News: 300+ houses planned in new North Rotherham development

A national housebuilder has submitted a planning application for a 311 home development near West Melton.

Persimmon is looking to build on land off Barnsley Road / Pontefract Road that was a greenfield site allocated for housing in Rotherham's development plan in 2018.

After the allocation, Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estates put the 11.73 hectare site up for sale in 2019.

The full application is for a development that provides a mix of, two, three and four bed dwellings and a range of sizes to meet family needs. In Persimmon's styles, the proposed units are all two storeys in height with the exception of some house types which are 2.5 storeys with a master bedroom provided in the roof space.

In response to the comments received during consultation last yerar on a proposed scheme for 330 dwellings, the number of units on the site has been reduced further in the application proposal to 311.

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The proposal will provide 78 affordable units (25%), so will ensure a policy compliant level of affordable housing provision.

The site will have a single point of access for vehicles from Barnsley Road via a priority junction.

The application, drawn up by DLP, adds: "Based on a six and a half year build period, the development is expected to support 123 direct FTE construction jobs per year of construction and 168 indirect FTE jobs per year of construction. Where appropriate, local labour would be given the opportunity to be involved."

Open space and a flood storage basin to manage surface water are also in the plans. Gateway space, meadows and a play area are included with the plans adding "the pylon and water easements across the site provide the framework for the green infrastructure on the site."

Founded in 1972, the Persimmon Group has grown to become one of the largest and most successful house builders in the UK. A listed company, the Group posted revenues of £3.61bn for 2021 compared to 2020's £3.33bn. It brought over 20,500 new plots into the business in 2021 and has £1.15bn of forward sales reserved beyond the current year as well as a quality pipeline of new developments coming on stream.

Persimmon website

Images: Fitzwilliam Wentworth

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News: Rotherham Real Ale & Music Festival to celebrate superhero efforts of healthcare workers

Organisers of the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival have announced plans to pay tribute to the enormous efforts made by front-line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Festival organiser Steve Burns teamed up with the National Emergency Services museum to showcase some of the heritage vehicles to officially launch the 2022 Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival, which returns to Magna between 3rd-5th March.

This year’s Festival For Heroes will give beer and music lovers the chance to raise a glass in support of Yorkshire’s independently-owned breweries, as well as enjoy live music provided by local bands, as well as some of the best tribute acts in the business. Proceeds from this year’s festival will be used to support the work of the Rotherham Cancer Care Centre and with a spectacular line of beers and live music performances to enjoy in one of the key dates on South Yorkshire’s social calendar.

The festival will feature a diverse range of over 150 beers, ciders, wines and gins, including vegan friendly and gluten-free brews. Thursday evening will see Sheffield Ukelele band the Everly Pregnant Brothers take to the Bradfield Brewery stage, located in the Festival’s main hall. The brothers will be joined by Beatles tribute act the Beatleg Bootles. Friday evening will see popular festival favourite The Leathernecks take to the main stage, whilst Saturday promises an afternoon of hard rock featuring bands TowHead, Dead Romantic and At the arcade before performances from the Fu Fighters and Letz Zep bring the festival to a close.

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The festival is also appealing to businesses to help sponsor this year’s event, as well as volunteers to lend a hand behind the bar and during the set up of the festival, whilst once again members of Rotherham CAMRA will host their annual Champion Beer of Yorkshire competition. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Rotherham Cancer Care Centre which provides support to people who have cancer or been affected by the disease, by providing a range of therapies and counselling sessions designed to improve quality of life.

Steve Burns, festival organiser, said: “With lockdown restrictions now lifted, we wanted to reflect on the sacrifices we have all made over the past two years in a bid to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Our Festival For Heroes pays tribute to the frontline worker in the healthcare sector and we’re providing anyone who works for the NHS or in care sector with a free entry drink when they visit the festival.

“We also recognised that the brewery sector and live music in particular has been particularly hard hit during the pandemic and this year’s festival offers a chance for beer and music lovers to come together, raise a glass and help to raise funds for a local good cause.

“The Rotherham Real Ale and Music festival has always been entirely volunteer-led and we’d love to hear from anyone who can help us behind the bar during the festival, or during the set up and take down.“

Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival website

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News: Rising costs for Rotherham town centre flood defences

Further funding is being sought to continue a much needed flood alleviation scheme through Rotherham.

Work started at the end of last year and can't come soon enough for Rotherham Central station which was forced to close again this week due to flooding.

A new application for funding highlights cost overruns, upwardly revised cost estimates and an increase in material costs.

A new multimillion-pound canal barrier at Forge Island, flood defences from Ickles Lock to Centenary Way on the edge of the town centre and the Forge Island Flood Wall and Public Realm works (already constructed) are central phases of the Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme that Rotherham Council (RMBC) is already delivering along 5km of the River Don.

Having previously identified a £4.5m shortfall in funding for the three phases, the council is now hoping to secure a £2m grant from the gainshare pot of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), along with £2.5m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) before it ends.

