News: Wentworth Woodhouse gallops ahead with plans for stables

A planning application has been submitted that includes the next phase of works involving the transformation of 8,600 sq ft of space within the Stables of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last month on a proposed £5.1m regeneration project that is set to provide jobs and training for the hospitality sector at the historic site.

The Wentworth project was part of successful bids to the Government's Levelling Up Funds and redevelopment of a major section of the long-derelict Stable Block, the grandest in the land when built in the late 1700s, can now get underway.

The plans show how the Preservation Trust, which owns the stately home, will convert the southern end of the Stables west range and the western section of the Stables south range for use as a production kitchen. It is also proposed to convert the southern section of the Stables west range for a 120 cover café catering for visitors as they arrive and leave Wentworth Woodhouse. A plant room, staff rooms, toilets, office and visitor toilets are proposed in the upper storey.

The works are part of a £150m masterplan for the Grade I listed mansion house, launched in 2018, which aims to bring new life to the redundant buildings on the 83-acre site.

A main production kitchen will deliver appropriate menus for the proposed café at the Camellia House and the existing kitchen within the mansion, which are both very limited due to size and will work well as satellite kitchens in the future.

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The plans, drawn up by ACER Planning, state: "The catering and hospitality sector has seen a huge decline in available workers, and we wish to work in partnership with local schools and colleges so as to ensure we provide opportunities for vocational training on site. The kitchens shall be used as a focal point for hospitality and catering training, so that as the site develops further in the future, a suitably trained work force is already established. This shall also apply to the café which will be used as a training facility, particularly by those from our community who wish to seek work and are from diverse backgrounds including people with disabilities.

"Whilst in the short term the café will be used to provide a service for existing visitors to the site as they arrive or depart (as it is located near to the car park), in the future it will be used more heavily, as the other buildings in the Stables are regenerated and more visitors come to site. As such the kitchens need to be of a size capable of supporting that growth and The Trust want to ensure that they have already got a fully trained workforce in place for when further stages of the masterplan are realised."

The facilities proposed at the Camellia House and within the kitchen and café at the Stables are intended to service existing visitors and those predicted to visit the site over the next three years or until new developments come on stream.

Also included in the plans are previously discussed aspects of the Camelia House restoration, plans to demolish a 1970s teaching accommodation block and a create a new 190 space car park, and plans to 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 latest plans also includes the resurfacing of Mews Court to create a pedestrian entrance to the stables, adjacent to the new car park.

Future proposals for the rest of the stables inlcude events space in the riding school and residential units.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Young people get ‘out of this world’ experience at North Star Science School

More than 500 young people from across South Yorkshire had an ‘out of this world’ experience when they attended the region’s first fully live North Star Science School event.

Held at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park in Rotherham, North Star Science School promotes innovation and opportunity and aims to inspire the next generation to consider a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) sectors.

During the day-long spectacular on Wednesday 24th November, year 8 and 9 students from more than 40 schools and home-schooled young people across the region were given the chance to hear from some of the UK’s leading experts in STEAM, including an inspirational, virtual keynote presentation and Q&A session with Professor Brian Cox CBE.

North Star is part of the Science Summer School national initiative co-founded in 2012 by Professor Cox CBE and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE with the aim of making Britain the best place in the world to do science and engineering, and is presented in partnership with Well North Enterprises, a social business led by Lord Mawson.

The South Yorkshire event was delivered and organised by The Work-wise Foundation, a non-profit, employer-led charity which aims to develop young people for employment in STEAM subjects within the region.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation said: “After a tough 18 months, it was great to finally get back on the road and start our live events with the first ever day-long North Star Science School. Gulliver’s Valley provided the perfect location to experience the ethos of Science – Curiosity – Play. We provided 560 young people the opportunity to really explore the STEAM sectors in detail and find out about the fantastic career opportunities available and were thrilled to gain positive feedback from everyone involved. We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

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Professor Brian Cox said: “My thanks to The Work-wise Foundation, Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the many generous partners for making our second North Star Science School possible during another challenging year for everyone. It means that important links for the many young people living here will continue to be made between schools, universities, apprentice schemes, businesses and extraordinary local resources such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. There are many exciting opportunities, and this area has a key role to play in our aim of making the UK the best place in the world to do science and engineering".

Throughout the event, attendees also got to hear and learn from host Ruth Amos, Inventor of the Stair Steady and co-founder of the #girlswithdrills movement and YouTube channel ‘Kids Invent Stuff, plus many other guest speakers that took to the stage. This included Lord Andrew Mawson, Social Entrepreneur and Executive Chair of Well North Enterprises and Dr Simon Goodwill, Head of the Sports Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University.

Leah Morgan a project engineer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and founder of the UKAEA Women’s Network and Michael Every, Officer in the British Army also took part in the event during the afternoon. Joining the impressive line-up was also Jack Tuft, Founder & President of GU Rocketry, a student-lead project, focused on launching Scotland's first student-lead, high-powered rocket, Ayesha Begum and Danielle Michalska-Morris from Barratt Developments Plc and Rebecca Wright, Engineering Technician at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield.

Students were also given the chance to take part in a series of fun and interactive workshops and activities, including chocolate welding, brick making and ways to create and demonstrate the benefits of fusion energy, all led by local and national organisations working within the STEAM sectors. This includes:

AMRC Training Centre
Barratt Developments Plc
Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP)
Forged Solutions Group co-creating with Maltby Academy
Gulliver’s Valley
Ibstock Plc co-creating with Wales High School
Kids Invent Stuff
NHS
Royal Navy
Sheffield Engineering Leadership Academy
UKAEA co-creating with Sheffield Park Academy
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Leighton Collins, Careers Leader at Firth Park Academy, Sheffield attended the event with a group of students. He commented: “The North Star Science School was beyond brilliant. Ruth Amos was a fabulous choice of host and Professor Brian Cox was fascinating, despite being with us virtually he remained a highlight of the event. All the kids enjoyed it and the high presence of female speakers and guests gave many of our female pupils a boost to run with STEAM in their thoughts for the future. Plus, one pupil who has always insisted he only wants to be a footballer when he's older, came away with thoughts about Sports Engineering, so it has certainly helped to expand their aspirations.”

This year’s free to attend event was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of local and national businesses and organisations. This includes, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Ibstock Plc, Forged Solutions Group, Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort, AMRC & AMRC Training Centre, Barratt Developments Plc, Harworth Group, Hydra Creative, Sheffield City Council & Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

Lord Andrew Mawson said: "The North Star Science School helps local young people to develop their knowledge and skillsets through the power of STEAM subjects and learning by doing. These are our scientists and engineers of tomorrow. We are grateful to all those companies and organisations who have the vision to support them through North Star as we continue to build bridges towards learning and employment opportunities now and into the future”.

