News: AESSEAL's £29m by 2029 investment pledge

Rotherham-based AES Engineering Ltd Group has made an historic commitment to £29m of planet-friendly investment by 2029 in order to go beyond Net Zero for its global business.

The company’s "£29m by 2029" pledge, in the run-up to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow on November 1, underscores the growing recognition that businesses will have a potentially huge influence on the success of efforts to limit global warming.

The Templeborough-based company designs and manufactures mechanical seals and support systems.

AES Engineering’s Managing Director, Chris Rea said: "By committing to take the global company beyond Net Zero globally (we have already gone beyond Net Zero in the UK business) and explaining how we are going to do it, we believe we will provide a road map for other companies and organisations who share our concern about ethical, balanced and sustainable development."

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This latest commitment builds on the company’s backing of the Betterworld.Solutions campaign, aimed at encouraging global industry to adopt an investment policy to prevent global warming. Last year, the largest part of the group, AESSEAL, based in Rotherham was one of the first major UK engineering businesses to reach Net Zero and go beyond.

AES Engineering says that on current plans, as a result of existing investments, and the company’s audited contribution to helping global industries to save energy, water and reduce pollution, it is almost certain it will be able to prove it will have reached beyond Net Zero for the global group as early as next year.

As a result of a unanimous Board decision, it has decided not to stop there and has approved £29m of investment up to April 2029 that is designed to set a new ‘gold standard’ for business engagement in the battle against global warming.

With daily news reports of the severity of the climate crisis the company says it will lead by example and encourage sharing of best practice by demonstrating what is both practical and possible by outlining specific dates, targets, times, amounts and investment.

The company plans to invest in, among other things solar panels, battery storage and other energy-saving measures, as well as investigating a wide-range of other measures including tree planting.

Chris Rea, has appealed to other business leaders to speak out and share their own positive messages on how to tackle the climate crisis. He added: "Please make your voice heard - speaking to staff, colleagues and when using social media or other communication channels. When the future of your children and grandchildren is at stake it is better to say, and do too much, than not enough."

Plans for a 50,000 sq ft expansion at the global headquarters in Rotherham were approved in 2019.

AESSEAL website

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News: Lontra looks to South Yorkshire for 300-job manufacturing facility

Having announced plans at the end of last year to develop a high-value digital services centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Lontra technology company is now looking to establish a new £18m manufacturing facility in nearby Doncaster.

The Lontra Blade Compressor is a step change in compressor technology developed by the Warwickshire firm. It is the first clean-sheet compressor design in over 80 years and can be used across many sectors such as aerospace, automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutical manufacture and water treatment. It is proven to be 21% more efficient than the next competitor, offering incredible energy savings along with big improvements in reliability.

Having already secured £1.58m via the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the Rotherham facility is expected to create 53 jobs in the area by 2024. For the next phase of its ambitious plans, Lontra said it would set up a customer support operation in a new building also at the AMP. This will enable the company to undertake Research and Development activity with customers to support the development of innovative new products.

The Lontra Digital Centre will enable the company to develop its aftersales support services to customers for its compressor products worldwide. The grant is also being put towards the purchase of innovative 6-demonstrator machines which will use advanced artificial intelligence techniques and sensoring systems to enable customers' machines to be controlled and monitored globally. This means Lontra will be able to reduce maintenance costs for its customers, minimise downtime and reduce energy bills.

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Phase 2 would see Lontra build a "smart" factory in the area, which will provide new engineering, research and development and technical support jobs.

An update to the South Yorkshire LEP's Business Recovery and Growth Board shows that the Lontra's factory is set to be in Doncaster, backed again by finance from the LEP and creating 300 jobs.

The minutes, state: "It was envisaged to establish a new manufacturing facility in Doncaster, within existing premises which was close to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The total project cost was almost £18m.

"The outcomes would include 300 new high-quality manufacturing jobs to be created by 2025, which equated to approximately £17,000 against the grant, and would release approximately £11m of private sector match funding.

"The funding request was just over £1.9m on loan, to be fully repaid within 7 years, and £5.16m of grants."

Lontra website

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News: Business coach aims to help 100 SMEs across Rotherham and the Dearne Valley

An experienced business coach is setting his sights on helping 100 small and medium-sized businesses across Rotherham and the Dearne Valley to unlock their barriers to growth, by taking part in a special event this week.

The event which takes place on September 30 at Silkstone House, Manvers, will mark the launch of ActionCOACH Rotherham, an award-winning business support service, designed to help drive business growth. It is the first time the franchise has been made available in Rotherham and will be led by certified business growth specialist Tim Coleman.

Drawing on his 30 year career in business consultancy, broadcasting and marketing, the one-off session will give entrepreneurs the chance to take part in a special seminar. Entitled “Six steps to Business Growth” participants will learn how to increase profitability, get more done in less time, as well as building and retaining a winning team.

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Tim Coleman, founder, ActionCOACH Rotherham said: “There are some incredible businesses doing some truly amazing work across the whole of South Yorkshire. I live in the Dearne Valley andhave seen first-hand just how, with the right support and encouragement, business owners can prosper. When that happens, the whole region benefits as companies grow, create new jobs and contribute towards building a stronger local and regional economy.

“Many business owners have faced some tough and difficult decisions as they continue to navigate their way through the impact of a changing business climate. I’m making it my mission to help at least 100 businesses across South Yorkshire to achieve 100% growth by helping them to overcome barriers to that growth.

“The success ActionCOACH has enjoyed in helping businesses across many parts of the UK is unprecedented and by making the service accessible to entrepreneurs in Rotherham and the Dearne Valley, I’m hopeful that many more will access the unique help and support available through the programme to realise their true potential”

ActionCOACH Rotherham is part of the world’s largest business coaching service, across 70 countries, which is built upon tailored one-to-one mentorship, delivered by skilled and qualified business experts. It works with over 15,000 clients each week in dozens of different industries.

The free launch event, which will take place between 12 noon and 2pm on the 30th September, includes a complimentary buffet lunch and networking opportunity for local business owners.

ActionCoach website

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News: Funding secured to build on AMID

£763,000 has been secured from the government for the development of innovation-led opportunities connected to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) in Sheffield and Rotherham.