MCA papers show that "if this funding is not secured, Phases 2A and 2C would need to be stopped at a point in their construction."

The total scheme cost is £7.54m and work is due to be completed in the summer.

The paper adds: "There has already been cost overruns to Ickle Lock (2A), upwardly revised cost estimates to the design of the Canal Barrier (2C) and an increase in material costs. The responsibility for funding the project broadly lies with the RMBC and to provide additional funding where there is a shortfall. If either of the MCA Gainshare and ERDF funding requests are unsuccessful, RMBC will have to bid from its own capital funding programme. Even if successful, it cannot be allocated until March 2022, as part of the annual budget setting cycle, and drawn down until July 2022 at the earliest. Therefore, phases 2A and 2C would have to be halted.

"This OBC [outline business case] is requesting additional funds to support the higher cost of delivery of Phases 2A and the funding shortfall of Phases 2B and 2C combined, which will free up RMBC capital funds for pre-construction works on future phases, and thereby enable momentum to be maintained on these crucial future works."

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The rail link at Rotherham has been badly affected by flooding on several occasions with Network Rail set to contribute £400,000 towards the delivery of the canal barrier to provide resilience to this section of their network.

The station is set to reopen today (Wednesday February 23) after being overwhelmed with water during Storm Franklin – the third storm to hit the railway in a week.

The pre-emptive decision to close the station was made on Saturday February 19 based on the Environmental Agency's river level readings at the time. By acting before any flooding hit the station, Network Rail engineers were able to remove critical equipment from the ground, which has proved crucial to reducing the impact of flood damage.

Engineers have spent three days pumping water away from the railway between Aldwarke and Tinsley. As water levels reduced, further damage was uncovered and this has required additional repairs.

Matt Rice, North & East Route Director for Network Rail said: “Storms Franklin, Dudley and Eunice have brought relentless challenges for the railway over the last week, including significant flooding in Rotherham.

“Our teams have worked 24/7 to pump water away from the tracks and work towards getting the railway back up and running for passengers in South Yorkshire. I’d like to thank people for bearing with us as we deliver a safe and reliable railway.”

Images: Network Rail

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News: Deals secured at multimillion-pound Rotherham development

Network Space has secured two significant deals at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link development in Rotherham.

116,600 sq ft of prime industrial space across four high specunits are being built on the site of the former Laycast foundry that had been "sterilised" by previous HS2 proposals.

The first unit, which provides 48,900 sq ft has been snapped up by global company, nVent, which acquired Eldon Holding AB and will move its main UK operations site accross the borough from Hellaby to Woodhouse Link.

An online retail giant has also agreed a deal for unit 4, where work is set to complete in February on the 23,200 sq ft warehouse with integral office.

As a result, only one unit now remains at Woodhouse Link following last year’s letting of unit 3 to BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains Ltd. It is expected that all of the units will be let pre-completion as the remaining unit 2, which offers 13,200 sq ft of warehouse space, is already under offer.

Local construction company, Harris CM, is currently on-site and all of the units will be ready for occupation in spring 2022 when Woodhouse Link will be capable of fostering some 200 new jobs.

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Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, explains: “Securing a further two significant deals at Woodhouse Link prior to its completion is testament to the quality of space and the great location close to the M1, Sheffield and Rotherham. This, combined with the 24/7 access and wide range of permitted uses has led to strong enquiry levels and the final unit is already under offer.”

Woodhouse Link lies close to junctions 31 and 33 of the M1, to the east of Sheffield and on the south side of Rotherham, within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District and close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley.

The development has planning permission for 24/7 operation and is suitable for manufacturing or distribution uses. The detached and self-contained units all provide secure storage yards and parking, 8 to 10 metre high eaves, integral offices and are designed to a high sustainability standard, including EV charging points, and to a BREEAM Very Good rating.

Avison Young and CPP are responsible for marketing the site. Colliers advised nVent on the acquisition of the property.

Rob Oliver, principal from Avison Young said: “We were delighted to agree and complete lettings on Units 1 and 4 prior to practical completion, and to attract to the scheme both a leading online retailer, and the relocation of a well-known local occupier.

“We had received strong interest in both units from other occupiers, as we did for Unit 2, prior to agreeing terms on it with the chosen party. We look forward to seeing construction complete shortly, and the estate fully occupied and functioning in the next few months.”

Ed Norris, Director at CCP said: “The latest deals announced at Woodhouse confirm the quality of the location and building on offer. It is fantastic to conclude these deals prior to practical completion of the units and gives confidence to the region.”

The Woodhouse Link project team includes DLA Architecture, Spawforths planners, Tetra Tech and CJR Midlands M&E engineers, Walker Sime QS and project management and Gateley legal.

nVent website
Network Space website

Images: Network Space

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News: Spotlight on Rotherham as it launches Children’s Capital of Culture programme

Rotherham is officially launching its journey to become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture, with a never-seen-before 10-day festival of events aimed at children and young people.

The Children’s Capital of Culture Launch Festival (21 February – 3 March) will give a taste of what 2025 could look like in Rotherham, spotlighting it as a cultural destination and home to a hive of creative talent.

