News: Guest & Chrimes no longer in line for live music venue

The dilapidated Guest & Chrimes building on the edge of Rotherham town centre could have been reborn as an National / International music venue under Council-led plans, but the project has fallen flat.

Despite £4.5m being set aside for the scheme, the authority was not able to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club. It is now looking at other sites within the town centre.

Empty since 1999, the Guest & Chrimes site was purchased by Rotherham Council for £2.6m from developers, Evans in 2010 and is now controlled by the football club which has a very long lease from the Council.

Rothbiz reported last year that the plan for the Grade-II listed site was to use £4.5m of Town Deal funding to create a micro-brewery and fan zone at the former foundry which sits alongside Rotherham United's New York Stadium. Further updates confirmed that a large music venue was in the plans.

Council minutes confirm that in the summer, the Council was not "able to reach an agreement with the landowner, therefore we are not to proceed with that building, but have looked at alternatives, which are now progressing."

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The project team had carried out work for a year to develop a business case which was submitted to the Government in August. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has been asked if the money for the Guest & Chrimes project can be moved to another site.

The development of a new building and new public spaces on the Guest & Chrimes site would have seen 16,000 sq ft of new commercial space created alongside 0.26 hectares of new public realm.

The historic frontage was demolished following a fire but plans would have saved the landmark water tower and addressed the existing building. Described as an ambitious project for Rotherham, the plan was for a National / International venue with a capacity of up to 800, to include a festival area. Used as a fan zone on matchdays, this would have included a micro-brewery and a coffee bar by day and music / entertainment in the evening.

Previous plans have been hampered by high costs and the Grade-II listing. Costs were rising but a scheme was developed that Historic England said it would support. However, by May, the team working on the project reported on a stumbling block: "the landowner is now no longer supportive of the scheme, but his [presumably Tony Stewart, chairman of Rotherham United] counter proposal does not fit with Town Deal funding."

Council minutes add that there is an alternative project for the building and that "it has been suggested to the Guest & Chrimes landowner that the site could potentially be included in the second masterplan if we can come to an agreement. Interim works on the site to make it look better, change the hoardings, add lighting etc., could be carried out if funding can be found."

Images: RMBC

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News: Dinnington design firm expands 3D print service

A Rotherham product design company has raised £500,000 from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), to help expand its 3D print production service and target new markets.

AME Group is based at Dinnington and designs products for many leading consumer brands including Jaguar, Vax, Hornby Railways and Harris Brushes. Its 3D print service was initially introduced to produce prototypes. However, following an initial £750,000 investment from NPIF last year, the company invested in new equipment and is now offering a low-volume production service with rapid turnaround times.

It currently produces components for clients in the aerospace, defence and the luxury yacht market. The latest funding will enable it to broaden its product range and target new sectors, as well as meet the growing demand for its design services. AME Group was founded in 1998 by Ian Jones, who is Finance Director. It currently employs 28 staff and expects to create around ten new jobs in the next two years.

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Rich Proctor, the company’s CEO, said: “3D printing is catching on quickly as it enables companies to shorten lead times by manufacturing small batches in the UK, test new product ideas and respond rapidly to market trends.

“Many businesses are also looking to redesign their existing products to reduce cost or make them more sustainable. And overall, there is a greater appreciation of products and their ability to differentiate a company in the market, rather than relying solely on digital assets.”

Maurice Disasi of Mercia added: “AME Group is recognised as one of the leading product design specialists in the UK and it is now establishing itself as a specialist in 3D print production. This latest funding will enable it to meet growing demand for its services.”

Sean Hutchinson at the British Business Bank said: “We are pleased that the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is continuing to support high-growth businesses in the North, providing vital funding to aid companies like AME Group to meet market demands, and innovate their services. The development of AME Group’s production and their plans for product expansion is testament to the role NPIF plays in creating a more prosperous regional economy, through the businesses its funds invest into.”

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

AME Group website
NPIF website

Images: Mercia

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News: Meadowhall expansion set for approval despite Rotherham objections

A revised expansion scheme at Meadowhall in Sheffield is being recommended for approval despite planners saying it would be a "particular risk" to the regeneration of Rotherham town centre which is described as "increasingly fragile and vulnerable."

British Land has scaled back plans to expand the out-of-town shopping centre and the latest application includes space for indoor leisure, food & beverage sales and general retail including a supermarket.

A number of proposed conditions would be attached to the approval, including no floorspace to be occupied before 1 November 2029, a restriction in the types of goods that can be sold and a "no poaching" condition. The proposals are designed to mitigate the impacts of the proposed Meadowhall development on Sheffield city centre and Rotherham town centre.

