News: Missing Rotherham off NPR network "runs contrary to the desire to "level up" communities"

The Government may have sidelined plans for a new mainline station in Rotherham but work is continuing on the ground to keep the project moving forward.

When the Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands (IRP) was published last November, it scaled back ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) with Rotherham and Sheffield missed off the new network. The IRP also showed that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg would no longer reach Leeds and instead included a pledge to look at options on how best to take HS2 services to Leeds.

But with Government cash already earmarked for the scheme, local proponents continue to work up plans for a new station.

The Parkgate area is the front runner and the project could also be tied together with a tram train station.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) worked to get a new NPR station on the mainline at Rotherham included in proposals from sub-national transport body, Transport for the North (TfN). A Barnsley Dearne Valley parkway station too.

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A response to the Government from the SYMCA on the latest plans said: "The interventions that we identified were critical to ‘level up’ South Yorkshire and achieve the wider objectives of our Strategic Economic Plan.

"The fragmentation of HS2 and NPR means that achieving these outcomes is not possible as the IRP stands, putting South Yorkshire at a relative disadvantage when it comes to connectivity with neighbouring cities in the Midlands and North and onward connections further afield, such as the South and South West, Wales and Scotland.

"More importantly, the IRP could increase the disparity between some of the areas within South Yorkshire by omitting our proposals for two new stations in South Yorkshire – in the Dearne Valley to the east of Barnsley and at Rotherham on the mainline.

"Both of these stations would provide access to regional and long-distance rail services to a far greater proportion of the South Yorkshire population, spreading the benefits of the investment and helping to support SYMCA’s economic and housing growth plans. Initial analysis by TfN shows how Barnsley Dearne Valley and Rotherham stations can grow the rail market in South Yorkshire and both provided positive contributions to the NPR business case.

"Indeed, a new station at Rotherham shows a positive revenue case and a high value for money even without the planned NPR and HS2 services. For the IRP not to recognise this clear benefit and seemingly move consideration of this enhancement into a longer-term study of HS2 services to Leeds runs contrary to the desire to ‘level up’ communities.

"The omission also undervalues the complementary investment that devolved funding within South Yorkshire was seeking to align with the proposals. SYMCA included further work on the new mainline station at Rotherham in its recent City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement programme and Rotherham Council is seeking to purchase the required land as part of its agreed Towns Fund programme. Lack of recognition in the IRP of the new station puts this complementary investment, and the overall outcomes envisaged, at some risk."

The Government had already indicated a commitment of £20m through the Towns Fund and City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) programme to support the development of a new mainline Rotherham station at Parkgate.

In spite of the Government's ommision, Rotherham Council and the private sector led Town Deal board are working on a business case focussing on the benefits of the station and the regeneration opportunities around it.

Consultants LCR have been appointed to work on a station masterplan and the strategic acquisition of land is also being prepared.

Rotherham Council's cabinet has recently granted permission for the authority to acquire, negotiate and use Compulsary Purchase Orders to obtain land to support regeneration. This includes land facilitating the development of a new mainline station where "selected acquisition is required to de-risk the project."

Images: DfT

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News: Amazon taking further space in Rotherham

Online retail giant, Amazon, looks to have taken another industrial unit in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last month that a number of deals had been secured at the speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link development in Rotherham.

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

The agreed deal for unit 4 - a 23,200 sq ft warehouse with integral office - is for an online retail giant.

And new planning applications for signage on the unit show that Amazon want to use the site for its Amazon Flex service. A license for the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises has already been approved by Rotherham Council.

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Smaller than its massive fulfillment centres, Amazon Flex sites enable independent contractors to use their own vehicles to deliver on behalf of the online retailer.

Amazon Flex has pick-up locations in across the UK; that could be a warehouse, a depot or a local supermarket where self-employed drivers will deliver fresh food, groceries and other goods in their local area.

The retailer already has a 10,000 sq ft "last mile" warehouse at the Aldwarke Wharf development in Rotherham.

Amazon posted sales in the UK of £23.6 billion in 2021, an increase from £19.6 billion in 2020. Pre-pandemic, Amazon's UK sales were £13 billion in 2019.

Network Space is bringing forward Woodhouse Link where only one unit remains. When complete it will be capable of fostering some 200 new jobs.

Amazon website
Network Space website

Images: Amazon

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News: Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) opens new Rotherham hub

The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) South Yorkshire earlier has opened a new hub at Rotherham’s Riverside Library.

BIPC South Yorkshire supports entrepreneurs, inventors, and small businesses from concept to launch, and business development. Its hub centre was first opened in Sheffield Central Library in 2015. Within the first three years, it helped create almost 400 businesses, 320 additional jobs and generated £2.8m gross added value for the region.

It is based on the successful centre in the British Library in London and provides access to a range of business databases, trade publications, business literature and guides.

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Sophie Heaton, Business Engagement and Marketing Manager at BIPC South Yorkshire, said: “We’re on a mission to ensure libraries, as the heart of the community, are a core part of the business support offering across South Yorkshire.

“We’re passionate about supporting both new and existing businesses to gain the background knowledge and information that they need before they can get going on their new business venture.

Each BIPC is equipped with a core set of resources. It has £5m worth of up-to-date market research and business databases, which are brought to life by a tailored and highly individual programme of events, workshops, and one-to-ones, delivered in collaboration with local business leaders, role model entrepreneurs and community partners.

BIPC South Yorkshire is currently working towards expanding the service to the rest of South Yorkshire.

BIPC South Yorkshire website

Images: BIPC / twitter

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News: Parseq picks up BT contract

Rotherham-based business process outsourcer Parseq has won a five-year contract to provide back office services for BT Group.

The partnership will see the Hellaby company use technologies such as automation and AI to help streamline payment processing and customer correspondence processes for BT and its EE subsidiary.

This will include managing and digitising BT and EE’s inbound customer mail and handling all payment processing, from transactions made by cheque to BACS payment allocation.

Through the work, Parseq’s team will manage approximately 3.5 million pieces of inbound mail annually and process approximately 700,000 payments per year.

Craig Naylor-Smith, CEO, Parseq, said: “We’ve leveraged our technological expertise and deep understanding of telecoms business’s back-office challenges to design a bespoke programme for BT that will ultimately save the business time and help cut costs, while simultaneously improving quality of service.

