertaken, "there is the potential for some displaced parking to on-street parking to take place, for a short time period in the evening, though this is as a result of the activities of the adjoining convenience store, snooker hall and dance hall, where patronage exceeds their 18 allocated car parking spaces" with users also occupying spaces in the Whitbread car parking areas.

The planning board were told that even with the increase in the number of rooms and the decrease in parking spaces, the car park users visiting the hotel and pub could still be accommodated on the site without pushing the customers onto nearby streets.

Jonathan Vose of Walshingham Planning, said: "The proposal represents the expansion of an existing tourism asset on brownfield land, and will contribute to Rotherham’s tourism offer and economy via private investment by the UK’s largest hotelier."

Objectors discussed that shared parking arrangements ended when Whitbread introduced fees for car park users and that they feel that the survey fails to tell the whole story as it was only carried out for three days. Janet Mitchell of the nearby dance school warned that: "We may not be able to continue if people cannot find places to park or just drop and collect their children."

Simon Gammons, senior highways manager at Rotherham Council told the board: "This is an application for a private business on their own land, and their car park. In a perfect world it would be shared and everyone would operate together but, at the moment, Premier Inn own them 80-odd spaces and their hotel, and the facts are that they can accommodate their own traffic. The others can't."

Members of the board were told that it would be up to, and in the best interests of, the convenience store, snooker club and dance school to put in place some management of its parking spaces to prevent users of the hotel using them, but this was not part of the application.

Seven councillors voted to approve the plans, with one voting against and one abstention.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Burnt-out former Wetherspoons in Rotherham - yours for £249,995

A fire-damaged pub in Rotherham town centre is up for sale.

The Rhinoceros pub on Bridgegate was one of 16 pubs put up for sale by J D Wetherspoons in 2019. Known locally as "Rhinos," the pub operated independently from Wetherspoon but was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The units were in the proccess of being refurbished and the initial intention was for the rear wing of the building to be converted into residential apartments, but two subsequent fires caused considerable damage to the existing building and structure.

Proposals for a new "Georgian inspired" mixed use development to replace the pub were approved last October.

Rotherham Council were hoping that work on the project moved quickly but with little sign of development, the property is back up for sale.

Agents, BRH have given the property a price of £249,995 and say that it "presents an exceptional opportunity for investors and developers. With full planning permission granted for 22 self-contained flats and 2 x large ground floor commercial units, it offers significant potential for redevelopment.

"While the property demands significant work, its affordable price point and strategic location make it an attractive proposition for those looking to invest in the area.

"The estimated post-development value stands at approximately £3m, highlighting the financial potential of this project."

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The pub previously went up for auction in 2021 with a guide price of £399,000.

The approved outline application would involve the demolition of the whole of the existing building and replacing it with a three storey building with a Georgian style frontage to Bridgegate containing two retail units of 800 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft. Access would be between the retail units into a courtyard area and the proposed new large apartment block.

Rotherham Council has previously served a s215 notice on the owner of the site in an effort to address the eyesore of a wrecked building. Local authorities have the power to take steps requiring land to be cleaned up when its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area. The notice was served "due to the dilapidated and poor state the building is still in after the fire and given the site is located in a prime location in the town centre conservation area."

Sale documents warn that "access is restricted due to structural instability."

As part of the approval, applicants were given three years to implement the scheme, or one year to submit landscaping proposals and a reserved matters application, and then a futher year to implement the scheme from the date the reserved matters application is approved.

BRH are also marketing another redevelopment opportunity in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz has previously reported on plans to convert the upper floors of 16 - 20 College Street in All Saints Square.

Agents explain: "With full planning permission already granted for nine self-contained flats, this site presents a prime opportunity for substantial development. Additionally, two commercial units on the ground floor add further value to this offering.

"The property ... requires a complete renovation throughout, with estimated refurbishment costs of £400k. Once completed, the estimated end value is projected to reach around £1.2m. This makes it an attractive proposition for investors looking to capitalise on the growing demand for residential and commercial spaces in central locations."

The College Street property is up for sale for £599,995.

BRH website

Images: BRHv / John Box Associates

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News: New neighbourhood venues in Rotherham

The Canary and Bistro Bisque are the newest venues in Rotherham.

2025 saw the opening of Olive Lane, the urban shopping and leisure development at the Waverley development which also includes a medical centre and community centre.

The Canary micro bar is preparing to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at Unit C1, complete with outdoor benches.

Serving a curated selection of craft and cask beers from independent breweries as well as exclusive wines, small-batch gins, cocktails and exceptional whisky.

