News: 600 capacity conference and events space planned at Wentworth Woodhouse

Fresh sets of plans have been submitted that cover further phases of regeneration at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust rescued the Grade I listed architectural jewel from decline in 2017.

Rothbiz reported last year on plans for Wentworth's next phases in a programme of mixed-use regeneration, described as the most exciting and challenging heritage project of a generation, that will take up to two decades to deliver and will cost over £130m.

A proposed £5.1m regeneration project is set to provide jobs and training for the hospitality sector at the historic site. Funding has been secured from the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

With plans recently approved for to convert part of the magnificent stables for use as a production kitchen and another part for a 120 cover café catering for visitors, now a new application has been submitted for other parts of the stables.

The new application, from Donald Insall Architects, includes the conversion of the stable's south range, the riding school and "Ostler’s House."

If approved, the plans will not only secure the repair and restoration of the Grade I and II buildings currently in very poor condition with major risk of further decay, but enable the charitable trust to generate more income.

Wentworth Woodhouse’s huge Stable Block, positioned on the driveway to the Mansion, was created for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham by architect John Carr of York. When completed in 1782 it was the largest private stables in the country, and remained so until the late 1900s. It boasted stables for 84 hunting, riding, and carriage horses.

The Riding School is set to be converted into a large conference and events space capable of holding 600+ wedding guests, with a new mezzanine providing storage and WCs at ground floor and a bar at mezzanine level.

Inside the Grade 1 listed building, redundant interventions from when it was used as a gymnasium by Lady Mabel College will be removed from the walls. Heritage experts have also worked out how to install mechanical cooling in the historic riding school.

On the outside, a significant improvement to the stables complex will be the removal of the infill college changing rooms and covered sports court from the Riding School courtyard. Plans explain that: "This will reveal the original elevations of the South Range and Riding School which will be repaired and conserved. Views out to the garden and potentially to the Mansion will be opened up through the Riding School southern courtyard wall. In order to provide visitors and staff with protection from the weather a contemporary and fully reversible glazed open walkway is proposed to the north and west sides of the courtyard. This has been carefully developed with the client and Historic England."

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Other elements of the proposals include significant internal alterations to create a large commercial kitchen in the west end of the south range and the south end of the west range.

Linked to the new events spaces, the designs for restoring Ostler's House is to use it for overnight accommodation set out in a hotel room configuration. The large Grade II listed building dates from c.1780 but the internal fabric has been completely lost from this building (with the exception of the central staircase) as a result of college changes and deterioration of the fabric during its period of redundancy.

Mews Court, the smallest and most intimate of the four courtyards at the stables, is to be restored to be the visitor’s first impression of the estate after leaving their cars in the new car park (Other plans will enable a new entrance and car park created by demolishing the former swimming pool). Visitors will then be directed into the vast and impressive main stables courtyard for the ‘architectural reveal’.

The cottage at Mews Court (which has been considerably remodelled) will be respected and used as a shop.

The plans add: "The original front door to Mews Cottage will be reinstated and the building sensitively adapted into a shop at ground floor with office space above and a connection through to the adjacent room to the north where an existing open split level provides an excellent visitor exit route to the proposed car park."

Away from the stable block, a separate set of plans have been submitted for listed building consent to repair the fountain and pool south of the Camellia House which is being brought back into use as a cafe and evening events space.

The plans conclude: "The interventions proposed have been subject to detailed design development to ensure that they remove the harmful interventions dating to the college use and that they are limited to those considered necessary to ensure the future sustainable public use of the buildings, to enable visitor access into the restored historic spaces and to give them a new vital purpose ensuring their special interest is preserved, accessed and understood.

"The conclusion of this report therefore is that the proposals will lead to major and wholly positive benefits, centred on securing a continued, viable use for these buildings, their removal from the ‘At Risk’ register and forming an integral role in the future of the Wentworth Woodhouse Estate as a visitor attraction.

"The proposed use of the Stables, Riding School, Ostler’s House, Mews Court and Mews Cottage and their role in the wider scheme to turn Wentworth Woodhouse into a visitor attraction would have a wholly positive impact on economic development and the creation of jobs with the borough."

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: Donald Insall Architects

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News: Government's rail plan for the North "a missed opportunity"

A thorough reassessment of the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan is essential to ensure this once-in-a-generation investment in rail is not a missed opportunity to address regional imbalances, urges the Transport Committee.

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.

The latest report says that alternative options, which could transform stations and city centres in key Northern cities, have not been properly tested. Leaving out key elements of analysis of the wider economic impacts of the different options set out for Northern Powerhouse Rail means that value for money and economic return cannot be compared and validated.

The Committee called for a full analysis of the wider economic impacts, and a full benefit-cost ratio, for the different Northern Powerhouse Rail options. If the results demonstrate that other options offer better value and outcomes for the taxpayer, economy and the communities directly impacted, MPs say Government ‘must grasp the nettle’ and make the necessary changes.

The Chair of the Transport Committee, Huw Merriman MP, said: “We welcome the scale of the Government’s promised spending on rail. At £96 billion, the Government has billed it ‘the largest single rail investment ever made by a UK Government’. The Committee agrees it has the potential to transform rail travel for future generations.

“However, many towns and cities are already disappointed by the proposals which have been set out. The Prime Minister promised that he would, with Northern Powerhouse Rail, do for the North what he did for Londoners with Crossrail. Instead, much of the track will be an upgrade of existing line. The business case of HS2 was based on it going east to Leeds. Now, it stops in the East Midlands without any understanding of how much money is saved."

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Despite being missed off the list, Government cash had already earmarked for Rotherham mainline station and so local proponents continue to work up plans. 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) told the Government, and this committee, that missing Rotherham off NPR network "runs contrary to the desire to "level up" communities."

Rotherham Council also submitted evidence to the committee.

Whilst welcoming the change of HS2 route (the authority was strongly opposed to the proposed M18 route for Phase 2B from the West Midlands to Leeds "which would have inflicted a significant toll on our local community, without any meaningful benefit to our borough"), Rotherham Council wants to see savings from the change ploughed into NPR and improving local rail services.

The council's response mentions capacity issues at Sheffield Midland and the knock on effects to local services, the need for a commitment to electrification beyond Sheffield to Leeds (a so-called "Northern Loop"), and a proposal for the significant expansion of the tram-train connections from Sheffield, through Rotherham, and ultimately on to Doncaster and Doncaster Airport (this would include the conversion of Rotherham Parkgate to Swinton and Doncaster local rail services.)