“Our partnership has transformation at its core, and the work we’ve done so far has already delivered some impressive results – for example, delivering significant reductions across all suspense accounts, using automated payment technology. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on this success.”

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Fionna Ford, Payments Operation Manager at BT Group, said: “Our partnership will deliver real change in our back-office processes and help us create increasingly streamlined, digital processes that will benefit both our business and our customers.

“From our very first engagement, Parseq has shown itself to be a highly knowledgeable, motivated and supportive partner that really understands our business and our objectives. We’re really looking forward to working together in the months and years to come.”

Parseq is a trusted business services partner, with a global client base including leading telecoms operators, major utility providers and FTSE 100 financial services companies.

The business offers a broad range of technology-driven solutions that use enhanced automation to help clients improve operational efficiency and the customer experience. It automates 94 million images, digitises 70 million documents and processes £36 billion of payments annually.

Parseq website

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News: Wetherspoons scales back revamp plans for Rotherham pub

J D Wetherspoon plc has updated plans for its remaining Rotherham town centre pub.

Rothbiz reported in 2020 on a planning application that would involve the demolition of an existing extension to the rear of The Bluecoat, a listed building next to the Town Hall, and the building of a new, larger extension in its place. These proposals would allow for a larger customer area and a larger kitchen to cater for the customer numbers.

Now new plans show that this proposed large extension has been scrapped.

Instead, the latest application includes a new stone external staircase to improve the route from the bar and kitchen to the externally seated customers.

Internally, changes to the layout on the first floor are designed to improve staff facilities.

Due to the existing condition of the pub, the site will undergo a full refurb as a part of this proposal which will include new finishes to floor, walls and ceilings where indicated in the drawings. As well as new light fittings where the existing ones are inconsistent or damaged.

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The application, drawn up by Just H Architects for the pub group, state: "The site has been previously given approval for a much more extensive scheme which saw large changes to the pubs internal and external areas. However, the change in economic climate over the last few months has prompted our client into investigating a revised scheme, largely comprised of refurbishment works which will bring the property back to the company standards - as well as improved provisions for staff."

The name of the pub recalls the building's original use as a charity school, known as the Blue Coat School, from the school uniform. After 1547, the charitable work of the medieval guilds was taken over by the "Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham." For the next 300 years, the Feoffees acted as a kind of town council. In 1708, they opened a Charity School in a rented property until 1776, when it moved into a permanent building.

A panel on the building is inscribed "THIS CHARITY SCHOOL / WAS ERECTED BY / THE FEOFFEES / IN THE YEAR 1776."

The plans add that all new elements of the proposed will be finished in materials to match existing, primarily stonework and wood panelling - the wood panelling throughout the pub will be refurbished.

Externally, the proposal will refurbish the existing joinery elements of the pub with repairs and a new paint finish for all exposed window frames.

The plans conclude: "We believe the impact of the development of the asset is of a positive nature, preserving all of the key assets which make the building unique. The works are prepared to improve the usage and accessibility of the pub for its staff. We believe these works to be minor and modest in comparison with the previously approved scheme."

In the first half of the financial year, which ended on 23 January 2022, J D Wetherspoon plc invested £26.6m in new pubs and pub extensions (2020: £23.7m), and £18.9m in existing pubs and IT (2020: £34.1m).

The company said that it was increasing investment levels, which are still substantially below the pre-pandemic period, on the basis that the adverse effects of Covid-19 were likely to diminish in the near future.

J D Wetherspoon website

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News: KCM Waste Management welcomed as new Chamber patron

Rotherham-based KCM Waste Management has become the latest patron at the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

The waste management provider offers a comprehensive waste management service including skip hire, wheelie bin hire, tipper hire, trade waste disposal, tipping and recycling, hazardous waste, legal disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment recycling (WEEE), scrap metal purchase, site clearances, man in a van service, recycled aggregates, primary aggregates, topsoil’s, sands, and gravels.

KCM Waste Management is committed to being environmentally friendly; with a strong belief that all waste should be put to good use, implementing policies to recycle 99% of all waste processed and working towards a zero-landfill policy. To reduce the waste sent to landfill, a large amount of waste is also processed into biomass fuels or aggregates, which can be purchased for use within the construction industry or for home building projects.

Their fully licensed head office site at Ginhouse Lane boasts a state-of-the-art recycling facility and an extensive fleet of modern vehicles. With an on-site fleet maintenance garage, this ensures KCM Waste Management’s vehicles are always 100% site safe and at their peak performance level during any hire period.

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With no hidden fees and a friendly and dependable customer services team, KCM Waste Management endeavour to consistently meet all their customer’s needs. Possessing the expertise required to ensure their customers are disposing of waste both efficiently and responsibly, working with KCM Waste Management means you are always in safe hands.

On welcoming KCM Waste Management as the latest patrons of the Chamber of Commerce, Chief Executive Andrew Denniff said, “It is great news that a business well established in Rotherham and employing a substantial number of local people, has chosen to enhance their profile through the Chamber. Whilst KCM Waste Management is a well-known brand across the region it is really nice that they have felt it appropriate to work more closely with us and I trust they will value our partnership for many years to come.”

KCM Waste Management provide a complete waste management service with over 35 years of experience, serving both commercial and domestic customers across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the East Midlands. A family-run business, each one of their 130 employees are dedicated to delivering innovative waste solutions for a diverse group of established customers.

Gareth Hickling, Managing Director at KCM Waste Management added, “We are extremely proud to become a patron of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and look forward to further raising our profile within the local area. As a family run business, we thrive on supporting other local companies and building successful working relationships through the Chamber.”

KCM website
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce website

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News: Contractor lined up for new Rotherham link road

A national contractor is in line to take on the multimillion pound transport scheme that aims to improve the area around Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in November that South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) had submited plans for the works following a period of consutation.

Plans show that the proposed new 800 metre Parkgate Link Road between Aldwarke Lane and both Stonerow Way and Stadium Way will provide a second access route to Parkgate Shopping, via a roundabout between the two railway bridges. It is designed to relieve existing congestion on the A633 around Parkgate Shopping and improve traffic flow and bus journey times on the corridor and wider road network.

As a decision is awaited on the application, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has gained board approval to release the funds.

