Australian firm, Bunnings, one of the world's leading retailers of home improvement and outdoor living products, is planning to makeover a large empty unit in order to open a new store in Rotherham.
The 51,000 sq ft retail warehouse at the Northfields Retail Park was formerly occupied by B&Q but has been vacant since June 2016.
Rothbiz reported last month that in order to help find new tenants, planning permission was secured to subdivide the unit and open up the potential uses of the site that were restricted by the initial outline planning applications.
Now it appears that these plans have been shelved and a new bulky goods retailer is set to move in. Plans submitted to Rotherham Council for new signage show that the unit would become a Bunnings Warehouse.
Plans show the retailer will get to work to "completely refurbish the store" and that the plans for the unit "will secure its reuse, new local employment and a new quality home improvement offer for Rotherham."
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Keen to climb up the ladder in the £38 billion a year UK home improvement and gardening market, the Australian firm acquired the struggling Homebase chain in February 2016 for £340m. The company, part of the AUS$66 billion turnover Wesfarmers Group, announced plans to invest up to £500m rolling out the Bunnings Warehouse format in the UK and Ireland over the next three to five years.
Selling leading brands at warehouse prices, the UK stores sell over 30,000 lines including DeWalt, Ryobi, Irwin Tools and Johnstone's Trade, as well as Purdy and Harris.
The stores, which typically employ between 50 and 90 staff, include team members who are ex-plumbers, electricians, builders, landscape gardeners and painter & decorators, with experts "owning their own aisle."
Currently operating five stores in the UK, in June, Bunnings announced that it would expand its pilot program, and will have 15 to 20 stores by the end of 2017 – up to twice as many as previously expected.
If the deal for the Rotherham property is confirmed it will be the first Bunnings Warehouse in Yorkshire, and indeed, North of Milton Keynes.
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PJ Davis, managing director of Bunnings UK & Ireland, said: "Our decision to extend the pilot programme reflects the positive reaction we've seen from customers to the stores we've opened so far.
"Increasing the number of pilot stores to 20 will give us the opportunity to test the concept in new geographies, with different demographics, across a range of store sizes.
"We are determined to combine the best of Bunnings Warehouse with what UK consumers want. The success of the pilots still remains a precursor to additional investment."
Having only opened in 2009 after relocating from nearby Thornhill, the B&Q at Northfields closed under plans by the owner, Kingfisher plc to "transform its offer" to customers. The store at Cortonwood in Rotherham remains open. Homebase previously operated at the nearby Parkgate Shopping before closing in 2011.
A Joint Venture development is seen as Rotherham Council's preferred option for realising the £43m catalyst regeneration project on Forge Island in the town centre.
The new masterplan has a strong focus on boosting the leisure uses in the town centre, which along with further housing, is expected to improve vitality, attract more visitors and keep people in the area.
A council report on the plans sates: "The masterplan contains a series of proposals and plans which bring to life how the town centre can move forward. It includes proposals to transform a number of key sites across the town centre utilising the river and canal, open spaces and feature buildings. At the heart of the masterplan is a vision to create a much-improved visitor experience with more to do and to see particularly targeted at families and young people."
Seen as the major catalyst project in picking up the momentum for the town's regeneration, the plans, which were developed for the Council by WYG Group and Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), reiterate the desire for a leisure, retail and residential development around the riverside at Forge Island.
Previously the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the 1.57 hectare site has recently been fully cleared following the relocation of Tesco across town in 2014. Currently used as a car park which will be extended for at least another year, the site is now owned by Rotherham Council.
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Developers, investors and operators are showing a keen interest in working up proposals for a five screen cinema, 60-bed hotel, food outlets, bars and cafes (around 24,000 - 30,000 sq ft of space), and 120+ residential units. A 300+ space multi storey car park is also in the plans and a feasibility study is being carried out on the potential of a new theatre and arts space on the adjacent site of the former Law Courts, which is also owned by the Council. A hydro-electric power system could be incorporated on the weir.
Soft-market testing has been underway alongside property firm, LSH and a brief was taken to MIPIM, the global property event. Now, councillors and commissioners are been asked to approve the masterplan and at the same time, the mechanism for the implementation of the Forge Island proposals.
The masterplan, which focuses on implementation, identifies the appointment of a development partner to realise the vision for Forge Island as a critical next step.
The report highlights that the Council cannot wait for the market to deliver projects, or at the other end of the scale, create a body to deliver all projects and schemes in the masterplan.
The preferred option at this time is for the Council to seek a development partner to form a Joint Venture for the development of Forge Island. Upon completion of the scheme the Council has the option to retain the asset (its land) as an investment or sell to the investment market.
Options to appoint a development manager, sell the cleared Forge Island site to a developer, or act as a developer itself, have been discounted by the authority.
Simeon Leach, economic strategy and partnerships manager at RiDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, said: "Development of Forge Island has been identified as a priority. The site and much of the surrounding land is already in Council ownership and developments to the West of the town centre; including the Law Courts, Riverside Precinct, and Corporation Street, as well as linking with both the rail station and bus interchange.
"A brief is currently under development and it is intended this will be taken to the market by September 2017 to secure a development partner. With the requirement to obtain planning permission, this is likely to lead to a start on site during the second half of 2018."
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On Forge Island, the masterplan states: "Proposals focus on a new leisure destination featuring a new cinema, bars, restaurants, and a quality hotel. This area might also include a new theatre and arts centre. Together these uses will provide a new focus for activity and draw people into the town.
"In addition, there will be new town centre apartments, ample car parking and new public squares and green space. This new development will be well connected to the core town centre via a new landmark bridge and connect to rail station and bus station close by.
"Forge Island has the clear potential to be the flag-ship project in the masterplan and the catalyst for regeneration of the town centre."
Businesses have additional time to submit their applications for the 2017 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.
Due to the proximity of the Bank Holiday and following numerous requests, businesses and individuals now have until Friday September 8 to submit their nominations for the award categories.
The awards, in association with RNN Group, will recognise the achievements of companies and individuals, honour the region's best in business as companies and individuals compete for 12 prestigious awards, with the much sought-after Universal Components Business of the Year trophy been presented to one outstanding performer of the evening.
This year's awards evening will again be held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on Friday, October 13.
The awards are open to organisations of all sizes in all industries with an "S" postcode (within the Sheffield City Region) and all members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, regardless of location.