On a £30m mainline station, described as being of "fundamental importance to Rotherham" the council explains that it is "developing a scheme with TfN [Transport for the North, the sub-national transport body] for a combined NPR led mainline station and SYMCA led Tram Train station connected as a single interchange.

"TfN identified that a new Mainline station in Rotherham would be a relatively straightforward scheme for delivery within three to four years and we are keen that this is recognised within government. Any downgrading of the scheme following the changing status of TfN would be a direct detriment to our borough."

The SYMCA response details that the new station "will allow NPR trains between Sheffield and Leeds and Hull to stop there and will significantly enhance regional rail connectivity for Rotherham, enabling residents and businesses to capitalise on the benefits generated from NPR services."

For example, two trains per hour, NPR "shuttles," are sought between Sheffield and Leeds stopping at Rotherham mainline.

The SYMCA response adds: "The Manchester Airport to Cleethorpes NPR service could also stop at the proposed station. Furthermore, other local and regional services could potentially also call at [the] new station, providing local connectivity to sizeable towns including Wakefield, as well as intermediate stations to Sheffield and Leeds.

"A tram-train stop on the nearby branch line would link the new station to the town centre, and other local communities. To ensure that the new station can bring much needed early economic benefits to Rotherham, its accelerated delivery should form part of the Integrated Rail Plan."

Funding for the Rotherham mainline station has already been approved - £8m from the SYMCA's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and £10m is earmarked to support the mainline station as part of Rotherham Council’s successful £31.6m award from the Towns Fund. NPR is also expected to fund the mainline station.

New stations have been highlighted as having the potential to be in development up to 2025 with delivery between 2025 and 2030.

Images: DfT

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News: Plans approved for £2m medical centre in Rotherham

Planning permission has been granted to construct a £2m medical centre at the Waverley development in Rotherham.

The newly approved health centre is expected to serve up to 6,000 residents at Olive Lane, which is currently being developed by land and property regeneration specialists, Harworth Group.

Designed by Race Cottam Associates, the new centre encompasses a two-storey building with a double height patient waiting area as a feature glazed element addressing the development. The ground floor is entirely patient-facing and includes a reception and interview room alongside a range of clinical spaces such as consultation, nurses’ and treatment rooms.

The staff-centric first floor houses the centre’s office/admin rooms, spaces for debriefing and sharing of information both internally and with external professionals, and staff comfort facilities. Car and cycle parking is positioned to the south of the site alongside a dedicated ambulance pick-up/drop-off zone.

Laurie Cottam, director at Race Cottam, said: "Olive Lane’s medical centre forms part of a wider development masterplan that will eventually see a new high street created with retail, leisure and office spaces. Situated on the corner of Stephenson Way, the intention is for the medical centre to bookend this junction of the high street with a prominent and striking new building.”

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The design allows for the centre’s front façade and eaves to match the adjacent street scene while a higher roof ridge creates a focal point on the northern elevation. A fully glazed feature corner with perforated panels engages the site entrance, and a subtle chamfered overhang indicates the main entrance point. The centre’s material palette incorporates cream brick with stack and stretcher bond detailing, aluminium framing and dark grey standing seam roofing.

Cottam added: “Internally, we worked closely alongside the local Clinical Commissioning Group to establish an appropriate provision of healthcare services. The centre is designed so publicly accessible spaces are located towards the street frontage, meaning the patient journey is as straightforward as possible. If necessary, the design also can be adapted to accommodate a one-way system and contact-free movement.”

Also designed to achieve a BREAAM Excellent rating, the new medical centre features materials deliberately specified for their durability and a primarily natural ventilation strategy.

Plans for Olive Lane, submitted last year, also include retail uses, a gym, offices, restaurants and cafes, a supermarket, community space, a bus hub and residential development, all of which will create a vibrant centre for local people.

Images: Race Cottam

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News: Working Win programme extended

The groundbreaking Working Win programme that helps people in South Yorkshire to find and stay in work has been extended until March 2023, providing welcome news to local people and employers.

Delivered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with the DWP, NHS England and South Yorkshire Housing Association, Working Win provides support for people who have a health condition and are unemployed, off sick or in work but struggling.

Over the past four years, more than 5,000 people have been supported, with 2,424 returning to work or finding work, with thanks to the programme, which is completely free to participants. The extension to the scheme means more South Yorkshire people can be supported thanks to the funding boost from the Government’s Work and Health Unit.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard explains: “It is really important that here in South Yorkshire we do everything we can to help people to stay in or to find work. Working Win has had a dramatic impact on so many people’s lives, as well as on local businesses and the wider economy. It is part of our Renewal Action Plan which aims to support jobs and businesses to recover from the impact of the Pandemic.”

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Niall O’Reilly, Head of Work and Wellbeing at South Yorkshire Housing Association said: “Fifteen million days of work are lost each year to stress, anxiety and depression. This causes businesses to lose productivity and staff to experience reduced quality of life and damage to their career prospects. Working Win can help equip people with the tools they need to cope much better, building their resilience and return to the workplace, for the benefit of themselves and their employers.”

He adds: “Working Win is entirely free, it’s voluntary and participants can opt in or out of the support at any point.”

As well as providing practical support to improve wellbeing and enable people to thrive in work, Working Win gives participants access to free Westfield Health and Vitality at Work wellbeing packages. This includes a 24-hour advice and information line and a 24/7 GP telephone line, plus expert support with employment, housing and finance, income and debt advice.

Working Win participant, Mark, said: “Within a week of being on Working Win, my whole life changed. I recognised the strengths I had and was able to start back at work part time. Within a few weeks I was offered full time work, which I accepted and have now been offered a promotion. I learned to quash the depressive thoughts that were holding me back and to focus on my own value and self-worth. I feel like I’m back now and able to contribute to society.”

South Yorkshire employers are encouraged to let employees know about Working Win if they feel it may help, either by sharing an e-leaflet or inviting someone from the team to give a short presentation to staff.

Working Win website

Images: SYMCA

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News: Expansion plans approved in same week Rotherham pub suffers fire

Plans that enable a pub to expand in Rotherham town centre were approved just days after the building suffered a fire attended by several fire crews.

The Rhinoceros pub on Bridgegate was one of 16 pubs put up for sale by J D Wetherspoons in 2019.

Known locally as "Rhinos," the pub has operated independently from Wetherspoon but was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The property twice went unsold at auction at the end of 2021 from a guide price of £495,000 and being let on a seven year lease from October 2019 at a rent of £104,000 per annum.

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

Owners, Essex-based Cape Designs ltd, have been progressing plans to extend the pub into the adjoining unit that they also own.

The former retail unit and amusement arcade next door has been vacant since at least 2017 and is being incorporated into the pub with the opening up of an internal door. The redevelopment is set to double the size of the pub to almost 10,000 sq ft.