Awarded through the Government’s New Development Corporation Competition, the money will be used to unlock and accelerate transformational economic development activity across the AMID, which has expanded from the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

The AMID is home to the UK’s largest research-led advanced manufacturing cluster. It also boasts developing centres of innovation in health and wellbeing as well as vital energy research focussed on net-zero carbon processes.

There are also proposals for further world-leading research in areas such as gene therapy, modern methods of construction and future mobility.

With more than 30 nationally recognised research and development facilities, backed by Sheffield’s two outstanding universities, the AMID’s applied research capabilities are unrivalled and continue to attract world leading businesses such as McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Boeing.

It also supports new and established businesses across South Yorkshire to adapt positively to new challenges and changing economic conditions.

The AMID already hosts over 120 advanced manufacturing and tech firms which employ more than 2,300 people. Ambitious plans being developed aim to generate 4,000 new jobs and 2,000 additional apprenticeships.

Improving access to the emerging economic opportunities will also involve place-based regeneration including improving local amenities, building public spaces and creating over 8,000 new homes within the AMID and its surrounding communities by 2040 - creating sustainable neighbourhoods for the next generation.

Sheffield City Council, the Sheffield City Region (now the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Rotherham Council and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park have worked together to secure the crucial funding which will also go towards improving connections to communities, businesses and education providers.

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Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “The partnership between Rotherham and Sheffield has already helped to secure high quality jobs with world renowned companies, and high quality homes as well.

“This funding will help us to maximise opportunities in the future as we continue to support world class advanced manufacturing across South Yorkshire and we look forward to working with our partners across the region.”

Mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis said: “This funding is great news. We’ve been working closely with Sheffield, Rotherham and the universities to develop the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District into a world-class centre of innovation and productivity.

“This funding will mean more high-quality jobs, more homes and will help us deliver the future we want for South Yorkshire.”

The New Development Corporation Competition is a £10m competitive fund launched in October 2019 to support up to ten local places with exploring delivery models that have been less commonly used in a contemporary context, such as development corporations.

Development corporations can help boost developments by providing focus, help coordinate plans for new development across different council boundaries and give builders the confidence to invest in sites.

Kevin Kerrigan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Enterprise at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “This funding enables us to shape a compelling future vision for advanced innovation in Sheffield, Rotherham and the wider region, to embrace community building alongside business growth and to showcase our creativity and application to the world.

“Sheffield Hallam University will be a key partner in delivering a world leading innovation district that is a catalyst for investment and growth.”

Dr Sarah Want, Director of Partnerships & Regional Engagement at the University of Sheffield said: “We are delighted that the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District has been awarded funding to enable its further development.

“Over the last two decades, we’ve worked very hard with regional partners and have seen how the clustering of local businesses, national and global companies and our research facilities has led to inward investment and provided opportunities for regional manufacturers to expand into new markets and for the region’s skills base to develop.

“For all partners, it's very exciting to receive this funding as a recognition of the things that we’ve already achieved together. We're looking forward to working with partners old and new to realise even more of the region’s potential through this project.”

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News: Affordable housing makes Rotherham greenfield site "unviable"

Consultants working on behalf of a national housebuilder say that a proposed development of nearly 300 new homes on greenfield land in Rotherham would be "wholly unviable" if standard policies of affordable housing are applied.

Rothbiz reported in March that Barratt Homes is looking at building new homes on land at Far Field Lane, off Doncaster Road and close to Wath Victoria Primary School.

Around 24 acres in size, the current agricultural land near Whincover Farm was allocated for housing development in the Council’s 2019 adopted Local Plan, meaning the principle of residential development here is acceptable.

Barratt believes that the development of the site will provide much needed new housing for people in a convenient and sustainable location, whilst contributing to the current and future housing needs in the area.

The latest submitted documents discuss the potential for 294 homes on the land, whilst the consultation highlighted 285 new homes; 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom properties which would be predominantly 2-storeys in height.

In recent documents submitted to Rotherham Council, Bielby Associates, the property consultants working for Barratt, explain that an assessment of the land concludes how providing affordable housing on site makes the development less viable.

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Rotherham Council policy is that for sites of 15 dwellings or more, or developments with a gross site area of 0.5 hectares or more, then 25% of homes on the site should be affordable homes. Housebuilders can also pay a commuted sum of £10,000 per dwelling to contribute towards the provision of affordable homes off site.

The consultants conclude: "As with an increasing level of Greenfield sites, there are some very high abnormal costs associated with developing out the subject site.

"Given the fact that the site proves to be wholly unviable, with the request of 25% on-site affordable dwellings and unviable at a lesser amount of on-site affordable dwellings (10%), it is apparent that any element of additional cost or reduced revenue will render the project unattractive to the proposed developer or any other party."

Applicants are asking for no more than 5% of the homes on the site to be affordable. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments and the Section 106 Commuted sums would also be payable.

The document adds: "Within the assessment we have demonstrated that if an on-site affordable housing allocation above 5% was to be provided (or any other additional planning obligation or commuted sum was requested) that the return and profit level would fall below an acceptable level and render the development unviable because it: (1) does not provide the landowner the necessary level of return that would be required to enable the development to proceed, (2) incentivise or enable the release of land for development, and (3) provide the developer with the requisite level of return / profit."

Barratt Homes website

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News: Chamber Means Business showcases strength and diversity of South Yorkshire’s regional economy

It was business as usual at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham recently, when more than 300 delegates from businesses across the region came together to celebrate the return of "Chamber Means Business."

Organised by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and returning for the first time since 2019, the popular event, which was sponsored by KAT Communications and KCM Waste Management, saw more than 50 businesses from across the region take part in the sell-out exhibition.

There was also the opportunity to hear from James Mason, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, who discussed the important role businesses in the region play in helping to shape the region’s identity.

Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “Chamber Means Business is always a popular event, and this year was no exception. We were delighted to welcome James Mason to deliver our keynote speech, illustrating the incredible opportunities and potential within the region as being a great place to live, work and build successful businesses - sentiments which we as a Chamber fully support.”

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James Mason, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “The way in which businesses across Yorkshire have responded to challenges posed since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic illustrates the strength and resilience of our region and the work being undertaken in both Barnsley and Rotherham is no exception. We all have a role to play in shaping our local economy, whether that’s supporting local businesses to supporting your local pubs and restaurants or developing new products and services, the success of Chamber Means Business illustrates the strength and diversity of South Yorkshire’s local economy.”