According to 2019 customer survey data, the majority of visitors to Meadowhall originated from within South Yorkshire (38% Sheffield; 25% Rotherham; 10% Barnsley; 5% Doncaster).

The applicant’s analysis indicates that quantitatively, in the worst-case scenario, in 2030 Rotherham’s trade in convenience goods (-0.3%), comparison goods (-0.4%) and food & beverage (-0.6%) would be lower than it would have otherwise been as a consequence of the proposed development.

Rothbiz reported last week that Rotherham Council is objecting to the Meadowhall expansion again based on it having a "significant adverse impact upon the vitality and viability of Rotherham town centre" and on the "planned investment in the Forge Island site and also existing investment across the remainder of the town centre."

A report to the planning board at Sheffield Council admits that the new leisure, food & beverage uses and larger cinema at Meadowhall "is a particular risk to the stated objective of addressing Rotherham Town Centre’s current issues with a lack of trade draw through diversification of the Town Centre to provide a better leisure and food & beverage offer."

Ground work began at Forge Island last month after Rotherham Council's cabinet rubber-stamped a financial deal to fund the up front costs for the transformational scheme. It includes a state-of-the-art cinema, a 69 room hotel, and six restaurants.

The proponents of the Meadowhall scheme have been keen to state how its scheme is different to Forge Island, arguing that the new Meadowhall proposal is designed to be "more aspirational in order to set it apart" and that progress has been made in Rotherham despite the previous larger Meadowhall scheme being granted planning permission.

The applicants argue: "Rotherham town centre is focused on the lower end of the market, which has a limited overlap with the proposals at Meadowhall … Fundamentally, the retail and leisure offer in Rotherham is not comparable to the current proposals at Meadowhall. Any impact on the vitality and viability of Rotherham town centre (particularly given the investment that is coming forward) will not be significantly adverse.

"Key planned investment in Rotherham at Forge Island is well advanced and is coming forward in the full knowledge of the proposals at Meadowhall. This includes securing the key anchor cinema use. This demonstrates the limited impact of the proposals on Meadowhall and the different role and function the two locations serve. The ongoing investment at Forge Island, or elsewhere in Rotherham, will not be significantly impacted upon."

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The planner's report adds: "It is accepted that the trade impacts on Rotherham Town Centre are likely to be relatively low, given the limited extent to which the Town Centre can compete for visitors on a like for like basis with the proposed expanded leisure, food & beverage and retail offer at Meadowhall. However, it is also important to consider the qualitative issues, as the proposal will undoubtedly make Meadowhall an even more attractive destination for comparison goods shopping, food and drink, cinema and other leisure uses in a location which is in close proximity to (and highly connected to) Rotherham Town Centre. Furthermore, there are clear signs that Rotherham Town Centre is increasingly fragile and vulnerable due to significant competition from out-of-centre provision, limited retail and leisure offer, high and rising vacancy levels and declining footfall.

"It is acknowledged that the fact that Rotherham lacks a comparable retail and leisure offer to Meadowhall, to a degree, serves to limit the direct impact of the Meadowhall proposals. It is also considered unlikely that the proposal will result in the loss of the important investment opportunity at Forge Island - which will have the potential to claw-back some of the food and drink / cinema trade "lost" to Meadowhall. Due to this and other investments (including from Towns Fund funding) it also appears to be a realistic possibility that the Town Centre will see improvements to its own leisure-based offer and overall health before the proposed Meadowhall extension would come forward in 2029.

"Overall, based upon the different nature of the appeal of Rotherham Town Centre as opposed to the proposed expanded and improved Meadowhall offer, together with the evidence contained in the quantitative and qualitative impact assessments which have been submitted, and also giving consideration to the reduced potential maximum quantum of leisure and food & beverage floorspace comprised within the current application vs. the previous (lapsed consent), it is considered that the proposed development is unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Rotherham Town Centre."

Despite an objection from the owners of The Moor in Sheffield, planners add that short-term impacts of the development when it opens after November 2029 can be withstood by Sheffield City Centre. They acknowledge that the current proposals have been substantially reduced from those which were approved in 2018, but have now expired, and conclude that the mitigation proposed should be effective in substantially reducing the impacts of the proposed development.

The report concludes: "Subject to the impact mitigation proposed by the applicant being secured through appropriately worded planning conditions and obligations, it is accepted that there is no reasonable basis to conclude that the proposed development would have a substantial adverse impact upon the vitality and viability of any City, Town or District Centre within the catchment areas or any existing, committed and planned public and private investment in those centres."

Meadowhall website
Forge Island website

Images: British Land

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News: SBD Apparel crowned Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber’s Business of the Year

A sports clothing manufacturer which is set to create more than 200 jobs over the next five years has been crowned Business of the Year at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber’s Celebration of Business Awards, in association with Glu Recruit.