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Without going to planning board, Rotherham Council approved the plans on July 20, stating that: "It is considered that in this instance, as the proposal is to extend an existing public house, and as it would bring the premises back into use, the proposal is acceptable in principle."

On July 16, South Yorkshire Police confirmed that: "Several fire crews attended a derelict building fire at 10:35pm on Bridgegate in Rotherham Town Centre. The fire also spread to a gym next door. The fire is believed to have started accidentally. Crews left the scene at 2:05pm."

The Revolution Gym above the pub was reportedly found with a cannabis farm set up in 2021. Auction documents stated that the extensive upper floor accommodation could be converted to residential or other uses, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

Adjacent to the site, plans were approved in 2021 to convert empty retail premises into six flats. The former Walmsley furniture store is Grade II listed having been built in the mid 18th century as a townhouse. Most recently a Poundstretcher, it was bought prior to going to auction at the end of 2020 with a guide price of £110,000.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham levelling up bid submitted

Rotherham Council has submitted a bid in the delayed second round of the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Last year, Rotherham Council submitted three bids to the Government's £4.8 billion competitive fund that is being invested in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.

Whilst the bids based on the town centre and the leisure economy were successful, and secured £40m for the borough, a bid based on Wath and Dinnington being designated as areas of growth in terms of new housing and employment, was knocked back.

Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford, has confirmed that a bid has been resubmitted. He said: "This is our second bite of the cherry in Dinnington and, after a concerted effort from Dinnington borough and town councillors and me, it reflects the needs of the community. It is an ambitious plan to overhaul our high street and markets and breathe life back into our town centre."

In Dinnington the borough council's first bid sought to secure £9.2m to carry out interventions that have a total cost of £14m.

The bid included new residential and retail with space for an indoor market. The outdoor market would be upgraded and sited within event space and upgraded public realm.

Feedback from Round 1 related to match funding and work has continued with the private sector.

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The second bid is also to support £14m "to improve the markets, deal with blight and encourage business growth within our local economy."

In a letter to Sharon Kemp, the chief executive of Rotherham Council to formally endorse the bid, Stafford recognised that "robust discussions" had taken place with local leaders during the preparation of the bid but added: "I am confident that the bid put forward, after much work and collaboration, would provide a solid foundation on which to drive further improvement and redevelopment in the coming years and meet some of the objectives of the local plan."

Wentworth and Dearne MP has been critical of the government as its website for applications only become available some six weeks after it was supposed to launch.

Greg Clark, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: "I am determined to press full steam ahead with levelling up communities across the United Kingdom.

"The Levelling Up Fund can provide the investment needed to make a project that communities have been dreaming of for years a reality.

"So I’m delighted to open applications for the second round of the Levelling Up Fund and I’m looking forward to seeing proposals that will make a positive impact on people’s lives."

In a change to the application process, MPs in Great Britain will now be able to provide support to two bids that benefit their constituencies in this round, rather than a single one. This recognises the fact that many MPs’ constituencies cover more than one council area.

The second round will look to build on the success of the round one, which saw £1.7 billion awarded to 105 successful projects across the UK.

Images: RMBC

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News: Furniture retailer in Rotherham expansion

Plans have been submitted to rearrange the units at a Rotherham retail park so that a Danish retail giant can expand.

Already one of the world's largest retail furniture groups, with more than 3,000 stores in 50 countries, JYSK opened at The Foundry Retail Park in 2014.

New plans show that JYSK wants to move next door to a larger vacant unit on the same retail park.

The application from Rotherham Foundry RP Limited is for a new 3,800 sq ft mezzanine level at Unit 8.

Selling "everything for the home," the brand entered the UK in 2008 and the Rotherham store was the first in South Yorkshire. It sells a range of beds, mattresses, duvets, sofas, dining table sets, housewares, home textiles and garden furniture all at affordable prices, thanks to clever and ethical global purchasing power.

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If plans are approved, JYSK would go from a 8,600 sq ft unit to a 13,000 sq ft unit that has been vacant since Carpetright moved out in 2018.

The plans, drawn up by Montagu Evans, confirms: "The purpose of the application is to allow JYSK to relocate from their existing store in the adjacent Unit 7, to enable them to expand their offer at the site.

"The current store at Unit 7 employs around 7-8 full time members of staff. It is anticipated that this will increase to approximately 12 within the new store."

JYSK website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham developer invests in 36,000 sq ft Barnsley industrial and trade scheme

Rotherham-based developer EV Waddington is building a new 36,000 sq ft industrial and trade scheme in Barnsley to address a severe shortage of accommodation.

The Oval, fronting the Dearne Valley Parkway, is being funded by the progressive developer and features seven units, two of which are already under offer with agents Knight Frank in Sheffield.

The much needed speculative development is aimed at industrial, warehouse and trade occupiers and the units provide 6.5m eaves height, full height loading doors, lighting and potential for fitted office accommodation.

The site enjoys 360 degree visibility to the highway following new road infrastructure and expected to be completed in August this year, creating 138 full time jobs.

Developer Tony Waddington, who has already developed 31 East in Dinnington, Northfield Business Park in Rotherham, Vantage Park in Sheffield, Shortwood Business Park in Barnsley, and Aldwarke Business Park and Chesterton Court in Rotherham, said: “This project is supplying much needed industrial and trade accommodation for the South Yorkshire region.

“Supporting continued economic growth in South Yorkshire is key and we expect completion later this summer.”

There are five available units of 4,850 sq ft which offer flexibility and can be combined to offer up to 9,690 sq ft.

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It is expected that The Oval will generate £46m GVA over the next 10-year period.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at the Sheffield office of Knight Frank, which is marketing The Oval, said: “EV Waddington has managed to deliver a much needed speculative development of sub 10,000 sq ft addressing the lack of commercial property offer of this size across the region.”

Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are delighted that EV Waddington continue to have great confidence in Barnsley as an excellent location to develop speculatively.

“This will be the third time they have invested in the borough, and their previous developments at Shortwood Business Park proved a great success, attracting expanding local and new businesses to the area, creating many new jobs.

“Our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley investment team will continue to provide a range of comprehensive support to future occupiers.”

Waddington website

Images: EV Waddington

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News: Council continues house building

Work is continuing on Rotherham Council’s major housing investment programme.

Plans for new homes on Council owned sites in Harthill and Canklow are proposed to be brought forward for development in 2022/23 as part of an additional £92m investment for housing growth over the next five years.

Since January 2018 the Council has delivered more than 300 new homes for Council rent or shared ownership, with a further 176 currently either under construction or in the process of being purchased.