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Andrew Denniff, chief executive of the chamber, said: "We have received a number of entries from businesses and individuals to date, for all categories and I would like to encourage businesses to continue submitting their entries during the extension period. The awards recognise the best of our region and we know there are many businesses across the region that have achieved excellence over the past 12 months and I hope that you can join us at the ceremony to celebrate our region's best and brightest."
This year's categories are:
- Source Academy Apprentice of the Year Award - SteelPhalt Harsco Business Community Impact Award - Business Person of the Year - Brook Corporate Developments Business Growth Award - Rotherham College Digital and Creative Award - Enzygo Environmental Commitment Award - SOTpay Excellence in Customer Service Award - ASD Lighting Manufacturing Excellence Award - Enterprising Barnsley Most Promising New Business Award - Rotherham Together Partnership Skills Development Award - Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality - The Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award
Charity members of the Chamber have also been invited to enter the Charity of the Year award to share their good causes with a chance to be named the 2017 Charity of the Year.
Local businesses have been asking for free parking across Rotherham town centre but those behind the masterplan for the area insist that it is not the key to success.
Instead, the masterplan sets out that the answer is building and enhancing the quality of the destination and the town centre as an attraction, and by creating an intelligent and competitive parking regime.
The recently published masterplan places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre. It is set for approval by the Council's cabinet in September.
A detailed parking strategy has been prepared to underpin and support the plan which was developed for the Council by WYG Group and Lambert Smith Hampton and includes key catalyst projects such as the proposed £43m leisure development with a cinema, hotel and a 300 space car park on Forge Island (cgi, above).
The masterplan states: "Whilst the sustainable modes of travel are promoted the role of car parking in supporting the success and sustainability of town centre and its businesses is confirmed as vitally important.
"Free parking giving access to a poor town centre is not the key to success. An improved town centre offer, with an intelligent and competitive parking regime is. Parking controls should be geared to encouraging people to use the town centre as conveniently and cost effectively as possible."
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Parking charges increased in Rotherham town centre in 2016 to help fill a deficit in the Council's parking services budget. Councillors wanted an option to increase charges on the basis of free (off street) parking being provided on Saturdays but this was not acceded to.
The latest plans do put forward some ideas for the Council, but free parking "across the board" is not one of them. In 2015, Council bosses estimated that this would "probably" boost trade but if it was introduced, a £400,000 surplus generated for the Council would turn into a deficit of approximately £500,000.
Ideas include operating a "hub" of public car parks with the same pricing structure, additional time-limited free parking in car parks where there is low occupancy (as used in the "red zone" on Forge Island), and barrier controlled entry and exit car parks so that people are not forced to leave the town when their ticket expires. Pay on exit barrier controlled parking reduces the risk of enforcement and people only pay for what they use.
Another idea is for additional on-street parking in central areas to provide easy access for shoppers and visitors. The balance of pedestrian and vehicular access in areas around Howard Street, Effingham Street and College Street means that areas are cut-off from passing movements of people and motorists, particularly in the evening. Allowing cars on the pedestrianised areas out of shopping-hours and the introduction of 20-30 new spaces is put forward.
The plans state: "Proposals for car parking in the short-term should help to support increased use of the town centre. This will directly to answer retailers' requests for interim measures to support vitality and viability. This could involve the Council taking a flexible approach to their car parks and the charging / ticketing regimes.
"The answer to Rotherham's future is not however free parking. The answer is building and enhancing the quality of the destination and the town centre as an attraction.
"In the longer term, the aim is to ensure safe, welcoming and user friendly town centre car parks and parking options, which are convenient, competitively priced and which encourage use of the town centre through the day and into the evening."
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The plans also show an oversupply of parking now, and with planned developments. Even as existing surface car parks make way for proposed development this "will in part address the present over supply (and underuse) of many car parks."
The plans add: "To ensure businesses continue to trade well and benefit from adequate car parking in the town centre, we have assessed the implications of blocks of parking being removed from the supply at various times. Our conclusions are that there will always be supply to meet present and future demands and that the interim arrangements will be sufficient to ensure the town centre continues to trade."
Studies show the existing off street parking provision of 2,374 spaces dipping below 2,000 in 2019 before returning to 2,300 as new car parks are created by the end of 2020. Car park maximum occupancy levels are shown as 1,415 in 2017 and 1,727 in the year 2028.
For example: "Whilst there may be some inconvenience with parking at Forge Island being lost whilst development is under construction, parking will be available in the refurbished Interchange."
New stores are getting ready to open for business at a £36m retail development in Rotherham where over 200 jobs have been created.
At Cortonwood Shopping Park, work started last year on a programme to demolish the vacant 150,000 sq ft ALBA warehouse, following which J F Finnegan undertook works to create 11 new retail units and a restaurant totalling 79,750 sq ft.
Getting ready to open are national retailers Outfit, H&M, New Look, River Island, Mountain Warehouse, Marks and Spencer Simply Food, Clark's, JD Sports, Wilkos, Poundland and Frankie & Benny's.
Only passed on appeal, the development is from Helical Retail and forms an extension to Cortonwood Retail Park which was developed by St Paul's Developments, totally transforming the site of the former Cortonwood Colliery, where the 1984 miners' strike began.
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Helical Bar plc is a property investment and development company and is working with partners, Oswin Developments Limited on the scheme.
Jonathan Cox of Helical Retail said: "This development has come about over a period of time which many retailers have found challenging, underlining the confidence these high profile names have in Cortonwood as a retail destination."
Edgerley Simpson Howe acted for Helical Retail and Aberdeen Asset Management was advised by CWM.
The 9,000 sq ft M&S Foodhall, which has created 57 jobs at the scheme, has set its opening date as August 30.
Helical Retail funded the development to clients of Aberdeen Asset Management for £36.3m, showing the buyer a yield of c.5.5%. Aberdeen Asset Management PLC is a global investment management group, managing assets for institutional and retail clients from offices around the world.
Over 95% of the scheme was pre-let "off plan" and the developers believe that the new retail park will create between 279 and 372 jobs (equivalent to 186 full time jobs).
Helical plc has narrowed the focus of the company to London, offices in Manchester and a portfolio of logistics units. It expects to sell off remaining non-core assets, such as its retail portfolio, this year.
An ambitious powder-coating and fabrications specialist has founded his own steel fabrication business in Rotherham having acquired the equipment from the liquidators of his previous employers.