John Barber added: “Without the valued support of the businesses and organisations that have generously sponsored us or pledged to take the time out from their busy schedules to attend the showcase, North Star would not have been able to take place. We are extremely grateful to each of them and to the volunteers that have stepped up to help us organise and manage the event. We are also very thankful to The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 for providing invaluable support to the initial project development and delivery of North Star.”

North Star Science School website

Images: North Star Science School

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News: Bank provides a reel boost for Rotherham hose manufacturer

A specialist Rotherham manufacturer is on track to double turnover within five years with a six-figure cash injection helping to turbocharge organic growth.

Based in Wath, Wath Group is a designer and manufacturer of jet wash hoses, control equipment and cabling, and trace heating solutions. Founded in 1980, the family business has evolved from supplying primarily to the mining industry, to supporting a broad range of sectors including automotive, renewable energy, consumer electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Through its specialist safety and security brand, SecurEx, it also provides products for use in hazardous and explosive environments. And, it recently partnered with Hogen Systems to develop a pioneering Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) that produces clean drinking water from the atmosphere.

A key local employer, it currently employs 40 staff at its HQ. Over the past few years, turnover has grown steadily from £2.6m in 2017, to £5m in 2021. And now, with the support of a £308,700 hire purchase facility from Lloyds Bank, Wath Group is investing in two new HAAS Machining Centres – highly-specialist automated cutting tools – and is on track to double turnover to £10m within five years.

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Matt Bedford, director at Wath Group, said: “Over the last 40 years, Wath Group has transformed from a small supplier to a major producer. We pride ourselves on our adaptability, working to tailor and expand our offering to meet market demand and support a growing range of sectors – and this investment is the latest step in our expansion strategy.

“With the Bank’s support, we can continue to grow organically by bringing in new, state-of-the-art equipment and machinery to boost production across all of our core product ranges, as well as find new opportunities to innovate and partner with other organisations on ground-breaking projects.”

Ben Cutts, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, added: “Wath Group’s track record speaks for itself – it is a team that has never shied away from new avenues to growth, helping them remain a key player in a market that is constantly evolving.

“As their partners for over two decades now, we are excited to remain by their side in this next phase of expansion.”

The transaction was led by Ben Cutts and Lee Mcallister, regional manager at Lloyds Bank.

Wath Group website

Images: Lloyds / Wath group

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News: Plans updated for a new Rotherham unit for global logistics firm

Plans for an expanding logistics firm to take a large purpose built unit in Rotherham have been updated.

Vector 31 West is being created at Waleswood on a parcel of land on the west side of Mansfield Road close to Junction 31 of the M1.

Network Space recently secured outline consent for the £24m industrial development and is advancing plans for up to 254,000 sq ft of B2 and B8 employment space on the 22-acre site.

The development could create in excess of 500 jobs once completed.

A detailed application ealier this year showed that an unnamed logistics company had asked Network Space to deliver a bespoke 85,000 sq ft unit.

A new application, drawn up by Spawforths, explains that the earlier application was "formally withdrawn on 29 November 2021, due to technical issues arising from the site investigation monitoring. As such, an amended scheme has been prepared and submitted for a revised location albeit the specification of the building remains unchanged.

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The plans add: "The Unit is intended to be occupied by a logistics occupier who are globally recognised. The company is a leading specialist for trade related services including transport logistics, global ecommerce and distribution. The requirements of this end user have been incorporated into the layout and design of Unit 1."

It adds that the end user provides "import and export, fulfilment services and parcel distribution" and states that this unit alone could provide space for 200 jobs.

The parking facilities onsite would comprise of car parking (73 spaces, including four disabled and 15 electric charging spaces), HGV parking (16 spaces), LGV parking (seven spaces), van parking (26 spaces all of which will be electric charging spaces) and cycle parking (eight spaces).

The site, next to Gulliver's Valley, Greencore and over the road from LuK, has been backfilled following open cast coal mining operations and development platforms have already been created. Some mitigation is proposed, inlcuding acoustic barriers located along the west of the service yard.

Since traffic lights now are being used full time at the nearby junction 31 of the M1, a transport assessment submitted with the plans demonstrates that, whilst the proposed development does constitute an increase in overall traffic levels generated by the whole Vector 31 West Site as a whole during the critical weekday peak periods, the additional traffic levels impacting M1 Junction 31, "does not result in the degradation or worsening of the operation of the junction when compared to the level of operation already considered and approved at outline stage."

Network Space website

Images: Network Space / Harris Partnership

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News: Further food outlets opening in Rotherham

Another national food retailer is set to open at a prominent site in Rotherham, with an old favourite returning to the borough.

Rothbiz reported in 2017 that plans had been submitted for a drive thru unit at its, then recently completed, retail development close to Mushroom Roundabout at Eastwood.

Sheffield-based franchise specialists, QFM Group, received approval for the plans but they were never implemented.

Now updated plans show that the latest newcomer is set to be Chopstix - a noodle bar take away restaurant with over 80 sites across the UK and the Republic of Ireland providing its affordable, fresh and tasty Asian cuisine in food courts, motorway services and high street locations.

Construction work is underway.

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The prominent brownfield site at Eastwood was transformed by a regeneration scheme centred around new food retail units. The vacant site was previously home to a D.C. Cook car dealership but was empty since 2008 following demolition. QFM have pioneered the scheme which is now home to Taco Bell, KFC, Costa and Dunkin Donuts A Toby Carvery pub also operates on the site.

With financial backing from Metro Bank, Chopstix owners are planning an ambitious expansion that would more than quadruple the size of its UK business and launch overseas.

QFM area slso aiming to add a Chopstix outlet to its new KFC development at Wickersley.

Across town, at Parkgate, Burger King has reopened its restuarant unit, operated by franchisee. the Kirali Group.

The area was severely affected by flooding in 2019 but work on the unit was put on hold in 2020.

Images: Chopstix / Facebook

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News: Cti forge a successful year

Castings Technology International (Cti), is celebrating a successful year, following a management buy-out (MBO) of the business from the University of Sheffield in January.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the company is a world-leading provider of manufacturing, technology, expertise and services to the cast metals sector and global supply chain. It has been perfecting its technology over many years, working hand in hand with multinational blue-chip companies through both research and development and long-term supply agreements. The company now forms a critical player in a supply chain servicing multi-billion-pound contracts.