Another 33 homes are planned to be built for Council rent across the council-owned sites in Harthill and Canklow, adding to more than 80 already agreed across small sites in East Herringthorpe, Thrybergh, Wingfield, Eastwood and elsewhere. Hundreds more could be purchased as part of private developments around the borough in coming years.

At Herringthorpe, the authority is working with Tolent Living for new housing on a number of garage sites.

At Eastwood, schemes have been designed to deliver 36 new council homes for rent across two council sites - at Netherfield Court focusing on generally larger family accommodation, and at York Road providing a mix of single-person and smaller family accommodation in view of its town centre gateway positioning.

The council is also progressing plans to access the Brownfield Housing Fund via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. It is developing five priority sites including three key strategic town centre sites.

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The plans come as demand for affordable housing across the borough continues to increase in line with the rise in living costs.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Amy Brookes said: “Ensuring local residents have access to decent, affordable housing is a key priority for us. That’s why we set out ambitious plans for hundreds of new council homes, more than we have seen built in Rotherham for decades. That work goes on and these proposals mark the next stage of our investment which will help to secure the homes that Rotherham people need in every corner of our borough.

“While the current economic uncertainty poses a challenge to us, the cost of living crisis also reinforces the need to ensure that people have access to secure homes at a rent they can afford, and over the coming months and years these plans will help us to ensure those homes are available.”

Meanwhile, the council continues to make housing acquisitions. Contracts have been exchanged or due to exchange imminently for strategic acquisitions in Thorpe Hesley (22 homes), Aston (11 homes) and Treeton (14 homes). Negotiations are also well advanced for a further 66 new homes through strategic acquisitions.

Council’s Cabinet also approved the Housing Strategy for 2022-25. The strategy was first published in December 2012 and sets out the Council’s long term vision for housing in the borough until 2043.

A full programme through to 2025/26 to increase the number of new council homes is set to be presented to Cabinet in December.

Images: RMBC / Esh Construction

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News: Magtec leads £3.25m project to turbo-charge take-up of zero emission trucks

Rotherham-based Magtec, the UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, is heading a government-backed project to accelerate the adoption of zero emission trucks for NHS Wales and support uptake across the UK.

Backed by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK, the £3.25m project will create a predictive tool for making accurate comparisons for prospective electric vehicles within a fleet and estimating electric vehicle infrastructure requirements and costs, giving fleet managers the confidence to convert their fleets.

Magtec, which has recently expanded its premises at Templeborough, is working on the trial with Dynamon, the fleet data analytics specialist, and electrical infrastructure specialists UK Power Networks Services.

Magtec is supplying ten 18t zero emission electric trucks to NHS Wales. The trucks will be used to help with the collection and distribution of laundry at four locations across the country. The vehicles will be equipped with the ability for a rapid charge system for increased usability. Each of the chargers will also be mobile, meaning they can be easily moved around and connected to wall sockets installed by UK Power Networks Services.

Dynamon is developing its proven feasibility software – based on advanced artificial intelligence – to predict battery state of charge, road performance and grid load. UK Power Networks Services is developing a tool for estimating EV installation costs and installing charging infrastructure across the different NHS sites used in the trial: Bridgend, Cwmbran, Denbigh and Newport.

The first two vehicles begin road tests and enter service in the coming weeks.

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Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “The move from internal combustion engine to electric vehicle fleets is disrupting procurement in the public and private sectors with uncertainty around costs and infrastructure.

“Fleet managers are under pressure to electrify their fleets but there is little data to support their investment decisions. This project will fill the gaps in knowledge and help accelerate the take-up of zero emission trucks, creating new jobs here at Magtec and across our supply chain in South Yorkshire.”

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This exciting project is an important step in our journey to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels as we introduce cleaner HGVs to our roads.

“The fleet industry plays a vital role in keeping the UK moving and it’s crucial it joins the journey to a greener future. That’s why I’m delighted to see Magtec benefitting from the Government’s £20m zero emission road freight trials and I look forward to seeing the outcome of this project as we invest in research to decarbonise all aspects of our transport network.”

For the Welsh government, Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters said: “It is great to see NHS Wales making a commitment to trialling electric heavy goods vehicles as part of its ambition to be net zero by 2030. I am also pleased to see the part it is playing in reaching our ‘Team Wales’ commitment, signed up to at COP26 last year, for at least 30 per cent of new medium and heavy duty vehicles sold in Wales to be zero emission by 2030.”

Kieran Coughlan, Head of Strategic Advisory Services at UK Power Networks Services, said: “This project is hugely exciting because it will demonstrate how large organisations in the UK can cost-effectively transition their fleet. It’s another tool we can use to support business to meet the financial hurdles of switching to electric vehicles, whether through financing, integrating new technologies, or optimising existing infrastructure.”

Magtec website

Images: Magtec

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News: Rotherham tourism assets join forces as "Yorkshire's Hidden Gems"

A discount card and an online guide are the jewels in the crown of a pioneering new initiative to support the visitor economy and encourage people to experience Yorkshire’s Hidden Gems.

The project stems from a pledge to work together to attract more visitors and increase local spend that was strengthened during the recent pandemic, with bosses at key tourism assets in Rotherham keen to see positivity and pride used to promote the area.

The first assets to get involved range from theme parks to stately houses. They are Gulliver’s Valley, Wentworth Woodhouse, Magna Science Adventure Centre, Grimm & Co., Rotherham United, Rother Valley Country Park and Clifton Park.

It has now attracted smaller enterprises that offer experiences in the region such as Bright Stars Play Space - an engaging and educational play space for babies and toddlers in Parkgate.

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The initiative comes after the demise of Welcome to Yorkshire and the publishing of the de Bois Review - an independent review of destination management organisations in England.

Operated by Locial Ltd, Yorkshire's Hidden Gems is being supported by The Rotherham Pioneers - an exclusive group for Rotherham businesses who want to promote the town.

More local businesses are being sought to join the initiative and "become a gem." Attractions, restaurants, tea rooms, hotels, events, leisure spaces, cultural places, shops, anything that is a destination and can offer an experience.

Businesses can sign up for free to feature on the website and social media which promotes news, events and offers.

The website says: "Yorkshire’s Hidden Gems has been developed during lockdown to have a collective approach to supporting and helping our businesses, attractions, communities and our people. We want to promote and shout about all the positive places we have and to offer an opportunity for everyone to work together to re-ignite our local economy, preserve jobs and being Yorkshire…save folk a few pennies in the process with our Yorkshire Hidden Gems offers card."