SBD Apparel, which counts elite strength and fitness athletes across the world amongst its growing client base, as well as being synonymous with the World’s Strongest Man Competition, proved to be a worthy winner of the title of Business of the Year after successfully opening a new manufacturing hub at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The glittering event took place at Magna and saw around 500 members of the local business community come together to create a party-like atmosphere, complete with its own light show, aerial dancers, fire eaters and much more. Hosted by Life on Mars and Emmerdale star Dean Andrews, the event saw nine awards presented on the evening, recognising the efforts of all aspects of the business community: from apprentices and new entrepreneurs taking the first tentative steps in their chosen vocations to businesses which have gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to staff development, customer service and growth.

The charity and not-for-profit sector were also rewarded, with all finalists and highly commended entrants receiving cash prizes to support their work. The overall title of Charity of the Year was presented to Rotherham Rise in recognition of its efforts to support victims of domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation.

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Longstanding businesses were also recognised, for their commitment to supporting the local economy with certificates presented to HLM Architects (40 years), Rush House (40 years), Airmaster (30 years) and The Source Skills Academy (20 years), and special recognition was also given to four recipients of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise over the past twelve months: AESSEAL, Cooper Turner Beck, Corrosion Resistant Materials and Waterman Corporate Enterprises.

Joada Allen, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “I would like to congratulate every business who was shortlisted, highly commended, and won awards during our evening. It’s great to have our awards back and it was clear not only from the numbers of entries we received but the quality of the submissions that there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses in Barnsley & Rotherham and the wider region over the past twelve months.

“In business we must be brave enough to take a calculated risk, to sometimes fail and start again, but with the right mindset and support from organisations like the Chamber of Commerce, we can all play a part in building a brighter future for our region."

Award winners in full:

Charity of the Year in Association with Barnsley College
· Rotherham Rise – Winner
· BIADS - Highly Commended
· Rush House - Highly Commended
· Barnsley Sea Cadets - Shortlisted
· Support Dogs – Shortlisted

Most Promising New Business Award in Association with Launchpad
· ACW Medical Services – Winner
· District Four Design - Highly Commended
· Timmins Candles - Highly Commended
· Fragrance Oils Direct – Shortlisted
· Instincts Training – Shortlisted

Apprentice of the Year Award in Association with Enzygo
· Bailey Robinson - Albion Valves UK Ltd – Winner
· Jack Craven - Corrosion Resistant Materials – Highly Commended
· Aneeka Zaynah Zarar - Yorkshire Accommodation Bureau Ltd – Highly Commended
· Grace Palmer - Barnsley Healthcare Federation – Shortlisted
· Charlotte Palmer - Clear Quality Limited – Shortlisted

Business Growth Award in Association with BIPC South Yorkshire
· SBD Apparel Limited – Winner
· Euramax Solutions – Highly Commended
· Lensgo Visual Media – Highly Commended
· Brook Corporate Developments – Shortlisted
· KCM Waste Management – Shortlisted

Business Community Impact Award in Association with Rotherham Together Partnership
· EQUANS – Winner
· GXO – Highly Commended
· KCM Waste Management – Highly Commended
· All Seasons Group – Shortlisted
· Make Your Mark UK – Shortlisted

Commitment To People Development Award in Association with RNN Group
· Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP – Winner
· IT Desk UK – Highly Commended
· Glu Recruit – Highly Commended
· Rush House – Shortlisted
· Unique School Solutions – Shortlisted

Excellence In Customer Service Award the Source Skills Academy
· Steel City Marketing Ltd - Winner
· Dark Cherry Creative - Highly Commended
· Mason Thomas Law - Highly Commended
· Clear Quality Limited – Shortlisted
· Make Your Mark UK – Shortlisted

Business Person of the Year Award in Association with Shorts
· Adam Bradley - Corrosion Resistant Materials – Winner
· Rebecca Broadhead - Electrical Safety UK – Shortlisted
· Nicola Longley - Hydrov Submersible Surveys Ltd – Shortlisted
· Gareth Hickling - KCM Waste Management – Highly Commended
· Zoe Croot - Lime Tree Nursery – Highly Commended

Business of the Year Award In Association With Glu Recruit
· SBD Apparel Limited – Winner

BR Chamber website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Work starts on latest AMP units

Work is underway on the latest commercial space on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Lindum Group is back on the Waverley site for Harworth Group Plc.

With outline plans approved in 2021 for a further 242,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace on land at Whittle Way and Highfield Spring, a reserved matters application from Harworth was approved in April for part of the site showing three buildings that can be sub-divided into 11 separate units with a total floor area of 92,800 sq ft.