Throughout October and November, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is hosting several both face-to-face and online events including a ‘Netwalking’ event at Gulliver’s Valley, Meet the Buyer taking place at Barnsley Metrodome and a Celebration for Business, which takes place on 12th November at the Magna Science Centre.

BR Chamber website

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News: United Caps Rotherham facility officially opens

A multimillion pound new production facility has been officially opened in Rotherham by United Caps, an international manufacturer of caps and closures.

Rothbiz reported in 2018 that the Luxembourg-based multinational had selected a site at Dinnington for its first UK location with plans for a phased development on a 4.1 hectare site on the former Dinnington Colliery.

The initial facility was planned to be 54,000 sq ft, with an option to expand to 215,000 sq ft, and production began at the end of 2020.

COVID-19 restrictions have delayed the opening event but it was held recently, attended by Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, along with many other guests.

Benoit Henckes, CEO of United Caps, said: "We established the Dinnington factory as part of our Close to You strategy, establishing production facilities in strategic regions. This strategy is designed to give us a proximity to customers that enables us to shorten delivery times, promote sustainability and focus on products that are the most relevant to each market region.

"Our Dinnington location has been operational since 2020, but we were unable to officially celebrate and formally open it due to pandemic restrictions. We are delighted to welcome Mr Stafford to join us for this celebration, emphasizing the importance of these types of developments for the economy, here in the North of England.”

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An estimated €20m investment including the first phase of machinery, is expected to increase group turnover by 15% in phase one, and will generate new jobs in the Rotherham area.

United Caps’ Close to You strategy has driven significant investment over the past five years with UNITED CAPS increasing the number of production facilities by 30%, including the Dinnington facility and plants in Malaysia and France. During the same period, the company has grown its top-line turnover by 35%, an impressive feat. With increased production capacity, continued innovation and a runway for growth built in, United Caps is well-positioned to accelerate growth even further.

Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, said “This is a wonderful, good news story for Rother Valley. United Caps investment into our area brings high-quality, well-paid jobs helping to revitalise Dinnington. This type of investment shows that Dinnington’s fortunes are at last on the up and a vote of confidence in our future.”

Production of beverage and dairy closures is underway and collaborative work has been undertaken with other industry players to develop a standard for EU-mandated Tethered Closures, a part of a sustainability strategy that was devised to keep closures intact, reducing waste and aiding in recycling. The design of the factory allows further sustainability improvements such as reduction in the use of cardboard and wooden pallets.

Henckes added: "This expansion to the United Kingdom is in response to increasing demand there for our products. We chose Rotherham because of its central location along the M1 and the availability of technically skilled people in that area. We are grateful to The Department of International trade for their assistance. This is our first plant in the United Kingdom."

United Caps website

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News: World-leading nuclear testing facility opens in Rotherham

A ground-breaking new Fusion Technology Facility, which has the capability to test components in the simulated conditions of a fusion power plant, is now open and operating in Rotherham.

The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) was chosen by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) as the ideal location for the new 25,000 sq ft fusion energy research facility, which will create 60 highly skilled jobs in the South Yorkshire area.

The £22m facility will enable the UKAEA to work with industrial partners to put the UK in a strong position to commercialise nuclear fusion as a major source of low-carbon electricity in the years ahead.

The facility received £2.2m investment from the Local Growth Fund (LGF) towards equipment purchase and set-up costs.

Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to welcome UKAEA to the Advanced Manufacturing Park. This is a hugely significant development, which further enhances South Yorkshire’s expertise on a world scale for the development of innovative technologies for the advancement of materials.”

“This facility has the potential to create many high value jobs in the local supply chain as fusion technology matures, as well as a number of high value jobs in the region in the coming months.”

The pioneering facility will be involved with the development of technologies for fusion materials and components and includes the CHIMERA (Combined Heating and Magnetic Research Apparatus) test rig - the only device in the world that has the ability to test prototype components in an environment that simulates the conditions inside a fusion power plant. Within the UKAEA facility, component prototypes will be subjected to a combination of high heat and magnetic field within a vacuum environment, as well as thermal cycling.

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Damon Johnstone, UKAEA’s Head of Operations, Fusion Technology Business Unit and Head of the Fusion Technology Facility, said: “CHIMERA is a unique world-first facility in which we will be able to simulate the extreme conditions found within a fusion power plant, but without any nuclear reactions taking place.

“This will enable a step change in our ability to test components for all UK and international fusion research programmes. It therefore represents a hugely important national capability, enabling industry in the UK and internationally to design, and eventually qualify, components for future commercial fusion power plants.”

Located alongside innovators including Rolls-Royce and McLaren Automotive, the new facility will see UKAEA working with industrial partners as well as the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC).

The facility has been funded as part of the UK government’s Nuclear Sector Deal delivered through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), with an additional £2m of investment coming from the Sheffield City Region’s Local Growth Fund.

UKAEA website

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News: Elevation give jobseekers a lift with charity drive

Following the creation of a new CSR policy, Elevation Recruitment Group recently held a workwear clothing drive on behalf of The Suit Works charity, at their Rotherham office.

The Suit Works are an independent charity based in Sheffield that provide jobseekers with styling session and interview appropriate clothing, a capsule wardrobe for the first month of their employment and interview preparation with informal tips, skills, and training, covering aspects such as body language, grooming and dealing with nerves.

Throughout August and into September, the team reached out to candidates, clients, friends and family to ask for smart clothing and accessory donations.

The clothing drive was an opportunity to collect as many workwear items as possible to support The Suit Works in their aim to help unemployed people of all ages, who want to work, but do not have the funds or means to purchase appropriate clothing for interviews.

For many, including their own employees, working from home has meant casual clothing has become the every-day workwear, and as a result, have been left with a wardrobe of unused clothing, shoes and bags, that have now been donated towards a selfless cause.

They have collected over 300 items of male and female donations, including suits, coats, shirts, trousers, dresses, skirts, ties, shoes, and handbags.

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Faye Mellors, project lead at The Suit Works said: “Since Covid, we have struggled for donations, so we are so grateful that we have received so many good quality items that will last the test of time. I can guarantee that every single piece will be used to help our clients dress the part.

"Working with Elevation has been a dream and great fun, we have had constant communication throughout, and we have really appreciated the brand awareness on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.”