Businesses can also get involved for free with the Yorkshire’s Hidden Gems discount card scheme that uses offers, discounts and deals to encourage people to shop and visit local.

At £7.50 for the year, current offers include £15 pp tickets for Gulliver's Valley and 25% off entrance to House and Garden admission at Wentworth Woodhouse.

Yorkshire's Hidden Gems website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: Pub plans recommended for approval

Resubmitted plans for a micro pub at a popular Rotherham retail village are being recommended for approval - but only for a trial period to assess the impact of the proposals.

The plans are for Deer Park Tap at Deer Park Farm, a family run business based at Thrybergh that has evolved into a destination now offering bespoke furniture, antiques, a cafe and a farm shop.

Having earlier been refused planning permission by Rotherham Council, plans have been updated to deal with noise concerns raised by nearby residents.

Work to create the Deer Park Tap was completed last year and an alcohol licence was in place, but the planning application was refused. The council even authorised enforcement action to secure the cessation of the use of part of the building as a public house (sui generis), and the removal of the associated external seating area.

The updated plans are due to be discussed at the council's planning board this week and planning officers are recommending that they are passed.

A report to the planning board explains: "The proposals include additional screening noise mitigation measures to be undertaken to the outdoor seating area that is proposed at the southern end of the building, and the removal of a seating area that was proposed (and refused) at the front of the building under the previous proposal.

"Indoor toilet facilities will be provided inside the building to avoid patrons using toilet facilities outside of the building. In addition, the three separate front doors of the former 3 retail units within Building B would be reduced to a single door at the southern end of the eastern elevation of the building (the previously refused scheme included a central door for the bar and the retention of a door for the southern retail unit that was to be retained under that proposal)."

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The Noise Impact Assessment concludes that; “with the provision of mitigation measures as proposed, noise associated with the external seating area is considered to be negligible at the nearest noise sensitive receptors.”

Environmental health at the council agree that the measures are likely to reduce the noise levels that were identified as being a problem previously.

The proposal would introduce a public house use that would be open throughout the day every day from 12:00 until 21:00 seven days a week.

The Council said that it has received 160 individual representations in support of the application and four representations objecting to the application which are immediate neighbours to the site.

Officers are proposing that the scheme is granted planning permission with a number of conditions - notably that the permission is only for 12 month period to allow further assessment of the suitability of the site for the proposed use.

The report adds: "There is uncertainty as to whether or not the noise from people talking will cause an adverse impact on nearby residential properties, and it is recommended that permission is granted for a temporary 12 month period to allow further assessment of the suitability of the site prior to recommending permanent permission." It would also give time to assess the noise impact from the use of this car park.

Deer Park Retail Village website

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News: Swinton regen plans set for approval

£8m regeneration proposals for a Rotherham town are finally going before the council's planning board, a year and a half after being submitted.

The regeneration of Swinton town centre has been under consideration for some time and to progress plans a consortium made up of the Sheffield-based development and asset management company, Vesta Group, with Barnsley-based developer, Quest Property, and Holmfirth housebuilder, Conroy Brook, were selected by Rotherham Council. The partners submitted a planning application from Ben Bailey Homes Ltd (part of the Conroy Brook Group) in February 2021.

With the sites currently the subject of ongoing anti-social behaviour, the plans include a refurbished Civic Hall and café plus the library relocating to the refurbished former customer service centre. Public realm and accessibility is set to be improved through a significant landscaping scheme which opens up the site, improving visibility of the shops and community facilities, safety and accessibility.

This is all predicated on approval for 49 homes on the cleared land adjacent to the site.

After numerous revisions, the planning board at Rotherham Council are now being recommended to approved the plans.



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A report states: "The new library will provide improved and updated facilities, including a new outside reading area. This community facility will not therefore be lost, but services consolidated and modernised. The Council concurs with this view and considers that the proposals will assist in increasing footfall within Swinton Town Centre. The existing library is in a poor state of repair and is the subject of anti-social behaviour. The demolition of the building will allow for additional open space to the front of the newly refurbished library and open views to the Civic Building and the shops adjacent."

The housing is planned for the site of the Charnwood House care home and are described as achieving a high density development whilst meeting acceptable spacing and amenity standards.

The report adds: "The principle of the residential development of these sites is therefore accepted in Policy terms. It is understood that the housing element is key to delivering the wider regeneration of the area as well as increasing the number of residents within close proximity of the town centre and therefore increasing the critical mass to increase the use of local services. It will also ensure that the entire area is regenerated as a whole site."

In recognition of the community benefits and improvements to the town centre it has been agreed between the partners and the council to provide a split of provision of affordable housing on site and through a commuted sum for off site delivery. An agreement has been reached with an offer of 12 affordable units (25%) in total of which eight 2 bedroom houses would be provided on site and the equivalent financial contribution for four 3 bedroom houses provided off site.

Concerns have been raised regarding highway issues and an issue regarding a potential covenant on the land has been highlighted.

Images: Conroy Brook

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News: AMRC's economic impact and influence on Rotherham, Yorkshire and the UK

Some of the biggest private sector investments into UK advanced manufacturing over the last 15 years ‘would not have happened without the AMRC’, according to a new report confirming it as a ‘signature asset’ having brought more than £260m and 600 jobs to South Yorkshire.

Founded in 2001 by the University of Sheffield and Boeing on the site of the former Orgreave Colliery in Rotherham, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) now has centres in the North West and North Wales and is a model for collaborative research which is now being applied to the development of sustainable technologies and products to help its 120-plus industrial partners realise the benefits of a green transition.

In 2021 the AMRC celebrated 20 years of innovation, impact and investment. The Economic Impact Analysis report by Lichfields sets out how the AMRC is a magnet for capital investment, acts as a lever for improved social mobility through its training centre, and supports a 520-strong high-value workforce that contributes more than £55m to the economy.

An executive summary has been published ahead of a formal launch for the report, which captures the economic benefits attributable to the AMRC, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, during its first 20 years of operation. It looks at the impact made through innovation, research and development (R&D), education and skills, high-value employment, levelling up, and being a model that can be ‘exported’ to other regions to stimulate economic regeneration.

It shows that in 2019/20, the value of innovation activity undertaken by the AMRC - supporting industry by delivering step changes in productivity, increasing competitiveness, and developing new products and processes - totalled £32.1 million. In addition, the centre unlocked a further £55.6 million of private sector leverage or match funding, supporting the UK government’s aim to double the value of private sector investment in R&D by 2030.

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In the new report, Rachel Clark, director of trade and investment at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, says: “The AMRC is a key attractor of foreign direct investment (FDI) and an important part of South Yorkshire’s pitch to prospective investors. Some of the biggest investments into the area over the last 10 to 15 years would not have taken place without the AMRC.”

