News: Possible public private partnership for Pathfinder

Work has taken place to explore and assess the options to create a public/private sector partnership framework for the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme in Rotherham. Consultant John Sawyer of Eye Develop Ltd has been tasked with assessing the options for a new development vehicle to drive forward the multi million pound housing regeneration programme. The preferred option of a new entity will attract further private sector developers and demonstrate to the Homes & Communities Agency the ability to deliver projects. The entity would hold the option over Council land with the land remaining in Council ownership until development takes place. It is hoped to be established in shadow form by April 2010 and be fully operational by April 2011. The main target is to deliver over 2,500 new homes and Joint Service Centres. It is proposed that the new partnership would operate initially in Canklow and Dalton and East Herringthorpe. Rotherham is one of nine Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders established to tackle the areas of low demand. The programme will run for ten to fifteen years and the aim is to build and support sustainable communities where the quality and choice of housing available underpins a buoyant economy and improved quality of life.

Rotherham HMR website
Rotherham