Rotherham town centre will be transformed into a playground for the young community during February half-term, with a skate and arts festival, demos by Team GB skaters and BMX pros, a giant spray-painting robot, live music, large-scale art installations, and unmissable creative workshops and events.

Julie Dalton, Managing Director of Gullivers and Chair of the Children’s Capital of Culture Programme Board, explains: “In 2025, Rotherham will be the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture, designed and delivered by children and young people from across the borough. This is a bold, first-of-its kind initiative that aims to empower children and young people to create a future narrative for Rotherham on their own terms, celebrating its culture, identity and distinctive heritage. The journey officially starts here, and we want everyone to get behind it.”

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The launch festival kick-starts a five-month pilot programme of activity for 0–25-year-olds in Rotherham. From now until June 2022, children and young people can attend events, join creative networks and take part in skills training programmes as part of the Children’s Capital of Culture programme, which has received £1.4m from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Cllr Dave Sheppard, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, adds: “We will be using this time to give young people in Rotherham more life-changing training and skills opportunities in the creative and cultural sectors than they’ve ever had before, that will make a lasting impact on them and on our town. We want to make Rotherham a place that young people are proud to call home, and where they want to develop, work and invest. We’re making improvements that will help change the perception of Rotherham, inside and outside the town, and lead a wave of aspiration amongst our young people.”

The Children’s Capital of Culture project is led by Rotherham Council, delivered in partnership with children and young people, businesses, voluntary and community sector organisations and cultural institutions from across the borough. The programme has received significant external funding from the UK Community Renewal Fund, Arts Council England, South Yorkshire MCA, and ERDF.

Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture website

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News: Planning gamble pays off as Merkur opens in Rotherham

Merkur Slots has opened in a vacant unit in Rotherham town centre following a partly successful planning appeal.

Rothbiz reported last year that Cashino Gaming Ltd had been refused planning permission in Rotherham for a High Street adult gaming centre (AGC) as council officers were unhappy with the proposed 24 hour operation.

The venues do not offer Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) like betting shops but instead contain machines that offer low stakes and bingo being played on tablets.

The change of use application is for a vacant unit on Frederick Street, a former bookmakers.

The main issues in this appeal are the effect of the proposal on the vitality of the town centre, with due regard to national and local planning policy and the impact of the proposals on local residents in terms of noise and disturbance.

At appeal the adult gaming centre was given the green light but instead of being a 24 hour operation, a condition states that open hours for customers or for deliveries are to be between the hours of 8am and midnight.

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Paul Cooper, planning inspector, siad: "The appeal building has remained vacant for a considerable period of time, and given the details before me, I am not confident that this position would alter any time soon, resulting in the prospect of the unit remaining empty for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the prospect of the host property being brought back into use, weighs in favour of the proposal. Nonetheless, I recognise that the Council are working to regenerate the area and improve the function of the town centre.

"It is highly likely that the operation of the AGC through the night would create additional activity at a time when local residents would expect a quieter environment at such times. On this basis, I cannot support the operation of the AGC for 24-hours a day."

The opening is part of a nationwide programme that will see Merkur Slots invest over £10m on UK high streets in 2022. The Rotherham venue is one of a number of recent openings.

Mark Schertle, chief operating officer of Merkur Slots' parent company MERKUR Casino UK, said: “We pride ourselves on our continued investment in UK high streets, and so it means a lot to be able to support the local community and economy in our six new locations through the creation of these new jobs. Every new venue we open creates an average of 10 new local jobs and having created 400 in 2021, we are aiming to create a further 600 in 2022.”

The new venues feature the latest bingo and digital slot machines, with the emphasis firmly on low stake gaming and pay-outs ranging from £5 to £500, and an extensive library of new and classic games. Customers also receive unlimited free refreshments.

“Our aim with these new state-of-the-art entertainment centres is to give both new and existing customers a unique gaming experience in an environment that reflects the scale of the investment,” added Mark. “I’m sure those visiting over the next few days and weeks will be as excited about the new MERKUR Slots venues as I am.”

Merkur website

Images: Merkur

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News: Apprentice helps Stanley Black & Decker cut costs and speed up production at Rotherham plant

An apprentice toolmaker is saving the world’s largest manufacturer of tools £40,000 a year after devising new processes to sustain a number of tools that would usually be scrapped.

Gabriella Spencer is a second-year apprentice with Stanley Black & Decker at its facility in Hellaby, Rotherham, which manufactures precision-engineered tools.

The 21-year-old, who is currently the only female engineer on the factory floor, is responsible for maintaining press, punch and die tools; operating machinery including mills, lathes and surface grinders; and making new parts for machinery such as moulding and chisel tools.

A keen problem solver, Gabriella strives to look for ways to improve company processes.

She created a saving of £26,000 by reprocessing damaged carbide discs and provided further sustained usage, which now has the potential to save her company an additional £20,000 a year.