It is the first time the AMRC has directly commissioned analysis into its impact, having been founded in 2001 at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham by Prof Keith Ridgway and local businessman Adrian Allen, with critical support from the University of Sheffield and aerospace giant Boeing.

The first tenants on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), the AMRC has played a "key role in transforming the site into an attractive location for advanced manufacturing businesses", drawing major inward investors such as Rolls-Royce and McLaren which have built facilities in the area, and helping the local economy to emerge from the decline of its traditional industrial strengths of coal and steel.

Data shows on average, the AMRC provided manufacturing innovation and technology support to more than 1,100 businesses each year between 2017/18 and 2019/20, and 42% of those were small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is also identified as ‘an important employer’, supporting 520 high-value, high-productivity jobs in 2021/22 - generating a Gross Value Added (GVA) equivalent of £55.8m per annum.

Rotherham Council leader, Coun Chris Read, said: “The AMRC has been critical to securing major private sector investment in the borough, providing training, opportunities, and remarkable careers for our young people.

“From its iconic location on the former site of the Orgreave Coking Works, the University of Sheffield AMRC is not only a tremendous example of successful regeneration, but it is part of the fabric of our community, sitting at the heart of the flagship series of investments which are writing the next chapter of Rotherham’s economic history. “It is a partnership that we value highly and with the AMRC's knowledge and expertise, we can build on the growing cluster of green manufacturing in the region and support industry to drive and thrive in the low-carbon transition, creating the modern manufacturing economy of the future. We look forward to seeing it go from strength-to-strength over the years to come.”

A jewel in the research centre’s crown is the AMRC Training Centre with the report showing that since opening in 2013, more than 1,700 apprentices have been trained, working with 400 manufacturing firms. Of those apprentices, 80% live in South Yorkshire, demonstrating the important contribution the AMRC makes to upskilling local residents and ensuring local businesses have access to a pipeline of skilled workers.

“In addition, the centre helps to support improved social mobility and inclusion, with 50% of all learners from South Yorkshire living in areas of high deprivation during their apprenticeship,” the report states.

It also notes how the AMRC unlocks innovation activity ‘that could not otherwise take place’ according to its industrial partners and adds value by de-risking innovation; improving the leverage of R&D expenditure; providing access to dedicated R&D space and an unrivalled breadth of industrial expertise; and accelerating the commercialisation of research.

“The AMRC’s profile and reputation positions it as a signature asset for South Yorkshire, supporting the area’s efforts to attract inward investment from advanced manufacturers. This, in turn, has helped to create high value, high productivity jobs in the local economy,” says the report.

“The benefits of locating close to the R&D, innovation and training capabilities offered by the AMRC have attracted a cluster of advanced manufacturing occupiers to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, and the neighbouring Sheffield Business Park. This includes globally significant businesses with strong ties to the AMRC including Boeing, McLaren and Rolls Royce.

“In total, it is estimated that £260m of investment has been attracted across both sites - at least in part - by the presence of the AMRC, resulting in the creation of 600 jobs.”

AMRC CEO, Steve Foxley, said: “It is fantastic to see the impact the AMRC has had over the last two decades in black and white. This Economic Impact Analysis perfectly demonstrates our strengths: driving national innovation, magnetising investment into South Yorkshire and creating a pipeline of manufacturing talent.

“However, the report similarly highlights where we must improve and that is in moving the productivity dial for manufacturers in the regions in which we operate. If we are to maintain our impact we must commit to helping companies on our doorstep improve their processes, upskill their workforces and cut their carbon footprint.

“We should see this Economic Impact Analysis report as a hinge point for the AMRC: it confirms how well we have done in the past and illustrates how we can do even better in the future. We have a great story to tell, but we can raise our game.”

AMRC website

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News: "Tesco bridge" removed at Forge Island, replacement set to nod to Bailey

The latest step in the transformation of Forge Island in Rotherham is the removal of the footbridge over the River Don.

Plans were approved in 2020 for the Forge Island scheme which will include a new eight screen cinema, and a new Travelodge hotel, food and drink outlets and a car park. The new leisure facilities will be set within an attractive public square with a new pedestrian bridge connecting the scheme to the wider town centre, to create a real sense of place.

This week, Baldwins Crane Hire supplied an epic mobile crane with a 1,000 tonne lifting capacity to take out the old footbridge that joined the island, which was previously home to a Tesco store, and the also now demolished Riverside Precinct.

The site on Corporation Street is to make way for a new gateway with a 1,500 sq ft café in another open area called "Millgate Place."

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The proposed foot / cycle bridge connecting Millgate Place and Forge Island is set to nod to Rotherham's industrial heritage and play homage to Donald Bailey and the Bailey Bridge.

From a sketch on the back of an envelope, Rotherham hero Bailey honed his design for a bridge that could be built from standard lightweight modules in a matter of hours, and were yet strong enough to hold tanks. Hundreds were built and used in the War enabling allied troops to cross rivers, and Field Marshall Montgomery is reported to have claimed their use shortened the conflict by several months.

The approved 2020 planning application from Muse Developments explained that: "The design for the new footbridge is inspired by the Bailey bridge.

"The proposed footbridge utilises two steel diamond truss side panels connected with steel stringers to the base creating a simple open the red/brown colour of the Forge Island buildings and celebrating the material that was previously manufactured on site [it was previously the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills]. The sides of the bridge are to be 1.4m above the bridge deck, allowing both pedestrian and cyclists to use the bridge.

"At night it is intended that the structure will be illuminated making a visual feature of and the structural solution of the Bailey bridge."

Transforming Rotherham's Forge Island, with the help of our 1000te Mobile Crane.

The pedestrian bridge, linking the Island to the Town centre was removed today [11th July], a major milestone in the ongoing regeneration works. pic.twitter.com/clvgd4S3KE

— Liam McLoughlin (@HeavyLiftHQ) July 11, 2022

Rotherham Council secured funding in 2021 for the £1m project. It is being delivered through Rotherham Council with money secured from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

The authority said at the time that replacing the existing footbridge was part of the works to regenerate Forge Island and would provide an improved environment for pedestrian movements between the town centre, Forge Island and Rotherham Central Station.

The planning application adds: "The existing footbridge will be replaced and re-orientated, which in conjunction with the removal of the shopping precinct off Corporation Street, will provide a more direct link to Upper Millgate and Minster Gardens. The bridge will be designed to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. Public spaces on either side of the bridge will provide points of arrival and orientation, as well as opportunities to engage with the riverside.