The next phase of the AMP development, known as R-evolution Phase 4, will see the delivery of three buildings, ranging from 15,000 to 40,000 sq ft. The buildings will be for industrial, manufacturing, and research and development space. They will feature an office space, which will be designed for sub-division into units as small as 5000 sq ft.

Lindum will also create an access road to serve these and two future units.

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Sustainability will be a key feature of these buildings, with EV charging points, a rainwater harvesting system, and a sustainable heating and cooling system to be installed. They will also feature solar panels across 12% of the roofs to offset the designed energy use of the units, with provision to allow future occupiers to increase this to 100%.

Lindum has brought this philosophy into the construction process, using eco cabins on site and utilising recycled products.

The units will be built to BREEAM Very Good standard.

Chris Davidson, Regional Director for Yorkshire & Central, Harworth Group plc, said: “We are incredibly proud of the development and growth of the AMP to date, and are very pleased to be working with Lindum Group again at this development.

“R-Evolution Phase 4 will offer the next generation of high-quality and flexible units at the site, built to a high environmental specification. We expect these units to attract a wide range of potential occupiers, further enhancing the line-up of innovative manufacturing businesses at the AMP.”

Lindum has previously worked on the AMP for Harworth on a 100,000 sp ft sportswear factory for SBD Apparel Ltd. It was the successful delivery of this factory that led to the recommendation Lindum continue to work on the AMP.

Work is currently progressing on the groundworks and access road infrastructure, to make sure the site it ready for the winter. Ben Marris, who was Site Manager for the SBD project and is now Project Manager on this R-evolution job, said it has been scheduled this way to present a clean, manageable site for the steel frame and cladding operations which can often be hugely impacted by poor ground conditions in the winter months.

He said: “I’ve had a lot of involvement with this site, after recently finishing the job at SBD. Having spent time in the area, I know how it can change rapidly during the winter months, so it is important we get the infrastructure and the hardstanding work done, so we have a clean site to begin work on the steel frame in the new year.

“Since we have worked with the client for a while now, we have a very good dialogue with them. We have been working closely with them to help them achieve their goals of getting this project to be carbon neutral and helping Harworth on their journey for future projects.”

James Nellist, Lindum Managing Director, said: “We are very happy to be able to continue to support Harworth Group in developing the Advanced Manufacturing Park. This is the second scheme we have worked together on and it is testament to our positive collaborative working relationship.

“It is also fantastic to see the client wanting to move towards a carbon neutral design, something we at Lindum are also very passionate about.”

RWO is suppliying the civil and structural engineering services for the project.

Lindum website
Harworth Group website

Images: Lindum / Harworth / Harris Partnership

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News: Swinton town centre revamp plans approved

A long-awaited £8m regeneration revamp of a Rotherham town has finally been approved after the council and its partners agreed a number of financial contributions for the area.

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 and it was approved by the planning board at Rotherham Council in July 2022.

The plans include a refurbished Civic Hall and café plus the library relocating to the refurbished former customer service centre. A significant landscaping scheme is planned.

This was all predicated on approval for 49 homes on the cleared land adjacent to the site. It has been agreed that 12 affordable homes will be provided - eight 2 bedroom houses would be provided on site and the equivalent financial contribution for four 3 bedroom houses provided off site.

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A decision notice has been published this month after the council and developer agreed a Section 106 agreement (a mechanism which makes a development proposal acceptable in planning terms, that would not otherwise be acceptable). The agreement includes a financial contribution of £500 per dwelling towards sustainable travel measures to support the development, a financial contribution of £23,600 for the provision of replacement offsite tree mitigation, a financial contribution of £91,338 towards education provision, the establishment of a management company to manage and maintain the areas of Greenspace on site.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy said: “Our partnership work will bring affordable new homes, green spaces and improved community facilities to Swinton Town Centre. It’s out with the old and in with the new.

“We’re modernising and regenerating a large area of Swinton in order to create attractive places for people to live and visit.”

Two, three and four-bedroom homes will be built on the site of the former council offices on Queen Street, the former swimming pool and health centre, and the old Charnwood House care home.

Jon Bailey, Director at Conroy Brook, said: "We are excited to see the development move ahead, bringing new family homes to the town centre along with the refurbishment of community facilities. Ben Bailey has a long history of building in Swinton and we can’t wait to get started on this new project."

Conroy Brook website
Quest Property website

Images: RMBC

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News: MP calls on Government to deliver for Rotherham’s steel and glass-making industries

Sarah Champion MP has called on the Government to stand by Rotherham’s steel and glass making industries in the face of rising energy costs.