“I decided to make a jig for the carbide discs with three screws to hold it down on the grinding bed,” says Gabriella. “I grind the damage off on the surface grinder, then recut the groove on a lathe. The discs usually cost £220 each – but this process reduces the cost down to just £20 per disc, potentially saving £1,600 a month. There were also 120 old discs I was able to sustain.”

Gabriella was also tasked with a project to design and build product test equipment for plastic toolboxes. The project involved a variety of practical skills, including Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machining, welding and fabrication. Her successful work on this project is set to save Stanley Black & Decker £12,000 per year in transport costs and one week of production lead time.

In addition, Gabriella has polished up damaged socket chisels so they can be re-used instead of being scrapped, saving costs of £10 per chisel, as well as creating a process to weld up heater plates and aluminium cassettes in-house instead of them being shipped to an external company – reducing costs by £100 per week and speeding up production.

“I’m always looking at ways to improve and save the company money,” she says. “I gain a sense of achievement when I identify an issue and make a positive contribution which addresses the problem.”

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Gabriella, who comes from a family of manufacturers, began her apprenticeship with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in September 2020 and is an advanced manufacturing and engineering apprentice. The centre has multimillion pound facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Nikki Jones, Director of the AMRC Training Centre, says: “We’re really proud of the work our apprentices do, and Gabriella is a fine example of how an individual can make a real difference to their employer and help find new sustainable methods to improve our environment, something we need now more than ever.

“The apprenticeships we offer help our students make those first steps towards learning the skills they need to gain full-time employment.” Gabriella chose an apprenticeship for its structured training programme, equipping her to build a foundation of skills and expertise in the classroom, which she has then developed in a real working environment.

“Doing an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre has changed my life completely as it’s allowed me to become more independent. I also love that it gives me the opportunity to learn on the job.

“I really enjoy my work and I find it rewarding as I get to do something different every day and I’m always learning. I would love to see more women in engineering as I don’t know many. People are put off with the thought of heavy lifting, and a male-dominated environment – but everyone is so friendly and always willing to lend a hand.”

In the future, Gabriella plans to become multi-skilled, learn welding, mechanical maintenance and electrical skills - with the hope of also progressing into a hands-on leadership role, supporting young engineers of the future.

Steve Ashforth, factory manager at Stanley Tools Ltd, can attest to how Gabriella has worked tenaciously through the most difficult of times with the pandemic and has impressed us with her work ethic and commitment to her education at the AMRC Training Centre.

He adds: “Gabriella has a thirst for knowledge and training, not only for the course and role of toolmaker, but also the skills outside of those required as she’s also volunteered for external courses, welding and first aid to name a few.

“We’re confident in Gabriella’s potential in the role and sure that with further experience, she’ll become a fully rounded engineer and valued asset to the business.”

Stanley Black & Decker website
AMRC Training Centre website

Images: AMRC Training

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News: Rotherham named as Education Investment Area

Government investment, support and action is heading to Rotherham to help children from all backgrounds and areas to succeed at the very highest levels.

The borough has been named as one of 55 new Education Investment Areas where a package of measures will be delivered. It is part of the Government's Levelling Up white paper which focuses on challenging unfairness and giving everyone the opportunity to flourish.

Rotherham's inclusion is due to weak attainment. Selection was based on outcomes at the end of both key stage 2 (KS2) and key stage 4 (KS4) in order to target school improvement interventions in the parts of the country where performance at primary and secondary school is furthest behind.

The Department for Education will offer retention payments to help schools keep the best teachers in the highest priority subjects. Rotherham will also be prioritised as the location for new specialist sixth-form (16 - 19) free schools where there is limited provision to ensure talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to the highest standard of education this country offers.

Schools in the areas that have been judged less than Good in successive Ofsted inspections could be moved into strong multi-academy trusts, to attract more support and the best teachers. This will be subject to a consultation in the spring.

Opponents argue that the paper brings no new money, and areas, like Rotherham, are set to see funding for schools reduced through changes to the Government's School Condition Allocations (SCA) grants.

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The paper set a new national mission to ensure that 90% of children leaving primary school in England are reaching the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths by 2030. In 2019, just 65% of pupils met all three standards, with the proportion substantially varying across the country.

Schools in the Education Investment Areas will also be given support to address wider issues. For instance, schools struggling with attendance will be encouraged to join a new pilot programme to tackle the issue.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: "The most valuable resource on the planet is the human resource. Investing in people to get on in life and receive the best possible education is core to the mission of this government, and we are determined to help people gain the knowledge and skills needed to unleash their potential.

"This white paper sets out our blueprint for putting skills, schools and families at the heart of levelling up. It focuses on putting great schools in every part of the country, training that sets you up for success in a high-skilled, well-paid career and ensuring no one misses out on opportunities simply because of where they live or their family background.

"Raising our expectations and aspirations for children, as well as creating a high-skilled workforce, will end the brain drain that sees too many people leaving communities in order to succeed. These plans will help create a level playing field and boost the economy, both locally and nationally."