"The space previously occupied by the shopping precinct will become a new public space - Millgate Place. The pedestrian approach from Bridge Street will take people through a riverside parklet, incorporating tree planting and play."

Forge Island website

Images: Baldwin Crane Hire / Liam McLoughlin / twitter

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News: Celebrating National Manufacturing Day in Rotherham

As part of the inaugural National Manufacturing Day, Mike Maddock, Vice Chair of the Make UK Yorkshire & Humber regional board, represented the organisation when South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard visited the McLaren Automotive Ltd team at their Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) facility in Rotherham.

National Manufacturing Day on July 7 was organised by manufacturing trade body Make UK to get manufacturers to show the reality of modern manufacturing careers, looking to engage with students, parents, teachers, community leaders and local residents.

On the same day a report ‘Manufacturing: State of the Industry, the Potential for Growth’ was released which suggests that UK manufacturers have ambitions to grow their business and increase employment over the next five years.

McLaren showcased its new Artura – a high-performance hybrid supercar is the first of McLaren’s road cars to feature a carbon fibre chassis developed in the region.

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McLaren’s first-ever series-production High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar is the first model to be built on all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), uniquely optimised for HPH powertrains and built in-house at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham.

The £50m MCTC was opened on the AMP in Rotherham in 2018.

Mike Maddock, who is also the Managing Director and co-owner of AMP-based PES Performance Ltd, said: "It was an honour to represent Make UK on this important day for UK manufacturing, and to help host the visit of the new regional mayor.

“Its great to see what McLaren are doing here, both in terms of onshoring the type of work previously undertaken overseas and also by helping increase the experience and expertise of manufacturing within UK plc.”

Also on the day, The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) ran free tours in some of its most impressive buildings including the Factory of the Future and the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham and Factory 2050 in Sheffield - so people could see firsthand the difference it is making to manufacturing and the surrounding local communities through its innovation and research.

National Manufacturing Day website

Images: Make UK

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News: Region's airport under review as concerns continue over commercial viability

The Board of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has begun a review of strategic options for the Airport. This review follows lengthy deliberations by the Board of DSA which has reluctantly concluded that aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.

Whilst business parks have continued to be built around the site at pace, the airport itself has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.

DSA’s owner, the Peel Group, as the Airport’s principal funder, has reviewed the conclusions of the Board of DSA and commissioned external independent advice in order to evaluate and test the conclusions drawn, which concurs with the Board’s initial findings.

Since the Peel Group acquired the Airport site in 1999 and converted it into an international commercial airport, which opened in 2005, significant amounts have been invested in the terminal, the airfield and its operations, both in relation to the original conversion and subsequently to improve the facilities and infrastructure on offer to create an award winning airport.

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The board said in a statement that "despite growth in passenger numbers, DSA has never achieved the critical mass required to become profitable and this fundamental issue of a shortfall in passenger numbers is exacerbated by the announcement on 10 June 2022 of the unilateral withdrawal of the Wizz Air based aircraft, leaving the Airport with only one base carrier, namely TUI.

"This challenge has been increased by other changes in the aviation market, the well-publicised impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly important environmental considerations. It has therefore been concluded that aviation activity may no longer be the use for the site which delivers the maximum economic and environmental benefit to the region."

DSA and the Peel Group now intends to initiate a consultation and engagement programme with stakeholders on the future of the site and how best to maximise and capitalise on future economic growth opportunities for Doncaster and the wider Sheffield City Region.

Robert Hough, Chairman of Peel Airports Group, which includes Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “It is a critical time for aviation globally. Despite pandemic related travel restrictions slowly drawing to a close, we are still facing ongoing obstacles and dynamic long-term threats to the future of the aviation industry. The actions by Wizz to sacrifice its base at Doncaster to shore up its business opportunities at other bases in the South of England are a significant blow for the Airport.

"Now is the right time to review how DSA can best create future growth opportunities for Doncaster and for South Yorkshire. The Peel Group remains committed to delivering economic growth, job opportunities and prosperity for Doncaster and the wider region.”

During the strategic review, the airport will operate as normal.

DSA website

Images: DSA

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News: Rotherham school to receive state of the art refurbishment

Wales High School in Rotherham has been successful in the next phase of the Government's School Rebuilding Programme.

61 schools across the country are set to receive state of the art rebuilds or refurbishments that will transform education for their pupils.

In his first announcement as Education Secretary, James Cleverly confirmed the investment to provide thousands of children access to new, modern classrooms as part of the Government's School Rebuilding Programme.

The projects will be backed by over £1bn of funding and Wales is the first school in Rotherham of the 161 total projects announced so far.

Work to deliver the projects will start immediately. It will include updating and modernising buildings, and creating state of the art facilities such as new sports halls, music rooms, science labs and dining areas.

Education Secretary James Cleverly said: "Our School Rebuilding Programme is already making a difference to the lives of pupils and their teachers. It is creating greener school sites that are fit for the future and that local communities can be proud of.

"We know how important it is to have high-quality school facilities. That is why we continue to invest billions in our rebuilding programme."

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Wales High School will work with the Department for Education to agree on the educational design of the project and the timeframe for delivery.

The comprehensive school with sixth form is looking to create a school that "will replace what are now outdated and obsolete buildings with state-of-the-art facilities that future generations of our community will have the benefit."

Pepe Di’lasio, Headteacher at Wales high School, said: "I am absolutely delighted with today’s news. This is a historic moment for the young people, families, staff governors and wider community of Wales High School.

"For many years, the whole school community has been longing for an environment that meets the aspirations and ambitions that we share for one another and helps inspire the young people and future generations of our community. It is incredible to hear confirmation that our plans and dreams for a new school will finally be realised."

Alex Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, said he was also delighted with the funding announcement. He said: "After extensive talks with the then Secretary of State for Education I am pleased to see Rother Valley benefiting from major refurbishment and rebuilding of the school. I look forward to seeing this over the coming months!"

£98m worth of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects at Abbey SEN, Aston, Hilltop SEN, Milton, Oakwood, St Pius and Swinton in Rotherham were stopped by the coalition government in 2010. Maltby Academy, progressed a major revamp in 2012 and later Oakwood High School made it onto the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP), carrying out a £12.2m refurbishment in 2016.

Wales High School website

Images: Wales High School

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News: Weekend closures at Parkway junction

The Rotherham to Sheffield A630 Parkway and M1 Junction 33 slip roads will have a series of weekend closures starting at the end of July and throughout August 2022 as improvement works continue.

The £46m final scheme, expected to finish in October 2022, will create three lanes in each direction from the Catcliffe Junction to the junction with the M1 with modifications to the M1 J33 roundabout. Both the northbound and southbound slip roads from the M1 to junction 33 will be expanded to four lanes in consultation with Highways England.