At the same time as the MBO, the business also secured a £2m fundraising round led by Nucleus Commercial Finance and NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Since completing the deal, funding raised has allowed the company to expand rapidly. It has invested further into product development; added to its sales and marketing infrastructure and resource; and expanded its world-class manufacturing facility, which is based at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Earlier this year, as a direct result of investments made, Cti produced the largest single component it has cast in its 98-year history. Made from commercially pure titanium, it is believed to be the largest ever titanium part poured into a ceramic mould. Tipping the scales in it’s shipped condition at 320kg (705lbs), with an envelope of 1000mm square by 600mm high, the casting showcases several novel casting techniques developed in-house at Cti, the heart of cast metal innovation.

The casting formed part of an order from an OEM Japanese customer and will be used as a high-pressure pump in a demanding corrosive industrial application. Titanium casting production is complex and requires expertise not only in metallurgy, but foundry methodology.

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The company has casting capabilities in almost any type of metal alloy and has a 1,200kg titanium vacuum melting capability, which ranks it as one of the largest in the world. In conjunction with customers’ design teams, Cti is casting complex components supplied into the aerospace, defence, chemical nuclear and marine markets.

Highly experienced engineer Richard Cook (Managing Director) and local entrepreneur Kevin Parkin (Chairman) lead Cti’s management team. They are supported by a highly experienced Non-Executive Director team that includes world-class foundry innovator Professor John Campbell, Graham Honeyman CBE – former Chief Executive at Sheffield Forgemasters – as well as Brian Robb and Steve Irwin, two highly-experienced castings experts that have worked for many years with Rolls-Royce.

Richard Cook, Managing Director at Casting Technology International, said: “It has been an exciting year for us, as the management buy-out marked one of the most important moments in our 98-year history. In tandem, thanks to the support of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, Mercia and Nucleus Commercial Finance, we have been able to push forward with our growth plans. We are innovators by nature, and this has allowed us to fulfil world-first orders and deliver on contracts for some of the world’s biggest brands.”

Sean Hutchinson at the British Business Bank said: “The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is proud to have supported Cti in taking this important step, through NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance. The deal demonstrates the impact that investment can have here in the North of England, helping to facilitate growth and create new opportunities, and we look forward to following Cti’s progress.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has provided a significant loan to Cti to support the growth business plan, with Andy Tyas and Pete Sorsby from the team at Mercia Asset Management leading on the transaction on behalf of the fund, with working capital facilities provided by Financial Institution, Nucleus Commercial Finance.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Cti website

Images: Cti

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News: AMRC celebrates apprentices

‘The future of the business and a great asset to the company’, is how engineer-in-training Kate Todd-Davis was described by employer Rolls-Royce after being crowned AMRC Training Centre Apprentice of the Year.

The AMRC Training Centre, that has state-of-the-art facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Kate, a manufacturing engineering apprentice at global engineering giant Rolls-Royce, was announced as the 2021 champion by captain of industry and chairman of Stanley Black & Decker Sir George Buckley, at a virtual celebration on December 10.

She was also named ‘degree apprentice of the year’ at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre awards – giving the 21-year-old a double victory. As part of her prize, Kate will be zooming off to the F1 Silverstone Grand Prix in July and will get to visit the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking with the other awards finalists.

Kate’s work, which is expected to save Rolls-Royce an estimated £180,000 over the next three years, involves introducing new parts at its Washington-facility; updating manufacturing processes; creating technical documents; and analysing part measures data to achieve process improvements.

The young apprentice says she was ‘overwhelmed’ by both award wins.

“To have received the ‘degree apprentice of the year’ award was an honour in itself – but to have also received the overall ‘apprentice of the year’ award is my biggest achievement so far,” said Kate. “I am so overwhelmed but grateful for both awards and for all of the guidance from the AMRC over the last three years.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out that I’d won tickets to the Silverstone Grand Prix, I love F1 and can’t wait to go to that and to be given a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre – both trips will be amazing.”

Michelle White, apprentice development leader at Rolls-Royce, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Kate and both of these awards are truly well deserved. She is a valued member of the manufacturing engineering team at the Rolls-Royce Washington UK site and has been involved in many projects and seeks out where value can be added.

“During this difficult time for most businesses, every cost-cutting measure is greatly appreciated. The amount of money she has saved the company allows the business to be more cost effective and resilient.

“Kate has a very bright future within Rolls-Royce, she is the future of the business and is a great asset to the company. I am looking forward to seeing what she achieves.”

Kate recently graduated from AMRC Training Centre with a first-class honours degree in Manufacturing Technology, having already completed a Level 2 NVQ in Fundamental Engineering, and is now working towards a Level 4 NVQ in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, both delivered by the Sunderland Engineering Training Association (SETA).

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the last few years from Rolls-Royce, the AMRC Training Centre and SETA,” Kate said. “The mentors I have had have been so inspirational and have continually allowed me to strive to do my best.”

Kate, who began working for Rolls-Royce in September 2018, said her most notable work achievement to date has been helping her company to save tens of thousands of pounds after being tasked with managing the implementation of a rounding rule for measured features, eradicating some dimensional non-conformance.

By extrapolating information from Red-Amber-Green (RAG) chart data, she predicted the huge savings for seven parts. It has now been authorised for use in production and is expected to be applied to all parts in the future, generating further savings.

“Though I primarily led this project, it wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of my managers and I learned so much during the time I spent completing it,” added Kate.

And for anyone considering engineering as their career, she has some sound advice.

“I’d say try and get as much exposure to the industry as you can so that you can understand first-hand what a fantastic industry it is to work in. The apprenticeship route has been critical to my success and I think that apprenticeships are a worthwhile investment for both employers and apprentices.”

To be named the AMRC Training Centre’s top apprentice for 2021 brings to a close a triumphant year for Kate who also won ‘degree apprentice of the year’ for the North East region in the National Apprentice Awards in October. She’s also making her mark as an ambassador for young female apprentices, regularly attending Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) meetings and has been asked to join the North East Young Apprentice Ambassador Network (YANN).

Looking to the future, Kate wants to progress her career at Rolls-Royce and is looking to complete a master’s degree as well as continuing to champion engineering to others.

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This year’s judging panel, which included AMRC Training Centre leads and representatives from award sponsors including headliner Stanley Black & Decker, Close Brothers and Boeing to name a few, said Kate was an inspirational role model to all future and current engineers and had achieved consistently good grades, impressed her employer and was thought to be more than a worthy winner for this year’s award.

Commenting on Kate’s win, Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, said: “Kate is a shining example of what an apprentice can achieve. She is academically and practically outstanding. A true ambassador for apprenticeships, with a real community spirit, helping other apprentices within her organisation. She excels in everything she does and is having a real positive impact on her organisation.”