Headed up by Greg Marsland, an experienced fabrication professional who has worked alongside his father, Alan Marsland, for the majority of his career, - bringing a combined 40 years of experience in the powder coating and fabrication industry - PCF Works has been established to satisfy demand for the services in the area, following the closure of a number of firms.
Wath-based Vica SL called in the liquidators last month and the most high profile part of the business - Lightman, a leading supplier in multi use games areas, has moved over to the Sheffield-based company, All Urban Ltd.
Receiving £40,000 funding from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), Greg purchased equipment from the liquidators of Vica SL, whom Greg was employed by until 2016. Essential maintenance and repairs to all purchased assets have been enacted, alongside insurance and additional equipment purchases required to begin production.
Since starting trading in May 2017, managing director Greg, has increased the number of experienced powder coating and fabrication professionals in his team from three to five, and plans to double that number in the upcoming 12 months.
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Greg Marsland, founder of PCF Works (pictured, left), said: "The funding has really helped me get the ball rolling. We began production on the 10th May with three staff and have already increased this number to five. The plan is to also appoint further fabricators bringing the total number of staff to ten, to ensure that we can grow the business even further and exploit its full potential."
Although a relatively new company, PCF is already attracting a growing number of customers through its high standard of workmanship and its flexibility in terms of a client's brief while Greg is embracing his new role as an entrepreneur.
Alan Stanley from UKSE (pictured, right), said: "UKSE are delighted to have assisted Greg in the foundation of his powder coating and metal fabrication facility in Wath-Upon-Dearne, trading as PCF Works Ltd.
"The UKSE investment has allowed him to fit out and set up the premises, and provided some working capital in the initial period of trading. Greg hopes to double the size of his workforce, and this cash injection will go a long way to ensuring that this is achieved."
UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, was launched in 1975 to support the economic development of steel industry areas.
Plans for the long-awaited revamp of a prominent building in Rotherham town centre have been submitted.
Rothbiz reported first in February that the new owners of Westgate Chambers had been discussing plans for the future use of the building to include retail, leisure and residential aspects. The draft plans also included some demolition and the construction of a new block facing Domine Lane.
A decision to sell the Main Street property was made by Rotherham Council back in 2014 and the deal is set to go through when planning permission has been granted.
The plans from Sheffield-based HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, state: "The development will create an exciting courtyard residential development and vibrant retail, leisure, and hospitality space, in the heart of the conservation area in Rotherham town centre.
"The Westgate Chamber site is in a key location within Rotherham town centre; adjacent to the Westgate and Minster Quarters, and on the route between the proposed Forge Island Leisure Hub, and the town centre. The new development has the potential to be a key component in the rejuvenation of Rotherham, and will bring vibrant retail and leisure space and high quality residential accommodation right in the heart of Rotherham."
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Acquired by the Council in 2006, the major part of the 0.275ha complex is currently home to bars, nightclubs and takeaways with disused offices on the upper floors converted into artists studios and community arts space in 2011. Many units are vacant and part of the site is Grade 2 listed.
The proposed development has an estimated gross development value of £10.7m and the plans, drawn up by Self Architects, are for two interrelated developments.
For the existing building, the plan is for the addition of new shopfronts, in keeping with the heritage-led development of High Street, with three floors of contemporary apartments above.
A brand new building containing retail space and flats on Domine Lane is set to bring "high quality contemporary architecture, which will lift the street scene and continue the recent contemporary development."
Dilapidated buildings on Domine Lane are set to be demolished with the access to a courtyard moved to adjacent the 1915 Bar. The plans conclude that: "Overall the loss of the buildings on Domine Lane is outweighed by the benefit of providing much needed housing and high quality retail and leisure premises in the area."
The rear of the blocks are set to be developed to create an additional floor behind the existing ridge with a reorganisation of the floor plans to open up the space.
Renovating the current buildings, high quality retail, leisure and hospitality space is set for street level, with 29 well-proportioned, contemporary, one, two and three bedroom apartments, above. The new building will feature a large commercial unit on the ground floor with 32, high quality one, two and three bedroom apartments all with inset balconies, Juliette balconies or roof terraces.
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Given its proximity to the railway station and interchange, no car parking will be provided on site for the apartments, however 14 parking spaces are proposed for the use of employees of the ancillary retail and leisure uses.
Floor plans show that the basement and ground floor will contain the uses suitable for retail, drinking establishments and the first and second floors for residential.
The Georgian building, known as the Co-op building, was originally a fine residence built in 1794 by the architect John Platt and occupied by him until his death in 1810. It is set to be retained and enhanced. The proposals include reinstating the "handsome" Georgian façade by fitting appropriate 9 and 12-panel windows to the Main Street and Westgate facades, and renewing the shopfronts in a style complimentary to the building.
Over 4,000 businesses have worked with expert advisors at the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub, smashing an initial target of 500.
The SCR Growth Hub is the model that coordinates and simplifies business support so that it joins up national, local, public and private business provisions across the city region.
By the end of April 2017, the Growth Hub and its spokes of specialist advisors had worked with 4,122 businesses. The target was 500.
And the city region's businesses are pleased: the feedback is that they are getting "excellent" support and the Growth Hub has been awarded a satisfaction rating of 89% across the three different levels of help – light, medium and high.
The bulk of inquiries over the year have been about help to grow businesses and finance, while help with skills training, starting a new business, and innovation were roughly equally in demand.
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David Grimes, head of the SCR Growth Hub, said: "This is a very pleasing set of figures. The Growth Hub and its partners have been working extremely hard to help create growth and jobs across the region, and I am delighted that so many people have taken advantage of our services.
"This demonstrates that there is a huge appetite for businesses to grow and create jobs and prosperity across the region.
"Enterprise has always been at the heart of what we do in this region. It's a tribute to the hard work ethos here which is helping to attract, retain and develop skills in the region which are so important for sustainable growth."
Projects within the hub include, Launchpad, a £4m co-ordinated programme of start-up support for new start enterprises delivered by a consortium of the region's local authorities, and the Princes Trust.
A mentoring service is also in operation and the Enhancement Project targets businesses with high-growth potential.
Respectful Care, an innovative homecare provider, has expanded by opening a new branch in Rotherham.
Following the success of its first branch based in Mansfield,the company opened a new office at Bradmarsh Business Centre in Templeborough in order to cover the Rotherham area and deliver homecare services.