Steel and glass making are significant employers in the Rotherham constituency, which hosts both Liberty Steel and Beatson Clark, a leading manufacturer of glass products.

Champion called on the Government to deliver both long-term certainty on energy prices and to work with the industries to ensure a level playing field with international competitors.

In August, the average UK wholesale price of energy was a £370 per megawatt-hour, as against a pre-crisis level of £50 per megawatt-hour. The German Government has confirmed the introduction of a scheme running for the entirety of 2023 that caps power prices for industry at £110 per megawatt-hour, which is more than £100 cheaper than the UK price cap scheme.

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Sarah said: "For nearly a decade, I have been calling for the Government to act on the long-term barriers standing in the way of steel and glass producers reaching their potential as power-houses of Britain’s industrial base.

"But time and time again, the Government’s response has been to praise the industries, say how valued they are and then do nothing. The current crisis must be a wake-up call. UK industries cannot hope to compete internationally if they continue to be hamstrung by a Government whose so-called industrial strategy is based entirely on inertia.

"I have heard it all before. My constituents have heard it all before. I urge the Minister to reflect on his Government’s record of failure with the industrial sector and work with these industries to deliver the vital support that they need to weather the current storm, and also to provide a policy environment that allows them to play their crucial part in driving our economy in the years to come.

"We cannot afford to waste another decade. The Government must deliver for steel and glass both in the short term and in the years ahead."

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kevin Hollinrake, said: "The Government recognise the challenging international economic environment in which the steel industry has to operate, including in relation to overcapacity. Above all else, we understand the vital role that steel occupies as a cornerstone of the UK economy, underpinning domestic industries and local communities.

"Over the past nine years, the Government have committed £800m towards electricity costs through the energy intensive industries compensation scheme, on top of the energy bill relief scheme. Of course, we continue to consider what can be done to ensure that the steel industry is competitive, in fair terms, with other nations."

Images: Liberty Steel

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News: Rotherham youngsters in focus as part of Creative Careers Programme

A programme to help young people from underrepresented backgrounds break into the creative industries is to run in Rotherham, backed by £950,000 in Government funding.

To develop the next generation of talent, the Government has chosen ScreenSkills, the screen industry’s skills body, to lead the delivery of a Creative Careers Programme, targeted in 53 priority areas across the country including Rotherham.

The creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy. The programme will provide specialist guidance to 11 to 18-year-olds on careers and help pay for industry-led digital and in-person events, lesson plans, a dedicated careers website with careers information and resources, and training for careers advisors. This will help ensure more young people from a diverse range of backgrounds can take advantage of the fantastic careers opportunities in these sectors.

The previous Creative Careers Programme was devised by ScreenSkills, Creative & Cultural Skills and the Creative Industries Federation. It is an industry-designed and led initiative to raise awareness of opportunities for work across the creative economy. It was a commitment made by government and industry, made through the Creative Industries Sector Deal with support from the Creative Industries Council and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

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The Creative Careers Programme aims to ensure that there is a larger and more diverse intake of young people into the sector. It will respond to serious skills gaps and help to cultivate a workforce that is fit for the future.

Skills shortages and risks to the talent pipeline are some of the most urgent challenges facing the creative industries. There is a lack of awareness among young people and those who influence them about opportunities for work within the creative economy and how to pursue them, which has limited the talent and diversity of those entering the sector.

The programme will mobilise employers, addressing serious market failures which have resulted in too few young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, considering creative careers or being able to find entry routes into the sector.

Film and high-end television production in the UK could be worth £7.66 billion – up from £5.64 billion – by 2025 and require nearly 21,000 more crew under detailed analysis published earlier this year.

Seetha Kumar, CEO ScreenSkills, said: “The data in this report will help us all plan sensibly to ensure the UK has the skilled and inclusive workforce needed to capitalise on the potential for further growth. The film and television industry is one of the UK’s great success stories and we need to work together to keep it that way. Growing the workforce will help ensure the country fully benefits from the projected growth in production expenditure.”

ScreenSkills website

Images: ScreenSkills

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News: Riverside park plans replace proposed residential block

Muse, Rotherham Council's development partner on the Forge Island regeneration scheme in the town centre, is not going ahead with a future part of the scheme.

A prominent site, long ear-marked for residential use, is instead set to become a riverside park.

Plans have now been submitted to create Riverside Gardens on an area extending from the recently demolished Riverside Precinct, covering the old abattoir site behind Market Street, most recently used as a riverside car park now considered to be surplus to requirements, and passing the Old Market, Keppel Wharf and Westgate Chambers residential developments.

With the pedestrianisation of part of Market Street and Domine Lane, the aim is to form an entrance leading to Riverside Gardens and Forge Island from the town centre.