Other winners at this year’s annual awards were:

- Rising Star: Ben Wright of Tribosonics, sponsored by C&S Fabrications; - Apprenticeship Champion: Rebecca Wright of University of Sheffield AMRC, sponsored by the Manufacturing Technologies Association; - Advanced Apprentice: Gabriella Spencer of Stanley Black & Decker, sponsored by Sandvik Coromant; - Highly commended Advanced Apprentice: Samuel Thomas Redgrave of Niftylift, sponsored by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence; - HNC & Higher Apprentice: Jordan Clayton of Polypipe Building Products, sponsored by Nikken; - Highly commended HNC & Higher Apprentice: Louise Brammer of Street Cranexpress, sponsored by Hallam FM; - Degree Apprentice: Kate Todd-Davis of Rolls-Royce, sponsored by Close Brothers; - Highly commended Degree Apprentice: Sean Feather of FIRMA Engineering Ltd, sponsored by Boeing; - Special Recognition Award: Liam Shaw, of Polypipe Building Products, sponsored by Machines4Sale News.

Nikki heaped praise on the finalists and their peers, and said despite on-going work struggles with Covid this year, apprentices had stepped up to prove the benefits they bring to industry.

“It has been a pleasure to see our apprentices thrive and strive for the best with their work throughout this difficult year,” she added. “Despite the added pressures of Covid lockdowns, digital working and adjusting to social distancing rules, all of our apprentices have continued to get the best out of their learning - and here at the training centre, we are very proud of them all.

“I would like to say a massive congratulations to all of our 2021 finalists and winners.”

AMRC Training Centre website

Images: AMRC

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News: Grimm pops up at Old Town Hall

Rotherham-based charity, Grimm & Co, has taken space in the Old Town Hall in the town centre until its new premises are complete.

Utilising the vacant units temporarily will enable the literacy charity to bring together its workshops and educational activities with its unique retail offering.

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.

Following the purchase of their building on Ship Hill in the centre of Rotherham, Grimm & Co were looking to proceed with the renovation and refurbishment work when lockdown hit in March. The closure of the story centre and magical shop on Doncaster Gate, the diversion of promised funds and the enforced cancellation of fundraising events, meant that plans for the building were put on hold and all efforts concentrated on taking their creative delivery to children and young people online and directly into communities. The charity has recently carried out activities at Clifton Park and Gulliver’s Valley.

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Funding has been granted for the new premises and Grimm are currently in the process of securing the construction contractor, hopeful that the capital project work will begin within the next couple of months.

The new temporary space includes space for workshops, the Forgotten Library and the retail space.

Deborah Bullivant, Founding Chief Executive at gruimm & Co, said: "We are over the moon to be able to open our physical shops to mortals again, we’ve missed you so much! This will mean we can all be together, the shop can show off its wonderful new products and welcome customers to our new, in-between site, whilst helping us to raise the funds for our permanent home. The creative space behind the secret door will also provide a spectacular home for our theatres and our story workshops will be back on the menu plus some new activities for families/carers of younger children too."

Sarah Dunwell, Chair of Grimm & Co’s board, added: "This is an exciting chapter in our story so far and we’re so pleased to be able to open up the charity’s doors once again, in a new, pop-up home in the Old Town Hall, still in the heart of Rotherham."

Opening today (December 21), the shop will also be open on Tuesday (until 4pm), Wednesday (9-4pm) and Thursday (until 1pm).

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co

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News: Magtec reaches milestone in £4m project to help decarbonise rail network

Rotherham-based Magtec is working with Angel Trains to convert Class 165 DMUs to be the UK’s first electrically driven Hybrid unit.

The rail industry’s first conversion of a diesel multiple unit to a low-emission electric hybrid drive has reached its next milestone with Magtec’s innovative self-charging battery technology fitted to a rail vehicle and now ready for initial testing on the track. The £4m Class 165 Hybrid DMU project aims to reduce carbon and gaseous emissions, whilst addressing local air quality and noise pollution issues.

Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “Our market-leading technology has the potential to help decarbonise the rail network with improved fuel efficiency and performance with lower emissions. As it scales up, this project is on track to become a game-changer for the UK rail industry.”

The Hybrid DMU train’s electric drive offers improved acceleration compared to its diesel-only counterparts, potentially reducing journey times for passengers. Its smart drive system is able to detect proximity to stations or depots, switching to battery power to cut emissions and noise in populated areas.

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Magtec’s new range-extender generators charge the traction battery and deliver power to the traction motor. They are smaller and more efficient than existing diesel engines and comply with the latest emissions standards. The battery is also recharged by the train’s regenerative braking system, increasing overall efficiency and further reducing emissions.

Magtec is working on the Hybrid DMU project with Angel Trains, Britain’s leading train asset management company, and Chiltern Railways, part of the Arriva group. Chiltern Railways has been awarded a new contract which includes commitments to continue working towards decarbonising and modernising its fleet.

Recently opening a new facility in Templeborough, Magtec is creating at least 50 new high-skilled engineering and support function jobs to help meet growing demand for its world-leading drive systems. The privately-owned company is targeting sales of £30m next year, more than double the turnover of 2021. It currently employs 145 people at its 65,000 sq ft facility in Rotherham and is recruiting across all engineering and operations disciplines.

Magtec website

Images: Magtec

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News: Local MP continues to raise issue of US steel tariffs

John Healey MP has warned of an unhappy new year for local steelmakers after the Government failed to win US agreement to drop special trade tariffs on UK steel and aluminium.

Rothbiz reported in 2018 that then President Donald Trump announced a decision to implement 25% tariffs based on national security considerations.

International trade minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan recently met with her US counterparts but there are no signs that tariffs on UK producers will be lifted for the start of 2022.

The EU struck a deal in October to get US special steel tariffs lifted, so from January 1, steelmakers in the EU will gain a 25% price advantage over their UK counterparts for exporting into the big US market.

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The Wentworth and Dearne MP, whose constituency includes Liberty Speciality Steel's Aldwarke plant, said: "Britain is being left behind. The EU have got US tariffs dropped but the Trade Secretary’s only got a promise of more talks. People have a right to expect better from the Government. Incompetent Ministers are leaving steelmakers to pay the price, and the UK will lose out further on the big US market. It’s an unhappy new year in prospect for our South Yorkshire steelmakers.

“The government are supposed to be ‘levelling up’ but the steel industry in South Yorkshire will be working with one hand tied behind it’s back. UK industry needs to be able to compete fairly with the Europeans and the current tariffs make this near-on impossible.”

In 2018 when the tariffs came in, exports to the US accounted for almost 12% of revenue for Liberty Speciality Steel in Rotherham. Since then, UK exports to the US have declined by more than a third, from 350,000 tonnes in 2018 to 200,000 tonnes in 2020.

Liberty only relaunched production at its GREENSTEEL Rotherham electric arc furnace last month, with restart and operation at night to maximise efficiency and mitigate high energy costs.