Martin Sieder, managing director, and registered care manager Samantha Woodward, are heading up the new operation.
Vacancies are currently available for support and care workers.
Having gained its registration from the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, Respectful Care works in partnership with all of the major health and social care organisations, local government and charities, and not-for-profit organisations, ensuring a unique and dedicated approach to care services is accessible to all.
Martin Sieder, managing director at respectful Care, said: "This is great news for people who need care and support in the Rotherham area. I know from family circumstances how important it is to get the right care and support in place.
"More so than in any other business, it is important to get the right people onboard; those who share your passion and belief that the people receiving the care and support are the most important people.
"We are recruiting for support and care workers and, our recruitment process requires people to be able to meet a very strict criteria as we demand very high levels of customer care and attention to detail."
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Respectful Care, founded in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire just a couple of years ago, has already expanded across Nottinghamshire and into Derbyshire, with branches in the Nottingham area and in Chesterfield.
Scott Marsh, who founded Respectful Care with friend and business partner Mark Docherty, said: "We're a business that wants to be the best. We want to not only meet the standards, but set them for others to follow
"There's a reason for this; our clients deserve the best care and support. It's as simple as that. It's something Mark and I feel strongly about, and we know Samantha and Martin do too. We're confident that we can build an organisation centered around people those who work for us, and those we provide a service to."
Samantha Woodward, registered care manager at Respectful Care, said: "I wanted to work with a company who were proud of their reputation and of the care and support they delivered to both the people receiving their services and their staff teams. In Respectful Care, I have found that company.
"With it being a new branch, I look forward to implementing quality person centred working practices to ensure people are receiving the right type of care and support, in the way they wish to receive it. Along with new policies and procedures to support every member of the team so that we set the high standards right from the start."
Historic global manufacturer, Cooper & Turner, which has significant operations in Sheffield and Rotherham, has been acquired by The Watermill Group, an American private investment firm.
Family-owned, Cooper & Turner, is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of bolts, nuts and washers used in the energy, rail, construction and other engineering sectors. It has facilities at its Templeborough Works in Sheffield and at Canklow in Rotherham, where the focus is on the wind energy sector.
Based in Lexington, Massachusetts, The Watermill Group, targets "businesses at a pivotal turning point," bringing in investors with the aim of helping companies achieve their full potential through strategic transformation.
The deal, for an undisclosed amount, sees the acquisition of Cooper & Turner by taking on Andaray (Holdings) Limited and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Mid Cap Financial Services, LLC provided debt for the transaction and Grant Thornton UK LLP provided corporate finance, debt advisory, tax and financial due diligence advice to Watermill. K&L Gates LLP provided Legal Counsel to Watermill. Mazars LLP advised Cooper & Turner and Mincoffs Solicitors provided legal counsel.
The vision is to create: "The world's first, truly global mission-critical-fastener supplier with a seamless, one-stop shop solution for the manufacture and distribution of industrial fasteners that meet the highest levels of quality."
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Cooper & Turner senior management, including group CEO Tony Brown and head of group production David Brown, will remain in their current positions and retain a significant shareholding in the company. The Watermill Group are set to introduce complimentary systems and procedures and provide strategic guidance as the company manages the growth in wind energy. Another aim is to support the launch of manufacturing and distribution operations in the United States.
Julia Karol, president and COO, Watermill Group, said: "Cooper & Turner's reputation and track record is virtually unmatched. We are impressed with the company's unwavering commitment to quality and safety, its high customer service levels, as well as its global manufacturing and distribution footprint. Combining Watermill's strategy-driven approach with Cooper & Turner's highly experienced management team, the company has an exciting opportunity to become the world’s first, truly global mission-critical-fastener supplier."
Ronald M. Krisanda, an advisor at Watermill and former president and COO at manufacturing firm, Milacron Holdings Corporation, will serve as the chairman of the Board of Advisors for the organisation. He said: "Cooper & Turner is a compelling business with a highly experienced senior management team, led by brothers Tony and David Brown, whose entrepreneurial vision and operational expertise have been paramount to the organisation's success. We look forward to working with them and their team to uncover new opportunities and accelerate the company's growth in the booming international wind sector and beyond."
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Tony Brown, Group CEO, Cooper & Turner, said: "We are thrilled to join Watermill for this next chapter in the history of Cooper & Turner. For nearly two centuries, this organisation has evolved and thrived – innovating alongside cutting-edge customers and developing industry-leading service levels across established and emerging sectors. Watermill's strategic guidance will be invaluable to us as we continue in this tradition of growth and progress."
Cooper & Turner acquired the former home of Manheim Motor Auctions in 2012 and, to support further growth, a new extension was completed in 2013 to infill the space between the two existing units and create substantially more floorspace. The site incorporates a 120,000 tonne stock holding facility and the group moved towards a full distribution network. Cooper & Turner and McLean Buchanan and Wilson (MBW) joined forces in March 2007.
Joseph and James Turner founded a gun barrel business in Birmingham in the 1800s. Having expanded the business into other areas, including rivet production, the company was amalgamated with Henry Cooper & Co in 1912.
Production was moved to Sheffield and the company continued to be successful, supplying products for a wide range of applications including battleships and Ford's Model T cars. Recent projects have seen its products used in the construction of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the redevelopment of Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium.
Peck House, a long vacant commercial property on a prominent route into Rotherham, could be flattened for redevelopment as the owners begin discussions with the Council over its future.
The building on Eastwood Trading Estate, and its unique stylings, was the headquarters of Joseph Peck departments stores, but has been empty for many years, its derelict state even led to local businesses petitioning the council.
Now discussions are underway as to whether the building could be demolished and replaced with 15 small business units.
The owners of the site, Backer Electric, occupy the adjacent building where they continue to manufacture heating elements, supplying products in high volume to the majority of household brand names. Options to reuse Peck House and the site have been investigated for a number of years.
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Leading Rotherham construction firm, Eton Construction, has been drafted in to work on the plans which show that Backer's premises would remain but Peck House would be demolished and replaced by 15 units, ranging in size from 1,350 sq ft to 3,100 sq ft, facing Doncaster Road / Fitzwilliam Road.
In 2012 a petition containing 60 signatures was received by Rotherham Council from businesses on Eastwood Trading Estate, relating to the poor condition of Peck House.
Due to its location on the frontage of the trading estate surrounding businesses felt that the poor condition of the building was having an adverse effect on the rest of the estate and particularly on letting vacant properties.