A 50mph speed limit will also be introduced.

From Friday 29 July 2022 – Monday 1 August 2022 and Friday 5 August 2022 – Monday 8 August 2022, the southbound M1 Junction 33 roundabout will be closed from 8pm Fri to 6am Monday and will affect:

- M1 J33 South half of roundabout
- Rotherway Southbound
- M1 Southbound Entry Slip Road
- M1 Northbound Exit Slip Road
- A630 Rotherham Gateway Westbound

Drivers should avoid the area if they are travelling North onto the M1, or from Sheffield to Rotherham using the A630 Parkway. They will also not be able to exit the M1 from the southbound lanes from Sheffield or Leeds.

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From Friday 12 August 2022 – Monday 15 August 2022 and Friday 19 August 2022 – Monday 22 August 2022, the northbound M1 Junction 33 roundabout will be closed from 8pm Fri to 6am Monday and will affect:

- M1 J33 North half of roundabout
- M1 Southbound Exit Slip
- M1 Northbound Entry Slip
- A630 Rotherham Gateway Eastbound (including Poplar Way/ Europa Link Entry Slip Road at Catcliffe)
- Rotherway Northbound from M1 J33 to Rotherway roundabout

This means traffic will not be able to join the M1 going southbound or travel from Rotherham to Sheffield using the A630 Parkway. The slip road from the northbound direction will also not be available.

Rotherham Council’s Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transportation, Simon Moss, said: “The A630 Parkway is one of the major gateways between Rotherham and Sheffield, and also to the rest of the country via the M1. The scheme is aiming to make this gateway better for drivers, however this means some weekend closures in order for the next phase of the works to go ahead.

“I’d like to thank drivers, visitors and residents for their continued patience, and encourage them to plan their journeys ahead of the closures.”

The Council has been working alongside Balfour Beatty on the design of the A630 improvement scheme since early 2018 along with their strategic design partner WSP.

The improvements, which are being funded through Central Government from the Local Growth Fund, also include new street lighting, carriageway surfaces and signs to improve safety for drivers. The scheme is designed to stay within the existing highway boundary to avoid impacting adjacent land and properties. Drainage will be improved to create resilience to flooding in consultation with the Environment Agency and will include sympathetic landscaping with new trees and hedgerows where appropriate.

RMBC website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Popular Rotherham restaurant to add cocktail bar as part of refurb

Rotherham’s number one restaurant, according to Trip Advisor, is set to celebrate its first anniversary by opening a cocktail bar area, following a short closure for refurbishment.

Rancheros Bar and Grill, based in the Stag area, is closing on July 17 for refurbishment to create a new cocktail bar and live music space and will reopen on July 22.

Masud Rana, owner of Rancheros and four Doncaster restaurants said: “When we opened Rancheros Bar and Grill – Rotherham, the world was still under various Covid 19 restrictions, and this meant that the restaurant didn’t get the opening we had planned.

“Despite this we have had a great first year in Rotherham and are proud to hold the Trip Advisor number one slot for restaurants in the town. This is down to the hard work of our fantastic team lead by Sam our general manager and Barbara our assistant general manager with the support of Samuel, Mauro and Fabio who have continued to provide great food with a quality service.

“It has been fantastic to meet new people, see new customers enjoying our unique dining experience with our Brazilian-inspired menu including many cuts of meats on skewers cooked above hot coals and carved tableside.

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“Our refurbishment will see the entrance area transformed into a new cocktail area, bar and nibbles space for people who don’t want to dine but just want to have a relaxing drink and small bite to eat.

“We are looking forward to reopening on July 22 when we’ll be celebrating our birthday with a new look menu with a variety of price options, moving away from the one set price and adding even more options for vegetarians and vegans.”

Masud, who started his restaurant career in London almost two decades ago, owns four eateries in the Doncaster - La Rustica Italian Restaurant in the city centre, La Fiesta Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Armthorpe, La Boca – an Argentinian inspired Steakhouse on Netherhall Road and the newly opened Rancheros Bar and Grill – Doncaster.

Said Masud: “Our 1st anniversary is a great chance for us to celebrate in style and to welcome new customers and to offer those who’ve visited us before something different.”

Rancheros website

Images: Rancheros

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News: Gulliver’s Valley celebrates second anniversary and looks forward to exciting future

It’s been a two-year roller coaster ride with plenty of twists and turns – and now Gulliver’s Valley is set to accelerate into a thrilling future.

The family-friendly theme park resort based in Rotherham celebrated its two-year anniversary on July 11.

The park has proved a popular addition to the family leisure scene in South Yorkshire since opening its gates two years ago. It is the fourth and newest Gulliver’s Theme Park Resort in the UK, joining Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes and Gulliver’s World in Warrington.

The family business, which opened its first park, Gulliver’s Kingdom, in 1978, opened Gulliver’s Valley in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and faced challenges from lockdowns and other restrictions.

But Gulliver’s Valley has bounced back impressively. Tens of thousands of families have flocked to its more than 30 rides and attractions, which include Apache Falls, the Ghostly Galleon pirate ship and Lost Jurassic World area.

The resort is now looking forward to a first full summer season without restrictions and has a host of special events planned including visits from favourite children’s characters like The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

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Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: “The past two years have been a challenging time for everyone, and it was certainly far from ideal to open a people-focused business during the height of the pandemic!

“But our fantastic staff have remained dedicated and determined throughout and we are so excited about the summer season ahead. As well as being thankful to our staff, we are so grateful for the support and warm welcome we have received from the wonderful Rotherham community and countless families who have visited Gulliver’s Valley.

“Having come through the past two years, this is now an exciting time for the business. We are continuing to grow and always looking for ways to enhance our offering to provide families with even more magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Aimed at children between the ages of two and 13, Gulliver’s Valley is based on 250 acres and boasts a variety of unique accommodation options for short breaks. These include Unicorn and Princess Suites, Western Cabins and Lost World Lodges.

Built on land adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park, Gulliver's was the third time Rotherham Council chose a developer for the site of the former Brookhouse Colliery.

Gulliver's went on to purchase approximately 250 acres of the 330 acres available and has already had outline plans approved for further phases - more themed areas, hotels and accommodation, a woodland adventure centre and an ecology and education centre. It is a five-phase development spanning 12 years.

As part of a successful £23m Levelling Up bid, a new Skills Village (£1m required for a £1.6m project) is being created at Gulliver's Valley Resort focusing on training, development, and accreditation within the hospitality and leisure sector.

Gulliver's Valley website

Images: Gulliver's

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