Sarah-Lee Neesam, Business Services Director at Elevation, added: "We are delighted that we could help The Suit Works in this donation drive. We received an incredible amount of donations, and we would like to thank everyone who has donated, whether it has been big or small, it has made a huge impact to the charity. And I would personally like to thank the team at Close Brothers in particular, who have donated an astonishing amount.”

Elevation’s new CSR policy has one aim in mind, to support local charities and offer employees the chance to give back to our community, in what has been a challenging time for many during the pandemic.

Elevation Recruitment website
The Suit Works website

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News: Sports retailer targets empty Rotherham store

Plans are again being progressed for a new tenant to take on the former Mothercare unit in Rotherham which has been vacant since 2018.

The 15,000 sq ft unit at Parkgate has had some previous interest but the signs are that it is to be taken on by Britain's biggest sports retailer.

"King of Trainers" JD Sports has recently applied to alter the signage at unit 6, which sits between Smyth's Toys and Next.

JD Sports Fashion plc is Britain's biggest sports retailer and has 2,400 stores in 18 countries, across a number of retail fascias including 780 JD stores. It operates a store on College Walk in Rotherham town centre.

JD specialises in fashionable branded and own brand sports and casual wear combining globally recognised brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma and The North Face with strong own brand labels.

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In its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 31 July 2021, the core JD business in the UK and Republic of Ireland was shown to have performed strongly in the first half delivering a profit before tax and exceptional items of £170.8m, up from £52m in the same period of 2020 and ahead of pre-pandemic 2019 which was £114.9m.

In 2014 JD Sports Fashion plc took on the lease of the vacated 45,000 sq ft Kiddicare store at Parkgate Shopping. It has been used as a clearance outlet for the company's outdoor brands such as Millets and Blacks. The company went on to submit plans to enable the large unit to be subdivided into four separate units, each with their own entrance.

In 2019 JD Sports submitted plans to replace the signage at the vacant former Poundworld store but they were never implemented.

Rothbiz reported in 2018 that Mothercare was hoping to secure its future through a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to close underperforming stores and reduce rents across the remaining portfolio.

The Parkgate store had closed even before the national retailer went into administration in 2019.

Wren Kitchens, the UK's largest kitchen retailer, applied for signage at the Mothercare unit last year, but again, they were never implemented.

JD Sports Fashion plc website

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News: Sky-House Co lifted by £12.5m funding package

Sky-House Co, the Sheffield based housebuilder, has secured significant funding as it continues to expand and develop new sites - including further phases at the Waverley development in Rotherham.

The company has secured £12.5m funding from the St Bride’s White Rose Residential Partnership which is seeking to make both a social and economic impact within the South Yorkshire region.

The announcement comes as Sky-House Co completed the purchase of Waverley II, the second phase of its contemporary development at Harworth’s flagship site at Waverley.

The scheme features forty-four new homes by CODA Architecture in its latest iteration of the companies 21st Century take on the traditional back-to-back house.

Sky-House Co are also close to submitting a planning application for a further 108 homes at Waverley Central adjacent to the new Olive Lane mixed-use development by Harworth Group.

Work is scheduled to start on site later this year and will feature a series of new eco-friendly and contemporary homes again with a modern twist on the Victorian Terrace.

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David Cross, director os Sky-House Co, said: “Despite the pandemic and associated lockdowns, 2021 is proving to be an extremely important year for Sky-House Co.

“This funding package will allow us to expand our business cementing our place as a leading design led regional house builder in line with our business plan.

“We now have a team of 30 staff and our own purpose-built headquarters in Sheffield.

“Most importantly, we have £100 million worth of development either currently on site or on the drawing board ready to be moved forward.”

Olive Lane has been designed to create an attractive and functional retail centre for Waverley. It is proposed to be developed on around ten acres of land that sits between the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and the site’s existing residential area.

Plans for the resized Olive Lane scheme have recently been submitted, where a significant number of homes will replace retail, office and transport aspects of the original scheme.

Outline plans for up to 150 residential units on the remaining part of the site have recently been submitted to Rotherham Council.

Sky-House Co website

Images: Sky House / Harworth

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News: Three on the bounce for Rotherham bed retailer

Mattress Online’s rapid growth, innovation and outstanding technology has seen the company scoop one of the most prestigious trade awards for the third successive year.

The Rotherham-based company was awarded Online Bed Retailer of the Year by industry trade organisation the National Bed Federation.

The award is given to the company that demonstrates a solid contribution to the online bed and mattress sector, shows advances in innovation and technology, and goes above and beyond for the customer.

Stepping up to collect the award from host and comedian Jo Caulfield, Mattress Online Chief Executive Officer, Steve Adams, said; “It’s an honour to have once again been recognised within the industry and amongst our peers as the best at what we do.

“Despite the fast growth we’ve experienced, my team has risen to the challenge consistently going above and beyond. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieve as a team.”

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The online retailer, one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses, has seen turnover soar to £37.5m in the past year thanks to a sales surge during the pandemic.

Both turnover and profit have increased by more than 200% and staff numbers have swelled to more than 60.

Over the past year Mattress Online has also helped 40,000 customers reduce their carbon footprint and earlier this year, the company recycled its 100,000th mattress.

Over the next three years, Mattress Online plans to open seven physical stores. It currently has a traditional showroom store in Rotherham.

Mattress Online website

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News: Plans in for Wentworth Woodhouse

An overarching set of plans have been submitted as "the greatest restoration project for a generation" continues at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

Having taken on the property, The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) launched a £150m masterplan for the Grade I listed mansion house in 2018 which aims to bring new life to the redundant buildings on the 83-acre site.

The latest plans focus on the Camelia House but would also regularise the opening of the buildings and garden to the public and for various uses such as guided tours, events, exhibitions, educational workshops and TV and movie filming.

The application, from Acer Planning, states: "Alongside the ongoing urgent conservation and repair of historic fabric (which has been subject to separate listed building consent applications), the development of the Camellia House is an important first phase of the restoration and plan to create a sustainable visitor attraction and commercial entity to ensure Wentworth Woodhouse is preserved and made accessible for the nation and future generations.

"The early development and opening of the Camellia House for a café and events space within the programme will support the continued opening of the House and Gardens whilst other areas of the Estate are developed."