Images: DfE

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News: Lidl ready to reignite Rotherham store wars

German global discount chain, Lidl, is looking to resubmit plans for a new store in Rotherham.

In 2020 members of the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse plans for a new Lidl foodstore, despite them being recommended for approval by officers.

The plans for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest would involve the demolition of the Christ Church building and, at the rear of the site, improvements to changing rooms and playing pitches at the existing Miners Welfare Society.

With no appeal against the refusal, residents views are now being sought again as Lidl prepares to resubmit a planning application.

Agents explain that Lidl wants to build a new store to the latest specification with a 13,500 sq ft sales area including a bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing and customer toilets. They add that: "if approved, the proposals will see investment in improvements for Swallownest Miners’ Welfare Club, including new changing room facilities and the creation of an additional sports pitch for community use."

If approved, the development would create up to 40 new full and part time jobs.

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A total of 129 representations were received for the earlier plans, 78 objecting to the proposal, and 51 supporting the scheme. Objectors included Aldi, which has since opened a store at nearby Fence, and the Co-op, which has a store already in Swallownest.

The planning board voted nine to two to refuse the 2020 application. The detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal with councillors questioning that enough people using the Lidl would also make a link trip to the centre. Lidl's site is deemed "edge of centre" in planning terms.

Lidl recently secured approval for a new foodstore in Handsworth, just over the border in Sheffield. Rotherham Council had objected to the plans and asked applicants to assess the impact on the Waverley development where a 16,500 sq ft building designed for a deep discount retailer such as Lidl or Aldi, is part of the early proposals for the Olive Lane development.

Lidl is also proposing a new Rotherham store on the High Street in Maltby.

Lidl consultation website

Images: Lidl

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News: First home opens in £30m Rotherham town centre development

The first home is now open in an ambitious £30m+ development of more than 170 homes across three key town centre sites, heralding the next stage in Rotherham town centre's transformation.

The show home at Wellgate Place is now open to the public and is the first chance people have had to see what the future of housing in Rotherham will look like.

To mark the milestone moment in Rotherham Council’s transformation of the town centre, Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr. Chris Read visited the development with Chief Executive Sharon Kemp and Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr. Amy Brookes.

Wellgate Place features 54 homes ranging from one bedroom apartments to 2 and 3 bedroom homes, and these will be a mix of council rent, council shared ownership and properties for sale.

The development is one of three key housing schemes, called "The Trilogy Collection" in the town centre which will deliver a total of 171 modern new homes and is an integral part of the wider Town Centre Masterplan.

The masterplan sets out an exciting number of developments that will transform and revitalise the town centre, with a vibrant leisure scheme on Forge Island, attractive outdoor spaces, revitalised markets complex and high-quality riverside living.

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Built by Wilmott Dixon and funded by the Council with support from Homes England and the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority, Wellgate Place includes a variety of property types to suit people of different ages including first-time buyers, key workers, families and older downsizers.

In addition to the council rent properties and homes for sale, there are a number of council shared ownership apartments and homes. Under this scheme, buyers have the ability to purchase a small share of their home. They are also able to increase that share over time. It is ideal for first time buyers but also for anyone who wants to own a brand new home in a way they can afford

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr. Amy Brookes, said: “This is a significant moment in the transformation of Rotherham Town Centre. Housing is a catalyst for change and this development will help drive the regeneration of Rotherham, bringing more people in and helping to revitalise the local economy.

“The Town Centre Masterplan is ambitious and will help give others the confidence to invest in Rotherham. We have already seen private investors committing to projects in the town and these new housing schemes are attracting young professionals and families.

“These new homes are the first glimpse of a future Rotherham and help bring to life the vision we have for a thriving town centre of the future.”

Trilogy Collection website

Images: RMBC

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News: HMRC serves winding up notices on parts of Liberty Steel

Liberty Steel is lurching nearer to insolvency after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issued a petition to have the speciality steel company wound up.

The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, employs hundreds of staff in South Yorkshire, including in Rotherham. It completed a £100m deal to acquire the Speciality Steels division of Tata Steel UK in 2017.

Sky News and the BBC are reporting that the petition against Speciality Steel UK Limited was issued by the non-ministerial department of the UK Government on Tuesday this week, and is expected to be heard in late March.

The nature of the debts are unknown and overdue accounts are still to be published for many of the connected GFG Alliance companies.

A winding up petition is issued to the courts by those seeking to recover money that they are owed. The courts do not look on it as a debt recovery process, rather that the company can't pay its debts and should be wound up so that liquidation can be used to collect the company's assets.

Statutory demands and winding-up petitions were restricted by the Government to protect companies from creditor enforcement action due to debts related to coronavirus (COVID-19). These restrictions have now ended.

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Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion, said: "The news that HMRC has served winding up notices on parts of Liberty Steel is deeply concerning.

"Steel production is hugely important to Rotherham. Liberty is a key part of our local economy, both through those directly employed in steel production and for those connected to its supply chain. Workers will be understandably worried, and I will be doing all that I can to support them.