£11.55m from the Transforming Cities Fund towards total project costs of £12.86m will be used for the new link road, a new 268 space car park specifically for the tram-train service and the widening to the southern entry and exit arms of the nearby Taylors Lane roundabout.

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Approval has also been sought to appoint Tilbury Douglas to undertake the construction of the link road and construct the park and ride facility.

The contract, worth £8,420,930, is subject to securing planning permission, securing funding, and completion of legal documentation with landowners, Stadium and the Parkgate Rotherham Unit Trust.

Tilbury Douglas is a remaining division of British construction company, Interserve, that collapsed into administration in 2019 before being saved by creditors.

Interserve's recent work in the area includes the £12m contract for the refurbishment and upgrade of Rotherham Interchange.

The corridor is the main arterial route from Rotherham town centre to the conurbations to the north including Parkgate, Kilnhurst, Rawmarsh, Swinton and the Dearne Valley. The road also passes through an area of dense retail and the only access to Parkgate Shopping is from a single roundabout.

One of the busiest routes in South Yorkshire, the A633 Rotherham Road carries approximately 30 buses per hour in each direction. Traffic congestion in the area causes significant delays to bus services not only in the morning and evening peaks, but also at weekends.

Tilbury Douglas website
SYPTE website

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News: Plans drafted to reuse Rotherham pub

A prominent former pub on the edge of Rotherham town centre that has stood vacant for a number of years could be brought back into use, if new plans are approved.

The former Wellington Boot on Westgate was most recently used as Get Sorted Academy of Music, a charity that used music to build up self-esteem, improve grades and develop social skills in young people.

As reported by Rothbiz, Get Sorted called time on the Rotherham centre in 2017.

With ownership linked to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust charity, the building has been empty since.

Now a new planning application has been submitted that would see the large building converted into nine apartments.

The plans, submitted by LNA Interiors of Beighton, show that the three storeys, plus basement and outbuildings, could be converted into five 1-bed flats and four 2-bed flats - eight in the main building and a self-contained dwelling in the outbuilding.

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A heritage statement submitted with the plans from Thompson Heritage Consultancy, explains that: "52 Westgate was built in 1903 as “The Wellington Inn Free House”. The Arts and Crafts movement (circa 1860 - 1925) sought to create attractive buildings with details of fine craftsmanship to counteract the grim industrialisation of the 19th century.

"The property at 52 Westgate is significant for its setting and connection with similar age and style and historic use of public house buildings in the same street. Its architecture and aesthetic is significant and relates to the industrialisation of Britain and the design response at that time. 52 Westgate should be seen as a non-designated heritage asset."

The building is not listed, unlike the Cutler's Arms over the road, but sits within the town centre conservation area. The new proposals state that any external alterations will be limited.

The plans, drawn up by NJL Consulting, state: "On the Wilfed Street elevation, the proposals reopen previously blocked up windows and lightwells and introduce new lightwells which benefit the basement space. Other existing openings will be refurbished and improved. Overall, the focus of the external changes is to preserve and enhance the features of the building."

The Westgate / Sheffield area is designated a mixed use area in the borough's local plan with more residential development expected. A few doors down from the old Wellington boot, 45 new homes and apartments are being created at the Milfold Rise development.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham Business Showcase aims to help 100 SMEs across South Yorkshire

A group of six experienced SME business owners and advisors have come together to host The Rotherham Business Showcase event, a one-stop-shop for moving the local business community forward in 2022.

Taking place at The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham on March 31, between 10am and 2pm, the event, which intends to be both informative and supportive, is designed to inspire business owners to unlock their barriers to growth, whilst offering the opportunity to network and exhibit with other like-minded local talented professionals.

In a season of continuing uncertainty for business owners, the event aims to answer questions related to new employment legislation, recruitment, HR, health & safety, business growth/planning, IT, and marketing. With lunch and refreshments across the day included, delegates will benefit from the following:

- Six mini-presentations with tips and best practice,
- Networking opportunities,
- Business Marketplace with stands.

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All ticket sale proceeds will go to the charity CALM, (Campaign Against Living Miserably) with Special Guest and CALM representative Mike McCarthy on hand to facilitate the day. Mike, an award-winning journalist who has worked in the news media as a reporter and presenter for almost forty years.

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

“The Rotherham Business Showcase is a great example of the right support and encouragement that I want to endorse. I personally know each of the six specialists who’re putting on the event and I’m looking forward to the value each of them will add to the day, together with the networking and marketing opportunity for local businesses.”

Rotherham Business Showcase website

Images: AMP Technology Centre

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News: Major changes planned to reduce car traffic in Rotherham town centre

With a major drive underway to get more people living in Rotherham town centre, Rotherham Council has unveiled plans to create "living space" on the streets.

Proposals include new traffic management measures to deter people driving through the town centre.

The Council is making changes to manage traffic along Sheffield Road and improve walking and cycling into the town centre.

Using money from part of the Transforming Cities Fund, secured through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), the first phase of the Rotherham to Tinsley scheme added cycle tracks along the A6178 between the borough boundary and the roundabout with Bessemer Way. Phase two will continue the cycle tracks to Centenary Way underpass.

The third phase, now out for consultation, addresses Sheffield Road and Westgate, a key route in to town where construction is underway on new housing, with masterplanning also commissioned for a new Riverside residential district.

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Major proposed changes include:

- The removal of traffic lights at the Main Street / Westgate junction where cars will no longer be able to turn right from Main Street onto Westgate

- At the junction which replaced Pool Green roundabout (Liquid roundabout), no motor vehicles will be able to cross Centenary Way between Main Street and Masborough Street. The existing turning loops will need to be used instead

- Cars no longer able to make a left turn from Sheffield Road into Old Sheffield Road at Jacko's

- Cars no longer able to make a left turn from Canklow Road into Alma Road at the tyre place

- Wilfred Street, a popular cut-through from Westgate to the Town Hall, will see the one-way system reversed

- Coke Hill and Maltkin Street to be made dead ends where they meet

- Cyclists allowed to use existing contra-flow bus lane on Corporation Street

The Westgate area is set to see the existing 20mph speed limit in the town centre extended to continue along Westgate and Sheffield Road, as far as the junction with Old Sheffield Road. This will be enforced by road humps.

Separate cycle tracks, like those on Sheffield Road, have been discounted here due to lack of space.