Images: Liberty Steel

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News: Rotherham firm's take on secret Santa

Generous colleagues at a community-spirited Rotherham business are busy spreading festive cheer after coming up with a novel way to support Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Dinnington-based Safetykleen have decorated their office Christmas tree with tags showing various items from the charity’s ‘Amazon Wishlist’ which is packed with carefully selected gift ideas that are safe and appropriate for children and young people who visit the hospice.

Bluebell Wood cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at their hospice located in North Anston, Rotherham.

Safetykleen is an international business with a head office in Brentford Greater London, and a distribution centre in Dinnington,

Supervisor Matt Davis hung 45 tags on the tree to get things going and was astonished when every single one had been snapped up by kind-hearted colleagues within a few days.

“I came up with the idea after seeing a virtual version with a different charity last year,” said Matt, from Dinnington.

“I wanted to make it a little more personal so I decided to print off the tags and pop them on our tree in the canteen so colleagues can choose a gift for the children themselves.

“We’re just down the road from Bluebell Wood so it’s very much a local charity for us, and it’s such a well-deserving cause. Everyone has really bought into it and the response has been absolutely overwhelming.”

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Bluebell Wood’s Amazon Wishlist features a variety of treats including games, toys, books and art supplies as well as items that can be used for Bluebell Wood’s family fun days.

If any individual, group or business would like to send a gift to children at the hospice this year, they can do so here.

Shannon Gossage, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We absolutely love Safetykleen’s unique take on ‘secret Santa’ and we can’t thank everyone at the firm enough for their kindness and Christmas spirit.

“The children and families who visit Bluebell Wood sadly never know how many more Christmases they’ll get to spend with each other, which makes it such a special time to make memories they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives.

“The wonderful gifts colleagues are kindly donating will help us do exactly that, as well as putting huge smiles on the faces of the children and young people who visit us.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Safetykleen for their generosity – merry Christmas from all at Bluebell Wood!”

Safetykleen website
Bluebell Wood website

Images: Bluebell Wood

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News: When will Forge Island and other Rotherham regen schemes be finished?

There are a number of regeneration schemes underway or planned for Rotherham town centre, but when are they likely to be completed?

Following the adoption of the town centre masterplan in 2017, which focuses on residential and leisure uses rather than traditional retail, work has begun on transformative schemes such as Forge Island and residential developments on Council land.

In addition, the area is also set to benefit from over £60m of external and council funding.

Forge Island
Forge Island is a Council-owned site which sits between the River Don and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. Led by Muse Developments, it will host a new leisure scheme with an 8-screen boutique style cinema, modern hotel, food and drink outlets and car parking.

Major hotel brand, Travelodge, recently exchanged a long-term deal to become an anchor tenant. This followed the news earlier in the year that boutique cinema operator, The Arc, had agreed to open its seventh site at the scheme.

The demolition of buildings to make way for the scheme, public realm improvements and flood alleviation work marks the progress of the scheme to date. It is set to be completed in 2024.

Simon Moss, assistant director for planning, regeneration and transportation at Rotherham Council, recently updated councillors on the progress. He said: "Forge Island is probably the most transformative scheme in the town centre. We call it a catalytic scheme - a catalyst for regeneration.

"You do get the sense that it is starting to pay back in terms of hope and confidence post-pandemic, and our position in terms of economic recovery. It does feel that it is generating quite a lot of interest and investment from public sector and private sector as well."

Main construction on Forge Island is scheduled to start in Autumn 2022.

The council is keen to capitalise on the catalyst of Forge Island and Rothbiz has reported previously on the targeting of vacant buildings on Corporation Street such as the former bank buildings and the burnt-out former nightclub where a CPO is still being examined by the council. Mixed use residential schemes are proposed and a feasability study into a potential site for a new theatre is also underway.

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Markets
Having secured a significant funding boost, the £8.9m markets redevelopment (cgi, below) is expected to start spring 2022.

Moss added: "The library and markets development is one of the biggest schemes. Funded through the Future High Streets Fund, it is going to be a landmark project for the town centre. It brings together a new space for learning and culture - a new flexible space shared with the markets together with a new library and community hub.

"I think it is really great that the college [RCAT] is so close by. Co-location with the library and college will be a really strong element in terms of joint footfall."

A planning application is imminent with plans for improved entrances to the market, a new internal layout, reducing underused space, and linkages to new, attractive public spaces. Completion at the markets has been pencilled in for 2024.

Guest & Chrimes
At Guest & Chrimes, Rothbiz reported in July that the plan was to use £4.5m of Town Deal funding to create a micro-brewery and fan zone at the former foundry which sits alongside Rotherham United's New York Stadium.

Saving the landmark water tower, the development of a new building and new public spaces on the site could see 16,000 sq ft of new commercial space created alongside 0.26 hectares of new public realm.

Moss added: "It has been a long-standing challenge, I think it is fair to say. The Guest & Chrimes building is a really interesting site, a huge amount of affection I think, and pride, in the heritage of the building, with good reason. But challenges, for sure, about what's the right kind of use for that site sitting in between the football club and the council offices. Challenges around how you address the heritage challenges whilst also trying to design a viable scheme.

"We are starting to look at that. There's some very early concept images following the Towns Fund based around a fan zone which will be complimentary to the football club and complementary to the town centre in terms of that leisure economy. Also thinking about potential music venue space and different options that could come together to try and make a development viable on that site."

Towns Fund schemes are set to be completed in 2024.

Housing
For the residential projects, Rotherham Council are attempting to kickstart housebuilding in the town centre with contractor Willmott Dixon working on behalf of the Council to deliver 171 homes on authority land as part of a £31.5m contract for the "Trilogy Collection" of schemes.

The £13m site Westgate Riverside development in Sheffield Road consists of two apartment blocks containing 44 homes and 28 two and three-storey semi-detached and terraced houses. It is due to be completed in July 2022.

The Millfold House development, which is valued at £10m, will feature one apartment block consisting of 31 apartments and 14 back-to-back houses. Called Millfold Rise, it is due to complete in September 2022.

The third development, on the site of the former Henley's garage on Wellgate (pictured), consists of two apartment blocks containing 34 homes and 20 two and three-storey terraced houses, with a value of £8.5m. Wellgate Place is due to be completed in February 2022.

Looking ahead, Rotherham Council has identified a Riverside Residential Quarter on underdeveloped land around Westgate and Sheffield Road. Masterplanning is underway for up to 279 high quality residential units, to include a mix of apartments and houses. Utilising a mix of funding, work here could be complete in 2024 - 25.

On the Riverside Quarter, Moss added: "Town Deal funding is in place to help bring these sites forward, Levelling Up Funding has been secured to deliver public realm, including a new bridge [potentially a Bailey bridge] and riverside walk. Discussions are underway with key landowners.