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The Camellia House, which is on Historic England’s At Risk Register and is in a poor state of repair with no roof over the main room, was an orangery with a tea room created in 1738 for Lady Rockingham, wife of the 1st Marquess, to entertain her guests.

Detailed plans for the actual works have already been submitted but a minimum amount of new development, such as a new bin store, is necessary to facilitate a sustainable restoration and re-use of the Camellia House.

The application also includes plans to demolish a 1970s teaching accommodation block and a create a new car park.

Demolition would enable the creation of a new 190 space car park to meet the capacity required for the visitor attraction which is seen as integral to the Trust’s ambitions to turn the Estate into a thriving visitor attraction, to the economic benefit of the borough more widely.

Assessments on the impact on the Green Belt, transport network, local ecology, archeology etc. are included with the plans.

The plans conclude: "The proposed change of use of the Camellia House in the wider proposals including the demolition of the 1970s Teaching Accommodation and the provision of a main visitor car park and further changes of use across the site focused on bringing the Estate into public use, will have an exceptional impact on local character and distinctiveness, allowing people to experience and engage with one of the foremost historic country estates in England in a manner previously unknown."

The next phase of the masterplan is likely to be the transformation of the Riding School and Stables to create new hospitality and visitor centres.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT / Donald Insall Architects

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News: Sheffield City Region rebrands

The Sheffield City Region (SCR) has officially rebranded and changed its legal name to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), to better reflect the geography of its constituent authorities and the region it serves, and as the integration of the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) continues. The Mayor’s title will also change to Mayor of South Yorkshire.

Led by the Mayor of South Yorkshire, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and the private sector through the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Through South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), The Mayor, the MCA Board and the LEP Board share a vision to grow an economy that works for everyone.

A lack of consensus from council leaders previously denied the SCR the chance to conclude a devolution deal with the Government.

Approved by Parliament last year, the devolution deal brings benefits including control of a new, flexible single pot of funding for economic growth, which incorporates the additional £30m annual allocation over the next 30 years. The MCA in South Yorkshire was granted some borrowing powers and is using them to create a ground-breaking stimulus, worth up to £860m, to revitalise South Yorkshire’s economy and transform the region.

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Mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis, said: “We are proud to reveal our new brand, which reflects better the identification people, places and businesses have with South Yorkshire as a region. The change is an opportunity to ensure that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s work and the support it provides is better understood by the people, partners and organisations we serve.

“Since powers and resources have been devolved from Westminster to South Yorkshire, we can take decisions locally about our economy, transport, skills, housing, and infrastructure, ensuring we can deliver what local people need and connect people and businesses to the places they need to be.

“We will use these to create a vibrant, thriving South Yorkshire where people want to live, visit and work. A strong brand is crucial to realising that ambition and we will use this to promote our region across the nation and globe, to attract new investment and unlock the potential of our people, businesses and places - creating a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire for all.”

This week, Jarvis, who is also MP for Barnsley Central, announced that he would not be standing for re-election as South Yorkshire Mayor after his term ends in May.

SCR website

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News: Rotherham Rhinoceros goes up for auction

The Rhinoceros pub in Rotherham town centre is up for auction as an investment opportunity by Pugh this week.

The pub, which has been given a £450,000 guide price, is let on a seven-year lease running until 2026, at a rent of £104,000 a year. As reported by Rothbiz, it was one of 16 pubs put up for sale by Wetherspoons in 2019.

Known locally as ‘Rhinos’, the pub is currently being extended into the neighbouring property at 33a Bridgegate, which is also included in the sale. The redevelopment is set to double the size of the pub to almost 10,000 sq ft.

The pub is named after the Rhinoceros Vase, which was made in 1826 at the nearby Rockingham Pottery Works. At the time of its production the 1.15m high vase was the largest piece of porcelain to have been fired in one piece anywhere in the world.

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Pugh associate director Paul Parker said: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a growing pub in the heart of Rotherham town centre.

“As well as the current extension project, there is also the potential, subject to gaining the necessary planning consent, to redevelop the Rhinoceros’s vacant 14,000 sq ft upper floor as residential accommodation.”

Bidding on the Rhinoceros, and the other lots in Pugh’s online auction, opened on 21 September and closes the following day. To view the full catalogue, go to the pugh-auctions website.

Earlier this year, the former Rileys snooker hall and sports bar sold as part of a Doncaster Gate plot at auction for £260,000. The Mail Coach on Wellgate, put up for sale last year, has also been listed as being under offer.

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News: Grimm & Co secures further funding

Rotherham-based charity, Grimm & Co, are celebrating today after being awarded over £280,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work with volunteers and families across Yorkshire.

Based on Ship Hill, the charity will use the cash to support and train volunteers, improving their skills, wellbeing and reducing isolation. This fund will enable Grimm & Co to expand their work with children and young people to include creative activities for families and care givers to help develop children’s communication skills through the joyful discovery of stories. The final strand of this project will take Grimm & Co’s unique and magical offer into communities and groups across Rotherham and beyond through artistic story taster activities that champion culture and creativity within communities.

Grimm & Co was founded by Deborah Bullivant, who developed the story destination and a suite of activities, built on a bedrock of action research that demonstrated real and significant positive impact on literacies for children and young people and families - especially for those communities, often left behind. The charity has been running since 2014 and has recently moved to new premises in order to meet the high demand and to expand its reach across communities in South Yorkshire and beyond.

The charity currently runs a variety of out of school activities for 7-18 years, both digitally and face-to-face, as well as providing online activities throughout the pandemic. They have recently returned to creative delivery with schools, in storymaking workshops and with new immersive theatre spaces such as the ‘Everywherium’. Grimm & Co are supporting the next generation to see themselves as writers, building confidence and skills with a ‘can do, want to do’ attitude, developing the capacity to use writing as a tool for resilience and helping young people to find their voices.

The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest funder of community activity in the UK, will see an expansion of these activities, enabling them to work with younger children and families, addressing communication issues and low literacy levels at an earlier stage. As a result of the funding, Grimm & Co are excited to be recruiting for three new staff members to take this project forward.

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Grimm & Co will be consulting with the communities across Rotherham as part of their programmes and this consultation, specifically focused on ‘making welcome’ and ‘being relevant to communities’, will inform and influence the capital project fit out and space of Grimm & Co’s newly refurbished Emporium of Stories in the heart of Rotherham Town Centre. Grimm and Co want themselves and this project to dispel negative perceptions of Rotherham and its residents, challenging community narratives and apathy that many Rotherham residents feel about their town and give them a reason to be really proud, invested and engaged in the place they call home.