In the consultation, the Council states: "Our approach is to reduce overall traffic volumes and speeds, and give greater priority to people living, working and doing business in the area, as opposed to those simply driving through – changing the emphasis from a "traffic space" to a "living space."

"We expect the following proposed measures to reduce traffic volumes on Westgate by around 40-60 per cent – comparable to reductions seen during the middle of the March 2020 Coronavirus lockdown."

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “Making more journeys by bike or on foot, instead of by car, benefits us all. Not only by reducing air pollution but also traffic congestion making it easier and quicker to get to work or to the shops. Cycling also encourages more active lifestyles which is good for physical and mental wellbeing.

“The new proposals will have different impacts on premises in the area and we’d like to understand local views on the measures, so we can tailor the designs to meet the needs of residents and businesses – I’d encourage everyone to have their say.”

The route between Rotherham town centre and Tinsley will link to Sheffield City Council’s proposed walking and cycling links onward to Meadowhall, and to South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive’s (SYPTE's) proposed scheme for a Tram-Train stop with a park and ride at Magna.

Consultation website

Images: RMBC / Google Maps

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News: Record total return as Harworth steps into its growth strategy

Harworth Group plc, the Rotherham-based leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has published a set of strong financial results for 2021.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Harworth is based close to its flagship Waverley development and is a specialist in brownfield regeneration, owning and managing approximately 15,000 acres on around 100 sites in the North of England and the Midlands.

In its full year results for the year ended 31 December 2021, the value of the company's assets, measured by EPRA NDV, increased 23.6% to £637.5m from £515.9m in 2020.

Total return, the actual rate of return of Harworth's investments, increased to 24.6% in 2021, from 3.0% in 2020.

Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group plc, said: "Harworth maintained its strong momentum throughout 2021, as we stepped into our ambitious strategy to reach £1bn of EPRA NDV over five to seven years. Our performance, combined with tailwinds in our end markets, has translated into a significant increase in EPRA NDV and our highest annual Total Return to date.

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“In addition to the significant progress made in planning, direct development, lettings and land sales across our portfolio during the year, we agreed terms for the sales of our Ansty strategic land site and Kellingley development site, conditional on planning consent, at significant premiums to book value. The proceeds from these sales once completed, alongside the larger senior debt facility we have secured, will provide us with additional firepower to deploy across our development sites and acquisition pipeline.

“Our core sectors continue to perform well, but are not immune to wider macroeconomic pressures. Our focus now is on the execution of the strategy, ensuring that, as we work through our plans, the team has the skills and resources to deliver consistently and successfully, sustainably growing the business and delivering returns through the cycle. This will ensure that we continue to deliver places where people want to live and work.”

The company has also seen growth in its staff numbers, going from 75 to 91 in the year.

Harworth's focus has been on the "beds and sheds" sectors where demand remains strong. The financial year saw the new CEO launch and complete a strategic review of the business. This outlined an ambitious growth strategy but Harworth plans to keep doing what it is doing, with plans to grow its strategic land portfolio and land promotion activities - backed by a new £200m revolving credit facility (RCF).

Shillaw added: "Our strategy is evolution not revolution, and fundamentally we remain a business that is regionally focused in the industrial & logistics and residential sectors. We have a deep understanding of the regions that we operate in and continue to deploy our specialist skills to assemble complex sites and work them through the planning process and into production. Our strategy work has identified the potential of our landbank to do more, faster, and provides a roadmap to enable us to scale up the creation of sustainable places where people want to live and work."

Harworth Group website

Images: Harworth

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News: Rotherham bus depot to be sold off

It looks to be the end of the line for a large vacant bus depot in Rotherham which is being sold, five years after it stopped being used by local bus operator, First.

The Midland Road depot came into the hands of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) as the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), which is responsible for the co-ordination of public transport in South Yorkshire, is being integrated into the MCA.

The MCA's board has this week agreed to sell off the 212,000 sq ft warehouse.

The site consists of aged office accommodation and bus sheds and was constructed over 40 years ago. Following bus de-regulation the site was leased to a number of private operators, generating a financial return that was re-invested into transport activity helping to support the levy.

Sitting empty, it now costs the MCA £160,000 a year in rates and security.

Rothbiz reported in 2016 that First Group was vacating the site, relocating employees to Sheffield and Doncaster.

Since it closed in 2017 it has only been used sporadically as a COVID-19 testing site and for police firearms training.

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A report to the MCA said: "The inability to let the site on the open market reflects the scale and specialist nature of much of the design of the asset, but also the poor state of the infrastructure.

"Over time the vacant site has suffered from vandalism and theft and is now in a seriously dilapidated state exposing the MCA to both reputational and liability risk. The site also continues to be a drain on the revenue budget, with the costs of rates, security, and responsive repairs having to be met.

"Following an internal review it has been determined that the MCA has no strategic rationale for retaining the site and as such should seek to mitigate the identified risk and cost by divesting itself of the asset."

The report adds that Rotherham Council has been in discussion with the MCA on the future of the site, "particularly in relation to wider regeneration plans within the town and latterly around the potential uses of the power capacity on the site to support electric vehicle charging."

The MCA has agreed to dispose of the site in the most efficient means possible, which could also include clearing the existing site to enable a more efficient sale.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Metalysis continue to aid hunt for oxygen on the Moon

Rotherham-based tech firm, Metalysis, is taking part in more out of this world research projects.

The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) company holds the worldwide exploitation rights to the FCC Cambridge process which sees specialist powder metals created in a simple, cost effective process with significant environmental benefits. It is commercialising the technology to produce titanium, tantalum, and related high value alloys.

Selected by the European Space Agency (ESA), Thales Alenia Space is leading a €1m study to develop a demonstration payload to extract oxygen from Moon rock to sustain human activities on the Lunar surface.

For a sustainable habitation on the Moon, humans will need to utilise resources that they find on the Moon rather than transport these resources from Earth; one of these resources is oxygen.

Last year Metalysis successfully extracted oxygen from replicated moonrock (lunar regolith) which predominantly contains aluminium, silicon, and oxygen, as part of the research programme. The metal powder by-product collected during the process is also generating huge interest.

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Andrew Stanniland, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in the UK, said: "This contract award is incredibly exciting. The adaption of processes and tools to the space environment, many of which we take for granted on Earth, will be critical in many areas of our future. I am proud that our dedicated teams will be leading this study together with our valued partners AVS, Metalysis, Open University and Redwire Space Europe to solve the complex challenge of creating oxygen to sustain life on the lunar surface."