A structural survey was carried out which found the building to be structurally sound and secure and therefore the Council has not been in a position to insist on its demolition.
In 1985, plans came forward to change of use of the retail/wholesale store to a church. In 2004, outline plans were submitted for a development including a hotel, restaurant, hot food takeaway and petrol station for the wider area. In 2014, Peck House was one of a number of sites discounted as the location for a new £5m primary school.
The University of Sheffield continues to address challenges in partnership with Rolls-Royce, not least at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.
The institution has a long-standing relationship with the global name in engineering and continues to develop novel solutions to industry challenges through collaborative research and an active apprenticeship, internship and graduate programme.
Sir Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "This university has had a long, long connection with Rolls-Royce - the premier engineering company of the United Kingdom. We are really proud of the research that we do, and the development of all sorts of important things that go into the products that Rolls-Royce makes that we are so proud of.
"It's not just about the research - it's the students that we train, our staff who work in collaboration, and of course in recent years the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). We're really excited about the future because Rolls-Royce is going to be doing some of the most important things for the United Kingdom."
Rolls-Royce is a key member of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the Nuclear AMRC, both of which have state of the art facilities on the AMP. The Derby firm itself joined them on the park when it opened the most advanced turbine blade casting facility in the world in 2014. The £110m, 150,000 sq ft facility employs around 150 people and has the capacity to manufacture more than 100,000 single crystal turbine blades a year.
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Another project came to fruition when tooling company Technicut found its revolutionary titanium cutting tool too powerful for existing machine tool systems. It commissioned Nikken to develop the patented "X-Treme" setup with Rolls-Royce and the AMRC which helped to achieve a 50% reduction in time required to machine fan discs. Rolls-Royce went on to establish a £100m advanced aerospace disc manufacturing facility in Washington, County Durham and Japanese owned Nikken invested in a European R&D centre on the AMP.
Using additive layer manufacturing (ALM), Rolls-Royce worked alongside the Uiversity's Department of Materials Science and Engineering to construct a 1.5m-diamenter titanium front bearing housing (FBH) which is held inside a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine. The construction of the bearing marked the first time ALM had been used to produce such a significant load bearing component, rather than the conventional processes of casting or forging.
Iain Todd, Professor of Metallurgy, the University of Sheffield, said: "We were approached in 2007, right at the start of additive manufacturing in metals, and were asked to make some small sections of components for Rolls-Royce. We were originally involved just to see if the technology had an application in engine development programmes and we ended up being involved in the actual manufacture of components to go in flight or ground test."
Last year saw £20m in Government funding secured for the creation of the MAPP Hub in Sheffield - Manufacture using Advanced Powder Processes. Unsurprisingly, Rolls-Royce is involved in a number of projects; looking at how additive technologies can be used to repair high value manufactured components; designing, manufacturing and testing new alloys ready for implementation into industry; and combining alloys with composites and steels to create lighter aerospace and automotive components.
Famed for its in-house apprenticeship programme, Rolls-Royce has been sending trainees to the AMRC Training Centre since it opened on the AMP in 2014. The £20.5m centre was established to train the next generation of world leading engineers where apprentices have opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses, doctorates and MBA levels.
Jack Smith, a technical apprentice sponsored by Rolls-Royce, said: "As well as working on the factory floor, we also get a theoretical side, to help us develop better as a person. Not only do I get to work alongside staff who have got tens of years of experience in engineering, I also work with some of the most advanced technology we've got in the aerospace sector at this moment in time, which is absolutely fantastic for someone my age and something I really enjoy."
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"Some of the most important things for the United Kingdom" include the key nuclear sector. Burnett added: "If you you look at some of the things that it [Rolls-Royce] is doing in nuclear, for example, I am really excited about the possibilities of new types of nuclear power plant for the United Kingdom. We are going to have a wonderful time building these exciting products for Rolls-Royce, training the people that they work with and being really proud of such a fabulous British company."
The Nuclear AMRC continues to work with Rolls-Royce and its industry partners to bring its proposed small modular reactor (SMR) to market in the UK.
SMRs promise to be much more affordable in the UK than the large scale reactors planned for projects like Hinkley Point C. Rolls-Royce called on experts at the Nuclear AMRC to carry out desktop studies on potential methods of manufacture its new SMR design, and carry out an assessment of the UK supply chain's capabilities to make the reactor to the required standards.
Rolls-Royce acquired large parcels of land on the AMP in Rotherham for manufacturing facilities. The £110m Advanced Blade Casting Facility is operational but approved plans for a manufacturing facility for large scale nuclear components stalled as the interest in new large scale nuclear power stations cooled.
The firm has said that SMRs could be made in centralised manufacturing facilities and then transported to anywhere in the country or overseas, producing benefits of scale which would drive down costs. Rolls-Royce is developing a patented modular concept which is designed specifically for factory manufacture and commissioning, speed of installation and reduced onsite construction work.
More than 150 prominent business leaders in South Yorkshire have answered the recent call from the local chambers to press local authorities to take action over a devolution deal for the Sheffield city region (SCR).
Rothbiz reported last month that the Chambers in Rotherham & Barnsley, and Sheffield, were putting forward their views, along with their members, to local council bosses on pressing ahead with a £900m devolution deal with the Government. Concerns were raised over the loss of funding, the impact on business confidence and that continued delays risk portraying the region as "failing and dysfunctional."
As part of a deal with central government, a Mayoral Combined Authority is set to be created, building on the 2013 agreement which saw the nine local authorities that comprise the city region create a new legal body with responsibility for transport, economic development and regeneration.
The deal includes a new gain share deal within an envelope of £30m a year for 30 years – giving the SCR the power to use new funding to boost local growth and invest in local manufacturing and innovation. In return, the Government will require a directly elected mayor to hold accountability for the new powers.
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Following withdrawals from councils who had originally intended to become constituent members, and with others wanting to secure the best possible devolution deal for their area, the combined authority (CA) has delayed a decision on a way forward.
The leaders of Rotherham and Sheffield Councils did not join leaders from 17 other authorities who met recently to agree to the development of a "single ambitious devolution deal for the Yorkshire."
The open letter sent to the leaders of the councils in South Yorkshire, reads: "A Yorkshire deal may emerge as a possibility in the years ahead, but surely we will be better placed to be a strong component of that, should it arise, if we push ahead to really strengthen South Yorkshire first.