£12.6m of Government funding has been secured from the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) to support regeneration projects in Rotherham town centre - including Grimm & Co, where proposals have been approved to enable an expansion into the former Talbot Lane Methodist Church.

A volunteer from Grimm & Co stated, “Working creatively with the young people and their families is such a reward and to see their genuine overwhelming positive responses is so life affirming and such a reassurance that the “Grimm way” can have so many benefits for their mental health and academic achievements. Being in Rotherham is also incredibly important to give its residents a chance that they probably can’t find anywhere else in their community.”

Sarah Dunwell, chair of Grimm & Co says: “Volunteers are Grimm & Co’s life blood. We are thrilled to be able to take our work to the next level, thanks to the National Lottery Community fund. After a very strange (yet hectic for us) 18 months, we can’t wait to get started."

Deborah Bullivant, founding director of Grimm & Co, added: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way and supported this project to take place over the next 3 years. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to reach children and young people when they are younger through exciting story activities and we will be able to connect with a variety of community groups, celebrating their stories and making new ones."

Grimm & Co website

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News: MP's call to cancel HS2

Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford, continues to call for the national High Speed Two (HS2) project to be scrapped, branding it "a disaster" that "takes money and resources away from levelling up."

There is opposition to the HS2 scheme from within Rotherham since a 2b route realignment was recommended in 2016. The local authority set out that it doesn't want to see the project reach Yorkshire and the Rother Valley MP wants the project scrapped.

The region continues to wait for the Government to publish the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) which is seen as key to large scale transport interventions in the the North.

Speaking in a parliamentary debate, Alexander Stafford said: "I stand here in Westminster Hall today to oppose HS2, as I have opposed it ever since being elected.

"In Rother Valley, a northern seat and a seat that the Government want to level up, we say that we do not want HS2.

"I want to challenge this fallacy that HS2 is involved with levelling up. It is quite the opposite: HS2 takes money and resources away from levelling up. I say that HS2—I am particularly talking about the 2b arm that runs roughshod through my constituency, destroying 400 homes—damages the levelling-up process. Why is that? First of all, we have heard about £150 billion. What my constituency could do with £15 million would be transformative. Give us some of that; do not give us a rail line that we cannot get on to. That money is what we need.

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"On top of that, we have talked about the trans-Pennine route here today; that is what we need. But what I hear from suppliers and construction companies is that there are not enough resources. There is not enough concrete; there are not enough tradesmen at the moment actually to build anything else. That is because HS2 is this gaping maw that is sucking in resources, sucking in money and sucking in everything, but not actually delivering anything. That undermines the whole concept of levelling up, so I say to the Government: we need to stop HS2 and the 2b arm.

"If newspaper reports are to be believed, the 2b arm will be scrapped. I welcome that and I hope the Minister will confirm that. Hundreds of my constituents, whose homes are being destroyed or compulsorily purchased, are being left in limbo. They do not know what is going on. We cannot just mothball it. We need to cancel it so that they can get on with their lives.

"I have one more point: we are destroying 400 homes in the Rother Valley. At the same time, Rotherham council is building new homes on the green belt, which is ridiculous. We are destroying the homes that we have and building on the green belt to make up for the loss. The HS2 project is a disaster, and 2b needs to be fully cancelled."

Phase 2b, which also includes a spur to Sheffield, shows the fast route to Leeds going through the East of Rotherham, affecting Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

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News: Next planning to invest £50m in Rotherham expansion

National retailer, Next, looks set to revive a decade-old plan to expand its already massive distribution warehouse in Rotherham due to a rise in online sales.

If approved, the development would create 150 jobs.

Developed by St Paul's Developments and opened in 2008, Next's 1.1m sq ft Rotherham operation at Brookfield's Park in Manvers is home to around 450 employees.

The two buildings can handle over 100,000 pallets and includes the largest warehouse in Next's 13-site distribution network that handles over 300 million units each year. The network makes 88,000 deliveries every year to 500 Next stores across the UK and millions of internet and Next Directory catalogue customers.

In 2013, investment fund managers, Tritax sold the two units in a deal worth £87m to Legal & General Property.

Plans have now been submitted for a 200,000 sq ft extension to one of the buildings on the south western elevation facing Manvers Way. It would mean that the existing car park for the facility would be moved immediately west.

The proposals are almost exactly the same as those submitted in 2011 but were never constructed.

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Plans, drawn up by RPS planning consultants, state: "The proposed size, location and orientation of the building is designed to satisfy the needs of the existing user, Next Plc, who have a need to expand their capacity to facilitate their distribution of goods on a national and regional basis from this location.

"The proposed facility is projected to create up to 150 additional full-time posts overall, working a combination of shift times. This will take the number of full-time employees at the facility from 450 to 600 overall.

"The development presents a well considered, inclusive design solution to provide an extension to an already successful facility which is tailored to specific client requirements, bringing additional employment and economic investment to an identified enterprise zone. In doing this, the development will serve to increase the viability of the Brookfield’s Park Development as a whole, and strengthen the local community."

Planning documents also state that the base building and fit out costs for the development come in in the region of £50m – a significant investment in this site.

Next Plc adapted quickly to the pandemic and recently saw online sales jump 69% from the same period in 2019.

Next website

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News: Magtec powers hybrid military vehicles for battlefield of the future

Magtec is supporting the British Army programme to assess the benefits that hybrid military vehicles can bring to the battlefield of the future.

Founded in 1992, Magtec designs and manufactures components for a wide range of applications including trucks, buses and military vehicles. It employs 125 people at its new factory in Rotherham, including ten ex-services personnel.

Magtec has provided electrification for experimental prototypes of the Foxhound patrol vehicle, Jackal combat reconnaissance vehicle and MAN support vehicle for the British Army. The vehicles are currently undergoing evaluation at UTAC’s Millbrook Proving Ground in the Army’s Technology Demonstrator 6 (TD6) project with project partners including NP Aerospace and RBSL.

The vehicles will be on display at DSEI, the international defence industry exhibition taking place in London from September 14-17.