Metalysis has also been named in a project backed with £218,000 from the UK Space Agency.

Called "Developing In Situ Resource Utilisation Production Technology (DISRUPT)," the project will establish an end-to-end demonstration capability in the UK which would contribute significantly to the de-risking of technology used for In Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU). This end-to-end demonstration capability would allow many of the uncertainties present in the process chain to be understood and characterised; especially the effect of the regolith (Moon soil) collection and pre-processing of the feedstock for the Metalysis-FFC process reactor. This activity will be conducted in partnership with Metalysis, AVS, URA Thrusters and the Open University.

Metalysis website

Images: ESA

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News: Rotherham jobs at risk as DWP announce office closures

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced large-scale office closures, which unions say will almost certainly mean job losses.

At least 1,000 jobs are at risk over the closure of 13 processing sites, with more job losses feared over the closure and relocation of a further 29 offices. Closures are scheduled to happen by June 2023.

Included in the list of locations is the DWP office in the Dearne Valley in Rotherham.

Discovery House on the Callflex Business Park has been placed in the "Sites closing, alternative offered" category by the government department.

The DWP is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. As the UK’s biggest public service department it administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.

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In Rotherham, the 30,000 sq ft office is home to DWP's debt management operations such as the Counter Fraud and Compliance Directorate (CFCD) team.

A statement from the PCS union said: "The government was quick to praise civil servants at the start of the pandemic, but ministers are even quicker to fire them now they have declared the pandemic over.

"Our members have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, keeping the country running, paying out benefits to almost two-and-a-half million families, helping them to put food on their table and keep a roof over their head.

"These are the workers rightly praised in 2020 by secretary of state for work and pensions Theresa Coffey as ‘exceptional’. In November 2021, prime minister Boris Johnson called DWP staff “miracle workers”.

"Now, as food and fuel prices rise faster than ever, they are being abandoned by Coffey and Johnson’s cronies and left to fend for themselves."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham physio helps tackle loneliness in the community

A mobile physiotherapy clinic which specialises in home visits and regular group sessions for the over 65s is on track for further expansion just months after its launch, thanks to demand from clients impacted by mobility and injury issues that have worsened as a result of the pandemic.

Based in Whiston, Rotherham, Village Physio was founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Animesh Sundas (a chartered physiotherapist) and Samantha Logan (the business director).

Animesh has worked within the NHS for many years. The duo said the move was motivated in part by the Covid-19 caused backlog in the number of people waiting to access vital physio services, and a desire to help the local elderly community to build strength and balance and increase mobility.

By offering group sessions, which currently take place at a local village hall, and with plans to expand into care homes and other community settings, they say they are also hoping to help combat loneliness by providing participants with a fun way to stay connected.

Now, just three months after its launch, Village Physio is looking to expand its services.

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To facilitate the expansion Samantha and Animesh received funding from UKSE - a business that invests in steel areas across the UK – which was used to invest in a professional website, logo, and uniforms, as well as to increase its marketing activity.

The business also hopes to expand the area in which they offer appointments.

Animesh Sundas, of Village Physio, said: “Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the recovery of falls related injuries, muscle and joint problems, as well as the ongoing physical health of someone who suffers from a condition such as osteoporosis, or arthritis.

“Regular, timely treatment is therefore really important and so the impact of the backlogs in NHS treatment as a result of the pandemic has been very worrying for many.

“Aging and leading a sedentary lifestyle can affect people's strength, balance and mobility making it more difficult to conduct their everyday activities and make them more likely to fall. Older adults who take part in regular physical activity such as physiotherapy can make significant improvements.

"Village Physio was set up in order to tackle these problems and reintroduce exercise and wellbeing classes to the older members of our community who may have been less active and possibly lonelier due to social distancing and lockdown."

Steve Lyon, Regional Executive at UKSE said: “Village Physio offers something really unique within the local community of Whiston and its surrounding areas. Thanks to the hard work of both Animesh and Samantha the business has got off to a really great start, and their classes are already proving very popular in bringing together the local community and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Village Physio website
UKSE website

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News: Business Breakfast back at Get up to Speed event

Get up to Speed with STEM, Yorkshire’s largest annual employer-inspired science, technology, engineering, manufacturing (STEM) and construction experience for young people, has announced the return of its annual Business Breakfast networking event.

Taking place from 7:45am at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on Wednesday 23rd March, the Business Breakfast is one of the largest STEM networking events in the region and takes place prior to the main Get up to Speed showcase.

This year’s theme for the event will focus on the Digital Skills for Business Leaders and include representatives from some of the region’s top digital companies including keynote speaker, David Richards MBE, the Chairman, President, CEO and co-founder of WANdisco, the Sheffield based distributed computing specialists.

John Barber, CEO of event organisers, The Work-wise Foundation, comments: “After having to cancel previous events due to restrictions on gatherings during the pandemic, we are extremely pleased to announce that our annual Business Breakfast will return this year. During the event, we’ll be highlighting the need for business leaders to understand and embrace digital technologies, recognise the benefits this can bring to their business and understand why equipping and recruiting young people with these skills is critical. There will also be the opportunity to hear first-hand case studies from local companies that have embraced the challenge, and also learn what support is out there to help.”

The Get up to Speed Business Breakfast is free to attend for business owners, directors and senior managers working in the region’s STEM sector. Tickets are allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Get up to Speed with STEM will take place following the Business Breakfast from 9:30am to 5pm. An hour-long Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) friendly preview will be held at 8:30am. The free event is designed for young people, their families and teachers to see some of the UK's best innovations first hand, hear from and talk to those involved in their success and learn about the future of the sector and its evolution through technology.

Get up to Speed with STEM also gives companies taking part the opportunity to showcase their business, highlight career opportunities and current vacancies and meet with other businesses, whilst helping to address the skills gap in STEM-related industries.

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John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation (organiser of the event) said: “We’ve had a fantastic level of support from businesses already this year and, we’re almost sold out of exhibition space! We’re encouraging any companies to get in touch as soon as possible to book a stand, or to become a sponsor, and take part in what is one of the north’s leading interactive science and technology events for young people.”