"We believe delay in clarifying future intentions now risks us falling further behind other UK regions. This can not be sensible and we ask you to come together urgently to resolve your differences and act collectively in the best interests of South Yorkshire and its citizens."
It added that proceeding with the Sheffield city region deal would "position us more strongly as a confident economic force, both within the Yorkshire region and in comparison to other UK city regions."
In July, Jake Berry MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, said: "While devolution discussions are ongoing elsewhere in Yorkshire, government remains committed to the existing South Yorkshire deal."
Political leaders decided to defer a decision on the SCR deal until September.
A second phase of work to connect the heavy rail network with the existing Supertram network is set to be completed this weekend as the innovative tram-train vehicles are on track to begin services in 2018.
The innovative Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train pilot project is years late and significantly over-budget but is expected to provide a boost to the local economy by improving the connectivity between the city and town centres.
First mentioned in 2009, the £75m project will see vehicles running on both rail and tram networks, using the freight route from Rotherham and then joining the Sheffield Supertram network at Meadowhall South. Services will run from Sheffield Cathedral through to Parkgate Shopping.
The second phase of work to assist in linking the Stagecoach Supertram network to the national rail network is currently underway, and will be completed on the weekend of August 19.
As well as the completion of the second phase of signalling, the weekend of will also see work begin to install the new overhead line system, which will be used to power the vehicles.
The engineering work, which is being lead by contractors, Carillion, means that trains will not be able to call at Rotherham Central station. Northern and TransPennineExpress services are affected between Sheffield and Doncaster where connecting bus services will run instead.
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Simon Coulthard, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: "Between Saturday 19 August and 0530 on Tuesday 22 August we will carry out work to link the new signalling for the Tram Trains into our existing systems.
"In order to minimise disruption to passengers and our freight customers the main work will be carried out overnight each night and scaled back in the daytime to allow some trains to run on the main lines. Unfortunately, because of its location, it is not possible to run any trains to or from Rotherham Central and replacement road transport will be provided.
"There will also be a number of Sundays where buses replace trains at Rotherham Central to allow us to safely install the new overhead power lines. I am grateful to passengers for their patience while we carry out this work for this exciting project."
Other work on the project continues with the new platforms at Parkgate and Rotherham Central stations progressing well. Due to the discovery of unmapped cables by the utility company, a road closure which is in place whilst work to raise College Road bridge in Rotherham takes place will have to be extended for an additional two weeks. The road will reopen on Friday September 1.
Coulthard added: "We appreciate that this is disappointing to road users and we would like to thank them for their patience whilst we carry out this vital work. We are working closely with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Rotherham Council on this issue.
"We would like to reassure people that this issue will not in any way interfere with the completion date of the overall Tram Train project and we are still very much on track for the introduction of a full Tram Train service for passengers in 2018."
Echoing comments made earlier this month on the benefits of the project, Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "It's exciting to see all the various developments taking place in Rotherham right now, and the Tram Train project complements the Council's ambitious plans for the borough, with better transport links helping to attract more visitors and creating job opportunities."
A place manager is being recruited to lead on the business-to-business marketing of Rotherham as a place to invest.
The move follows the successful launch of the Rotherham Pioneers - an exclusive group for Rotherham businesses who want to promote the town, celebrate all that is good, and grow the Rotherham business community.
A major exercise was launched earlier this year using "The Rotherham Story" as a way of promoting the borough. Businesses will act as ambassadors - so-called Rotherham Pioneers - armed with the story and an outward looking mentality. The aim is to change perceptions of Rotherham and raise its profile.
Now a place manager is set to be appointed with responsibility for the Rotherham Pioneer Programme, working to the recently set up Rotherham Place Board, part of the structure of the Rotherham Together Partnership which brings together a wide range of organisations, including major public bodies.
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Hosted by Rotherham Council, and initially temporary for two years, the job, which comes with a salary of £41,025 - £43,821, has the key role of "building relationships with new and existing businesses to gain their "buy-in" to the Rotherham Story; develop and deliver a Rotherham Place Plan in conjunction with the Place Board and develop a strategic marketing plan to raise the profile of Rotherham as a place for businesses to locate and invest."
The first major theme of the Rotherham Story focuses on "Engineering Excellence" highlighting the major assets such as the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and the ethos of major occupiers such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and soon-to-be McLaren, and the new enterprises like Xeros and PES that are pioneering disruptive technologies.
The second major focus is on "Living Green" and the perception of the borough as an industrial town but one that is in fact 70% rural. It highlights the quality of life for residents and abundance of country parks, urban parks and green space that can sell the location.
The Rotherham Story culminates in "Pushing Boundaries" - being confident and raising the bar in regeneration and education.
Rotherham Pioneers pay to gain exclusive access to high quality networking events, hear first-hand about new developments and find out about business opportunities. Insights are be given into Rotherham success stories and invitations to company tours are set to follow. Events have already been held at leading manufacturer, AESSEAL, and at Wentworth Woodhouse.
The place board hopes to raise over £100,000 from business contributions.
The job advert reads: "Rotherham is poised to enter a fast-paced and exciting new phase of regeneration and growth. Recent major investment announcements from world-leading businesses such as McLaren, new multi-million pound leisure and tourism investments underway at Gulliver's Valley and Wentworth Woodhouse and completion of a town centre masterplan set the context for an ambitious and motivated person, with experience in place marketing, to join our team."
Detailed plans have been submitted to enable American coffee company and coffeehouse chain, Starbucks, to open a new outlet in Rotherham.
With nearly 25,000 retail stores around the world and 900 in the UK, the US coffee chain unveiled plans to open approximately 12,000 new stores globally by 2021. In addition to traditional high street, retail park, kiosk and other concessionary activity in the UK, a growing number are expected to be drive thru operations.
Following outline planning approval in 2015 for a new Rotherham outlet, details have now been submitted showing a 1,959 sq ft building on the existing car park at the Foundry Retail Park at Parkgate.
The drive thru coffee shop unit is expected to create 15 jobs.
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The plans state: "Due to increased demand, a new A3 pod unit is proposed to the north of the existing car park area adjacent to Great Eastern Way and opposite the main retail terrace, which will attract passing customer interest as well as provide refreshment opportunity for visitors to the retail park.
"The proposed building is of high quality design which will positively contribute to the street scene in this location, close to Great Eastern Way. Agreement has been reached with Starbucks to occupy the unit ..."