"Bringing more people into the town centre is a fundamental part of the strategy, so that it becomes part of a local community in its own right and the sustainability that comes with that."

Images: RMBC

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse to star in Nick Knowles: Heritage Rescue

DIY SOS hero Nick Knowles knows more than a thing or two about buildings in dire need of some expert TLC.

But even he must have been amazed by the scale of vital repairs at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham when he arrived to film his latest TV series, Nick Knowles: Heritage Rescue.

The Preservation Trust, which has owned the Grade I listed stately home since 2017, has embarked on a £130m project to save it for the nation.

The presenter, who has a keen interest in historic architecture, found out how the largest stately home in Britain, once home to the Marquesses of Rockingham and the Earls of Fitzwilliam, had fallen into decay after over 70 years of neglect.

At 9pm on Wednesday, December 15 viewers can watch Nick join artisans brought in to repair the Georgian mansion’s three acres of roofs, the elegant portico on its vast East Front and restore its North Pavilion complete with 18-foot weathervane.

The hour-long episode is airing on the Freeview channel Quest and is also available to stream on the subscriber channel Discovery +.

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During filming at Wentworth, which took place during spring and summer, Nick learned about old masonry, joinery and roofing skills being used by craftsmen from construction contractors Robert Woodhead Ltd.

The popular new series sees Nick Knowles follow owners, custodians and armies of artisans going the extra mile to save some of Britain’s most magnificent and historic buildings dangerously close to wrack and ruin.

He uncovers some of their more surprising histories and reports on the skills and passion needed to keep Britain’s heritage alive.

Previous episodes have featured Castle Howard, Brighton Pavillion and Exeter Cathedral.

“There was great excitement at Wentworth when Nick’s production team said they would like to include us in Heritage Rescue,” Said WWPT’s CEO Sarah McLeod.

“The programme will raise our profile to viewers around the world and we were delighted to meet Nick.

“He was fascinated by the story of the house’s fortunes and decline, the restoration of crumbing 18th century plasterwork on the East Front portico and crucial repairs to make the North Pavilion at one end of the Front water-tight.

“Nick also signed some builders’ hard hats for us which we plan to auction off in aid of Trust funds next year along with other celebrity items.”

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Council set to help Chambers conversion complete

Rotherham Council is being asked to give up potential further income from selling a building in Rotherham town centre so that regeneration can continue.

The developer is having difficulty in securing further funding against the part-completed scheme.

Rothbiz reported in April on progress at Westgate Chambers - the largest private-led regeneration project currently ongoing in Rotherham town centre.

Renovation plans for the block of buildings, by Peter Hill of developers HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, were approved in 2018.

A £10m scheme designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects involves the conversion of the first and second floor offices to provide a mix of 1 and 2 bed apartments, alterations to the existing ground floor shop frontages, demolition of Nos. 2-26 Domine Lane and the construction of a new 4-storey building to provide retail/leisure space on the ground floor and a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments on the first, second and third floors.

The developer has now achieved practical completion on the first phase of the development, that being ten apartments with four commercial units below. Phase II is currently ongoing and demolition of 2-26 Domine Lane is now completed. This phase will bring about a further 19 apartments to the market. The final and third phase will be the new build part of the project and a new 4-storey building will deliver a further 32 no. apartments.

Unable to take the project forward itself, Rotherham Council agreed to sell the Westgate complex in 2014 at a reduced price. As part of the sale, a number of clauses were inserted in the contract including a clause for the Council to buy back the property if sufficient progress was not made.

The council went on to approve the removal of this clause, as it was hindering the developer's attempts to secure further finance for the development.

Now Rotherham Council's cabinet is being asked to remove an overage clause so that work can continue.

An overage often sees purchasers make a further payment to the seller once a specified "trigger event" occurs – for example, where the developer increases the value of the land by obtaining planning permission.

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A report states: "Included in the sale was a number of overage provisions to provide extra security to the Council in the event that there was a significant upturn in the market and scheme viability was no longer an issue.

"The developer is now having difficulty in securing further funding against the part completed scheme, a number of lending institutions have been approached and none are prepared to release any funds against schemes where overage provisions are in place. This is causing serious financial issues as it was always the developer’s intention to secure borrowing on the completed first phase of the development to then continue and complete the full scheme.

"The developer has now approached the Council to see if they will consider the removal of the overage provisions to allow the additional funding to be secured and the full redevelopment of the site will then be completed in a timely fashion."

Removing the overage would enable the development to be completed in full and council officers believe that even if the clause remained in place, "there does not seem to be any realistic prospect of any overage being payable."

The report adds: "Completion of the development will lead to an additional 51 apartments being brought to market. This will enhance the regeneration of the area and lead to additional council tax receipts for the Council.

"Given the current property market in the town centre, and the increased build costs as a result of inflationary pressures, the current position is that the Council will not benefit from the existing overage provisions, so there is minimal financial risk to the Council if the recommended option is approved."

Renovation includes work on the historic listed part of the complex on Main Street that was originally constructed in 1794 by local architect, John Platt as a residence for himself.

Images: Self Architects

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News: 85,000 sq ft fully let at Rotherham industrial development

Knight Frank has let a further four units totalling 33,000 sq ft of accommodation at a new £7m industrial development at Rotherham to expanding SME businesses – meaning the 85,000 sq ft site is now fully let.

Health & Safety training company Hydro-X, garden design company Bestall & Co Ltd, industrial gas engine and controls specialist Gen-C Ltd and medical equipment storage company Medivest have taken the remaining space at 31 East, a ten unit development by South Yorkshire based developer, EV Waddington Ltd.

Hydro-X currently has five employees with six plus staff planned ongoing; Bestall & Co employ nine staff with another seven anticipated; Gen-C Ltd has five staff with plans to hire another five while Medivest is a new start and looking to add up to four staff to its operations.

The businesses join railway industry provider Direct Track Solutions who took 25,000 sq ft at 31 East and specialist chocolatier Keylink Ltd which moved to 31 East earlier this year.

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Developer Tony Waddington said: “The project, made possible with a £1.6m grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is supplying much needed industrial and manufacturing accommodation for the South Yorkshire region.

“Supporting continued economic growth in Rotherham is key and we are already on site with the next phase which will offer further flexible accommodation for occupiers looking for space along the M1 corridor.”

It is expected that this phase of 31 East, built over ten units, will generate £96m GVA over the next 10-year period.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at the Sheffield office of Knight Frank, which is marketing 31 East, said: “The premises address the lack of commercial property offer of this size across the region, hence why they have proved so popular.”

As well as 31 East, E V Waddington Limited has already developed Northfield Business Park in Rotherham, Vantage Park in Sheffield, Shortwood Business Park in Barnsley, and Aldwarke Business Parks and Chesterton Court in Rotherham.