When Muse secured planning permission for the cinema, hotel and food & drink units on Forge Island it used a hybrid planning application, outlining plans for later phases - 50 riverside residential units on land known as the abattoir site and 70 residential units on the site of the former courts buildings.

The latest planning application confirms: "[The application] incorporated Riverside Car Park within a wider scheme which include Forge Island and The Statutes to the west. The scheme sought to deliver two residential blocks on Riverside Car Park Site, however Muse Developments have confirmed that this residential element will not be delivered.

"Conversations between the Council and Muse Developments have confirmed that the residential element of the Forge Island scheme will not come forward, thereby leaving the site vacant and underused. This has created a risk that the Riverside Car Park element will not be redeveloped and could potentially be an undeveloped void in between Rotherham Town Centre and Forge Island.

"It is this which has led RiDO to pursue the proposed development to ensure a key area is not overlooked in the regeneration efforts of Rotherham Town Centre."

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Following a period of consultation, a new proposal has been drawn up by the council's contractors, Tetra Tech (formerly WYG), for new public realm including a landscaping scheme and the pedestrianisation of Market Street and Domine Lane. It is not considered that the site could accommodate retail development.

Aspects include a play area with a slide, climbing slope, timber logs and other natural play-based elements, soft landscaping to form a stepped profile which can be used for natural play, a plaza to accommodate outdoor seating and a new public artwork. The final design details of this artwork are being determined, however it is set to be a large sized interactive and educational sculptural piece which spells "Rotherham."

Domine Lane and Market Street will be permanently closed to vehicular traffic and pedestrianised. Another piece of artwork, in the form of a pair of corten steel arches, is proposed to be included along Domine Lane.

The application adds that the proposals will "create a unique space within the town centre which will attract users from within the Borough and encourage additional dwell time through providing a space for recreation and social activities. Additionally, the art piece is intended to be a bold statement which signifies, strengthens and promotes Rotherham’s identity, and may act as a draw within its own right."

The plans also hint at further development proposals around the reuse of former bank buildings on Corporation Street, "however the designs for this are not available at this stage."

Images: RiDO / Tetra Tech

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News: Rotherham retail properties bought

A pock-marked parade of shops on a main Rotherham street has been acquired at auction, for an undisclosed sum.

Making up part of the Cascades Centre in Rotherham town centre, 2-4, 6-8, 10, 12 & 14 Howard Street, and 15 Frederick Street, went under the hammer earlier this month with Allsop auctioneers. Whilst failing to sell on the day, they were quickly acquired after the auction. The name of the buyer, or the sale price, has not been disclosed but auctioneers gave the lot a guide price of £1m+.

In 2013, the majority of the Cascades Centre was acquired by international investment manager, Threadneedle, in a deal in the order of £5m from another investment fund, The Glanmore Property Fund Ltd.

The centre was developed in the 1980's by Taylor Woodrow on the site of former municipal offices.

The property changing hands includes the units currently occupied by Superdrug, Heron Foods and Bon Marche and empty units vacated by Argos and Poundland.

The deal follows on from the sale of Unit 12 College Walk - Home Bargains - which sold prior to going to auction in March with Allsop, also with a guide price of £1m+.

Nearby 19 Effingham Street sold at auction with Acuitus in November for £146,000.

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George Walker, partner and auctioneer at Allsop, said: "Despite the market uncertainty and the wait-and-see approach adopted by some investors in the aftermath of the infamous mini-Budget announcement, our team has raised a whopping £52m at our latest commercial auction – a testament to our ability to read the market and price assets in line with the expectations of our buyers, whilst ensuring the seller gets a fair price.

"In the current market environment, cash remains king, making us particularly well placed to transact and creating liquidity in an otherwise cautious market. We look forward to our final sale of the year next month.”

Richard Auterac, chairman at Acuitus believes that recent auction results was further evidence of the strength of the auction sector and its ability to meet the needs of both buyers and sellers at times of economic uncertainty. He said: “Our analysis of commercial property auction sales through Q3 and into the November sales indicates a hardening of yields for income-producing properties which, in part, can be attributed to the majority of properties having lower rebased rents.

“Although the increases in interest rates will make finance more expensive, they will have less of an impact on investors who are acquiring assets at auction without the immediate need for debt.

“For investment funds, REITs and insolvency practitioners who are looking to liquidate assets in a timely manner, the large pool of new ‘cash-rich’ private equity investors who are buying through Acuitus auctions, are an attractive target for asset disposal strategies.

“Our pricing expertise and sustained contact with potential buyers is a prerequisite to getting the right result for our sellers. This engagement with target buyers in the weeks leading up to an auction is vital and – because our auctions are broadcast live – this dialogue continues right up to the point of sale.”