Marcus Jenkins, Chief Technical Officer at Magtec, said: “We are delighted with the progress to date in demonstrating the effectiveness of our drive systems for the most demanding military applications. These hybrid vehicles offer multiple technical and operational enhancements for military vehicles while reducing reliance on fossil fuel.

“We are proud to support the British Army with this important programme, which has the potential to create a significant number of highly skilled engineering jobs in the North of England and strengthen the UK’s position at the forefront of the global transport sector.”

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Battlefield advantages include increased stealth with reduced thermal and noise signature, enabling vehicles to escape detection as troops observe or attack enemy forces. Electric motors enable immediate rapid acceleration and greater freedom of movement, offering numerous tactical advantages across different terrains.

Other advantages include the ability to deliver power at the point of need for military applications in the battlefield or emergency infrastructure in a disaster zone. For instance, one hybrid MAN support vehicle is capable of producing 500kw of power, equivalent to nine diesel generators, and could help power an Army field hospital.

Colonel Simon Ridgway OBE, Assistant Head Plans, Ground Manoeuvre, Army Headquarters, said: “TD6 is a key part of the Army’s plan for electrification of the battlefield, which seeks to gain operational advantage through using novel solutions for power, performance and support while also reducing carbon emissions.

“The programme will provide evidence to support the benefits, both direct and indirect, that hybridisation of some or all of our vehicle fleet may bring to inform our roadmap towards a more capable and sustainable future.”

Magtec recently commissioned a 65,000 sq ft facility at Templeborough to scale up production and meet growing international demand for its innovative technologies.

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News: Objections to new Rotherham venues

Two new venues in Rotherham have both come up against opposition as they pursue alcohol licences.

Rothbiz has reported recently on plans for FIKA Coffee Lounge at Wickersley and a micropub to open alongside existing deli and tearooms at Deer Park Farm in Thrybergh.

At Wickersley, applicant, Rebecca Guest, has applied to the Council for a licence for the sale by retail of alcohol and the playing of music for a new venture in an empty unit on The Tanyard. The plan is to open a restaurant / café open from 8am to 11pm with alcohol on sale between 11am and 11pm.

The area of Wickersley village has been designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone and applicants "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

Wickersley Parish Council are objecting with concerns that granting the licence would mean that the premises could be used principally as a drinking establishment which could add to the cumulative impact of premises already in the area - eg. noise, disturbance, litter, crime and disorder.

The applicant has explained the operating model which is unlikely to cause nuisance to local residents at a coffee lounge selling breakfasts, brunch, lunches and afternoon teas. It is only intended to open in the evenings for private bookings and special events.

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A representation from the parish council reads: "We have a remaining concern that, should the premises change hands at a future date, the suggested licence conditions would not prevent the premises being used as a mixed use cafe and bar so long as the primary use remained a cafe/restaurant. We have seen this happening at other venues within Wickersley.

"We would therefore like to see the suggested condition 1 being amended to read "The premises shall operate primarily as a coffee shop/restaurant with alcohol served only with a substantial food provision or buffet." The Parish Council considers this would allow Fika Coffee Lounge to operate as intended and allay our concerns about its future use."

A report shows that the Council's Licensing Service are of the view that "such a condition would be unenforceable in the absence of a clear definition of terms such as "substantial" and "buffet.""

The licence, and 23 attached conditions, was due to be discussed this week but the agenda for the Licensing Sub-Committee was withdrawn.

At Thrybergh, the plan is to rearrange the current building in order to create a new bar operating 10-9pm Monday to Saturday and 12-9pm on Sundays. External decking areas would also be used and a condition is included so that the licence holder shall ensure that consumption of alcohol does not take place within the customer car parks and is contained to the inside and seating areas.

A number of objections have been received from residents of nearby Arran Hill which overlooks the site.

The application was due before the Licensing Sub-Committee this week.

Deer Park Retail Village website

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News: Prominent Rotherham listed building sold

A prominent building within the Old Town Hall has sold prior to going to auction this month.

Vacant for many years, the former Burger King in Rotherham town centre was due to go under the hammer at the September live stream auction organised by Acuitus.

But before the September 24 date, the lot is now being listed as "sold prior."

4,546 sq ft over two floors, the property at 1 Old Town Hall is in a highly prominent and prime location at the junction of Howard Street and Frederick Street and directly opposite the revamped interchange.

The property is a Grade II Listed building, arranged as a ground and first floor former restaurant with a ground floor kitchen and seating area, together with customer toilets and ancillary accommodation.

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The freehold failed to sell at auction in 2018 from a guide price of £395,000 and later offers in the region of £250,000 were being invited.

In 2009 the property was fitted out into "The Shop of Priceless Things" in a project by artist, Adrian Riley in collaboration with John W Clarke. Artwork on the windows showcased the ideas of the people of Rotherham who were asked to identify the things they value that money just can't buy.

The majority of the converted Old Town Hall was snapped up by an investor in 2016.

Formerly the Town Hall including the County Juvenile Court and Assembly Rooms, much of the building dates from 1896-97. Designed by Mr Lovell of London it features Classical and Jacobean details.

The Assembly Room building (not part of either of the sales), was built as Rotherham and Masborough Literary Mechanics Institute in 1853 and was extensively refronted when incorporated into the Town Hall complex.

The Old School of Science and Art, also on the site, is also a listed building.

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News: Travelodge to open 69-room hotel in Rotherham town centre

Major hotel brand, Travelodge, has exchanged a long-term deal with the UK’s leading town and city-centre regenerator, Muse Developments and Rotherham Council, to become the latest anchor occupier at Rotherham’s Forge Island.

The deal will see a new 69-room hotel delivered in the heart of Rotherham town centre, as part of the area’s wider repurposing and transformation into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

Travelodge becomes the second major signing at Forge Island, following the news earlier in the year that boutique cinema operator, The Arc, had agreed to open its seventh site at the scheme. Plans being brought forward by Muse and the council include a number of food and drink outlets and a car park.

The development will be set within a stunning public square, complete with a new pedestrian bridge connecting the scheme to the wider town centre, to create a real sense of place and deliver direct benefits to the Rotherham community.

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Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “Bringing a major occupier in Travelodge to Forge Island further highlights our collective commitment with the council to create a connected, innovative and inclusive scheme that brings people back to the town centre.