The 2015 plans were granted by Rotherham Council subject to conditions.
As the site is not located within a designated town, district or local centre, officers asked that a sequential test assessment be undertaken in line with national and local planning policies. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.
Council planners agreed with the findings of a study undertaken by the applicants which concluded that there were no sites of a suitable size (0.2 - 0.3 hectares) available for development within Rotherham town centre or the Parkgate local centre. Planners also accepted that there were no more sequentially preferable edge-of-centre sites available between this site and the town centre.
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The design, which includes glazed frontages, mirrors the more recently constructed unit that is occupied by Sofology.
The applicants, Rotherham Foundry Retail Park Ltd, appear confident of approval given that contractors, JP Wild are already on site where around 43 parking spaces are set to be lost to the new development, which will also include outdoor seating areas.
Starbucks is continually seeking sites for new company, franchised and licensed stores. It has been restructuring in the UK, moving towards more stores operated by licensed partners. Pre-tax profits were £13.4m in the year to October 2 2016, down 60% from the £34.2m reported in 2015. Turnover declined from £405.6m to £379.9m.
The first Starbucks in Rotherham is located within Woodall Serices on the M1. A drive thru unit from rival chain, Costa, recently opened on car parking land at the nearby Parkgate Shopping.
Rotherham-based retailer, Fishing Republic, has opened its sixth "destination" store since the start of 2017, with more to come.
One of the largest fishing tackle retailers in the UK, the Eastwood company floated on the AIM stock exchange in 2015, raising millions to help carry out its expansion plans. A new share placing during 2016 landed a further £3.75m.
Located in Gloucester, the new store, which opened last week expands Fishing Republic's presence in the West of England. The 6,000 sq ft store follows the company's expansion into East Anglia and Essex, with new store openings in Kings Lynn and Clavering Lakes in recent months. An additional store opening, in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, is planned for the end of August and will increase the store network to 19.
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Fishing Republic is acting as a consolidator and expansion plans involve snapping up smaller, often family-owned fishing retail businesses. New store openings replicate the "destination" store format, catering for all types of fishing disciplines with an extensive product range, and are located in light-industrial estates with convenient access and good car parking facilities. The new stores will also help drive online sales, as Fishing Republic continues to execute its multi-channel growth model.
The Cambridgeshire store is opening in a former aircraft hangar in Warboys.
Steve Gross, CEO of Fishing Republic, said: "Fishing Republic has significantly expanded its store network over the last few months and I am delighted to announce our latest store opening, in line with our expansion plans for the year. Located in Gloucester, it increases our presence in the West of England. By the end of August, a further store opening in Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire will complement our existing presence in that region and take our expanding network to 19 stores."
Fishing Republic's online sales strategy involves transitioning away from third party platforms to its own website sales, where margins are higher.
When the firm reported on the year ending December 31 2016, it called it "a year of strong progress" where revenue was up by 41% to £5.79m from the £4.12m in 2015. With investment in growth, profit before tax rose to £403,000 from £6,000 in 2015 (which included around £300,000 in costs relating to the IPO). Gross profits were helped by improved purchasing power.
Pre-application discussions are underway again regarding a potential housing development on the site of burnt-out buildings on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre.
The latest proposal is for an apartment block containing 64 flats - a mix of studios, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units.
In June, Rothbiz reported that Rotherham Council was preparing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to buy the site and finally deal with the eyesores following the publication of the town centre masterplan.
The authority explained how a CPO would be a last resort having failed to engage with the absentee owners of 3-7 Corporation Street despite numerous attempts.
The former Envy nightclub building, which suffered a malicious fire in 2007, and Muskaan restaurant, which was closed after a fire in 2011, have been left empty ever since, and whilst not structurally unsafe, the buildings are widely acknowledged to be an eyesore.
On a key route, the masterplan states that the buildings "create a very poor impression of the town and undermine confidence in the town centre.
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Now plans have been submitted to the council's planning department setting out the proposal and precedents for demolishing the buildings and replacing them with 64 apartments.
The current proposals follow the principles of the scheme established during previous pre-application discussions in 2014. One change is the removal of retail space on the ground floor.
The latest application has been submitted via the architects for the project - Den Architecture in Leeds. The developer behind the proposals is not clear but Rothbiz understands that the application is linked to Alkush Choudhury and Rothgen Ltd, the company behind the £25m hotel and leisure resort at Tyram Lakes in Doncaster.
The pre-application report for the proposed residential development on Corporation Street shows a building of different heights up to five stories high.
Paid pre-planning advice from council officers helps applicants decide whether planning permission is required and if it is likely permission would be granted.
The Council had hoped to acquire the site in order to ensure that it would be redeveloped. It said it would look to procure a development partner to bring the site forward and that a brief, setting out the broad proposal for the site and desired outputs, would help to procure a developer partner by the end of 2017. If a purchase of the properties by mutual agreement with the current owners is not concluded then the CPO process will commence in early 2018.
The Rotherham town centre masterplan places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre. The Council is set to use land that it owns as "go-early" sites to kickstart housebuilding in the town centre.
Horbury Property Services, part of the Rotherham-based Horbury Group, has secured a two year contract with Leeds Beckett University to provide flooring refurbishment services as part of a framework agreement, after winning a competitive tender.
The contract covers the University's two estates in Leeds City Centre and Headingley and involves refurbishment of flooring, as required, for lecture theatres, classrooms, offices and communal areas.
Richard Sutton, general manager at Horbury Property Services, said: "Flooring refurbishment is an important part of our portfolio of services and can make a huge difference to the appeal of an establishment. We're delighted to secure this latest contract with Leeds Beckett University and look forward to working in partnership with them to enhance the aesthetics of their two campuses."
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Darren Wood, category manager at Leeds Beckett University, added: "Refurbishment of flooring is an essential part of our planned maintenance programme. We're pleased to be working with Horbury Property Services through the framework agreement as part of maintaining high standards in the aesthetics and performance of floorcoverings in both our campuses."
As well as flooring refurbishment, Horbury Property Services provides a full range of works, which can form part of planned preventative maintenance programmes. This includes inspection, installation, repair and maintenance of fire doors, joinery works, fire stopping, sealing, fire compartmentation, fire alarm and emergency light testing, portable appliance testing, electrical testing and installation work, building fabric repairs as well as external cladding and render repairs.