Allsop website
Acuitus website

Images: Allsop

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News: Rotherham Council continues to object to Meadowhall expansion

Despite a revised scheme at Meadowhall in Sheffield being scaled back, Rotherham Council has objected to the proposal again.

Rothbiz reported in August that updated plans from British Land showed a reduced retail, food and beverage, cinema and leisure floorspace.

Rotherham Council has objected to various proposals for the out-of-centre site since 2016 based on the negatve impact on the vitality and viability of Rotherham town centre and the proposed leisure-led regeneration scheme at Forge Island.

The initial plans for a multi-level extension housed under a glazed roof on land currently used for car parking were approved in 2018. It was approved by Sheffield Council despite an objection from Rotherham Council and an acknowledgement that it would "undoubtedly have a negative impact on Rotherham's town centre which is already in a fragile state."

The original leisure hall application has now expired and 2020 plans have been scaled back. The reduction in retail and leisure floorspace now has an overall proposed cap on such land uses down by 173,708 sq ft to that previously proposed, which was 278,785 sq ft.

The latest estimates are that the new revised scheme will negatively impact Rotherham town centre but to a lesser extent than the 2016 and 2020 proposals. The impact of the proposals on the turnover of Rotherham town centre is calculated at -0.2% in 2025. 2020 proposals had the figure at -0.8%.

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The proponents of the Meadowhall scheme have also been keen to state how its scheme is different to Forge Island in Rotherham, arguing that the new Meadowhall proposal is designed to be "more aspirational in order to set it apart" and that progress has been made in Rotherham despite the previous larger Meadowhall scheme being granted planning permission.

However, planners at Rotherham Council remain unconvinced, and following advice from planning consultants, state that the Meadowhall proposal "raises significant concerns" in relation to Forge Island.

Responding to the updated plans and lodging an official objection, Lisa Brooks, development manager - strategic applications, at Rotherham Council, said: "Whilst it is acknowledged that work has commenced on the Forge Island scheme, it is considered that the proposed Meadowhall expansion will draw in more of the local spend available within the region. It would directly compete with the local and regional leisure market thereby spreading a limited amount of available spending across a wider footprint/number of operators. The result of this will be to weaken the long term prospects for Rotherham town centre to build on the Forge Island investment and the public investment into the creation of a new leisure and cultural quarter.

"Retail in Rotherham town centre has been decimated by the proximity of large out-of-town shopping centres. The response from planning consultants acknowledges the negative impact that Meadowhall has had on Rotherham and the resulting need for the Council to consolidate the town centre and diversify its offer. The proposed Meadowhall expansion (into a greater share of the leisure market) has the very real potential to double down on the negative impact Meadowhall has had on Rotherham and would undermine the strategy to regenerate the town centre and the investments being made."

Ground work began at Forge Island last month after Rotherham Council's cabinet rubber-stamped a financial deal to fund the up front costs for the transformational scheme. It includes a state-of-the-art cinema, a 69 room hotel, and six restaurants.

Meadowhall website
Forge Island website

Images: British Land

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News: Digital Innovation Grant scheme helps Crossroads launch new digital care app

A unique Rotherham-based charity, which delivers over 70,000 hours of home care each year, has revolutionised the way it delivers its domiciliary services after successfully securing funds from the South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme.

Crossroads Care, which is headquartered at Bradmarsh Business Park, used the match-funded grant to develop a new patient care management system. Designed to provide families of those receiving care treatment with peace of mind, as well as reducing the administrative burden upon its care staff, the new patient management system delivers real-time updates, as well as replacing its cumbersome paper-based systems with an electronic alternative.

The registered charity supports over 700 patients each day, as well as running its own café and charity shop in Rotherham’s town centre. Crossroads first began exploring the idea of moving to a digital care management system in 2019; however, its plans were dashed when it was unable to find a suitable platform that met its unique needs and budget.

Having successfully implemented a digital call monitoring system during the Covid-19 pandemic, Crossroads identified a possible solution earlier this year and with plans in place, approached the South Yorkshire Digital Innovation scheme to help fund the project through a match-funded grant.

Since securing help from the Digital Innovation Grant scheme, Crossroads began putting their plans into practice, and after successfully trialling the new platform, the organisation has replaced its paper-based system, allowing carers to update patient records at the click of a button. At the same time, carers also receive access to detailed notes that provide information about each patient, medication and any changes in their health.

The new patient management system has helped to reduce the amount of time carers spend filling in forms, as well as helping the organisation to communicate more effectively with its patients. As part of the new platform, Crossroads has also successfully developed a family app, allowing family members of those receiving care to share information.