So far, sponsors of this year’s event include AESSEAL, CBE+, The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, AMETEK Land, CityFibre, Highlander UK, UK Atomic Energy Authority, ARM, ITM Power, The IET, Forged Solutions, Balfour Beatty, Wessex Archaeology, Withers & Rogers, Hydra Creative, Dragonfly PR and Made in Sheffield.

Currently, there are 80 attractions and exhibitors planned for this year’s event including McLaren Automotive, a British Army Multi Launch Rocket System, a Vulcan XH558 Engine, Fuel Tank & Wing Tips, Virtual Welding and other hands on virtual experiences, The National Emergency Services Museum with a range of historic vehicles and the Sheffield Engineering Leadership Academy Engineering through history display.

For the first time, the Get up to Speed live showcase will also be followed by an online event, Get up to Speed The Virtual Experience, where registered attendees can gain exclusive access to a digital platform. Here users can access virtual tours, demonstrations, career stories, inventions, company profiles and interviews, created by some of the UK’s leading STEM businesses.

GUTS website

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News: Construction underway on AESSEAL's "Factory of the Future"

AESSEAL has started construction on its "Factory of the Future" - a project bringing the company’s total investment in Rotherham to £61m.

The multi award winning Templeborough company, which designs and makes mechanical seals and support systems for a wide range of global industries including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals, has grown from a small distribution business based on Attercliffe Road, Sheffield to a near £200m turnover business employing more than 1,800 people across the world.

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

Chris Rea, managing director of the parent group AES Engineering Ltd said, “This investment gives us room for expansion and paves the way for an additional £20m of investment in the Rotherham area over the next five to ten years depending on the continued growth of our global customer base.”

The ten acre, low-density site includes a ‘Tree Walk’ for educational and leisure purposes with a wetlands area, and accommodation for bees, hedgehogs and other wildlife. Project spending includes £5.8m of ‘green-only’ investment, such as solar panels, battery storage, and other energy-saving or environmental measures.

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Last year AES Engineering Ltd Group made an historic commitment to £29m of planet-friendly investment by 2029 in order to go beyond Net Zero for its global business. AESSEAL was one of the first major UK engineering businesses to reach Net Zero and go beyond.

A total of 175,000 sq ft of new factory buildings are being constructed to the highest environmental standards and the existing plant is also being updated and refurbished as part of the scheme.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Jenny Andrews and Mayoresse, Jeanette Mallinder, visited AESSEAL for a ceremonial contract signing to launch the building project.

When completed in January 2023 the site will house one of the world’s most advanced and environmentally-friendly precision-engineering factories.

Chris Rea said that the Factory of the Future was a sign of commitment not just to the Rotherham area but also to the continuing contribution of precision engineering and reliability services to a greener future for the planet.

AESSEAL website

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News: Harworth nets financial backing to double size of business

Harworth Group plc, the Rotherham-based leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has agreed a new senior debt package to back its strategy to double the size of its business over the next five to seven years.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Harworth is based close to its flagship Waverley development and is a specialist in brownfield regeneration and has a £250m income-producing portfolio across the UK.

The package comprises a five-year £200m revolving credit facility (RCF) together with a £40m uncommitted accordion option, provided by Natwest, Santander and HSBC. It replaces Harworth's previous RCF with Natwest and Santander, which was increased from £130 million to £150 million in 2021, and had an expiry date of February 2024.

Harworth, which was created through the complex restructure of what was UK Coal, siad that the new RCF is aligned to its "strategy to double the size of its business over the next five to seven years and provides significant additional liquidity and flexibility."

As at 31 December 2021, the company's net debt was £25.7m.

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Harworth's focus has been on the "beds and sheds" sectors where demand remains strong. It owns, develops and manages a portfolio of over 15,000 acres of land on around 100 sites located throughout the North of England and Midlands. The Group specialises in the regeneration of large, complex sites, in particular former industrial sites, into new residential and industrial and logistics developments.

Income is derived from land sales having undertaken masterplanning and securing planning consent for a number of schemes. Land acquisition, building out new developments and asset management make up the rest of the business.

The company intends to deploy both proceeds from sales and the funds provided by its new debt facilities to deliver the 3.2 million sq. ft first phase of direct development that it has identified within its consented industrial and logistics pipeline; broaden the range of residential products across its development sites, including the launch of a 600-unit single-family rental product in 2022; and scale up its land acquisition and promotion activities.

Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive at Harworth, said: "Harworth's strong balance sheet and prudent gearing is one of the key enablers of our ambitious growth strategy. This new debt package, which adds another established institutional lender to our banking group, will provide Harworth with additional firepower and flexibility as we step into this strategy and deliver our Purpose of creating places where people want to live and work. I would like to thank Natwest and Santander for their continued support, and to welcome HSBC."

Harworth Group website

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News: Company solving homelessness with sustainable soap launches in Rotherham

The first organisation in the UK to support those experiencing homelessness into employment through eco-friendly cosmetics making has launched in Rotherham.

Labre’s Hope based in Parkgate was co-founded by 25-year-old Aaron Probert and 23-year-old Joash Nelson-Piercy and will get those experiencing homelessness back into work by providing them with an employment opportunity to make handcrafted, sustainable cosmetics.

The project has received half a million in funding from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and is part-funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

274,000 people in England were homeless in December 2021, identified by Shelter, and Crisis’ annual report states that “employment is often the only way forward to ensure people have sustainable income to cover the cost of accommodation.”

A mix of soaring house prices and rents have contributed to an acute homelessness problem in the UK, and in Yorkshire, nearly 200 people were sleeping rough in December 2021, while over 3000 people were living in temporary accommodation.

Ten initial beneficiaries have been selected to be employed by Labre’s Hope, which will not only provide them with living wage employment but offer bespoke job coaching through South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) to boost their skill sets – maximising their financial and career prospects. SYHA will also provide social housing, a core element to helping people start their journey out of homelessness.

Crisis will provide a series of ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ sessions on topics such as understanding and managing change and dealing with stress and anxiety.

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Aaron was inspired to set up the organisation after hearing the story of someone he met while studying at Sheffield University. She had experienced domestic abuse which led to alcohol escapism and becoming isolated from her support network due to her abuser. After hearing this, Aaron wrote his dissertation based on a business model and has now made it come to life.