Applicant, TBO Limited, has applied for an alcohol licence with the operating hours of 9:00 - 23:30 on Monday to Thursday, 9:00 - 00:30 on Friday and Saturday and Sundays between 9:00 and 22:30.

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An opening date has yet to be announced but, operators said on social media this week: "We can’t wait to welcome you. The build is progressing well...

"Expect a heavy rotation of independent beers (our last spot poured 360 different brews in just 12 months), alongside exclusive wines you won’t find anywhere else.

"Community matters here. The history of Orgreave and its strong, working-class spirit has always inspired us — and we’re proud to bring that sense of connection to The Waverley through The Canary.

"This is more than just a bar. It’s a place to belong."

Across the borough at Thorpe Hesley, Bistro Bisque has opened a bistro and bar with a pottery painting twist.

Moving from Ecceslall Road in Sheffield into a converted former nursery on Brook Hill, the new location combines a bar & grill with a pottery area.

Events include potty prosecco, paint & pour and a six week build, fire & paint course.

Bistro Bisque website

Images: Bistro Bisque

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News: Fast-growing Rotherham provides green shoots for closing productivity gap

Rotherham has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sub-regional economies for productivity in the UK, according to new research.

New analysis from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP) has looked at the rise in gross value added (GVA) per hour worked across the North. NPP is a business-led think tank and advocacy group for the North of England.

The Rotherham ITL3 area is the fastest-growing sub-regional economy in the North, with a 63.9% increase in productivity between 2004 and 2023.

Rotherham's GVA per hour worked figure compares to 24.3% growth in Leeds and 37.6% in Manchester. Other high performers were Berkshire West (67.3%) and Brighton & Hove (62.6%). For the same period, Sheffield's increase was 11.6%, Doncaster's was 29.9% and Barnsley was 7.8%. South Yorkshire overall was 12.2%

The figures are based on ONS labour productivity data, analysed by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.

This dramatic improvement has been driven by the growth of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District shared with neighbouring Sheffield in South Yorkshire. It is a regeneration success story that has turned former site of the of the battle of Orgreave into a globally recognised hub for high-value manufacturing. It includes the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) which has attracted inward investment to the area and has most recently been helping with R&D for Rolls-Royce SMR (Small Modular Reactors) project.

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South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “South Yorkshire is at the forefront of a national industrial revival—and Rotherham is leading the charge. In Rotherham we’re seeing industrial strategy done right, delivering exactly what the country needs: higher productivity, stronger innovation and real economic transformation.

“The results speak for themselves. Rotherham’s emergence as a place where productivity is growing almost quicker than anywhere else in the whole of the UK, is a testament to our advanced manufacturing sector and our success building the industries and jobs of the future. Our success won’t just benefit South Yorkshire—it’s a blueprint for how the UK can grow, compete and thrive.

“From the site of the Battle of Orgreave 40 years ago, to a globally recognised hub for innovation today, Rotherham is national example of industrial strategy done brilliantly well.”

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council added: “This is welcome recognition of the progress we’ve made in Rotherham — one of the UK’s fastest-growing local economies. It’s a testament to the innovation, investment and skills that have driven our transformation over the past two decades. It also demonstrates the importance of strong public-private partnerships and upfront investment. Hidden in these figures are the real stories of large-scale land reclamation in the north of the borough, as well as the world’s first Advanced Manufacturing Park, which was only possible in collaboration with the University of Sheffield.

“Of course, there remains still much to do to create the jobs and opportunities we want to see right across our borough. We’re forging ahead with the largest programme of physical regeneration for many years, improving our town centre as well as localities beyond. That includes progressing plans for a new train station, which would return mainline train services to Rotherham for the first time since the 1980s, alongside new homes and business premises, to ensure we continue to make progress over the next two decades.”

Analysis for the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) describes the region's productivity as poor when compared to other city regions, across all sectors relative to both the Great Britain average and other city regions. GVA per job in South Yorkshire is below the national average in all broad sector areas besides Education and Agriculture.

Sectors that produce higher productivity tradable goods and services are seen as the core engine of growth for the UK’s services-dominated globalised economy. South Yorkshire has seen growth in tradable sectors, particularly in the Sheffield / Rotherham corridor: Between 2015 and 2021, South Yorkshire’s tradables jobs grew 3.4%.

Analysis for Rotherham Council shows that although productivity levels have increased over the past five years; this has been at a slower rate than nationally (3% vs. 5%).

With an investment zone based around advanced manufacturing and innovation, improving poor transport connections that limit the size of the labour market, increasing levels of capital investment and addressing skills gaps with targeted skills interventions focused on the growth industries are set to feature in new economic growth plans for the region.

Images: Harworth Group

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