E V Waddington website
Knight Frank website

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News: Further funding for Rotherham pocket park

£450,000 has been identified to complete the delayed pocket park and high-quality public space on the High Street in Rotherham.

Rotherham Council purchased the former Primark building on High Street in November 2020, using funding from the Towns Fund Accelerator programme after the Government awarded a £1m grant to kick start regeneration projects in Rotherham town centre.

Demolition work took place in June and the authority had set out to complete the park by September 2021.

Approved plans would see 0.08 hectares of the 0.24 hectares site turned into public space will have a stepped profile and proposals include astrotrufed terraces, seating and trees, as well as branding features such as the red scaffolding with black mesh proposed to encase the site. This could be a space for public artwork, and / or large branding and signage.

Also included in the plans are three "pods" on the site which would be occupied by food and beverage vendors.

Now with a revised target date of March 2022, officers are asking the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) to use its gainshare pot of funding for a grant of £350,000 towards a £450,000 scheme on Rotherham High Street.

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The summary for the scheme states: "Providing an attractive and accessible town centre will encourage more people to visit the area and specifically address current safety and perception issues associated with the site. Several private landlords had invested in properties on the High Street including apartment living above ground floor shop units before Primark vacated the unit.

"Confidence in the High Street began to fade as the unit sat unoccupied for several years, by removing what had become a large negative on the street and replacing with a pocket park it is hoped that confidence will return and future private investment in properties located adjacent to the site and along High Street will become more likely because of these improvements."

If approved, funding will be used for technical design work and construction works to deliver proposed landscape scheme.

The project is currently scheduled to commence on site January 2022 with works complete April 2022.

Subject to necessary planning consents, longer term plans include developing the site for town centre living.

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham-based services provider targets £30m milestone

A Rotherham based specialist business services provider is on track to see its turnover increase from £22m to £30m over the next three years, after securing grant funding from the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme.

Elecomm, which is headquartered at Beighton Link Business Park, delivers electrical, mechanical, data and IT support to businesses across the UK.

It counts over 130 colleges across the UK, major retailers including Asda and Ikea, as well as some of the UK’s best known construction companies amongst its growing client base.

Following the launch of a new dedicated facilities management division earlier this year, the company realised many of the systems and procedures it had relied upon since its inception in 2003 were no longer fit for purpose.

Today, the business employs more than 150 sub-contractors working both across the UK and Europe, as well as managing its own warehouse operations and overseeing a fleet of 40 vehicles.

With an increasingly complex business model, the company reached out to the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme to access the support needed to identify more effective ways of working.

Working with key account manager, Claire Green, a match funded grant was secured to help Elecomm invest in business consultancy support to undertake a comprehensive review of its business operation.

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All aspects of the company were placed under the microscope, scrutinised and reviewed, helping it to identify more effective ways of working, as well as highlighting skills shortages within its existing workforce.

Elecomm is now investing in new technology to support more collaborative working across the business.

The company has also embarked upon a significant recruitment campaign, which it hopes will create a number of new roles within the business.

John Hamilton, supply chain director at Elecomm, said: “We’ve enjoyed a significant period of growth in recent years, not only in the UK but also working across a number of international markets.

“It’s been a period that has seen us target new markets and services, as well as investing in the training and development of our staff.

“We knew the changes we wanted to make to the business would not happen overnight, and the support we have been able to access as a result of the Business Productivity Grant is helping us to build on our strengths, identify weaknesses in our business model and implement the changes we knew we needed to make to help us achieve future growth.

“As a direct result of the support we’ve received, we’re on course to achieve our growth target of £30m as well as helping us to develop clear succession plans for the business as we continue to create new skilled jobs within the local economy.”

Recommended reading: Why AI, Blockchain, and Automation Are Reshaping UK Business

Claire Green, Key Account Manager at RiDO said: “In recent years, Elecomm has launched a number of new services; however, the company recognised that as the business grew, it needed to embrace new working methods.

“The support provided through the Business Productivity Grant has enabled Elecomm to consolidate and identify new ways of working.

“It has also helped the company’s management team access the specialist support needed to underpin future growth by improving communications across the business as well as overcoming skills barriers in its workforce.

“It’s great to see the steps they have implemented are already helping the company to reap dividends.”

The Business Productivity Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and provides businesses with 50% grant funding up to a maximum of £12,499, and the other 50% must be provided by the business.

The maximum project application is £24,999 and can include investment in new equipment or machinery and consultancy services to help them overcome barriers to growth.

The scheme is delivered by Enterprising Barnsley, Business Sheffield, Business Doncaster and Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO).

Elecomm website
RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: £10m investment in South Yorkshire skincare brand

Facetheory, a British beauty brand based in South Yorkshire, has raised £10m in funding from Active Partners - an investor in high growth consumer brands.

Founded in 2014 by Jamie Shuker, the online retailer, which offers a personalised skincare range, include vegan, natural and cruelty-free products, has seen significant growth following a heightened demand following an increase of sales during the past year.

Headquartered in Sheffield, in April the company expanded into Rotherham by taking 20,135 sq ft of extra space located in Beighton Business Park.

The company currently employs a team of 60 people in South Yorkshire and the Series A funds will be injected into market growth and research projects, as well as a recruitment drive.

Shuker was driven by the mission to provide consumers with the very best clean skincare products, at a price point they could afford. Since then, Facetheory has become one of the UK’s leading D2C (direct to consumer) skincare brands, with a large international active customer base and leading levels of customer satisfaction.

Facetheory’s product formulations are developed in-house and are some of the most innovative on the market, making the most of natural ingredients to deliver products that are truly effective, as well as sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free.

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Jamie Shuker, CEO and founder of Facetheory, said: “I founded Facetheory on the belief that consumers deserved better for their skin: better ingredients, better results and better prices. It’s been an incredible journey to date, and I’m so proud of the amazing community we have built so far from our home in South Yorkshire.

"I couldn’t be more excited to have Active Partners on board for this next phase of growth, and their deep expertise and experience in building exceptional, ethical consumer brands will be invaluable as we look to further build out our brilliant team and bring Facetheory’s products to a global audience."

Janice Cargo, an investor at Active Partners, added: "Today’s consumers don’t just want great skin care products, they want great skin care products that are ‘clean’, natural and that don’t cost the earth. Jamie recognised this and the team has designed the most exceptional range of innovation, ingredient-led, natural products that consumers genuinely love.

"The brand’s impressive track record and high repeat purchases rates speak for themselves, and this is truly one of the UK’s most exciting and fast-growing direct-to-consumer skin care brands.

"We’re supporting Jamie and his team to supercharge international growth in key markets including Europe and the US, build out the team with best-in-class talent and continue to invest in research and development."