"It is vital that the Government engages productively with Liberty to reach a solution that both stabilises the business in the short-term and ensures its long-term viability.

"Both Liberty and the Government must also provide immediate reassurances to workers who are concerned for their livelihoods at what is already an incredibly challenging time.

"Speciality Steels has huge potential, and it must not be sacrificed as a consequence of the difficulties faced by the wider Group. I will be engaging with all parties to secure a solution that protects jobs and the future of steel production in Rotherham."

A spokesperson for the steel unions, Community, Unite and GMB, said: “This action by HMRC threatens thousands of jobs and is a devastating blow to our members and their families. Liberty Steel is a strategically important business, crucial to delivering net zero, and under no circumstances can our plants be allowed to close. The trade unions call on GFG and HMRC to get back round the table and hammer out a deal that provides space for the company to refinance. The best route to protect jobs and repay HMRC and other creditors would be to enable the business to continue to trade.

"Our experts have advised us that with the right framework of support Liberty Steel can have a sustainable future. The government has an important role to play in providing that framework and must take urgent action to address our unaffordable energy prices. GFG is the owner and we hold them accountable for their actions, but as we have always said government must be ready to step in should that be required.”

GFG underwent a restructuring and transformation drive following the collapse of its main lender Greensill Capital, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks and that went into administration last year.

As part of this restructuring, Liberty said that it would look to sell its aerospace and special alloys steel business in Stocksbridge, Sheffield but retain its electric arc furnace at Aldwarke in Rotherham.

In October, Liberty Steel restarted production in Rotherham, following an injection £50m of shareholder funds into the business, which it said was running as normal with funding for growth in working capital approved through Liberty Capital. It was restarting operations at night to maximise efficiency and mitigate high energy costs.

Also last year, the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee was crtical of the "opaque" workings of the business. It followed on from the Government turning down a request for £170m in support.

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty Steel

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News: Developer reserves land for new Rotherham Marriott

Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has announced the sale of two land parcels at its Waverley development site in Rotherham.

A 12.6-acre plot has been sold to Avant Homes for the delivery of 172 new residential units, and a 2.7-acre plot has been bought by Stapleford Ventures for the development of a 4- star 150- bedroom Marriott hotel.

Rothbiz reported in December that Essex-based developer, Stapleford Ventures Ltd, had secured planning permission 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 proposed hotel will operate under Marriott’s "Courtyard" brand and also include a restaurant and gym facilities for guests. The hotel will occupy a prominent position at the entrance roundabout to the Waverley development, and will provide an important community asset for use by residents and businesses at the adjacent Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The sale to Avant Homes represents the housebuilder’s fourth acquisition at Waverley, and the land parcel is adjacent to one purchased by the housebuilder in 2020 for the delivery of 144 homes. The new homes will be situated between the River Rother and Highwall Park, in an area of the development known as ‘Waverley Riverside’. The construction will follow a bespoke design code that complements the existing Waverley development while maximising the amenity value of its riverside location.

As part of the construction, Harworth will provide a new perimeter cycle and bridleway path adjacent to the river, and will begin work on the first phase of Highwall Park, a planned 1.5km linear park running through the heart of the Waverley site, connecting the AMP to the Waverley lakes. To minimise environmental impact, development platforms will be created from reused materials from elsewhere on site, and topsoil will be imported from Harworth’s nearby Micklefields development.

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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, alongside 310-acres of green open space. To date, land has been sold for over 1,875 homes, and 1.5 million sq. ft of space has been delivered at the AMP. Harworth is currently awaiting the outcome of a planning application for Olive Lane, a new heart of the community for Waverley, where proposals include a supermarket, restaurants and cafes, a medical centre and offices, alongside additional residential development.

Andrew Blackshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Harworth Group plc, said: “One of Harworth’s key strategic objectives is accelerating sales of its residential products. Waverley is a prime example of how we will achieve this. The scale and pace of transformation at Waverley demonstrates Harworth’s unique skill set in regenerating former brownfield sites into inspiring places where people want to live and work.”

Ed Catchpole, Associate Director for Yorkshire & Central, Harworth Group plc, added: “Avant Homes is a trusted and long-standing partner of Harworth, and we are delighted to be working together again as we develop out Waverley Riverside. These new homes, combined with infrastructure improvements and the exciting development of a Marriott hotel at the site, will enhance amenities for local residents and employees, which will be further complemented by our Olive Lane development in the years ahead.”

Harworth website

Images: S R Davis

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News: AESSEAL and Rotherham United working towards a Net Zero goal

Rotherham United have turbo-charged their efforts to take the next steps towards supporting a zero carbon world with the installation of two Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The Millers have enlisted the help of stadium naming rights partners AESSEAL, who have very kindly donated and installed two chargers at the stadium, with the Rotherham-based global engineering company making the effort as part of the Betterworld.Solutions campaign, which aims to encourage businesses to adopt an investment policy to prevent global warming.

The move sees the Millers – alongside clubs from across the football pyramid – working towards the EFL Green Clubs project, which was launched in October of last year and aims to help support clubs across the country to improve their environmental practices and operations.