From its headquarters in the Moorgate area, the Horbury Group combines a number of subsidiaries that specialise in areas including joinery, ceilings, dry lining and health and safety training.
The Group, which has a 25-year trading history and a workforce of over 1,000, launched the property services arm following demand from clients by creating a dedicated business that offers vital services in existing property estates.
Since launching earlier this year, the division has appointed Mark Allen as senior estimator.
Rotherham road surface specialist, Steelphalt, has played a key role in laying the foundations for the local community.
The SteelPhalt plant in Sheffield Road, Templeborough - part of the Harsco group of companies - converts steel slag into a surface course for road making.
And when its specialist product, SteelFlow, was being used by Rotherham Council outside the school in Lime Grove, Swinton, pupils had the chance to discover the potential dangers of getting too close to heavy equipment.
Lee Birkbeck, business development manager at Steelphalt, said: "We thought the children might be interested in the resurfacing work that was being carried out on their doorstep but we were overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and their great questions.
"We had around 50 children visit us in total, all keen to learn about the dangers of playing around construction sites, particularly in locations like busy roads.
"They also found out just how specialist steel slag materials can make an enormous difference to road safety.
"And we made sure they all received their own hi-vis jackets so they’ll now also be safer on the roads around the school once the darker winter nights start again."
Across the borough, Steelphalt and its clients, has created a new staff car park at Rotherham Hospice which almost doubles the amount of places available and reduces stress for all.
The new parking area has been created from the garden of neighbouring property, Fox House on Broom Road, which was donated to the the hospice by a supporter many years ago. The building has been used by the Hospice fundraising and admin teams in recent years.
Using land at Fox House was a solution suggested by SteelPhalt boss Martin Lee two years ago. With Hospice Facilities Manager Barry Chilton, he drove a scheme forward and drew in experts from his many business contacts.
CS Surveying, Dinnington, assisted with gaining planning permission and Doncaster company Derek Lewis Ltd prepared the site and ground work. Specialist Surfacing of Scunthorpe provided the labour and machinery for the laying of asphalt donated by SteelPhalt.
Tonnes of stone were donated by Cemex and Matlock based Slinter Mining, soil by AC Aggregates, Maltby, and Hather Plant Hire, Rotherham, provided machinery. Other companies who gave generously were Specialist Surfacing of Scunthorpe, Parkway Sheet Metal, Nynas Bitumen, South Yorkshire Tarmacadam, Everitt Haulage, Attercliffe and Right Mix Concrete, Sheffield.
Aaron Firth, head of fundraising at Rotherham Hospice, said: "This is a shining example of local communities and businesses pulling together to support a local charity. They pitted their time, skills and materials to solve a problem and have saved the hospice tens of thousands of pounds into the bargain.
"We cannot thank them enough for their generosity and hard work, particularly SteelPhalt, who lead the entire project from start to finish. We now have 20 more spaces which will make life so much easier for patients and families visiting loved ones."
Government funding has not been secured for a new station to provide Rotherham with the rail connectivity it deserves.
A £20m Government fund for providing resources towards the cost of building new stations has gone to other parts of the country.
A recent study showed that Rotherham's economy is not as strong as comparable centres and its rail connectivity is not as good but the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has confirmed that a bid to the New Station Fund was not submitted.
The SYPTE, in partnership with Rotherham Council commissioned a study in 2015 looking to identify the level of rail service required to support Rotherham's economic and transport needs.
Despite the town's central station benefiting from a £8.5m redevelopment, the study concluded that the only practical and cost effective way to enhance rail connectivity to Rotherham is to consider providing a new railway station on the mainline to take advantage of services that currently pass through the borough but do not stop. An issue that is likely to be replicated by HS2 with the M18 route.
Rotherham Council included the potential new station, which would cost around £15m, in its capital investment strategy but developing the business case for a new railway station is considered a significant exercise.
The authority said that a new station serving much of Rotherham's urban area would have "economic agglomeration benefits resulting in an annual GDP uplift of £26m."
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A site at Parkgate was the frontrunner, which would cater for inter-regional services, in the form of a Parkway type station and would be complementary to the role of Rotherham Central. The study, carried out by JMP, indicated that the new station could benefit from direct services to Sheffield, Doncaster, Manchester and its airport, Cleethorpes, Hull, York, Newcastle, Reading and a potential new service to connect to Leeds.
Other initial locations for new station included the site of the council's depot at Greasbrough Road, Henry Boot's Parkgate development at Forge Way and even the mainline station at Masbrough that closed in 1987.
Peter Elliott, principal programme delivery & planning manager at SYPTE, said: "SYPTE is working with Sheffield City Region to inform its plans to develop a mass transit network which will link the region's urban centres and growth areas with its markets and labour force.
"SYPTE recently completed a feasibility study on the possibility of creating a new station at Rotherham Parkgate and the scheme was included in the Sheffield City Region Transport Prospectus. Sheffield City Region's proposals for an integrated multi-modal mass transit network will explore the potential for a range of rail schemes and whether these could form part of such an integrated network."
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Published earlier this year, the city region prospectus provides the vision for growing high-value jobs and prosperity by radically improving transport and connectivity.
The idea of a potential integrated mass transit network involves upgrading, extending and creating new routes. It will build on work connected to HS2 and follows the innovative tram-train trial between Sheffield and Rotherham.
The prospectus stated: "We want a mass transit network, supported by smart, integrated ticketing and innovative urban mobility solutions that provides the high quality mass transit options necessary to link our urban centres and growth areas with their markets and labour force."
Potential new stations could be created at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and at a new site in Rotherham for a parkway station.
The prospectus also calls for improvements in journey times and service frequencies, and station upgrades to bring all stations up to Better Station standards. There is also a call to increase local rail capacity to provide efficient rail services between key economic centres in the region and beyond.
The document adds: "As part of proposals for an integrated multi-modal mass transit network, we would want to explore the potential for a range of rail schemes and whether these would form part of such an integrated network. These include two trains per hour between Sheffield and Worksop, proposals for parkway stations in the Dearne Valley and in Rotherham, better connections between Sheffield, Barnsley and Leeds, and an increase in Park & Ride provision."
The prospectus also calls for improvements in journey times and service frequencies, and station upgrades to bring all stations up to Better Station standards. There is also a call to increase local rail capacity to provide efficient rail services between key economic centres in the region and beyond. 