Facetheory website
Active Partners website

Images: Facetheory

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News: Rotherham Rhinoceros goes back up for auction

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

Now with a reduced price, it returns to the auction having gone unsold in September.

The pub, which has been given a £375,000 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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Bidding on the Rhinoceros, and the other lots in Pugh’s online auction, opens on December 8 and closes the following day.

At nearby Red Lion Yard, the Red Lion pub went up for auction in October with Auction House. The property also went unsold from a guide price of £200,000.

With 3,000 sq ft of floorspace and residential space above, the pub was being sold with vacant possession.

Rothbiz reported in July how Rotherham's licensing service received an application from South Yorkshire Police for the summary review of the Premises Licence at the pub due to a number of serious incidents connected to the premises.

The licence was revoked.

Pugh website
Auction House website

Images: Pugh / Auction House

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News: Plans approved for new 150-bed Rotherham hotel

Plans for a new 150 bedroom hotel in Rotherham have been checked out and approved.

Rothbiz revealed in June that Essex-based developer, Stapleford Ventures Ltd, had submitted a planning application for a six storey, 150 bedroom hotel on land off Highfield Spring and Poplar Way where the Waverley development meets the Morrisons roundabout at Catcliffe.

The hotel operator would be Courtyard by Marriott.

The development is expected to support the creation of a permanent mix of jobs at the hotel (over 34 full time equivalent positions) and the creation of significant number of construction jobs.

Waverley is Yorkshire’s largest brownfield redevelopment, where Harworth Group plc secured outline planning consent for 3,890 homes and 2 million sq ft of commercial space. The hotel is set to support the neighbouring mixed-use proposals at Waverley to provide facilities to the growing business community and the surrounding area.

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Developers see the large restaurant / bar offer to be one of the key attractions of building a hotel in the area. Business facilities and a Fitness Centre are also proposed. Building materials are proposed to be a mix of stone plinth and polished granite and will be high quality and modern in appearance and design.

A 147 space car park is also in the plans, along with landscaped space between to hotel building and the roundabout. A new junction and central island in Highfield Spring are also to be created.

No objections have been received and the plans were approved without going before Rotherham Council's planning board.

A number of conditions are attached, including those relating to transport, maintaining the public right of way, creating Electric Vehicle Charging points equivalent to 20% of the total parking spaces, and noise levels.

Based in the USA, Marriott International is the world’s largest travel company, and expansion continues. At the end of the third quarter 2021, the company's worldwide development pipeline totaled 2,769 properties with nearly 477,000 rooms, including 1,028 properties with more than 206,000 rooms under construction and 155 properties with roughly 25,000 rooms approved for development, but not yet subject to signed contracts.

Images: S R Davis

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News: Magtec's new high-tech Rotherham facility officially opened

The Mayor of South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis has officially opened Magtec’s new Rotherham facility for the design, manufacture and installation of drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Rothbiz reported in July that Magtec had announced a privately-funded expansion representing a multi-million pound commitment which is creating highly skilled new jobs for engineers to work on projects at the cutting edge of transportation.

The MP for Barnsley Central and former British Army officer met with directors, engineers, apprentices and ex-services personnel employed by the high-growth company and toured the high-tech production facilities.

Magtec is creating at least 50 new high-skilled engineering and support function jobs to help meet growing demand for its world-leading drive systems. The privately-owned company is targeting sales of £30m next year, more than double the turnover of 2021. It currently employs 145 people at its 65,000 sq ft facility in Rotherham and is recruiting across all engineering and operations disciplines.

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Taking 64,706 sq ft of space at Magna 34 Business Park at Templeborough, Magtec is increasing production for existing and new customers in the commercial vehicle, rail, defence and special project sectors. Orders include drive systems for electric refuse collection vehicles, autonomous and connected electric trucks and the rail industry’s first conversion of diesel multiple units. Magtec is also supporting the British Army TD6 programme to assess the benefits that hybrid military vehicles can bring to the battlefield of the future.

The Mayor of South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis said: “I was very impressed by Magtec’s new facility and it was a real privilege to meet their highly talented team and learn more about the hugely innovative and highly skilled work they are doing to bring forward technical solutions to the challenges we face in delivering decarbonisation.

“Forward-thinking companies such as Magtec are at the absolute cutting-edge of the next industrial revolution, of which our region can be a driving force. I am looking forward to seeing Magtec grow further over the coming years and I am certain that their pioneering technology will help to shape our region’s electrical transport infrastructure, contribute massively towards our net-zero carbon targets and continue to create skilled jobs for South Yorkshire. They are a massive asset for the region.”

Andrew Gilligan, managing director, added: “We were delighted to welcome Mayor Dan Jarvis to our state-of-the-art facility, introduce him to our growing team and share details of our future expansion plans. Magtec is investing in new plant and people to help us scale up and fulfil our potential. Our market-leading technology, which is designed and manufactured by highly skilled engineers here in South Yorkshire, can drive the decarbonisation of the global transportation sector.”

Magtec website

Images: Magtec

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News: AES Engineering Ltd’s global reach strengthened by acquisition

Leading Canadian asset condition monitoring specialist JAtech Services has become part of the AVT Reliability Group following its acquisition by Rotherham-based AES Engineering Ltd.

The move brings one of the most specialised and experienced companies in the reliability field in Canada into the group of reliability-focused companies owned by AES Engineering Ltd. The group also owns AESSEAL, which is headquartered in Templeborough and is the world’s largest homogeneous designer and manufacturer of mechanical seals, which is also a reliability-focused business.

AVT Reliability, based in Warrington, Cheshire, has consolidated its position as a leading innovator in reliability products and services over the past three years, launching products such as the Machine SentryTM cloud-based condition monitoring system and EasyBraceTM, the universal bracing system designed for the reduction of structural vibration in small bore pipes.

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JAtech Services is a recognised leader in reliability and vibration monitoring services, specialising in the prevention and solving of problems with machinery, foundations and structures. In keeping with other businesses within the AES Engineering Group, JAtech Services is known for excellent service and quality, and complements our other reliability group companies AVT Reliability Ltd and Van Geffen Reliability.

Chris Rea, Group Managing Director of AES Engineering Ltd, said: “We consider the acquisition of JAtech Services to be a significant enhancement of the reliability services we can provide to our customers in Canada.

"Asset reliability products and services are a fast-growing and rapidly developing technology area. The acquisition of JAtech Services, supported by a growing portfolio of world class IoT instruments and cloud-based software branded Machine Sentry, is part of a strategic decision to globalise our reliability-focused businesses. It will both support and be supported by the global AESSEAL and AVT groups, as reliability is in our DNA.”

AESSEAL website

Images: AES

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