Following the installation of the EV chargers, the first vehicle to be charged at the Millers’ home was one of the AESSEAL electric pool cars, which the company has acquired, together with an electric-powered delivery van, as part of its fleet electrification strategy and lined up alongside one of Rotherham United’s own electric vehicles.

The EV Chargers will be available for club staff to use to power their company vehicles, as Rotherham United sets out to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

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Speaking following his appointment as the club’s new Stadium Manager, Matt Wright expressed his gratitude to colleagues at AESSEAL, whilst adding his delight at the Millers’ latest efforts to step towards a ‘greener’ existence.

“I think it is imperative that everyone does what they can to try and help preserve our environment and that is something we are always looking to work towards here at the club,” he said.

AES Engineering Ltd Managing Director Chris Rea said, “Having an EV charging option at the club sends a message that we are passionate about the beautiful game and we want to continue to have a beautiful world in which to play football and bring up our children and grandchildren.”

AESSEAL, the UK arm and main manufacturing site for the AES Engineering group, is based at Templeborough and is a Net Zero company and the group has pledged £29m of environmentally friendly investment by 2029 to get the entire global business to Net Zero and beyond.

The company’s products help global industry run more reliably, cutting water and energy use as well as pollution. In addition to supporting EV charger installations at its plants and electric vehicles, the "£29 million by 29" pledge includes investment in solar panels and battery storage and a ‘factory of the future’ in Rotherham, which is currently at the site works stage.

AESSEAL website
RUFC website

Images: AESSEAL / RUFC

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News: Rotherham bingo hall demolition plans recalled

Redevelopment plans that involve demolishing a historic Rotherham property and replacing it with flats have been withdrawn following the building being granted listed status.

Last year Mecca Bingo confirmed that its venue on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre was closing permanently. Shortly afterwards, Sunshine Homes Ltd submitted plans to erect a residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units. The plans would involve knocking down the art deco building as converting the exisiting property was found to be not a viable proposal.

The planning application has now been withdrawn.

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the former Regal Cinema had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status.

Any new application would need listed building consent to carry out works that would "affect the character of the building as a building of special interest." For example, making alterations to the 1930's cinema, let alone demolishing it.

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Historic England has now updated the official list to include the Rotherham building.

The architectural interest is described as: "a good example of a medium-scale 1930s cinema built by a successful regional architectural practice who specialised in cinema designs" as well as having "a distinguished and well-executed Art Deco-influenced exterior that retains its character despite some later alteration."

Interest is also found inside. The listing adds: "the interior's first-floor foyer and the strikingly decorated main auditorium are notable principal spaces that retain much of their original Art Deco decoration, whilst other key surviving features include stairs, doors with leaded lights, dressing rooms beneath the stage, and part of the original ceiling decoration in the former first-floor restaurant."

The listing also refrerences the building being "unusually carefully engineered due to its position above the former course of the River Don, utilising an advanced piled concrete raft foundation that is embedded into the rock strata beneath the riverbed."

Opened in 1934, the cinema was built for, and constructed by, Thomas Wade & Son Ltd of Wath upon Dearne, under the name of Thomas Wade Cinemas Ltd. It was designed by Blackmore & Sykes of Hull.

The cinema was initially leased to the cinema entrepreneur Lou Morris, and had 1,850 seats, including 728 on the balcony, and multiple foyers. There was also a stage and three dressing rooms for live variety performances, a Conacher organ with an illuminated console mounted on a lift, and a cafe/restaurant that was open to non-patrons.

After undergoing a number of sales and name changes, the cinema closed in September 1983 and remained empty until May 1989 when it reopened as Ritz bingo. From 2004 it was operated by Mecca until its closure last year.

The building was due to go under the hammer in October 2021 but the lot was withdrawn before going to auction. With a guide price of £390,000, the freehold of the 25,833 sq ft building was described as having "potential for commercial / institutional / religious use and residential development subject to planning."

The property did sell at auction in 2019 for £575,000.

The building is currently being marketed by Christie & Co.

Images: Christie & Co

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News: Finance Yorkshire's new funds

Regional funding body, Finance Yorkshire has appointed The FSE Group to manage two business loan investment streams.

The appointment follows Finance Yorkshire’s announcement of a new fund to support business growth across the region. Investments are available to eligible SMEs across Yorkshire and the Humber with ambitions to expand, create jobs and improve productivity.

The new fund has been structured to provide SMEs with a range of support through Seedcorn and Growth Fund (primarily equity) investments, along with large and small Business Loans.

The FSE Group will manage the two Business Loan funds. It was announced in September that Anticus Partners will manage the Seedcorn and Growth streams.

A ten-year contract, both funds will invest in SME companies in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The Seedcorn Fund will support fast growth start-up businesses, whilst the Growth Fund will focus upon existing businesses, with a particular emphasis upon Management Buyouts and Replacement Capital.