The soap will be natural and plant-based and profits from products will be directly channelled into empowering people experiencing homelessness through employment training and wellbeing support.

Danny, a beneficiary who will be working at Labre’s Hope said: “I’ve been homeless for about eighteen months now, which has included sofa-surfing, street-sleeping and shed sleeping.

“The breakup of my marriage left me mentally broken, and I’ve been trying to bounce back from that ever since.

“Someone from Barnsley Council put me onto Crisis who have supported me since and this is how I found out about Labre’s Hope.

“Aaron is a phenomenal guy and has a person-centred approach to his organisation which is rare. Its going to help me look after me.”

Labre’s Hope is aiming to branch out to major cities such as London and Manchester in the next few years, with a goal of supporting 200 people at the end of their homelessness journey over the next five years.

Aaron said: “I am thrilled that our vision for helping people experiencing homelessness to achieve independence has finally come to life.

“Finding meaningful employment is one of the most crucial steps to help those experiencing homelessness and I am confident that our project will provide people with the skills they need to develop their independence.”

Labre's Hope website

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News: Principal terms agreed for two new restaurants at Forge Island

Principal terms have been agreed for two new restaurants at Forge Island, joining the cinema and modern hotel at the Rotherham town centre scheme.

A head lease between the private developers, Muse, and Rotherham Council is also "realistically within reach."

Securing a funder for the scheme is also close.

The Council-owned site, which sits between the River Don and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal, 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, exchanged a long-term deal last year 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.

To capitalise on securing the anchor tenants, Rotherham Council and Muse agreed to accelerate detailed designs that they say will increase the attractiveness of Forge Island to food & beverage (f&b) occupiers and provides the best opportunity of securing an early start on site.

An update to the Council states that: "The site has been marketed to occupiers and pre-let agreements secured with The Arc Cinema and Travelodge. Heads of terms have been agreed with two restaurants and solicitors are instructed to complete pre-let agreements with those parties.

"The two restaurant deals with solicitors are progressing satisfactorily with the principal terms having been agreed. Muse is continuing to market the remaining units which are attracting interest, giving rise to an expectation that further occupiers will commit to the scheme prior to opening."

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At the time of securing the approval of the planning board in 2020, developers anticipated that construction would begin in autumn 2021.

It looks likely that a start date will now be in October 2022.

So far the Council has completed the first phase of enabling works to allow the scheme to proceed, including demolitions to provide a clear development site, the construction of a fish pass and the construction of flood mitigation measures. The Council has further enabling works to complete prior to transferring the site to Muse ready for construction to start. Flood alleviation work is also underway, as is further work around the public realm and the creation of Riverside Gardens nearby.

Muse is currently working on detailed design in preparation for awarding a construction contract.

The council update adds: "In response to current market volatility and to limit risk pricing by contractors, Muse is working to appoint a contractor to engage during the design process and reach a negotiated price. It is considered that this approach is likely to produce the best possible price and greatest level of certainty around cost but would not prevent a further tender exercise being undertaken should an acceptable negotiated price not be achieved."

Legal discussions are also ongoing regarding leases and funding.

In 2019, a 250 year lease with Muse was proposed. The agreement included an option for the developer to ask the Council to take an over-riding lease of the scheme. Reducing some of the risks for the developer, this would involve the authority subletting and collecting rents from operators, which would generate an income stream to fund the head lease costs.

On advisement from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), who have indicated that the existing terms "continue to represent an institutional offer," variations are being proposed to a head lease "to enhance the investment value of the scheme."

One is to include an obligation that the Council inherits the site at the end of the lease term. The update explains that: "this reflects the operating approach of the investors likely to be attracted to the scheme, which are specialist annuity funds who prefer an income stream for a fixed number of years without the residual asset to manage at the end of the annuity period."

Another variation is to prepare the terms to move away from being linked to the Retail Prices Index (RPI) which is expected to be effectively phased out by the Bank of England.

Varying the length of the head lease (existing proposals are for the Council to take a 35-year head lease) could also "maximise the investment value" and the Council may have an option to adjust the head lease rent upwards if the lettings income increases sufficiently or, alternatively, to reduce the head lease rent by providing capital into the scheme.

On timescales the update says: "It is anticipated that Muse and the Council will agree heads of terms as described above with a funder during May 2022. Construction will start in October 2022 allowing practical completion and handover to tenants for fitting out by January 2024. At this point the Council’s head lease will commence.

"The exact details of the final head lease will be subject to commercial negotiation but agreement on the head lease is today realistically within reach. Muse has made sufficient progress such that the scheme is on the threshold of final design, is in progress to be fully costed and can be marketed to obtain full funding from institutions and therefore, subject to delegated approvals be built and let."

Forge Island website

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News: Sportswear firm's new Rotherham manufacturing facility takes shape

A purpose-built factory which will produce high-end sportswear for top-flight athletes is taking shape in Rotherham.

Cladding on the 100,000 sq ft building is almost complete at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Once finished, it will become home to SBD Apparel, which manufactures premium performance clothing worn by elite strength and fitness athletes across the world.

Lindum York is building the unit on behalf of regeneration company Harworth Group, which owns the manufacturing park. It is expected to create more than 200 jobs when fully operational.

Construction work is due to be finished in summer 2022 and Lindum site manager Ben Marris said the project is progressing very well.

Marris said: “We have almost completed the cladding envelope and are on with the fit out of the office area and staircase. We are also carrying out landscaping and external hard standings around the site.

“We have used recycled aggregate during in the groundworks and we are working with some good local subcontractors, both of which bring additional benefits to the local area.

“This is actually the first time Lindum has worked with Harworth Group and we hope the strong foundations we are laying will lead to more opportunities for collaboration in future.”

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The finished building will include 52,500 sq ft of production floor space and 30,000 sq ft of offices over three floors, plus warehousing, car parking and land for expansion.

The company is combining its two sites (one building on the AMP and four at Thurcroft) in Rotherham on to one larger site at the AMP.

SBD Apparel is investing £9.38m in land acquisition, development and final fit out costs, allowing it to bring its five existing buildings together on one single site, whilst quadrupling its floor space.

Its plans also include purchase of additional space at the new premises to pave the way for the business to expand in a second phase, allowing extension to the rear of the building to add a further 70,000 sq ft unit, which would double its capacity.

