News: Work continues to improve the appearance of Rotherham town centre

Urban Canvas has won a commission to improve the look of the empty shops on the High Street in Rotherham town centre.

The Nottingham collective works in partnership with communities to create eye catching site specific art that brightens towns and cities.

Their urban art has been commissioned in Leicester, Nottingham, Kidderminster and Mansfield.

The new work forms part of the "Meanwhile Project" which aims to bring life and footfall back to the town centre by improving the look of vacant units throughout the town centre.

Another project has seen professional landscape photographer for 30 years, Barry Payling, creating a striking window display of some of his best work in the former pet shop on Corporation Street.

Also this week, 100 hanging baskets and over a dozen tiered floral displays have been introduced, concentrated on key shopping streets.

They come with the planting that Rotherham Borough Council's Streetpride services have already put in place in the town centre for the summer months.

The move was made in light of shoppers' feedback that they wanted to see more planting and greenery in the centre.

Business Development Manager Tim O'Connell said: "Shoppers and businesses have highlighted the importance of a pleasant and attractive environment in bringing people into the town centre. This, along with our efforts to improve vacant units, will create a more welcoming environment for our shoppers and visitors and encourage repeat visits.

"This is one of a number of measures aimed at making the centre more appealing, including the introduction of free Saturday parking, free parking after 3pm during the week and an extended events programme."

Rotherham Town Centre website

Images: urbancanvas.co.uk