“We’re working hard to drive investment and growth to benefit the Rotherham community, along with providing a range of employment opportunities too. Forge Island represents what can be done when the best of the public and private sector come together with a clear vision and we’re looking forward to bringing the scheme forward in due course.”

Tony O'Brien, Travelodge UK development director, added: “We are delighted to be opening our first hotel in Rotherham at Forge Island. This development is our 23rd local council hotel partnership. This type of partnerships is of huge benefit to local communities as it helps regenerate vacant space and supports inward investment. This often leads to further development, new job creation and increased income via business rates for the local council.

“There are no branded budget hotels in the centre of Rotherham and this hotel will help attract new visitors to the area. This is great news for the local economy as research shows, customers will spend on average double their room rate with local businesses during their stay which can equate to an annual multi-million pound boost for the Rotherham economy.

“The Forge Island development is in a great location in the heart of the town centre, near to the railway station, the shopping centre and the AESSEAL New York stadium, home of Rotherham United. With on-site car parking and the benefit of the new cinema and restaurants, this Travelodge is ideally located for leisure and business for business and leisure travellers."

Plans were approved in 2020 for the Forge Island scheme on the site of the former Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills.

The approved plans are for a four storey hotel at the north of the site, designed with a metal top and brick base in grey giving it a separate identity to the cinema. The top element is also clad in metal and the hotel building includes a foyer which connects through to a 40 cover café/bar area plus a separate 2,500 sq ft restaurant unit.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “It’s great news that Travelodge has signed up to be part of the Forge Island development and joined The Arc Cinema in helping to create a fantastic asset for people across the borough to make use of.

“We’re determined to create a long-term vision for the town centre and can’t wait to see people using the hotel, cinema and cafes and restaurants that will be on site in the future.

“Travelodge will be an asset to Rotherham, and I’m pleased that they have selected our town to expand their already well know and recognised brand across the country.”

Travelodge operates 582 hotels across the UK and Forge Island will be the only one in the borough.

Following the deal with Travelodge, it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2022.

Travelodge website
Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC / FaulknerBrowns

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News: Start-up business programme available to Rotherham residents

Rotherham’s Investment and Development Office (RiDO) is encouraging locals to get involved in their fully-funded business start-up programme.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and budding business owners can get expert support right from the initial ideas stage and up to three years of trading.

Julia Millea, New Business Developer, said: “We’ve supported hundreds of people in their business journey so far and it’s great to see them and their business grow and flourish. We offer impartial and structured support that can help people to define and refine their business idea. The programme is delivered collaboratively between our in-house team and a range of associates who are experts in their fields.”

The programme includes masterclasses and workshops on business planning, marketing and promotion, social media, online business and e-commerce, photography and video creation and legal and financial aspects of running a business.

A new Business Start-Up Fast Track programme with virtual workshops starts this week.

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Stuart Turner, of LenGo Visual Media, received support from the RiDO start-up programme back in 2018 and he’s now the proud owner of an award-winning video production agency.

Stuart said: “I’d worked in the visual media industry for years but nothing is as exhilarating or as rewarding as running your own business. I knew my industry inside and out, and I reached out to RiDO to make sure I’d got a structured approach to things like marketing, my business accounts and all the legal aspects too. The support I received was invaluable, the business advisors have a wealth of knowledge and help you explore your ideas and concepts. I’d encourage anyone, like I did in 2018, to follow your dreams and RiDO will make that feel less scary.”

RiDO’s business start-up programme is part of the Sheffield City Region Launchpad initiative. The programme began in April 2016 as a £4m initiative across the Sheffield City Region. Due to the success of Launchpad between April 2016 to March 2019, further funding of £3.5m has been secured to continue delivering Launchpad until the 31st March 2022.

RiDO website

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News: £36m still needed to plug funding gap for flood schemes

Despite a number of schemes making it onto a national list of future flood alleviation investment, Rotherham Council has still estimated that there is a funding gap of £36.5m.

Rothbiz reported recently on the Government announcing that there would be £860m invested in 1,000 flood defence schemes this year as part of its Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan.

A number of Rotherham schemes were included such as the the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme being down to receive an indicative contribution of £15.1m for 2021/22-2026/27. £488,060 is the Government's indicative investment to the scheme.

Other Rotherham schemes on the funding list include the Eel Mires Dike Flood Alleviation Scheme at Dinnington and Laughton Common (an indicative contribution of £1.45m) and Lake Outfall Pumping Station Refurbishment in the north of the borough (£725,000). Some Rother Washland Optimisation is also in line for funding.

Not on the list were Whiston Brook and Catcliffe.

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Last year, it was identified that £51m was needed to implement all of the region's flood-related schemes and, despite the confirmed Government funding, there was still a £125m gap in the South Yorkshire Flooding Priority Programme.

An update to Rotherham Council's Improving Places Select Commission states that as at August 2021, £15.5m of funding has been secured against the overall £52m initial estimated cost, leaving an estimated funding gap of £36.5m.

Rotherham Council's six key schemes are:

- Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme (£24m)
- Parkgate & Rawmarsh FAS (£14m)
- Whiston Brook FAS at Whiston (£4m)
- Eel Mires Dike FAS at Laughton Common (£3m)
- Catcliffe permanent pumping station (£5m)
- Culvert renewal programme (£2m)

£5.8m of council funding is being used to get the projects "shovel ready" for when funding does come on stream. The most advanced are the Rotherham to Kilnhurst FAS and the Parkgate & Rawmarsh FAS. Pre-construction work could take until 2024.

£5.7m of the Council's Town Centre Investment Fund has been put towards flood projects in the area. Other sources of funding include the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - £1.6m, Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority (Local Growth Funds) - £1.3m, Environment Agency - £0.7m, and Network Rail - £0.4m.

Upcoming phases around the town centre include flood defences at Ickles and a canal barrier is planned at Forge Island where the site of the former Tesco store is set to be home to an eight screen cinema, a 69 bed hotel, four restaurants and car parking.

A council report states: "Significant funding is needed to deliver the six priority FAS [flood alleviation scheme] projects to completion. To support that £5.8m of capital budget was approved by Council in March 2021, to enable all the priority FAS projects to be brought to a ‘shovel ready’ state, to support future investment in the schemes and provide certainty in terms of the work that is required and the detailed costs.

"The Council continues to ask Central Government for support in funding all six priority FAS projects to enable them to be completed."

Images: RMBC

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