Finance Yorkshire’s new fund is expected to invest more than £50m over the next five years as it continues to realise its investment portfolio from its earlier fund.

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The new fund has been created from the combined legacies successfully created by Finance Yorkshire and the former South Yorkshire Investment Fund. Finance Yorkshire’s JEREMIE and Extension Funds invested £113m in more than 500 companies in the region.

Finance Yorkshire Chief Executive, Alex McWhirter said: “We’re looking forward to working with The FSE Group to provide much-needed investment to companies with great potential but who are unable to access finance from traditional and other alternative sources.

“The FSE Group emerged as the best candidate following a competitive tendering process and they have wide-ranging experience of delivering investments that help SMEs to reach their maximum potential.”

The FSE Group CEO, Paul Marston added: “We are delighted to be appointed fund manager for these two loan funds and join Anticus Partners in providing alternative finance options to high growth SMEs across Yorkshire and the Humber. The FSE Group has been funding and supporting growth SMEs for 20 years and we look forward to building on Finance Yorkshire’s previous success.”

Finance Yorkshire website

Images: Finance Yorkshire

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News: Discount retailer sets sights on Rotherham retail park

Underused units at a retail park in Rotherham look set to be taken on by the UK's leading variety goods value retailer, if plans are approved.

At Cortonwood Shopping Park, Unit 9 was formerly occupied by Outfit but is now vacant. Unit 8 is currently occupied by New Look, although the store is only trading on a temporary basis.

A planning application has now been submitted to Rotherham Council that proposes that the units be combined so that B&M Bargains can take 22,000 sq ft of space.

A new external garden centre is also in the plans.

The B&M Group was founded in 1978 and listed on the London Stock Exchange in June 2014. It is a variety retailer with nearly 700 stores in the UK operating under the "B&M" brand, 298 stores under the "Heron Foods" and "B&M Express" brands.

With its status as an essential retailer, the group continues to expand through the COVID-19 pandemic. It has stores in Rotherham town centre and at Parkgate which combine "Big Brands, Big Savings" with 100 new lines added each week, predominantly across general merchandise categories.

The retailer planned 45 gross new stores for this financial year with a longer term UK store target of 950 stores.

The latest plans for Cortonwood include minor external alterations and the installation of a trolley bay outside the front entrance of Unit 8. The existing mezzanines in both units would also be removed.

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The application, drawn up by Lichfield planning consultants, argues that B&M should be able to trade from the units as the proposal doesn't increase the total retail floorspace and that less than half of the unit would be used for the sale of food.

The planning approval for the whole scheme set an upper limit for floorspace and included a condition that the units "cannot be used primarily for the sale of food."

The application adds: "The proposed B&M would reoccupy two retail units and provide a source of employment for the surrounding areas; indeed, based upon information provided by B&M, it is estimated that the store would create approximately 20 new jobs."

In 2016, Outfit, was one of a number of retailers to sign up to take units at a new retail development at Cortonwood. Plans for a 98,000 sq ft development, were only passed on appeal at a public inquiry in 2013 after earlier being refused by Rotherham Council.

Outfit was the out-of-town stores within the Arcadia group which brought together brands such as Topshop and Burton. Arcadia went into administration in 2020.

B&M website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Allotts accountants acquired

Rotherham accountancy firm, Allotts, has been acquired by Kingswood, an international fully integrated wealth management group.

Set up in 1998, Allotts Financial Services Limited provides independent financial advice to over 400 active clients and currently employs three advisers, with five support staff covering clients primarily in South Yorkshire.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Kingswood Holdings Limited is registered in London and services circa 15,900 clients from a growing network of offices in the UK.

Following regulatory approval, the business will be acquired for total cash consideration of up to £2.5m, payable over a two year period, £1.25m will be paid at closing and the balance paid on a deferred basis, some of which is subject to the achievement of pre-agreed performance targets. Funding is set to come from a recent share issue.

In the year ended 31 March 2021, Allotts, which is based in Moorgate, generated revenue of £791k and profit before tax of £355k.

The transaction boosts Kingswood's UK client facing advisory team to 83 people and increases UK funds under advice/management to £6.5bn billion from circa 16,640 active clients.

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David Lawrence, UK CEO at Kingswood, commented: "I am delighted to be welcoming the AFS team to Kingswood. Allott's has a great reputation for serving clients over many years and is a great addition to Kingswood's existing footprint in the wider Sheffield region. After this acquisition is concluded we will have 13 advisers meeting their client financial advice and investment needs.

"We remain committed to perpetuating our stated growth strategy within the UK and internationally. This is our second acquisition of 2022 and we continue to have a strong pipeline of high-quality UK opportunities under negotiation, five of which are in exclusive due diligence as we continue to grow our financial planning and investment management reach across the UK."

Neil Highfield, speaking on behalf of AFS commented: "I feel this is an important and positive step forward for Allotts Financial Services. Kingswood share our own values & beliefs around providing an excellent service to clients and they will hugely benefit from their large support network and expertise in the financial services industry."

Allotts website
Kingswood website

Images: Google Maps

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