SBD Apparel was awarded a £1.5m Business Investment Fund grant from the Sheffield City Region (SCR) to enable the expansion.

The AMP is part of the 740-acre Waverley scheme, which is Harworth’s flagship development on the former Orgreave coal mining site. It is home to some of the world’s biggest manufacturers including Rolls Royce and McLaren Automotive.

SBD Apparel website
Lindum website

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News: Contractors appointed for Rotherham town centre green space projects

Contractors have been appointed to undertake work on a pocket park and high-quality public space on the High Street in Rotherham, but the scheme has been delayed again.

Another town centre green space project is being designed.

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 last June and the authority had set out to complete a pocket park by September 2021.

Approved plans for Snail Yard 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.

Having secured further funding in December, Rotherham Council has now appointed Galliford Try, one of the UK's leading construction groups, to carry out £400,000 of landscaping works, hard and soft public realm areas and fencing works surrounding the site's perimeter.

The project has also been delayed and is now due for completion by June 2022. The council said that its construction projects "are being affected by national market conditions" such as national labour and material shortages.

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At Forge Island, where work is being carried out to create a new leisure scheme with an 8-screen boutique style cinema, modern hotel, food and drink outlets and car parking, a scheme called Riverside Gardens is set complement the investment.

Using Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) and Council money, the creation of a high-quality Riverside Gardens is set to link the Forge Island redevelopment with the town centre in the area around the now demolished Riverside Precinct.

Tetra Tech, a leading provider of consulting and engineering services, has been appointed by the council on a £439,196 contract for the design and delivery of the gardens and public realm.

Tetra Tech acquired UK-based engineering firm WYG in 2019. Consultants at WYG worked on the Rotherham town centre masterplan which was adopted in 2017.

Images: RMBC

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News: Residential conversion planned for Rotherham church building

An historic office block in Rotherham town centre, recently used by a church organisation, is in line for a conversion, under new plans.

At the Moorgate end of town, on Grove Road, an attractive early 20th century building is set to be reused as 13 new apartments according to a planning application submitted to Rotherham Council from Create Properties Ltd.

The building has been occupied by Hope Church, a community church, along with being the home of Rotherham Foodbank. Both uses have recently secured new premises elsewhere.

The plans, drawn up by Urbana Town Planning Ltd, show the proposed renovation and reconfiguration of the internal layout to create 13 new apartments, comprising three 1-bedroom apartments and ten 2-bedroom apartments.

Also in the plans is 1,500 sq ft of communal amenity space which has the potential to be a gym or coworking space. Eight car parking spaces in an existing undercroft parking area would be retained, and cycle storage facility for ten cycles would be added.

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The main building, previously used as council offices, is described in the plans as: "an attractive early 20th century building comprised of red brick and decorative stonework with ornate masonry. Above the main entrance is a date stone which reads 1923. Whilst not a designated heritage asset, the building is certainly an asset to the street and wider surrounding area. Of less architectural merit are the mid-late 20th century extensions which adjoin the early decorative part of the building on either side, more extensively so to the west of the original 1923 building."

The proposals include retaining the attractive central 1920s façade, reinstating the sash windows lost on the ground floor. Conversion of the building allows for improvement of the appearance of the 1960s extension, where elevations have been modernised through updated buff brick and zinc finishes as well as glazing upgrades.

The plans add: "The proposals represent redevelopment that will make a significant contribution towards achieving greater economic sustainability in the town. This will be contributed principally through investment represented which will manifest itself through jobs created during and after construction, as well as the cumulative impact of increased values in the area surrounding the site resulting from the proposals and the impetus for future regeneration that this is likely to help to create."

As the plans include less than desired parking (Rotherham Council standards ask for a maximum of one space per apartment, along with 50% visitor provision), applicants will need to demonstrate that the site is in the vicinity of good public transport links, public car parking, and safe and convenient on street parking.

Applicants also argue that residential development here "would not result in a significant uplift in vehicles manoeuvring on Grove Road when considered in the context of the current Hope Church and Rotherham Foodbank uses."

Images: WindsorPatania Architects

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News: £4.8m Rotherham business rates relief scheme launched

A £4.8m fund to help businesses who have lost out due to the COVID-19 pandemic is to be made available by Rotherham Council.

Business owners need to act fast, with the application window due to close at the end of April.

Businesses that have suffered a negative financial impact from the Covid-19 pandemic during the 2021/22 financial year are invited to apply to Rotherham Council for business rates relief.

Applicants will be able to apply for rates relief of 50%, up to a maximum of £6,000, until the application window closes on 30 April 2022. All claims will be assessed after this date, when the total award will be reviewed and applied. If there is a residual balance remaining once all successful applications have been reviewed and their initial award calculated, it will be distributed across all successful applicants to maximise the use of this grant, retaining the funding within Rotherham. Dependent upon the number of successful claims received, the relief award could be increased above the current maximum of £6,000.

The Council scheme will follow Government criteria for the awarding of grants, which states that the Council must:

- not award relief to ratepayers who for the same period are or would have been eligible for the Extended Retail Discount (covering Retail, Hospitality and Leisure), or the Nursery Discount.
- not award relief to a business premise for a period when it is unoccupied (other than hereditaments which have become closed temporarily due to the government’s advice on COVID-19, which should be treated as occupied for the purposes of this relief)
- direct their support towards ratepayers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to that impact.

To qualify for a grant, businesses must have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and must not be eligible and/or in receipt of another discretionary relief scheme.

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Cllr Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety & Finance said: “It is vital, if your business qualifies, that you apply to Rotherham Council for a rates relief award.”

“We’re working hard together to rebuild our local economy and help our businesses through difficult trading conditions, towards the better days that lay ahead. This latest grant scheme will help Rotherham’s economy along the road to recovery.”

Businesses applying for the Rotherham Council scheme must have been in occupation on 31 December 2021, though businesses in the following sectors do not qualify:

- Public sector organisations
- Banks
- Utilities
- Advertising Units
- Petrol Stations
- Sports Facilities and Grounds

Example businesses that could apply:

Community Centres
Factories
Offices (Commerical/Educational/Industrial etc)
Workshops
Retail Warehouses
Vehicle repair workshops and premises

Businesses also have until March 18 2022 to apply for an Omicron Leisure and Hospitality Grant, which launched in Rotherham at the start of the year.

RMBC COVID support website

Images: Google Maps

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