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Fay Warner, Chief Operations Officer, said: “Crossroads is a unique organisation that delivers a range of care support to people living across South Yorkshire. Until recently, most of our patient records were kept on a paper-based system. We recognised that this placed an enormous administrative burden on our staff.

"Implementing digital care plans is something that we have been wanting to do for some time, but despite exploring many different options, we couldn’t find a system that met our needs, and to create a new one from scratch was something well beyond our budget. When we heard about the South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme, we decided to apply to see if they could help. The match funded grant meant that we were able to explore different options, but we wanted to find a way of improving how we communicated with patients and their loved ones, as well as finding a way of reducing the paperwork our carers needed to complete after each visit.

"The funds we received have helped us to implement a new way of working, which has helped us to improve communication between patients, their families and staff. For example, because the system operates in real time, we can manage our staff more effectively by reducing travel time between appointments, as well as providing a message within ten minutes if a care worker has been delayed. It’s been a genuine game changer for our organisation and one that is already helping hundreds of people every day.”

Anna Smith, Programme Manager, South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme, said: “The Digital Innovation Grant was introduced to help businesses across South Yorkshire to boost productivity by embracing new forms of technology. Many of the organisations we have helped have been able to use the funds to explore new markets, introduce new products or services as well as helping employees to operate more effectively.

"For Crossroads, the ability to replace paper-based systems with a digital alternative has helped to reduce a significant administrative burden faced by staff, as well as improving the way in which carers communicate with patients and their family members. I would urge any SME in South Yorkshire thinking of using technology in their business to apply for help through the Digital Innovation Grant scheme.”

The Digital Innovation Grant scheme was launched in July 2021 and helps SME businesses across South Yorkshire to access match-funded grants to help them embrace new ways of working to improve productivity and growth and enter new markets.

The programme funds up to 50% of projects with costs totalling £2,000-£10,000. It is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered across South Yorkshire by Enterprising Barnsley, part of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Enterprising Barnsley website

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News: Rotherham Markets revamp plans approved

Plans for the delayed £22m revamp of Rotherham markets and central library have been approved.

Detailed plans were submitted in June showing the refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor market space, external appearance, entrances and public realm. A new dining area with commercial units is a new addition wilst the new library will include a café, meeting rooms, flexible gallery space, and a maker’s space.

In September Rothbiz revealed that the markets redevelopment had been delayed as the council attempted to fill a large funding gap. Rotherham Council secured funding from the Government’s Future High Street Fund to part finance the improvements but the project had a forecast funding gap of £9.8m following an update of the cost plan. Funding has been found from various pots including £5m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's (SYMCA's) "Gainshare" funding pot.

The proposals have been designed to appeal to young generations and new customers, whilst not alienating the existing customer base.

Planning documents show that the refurbished indoor market will get a new configuration for the stalls, replacing the grid pattern to incorporate a main "desire line" to connect the updated Market Square entrance across to the links to other floors.

The roof, which is suffering from leaks and damp insulation, will be repaired. American Yellow Poplar slatted panels will transform the look and feel inside.

Between the indoor and outdoor market, plans show that three bays of the existing market wing will be demolished and replaced by a double height dining area with and industrial look similar to food stalls at Spitalfields Market in London.

A seating area will be surrounded by six units for food vendors and a communal kitchen.

The new outdoor covered market is intended to be used predominantly as a market, but occasionally also for exhibitions and events. The existing tensile fabric roof, which only dates from 1997, is to be replaced with a lightweight system and ceiling cladding in slatted timber.

The Charter Arms pub and the RAIN Building have been demolished and are set to be replaced by public realm in an area called "Market Gardens." The former arcade units will be refurbished to house the Community Hub for Citizens Advice.

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The plans were approved without going to the council's planning board. Officers explained that: "The regeneration of the markets is identified as one of the key moves in the Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document."

Changes of use around the site - relocating community facilities and from retail to food on the first floor are considered acceptable.

Whilst Rotherham Council has policies to restrict the amount of food outlets clustered in town centres, and takeaways located close to education establishments, planners conclude that: "The provision of new dining facilities within the market complex (dining experience) are above ground floor level and therefore policy relating to primary and secondary shopping frontages will not be relevant (as they apply only to ground floor uses). These facilities are supported as it will enhance the markets as a destination."

The relocation of the library was also discussed with the markets site described "an ideal location" for a new library, close to the centre of town and transport facilities. Planners said: "There will be a loss of the facility located within Riverside house, however the alternative ‘New Library’ will be a substantial gain and should benefit the public by being more accessible with a refreshed modern offer.

"Accordingly, the proposed development as a whole will have a significant benefit to the vitality and vibrancy of Rotherham Town Centre, will enhance the markets as a destination and be of benefit to the community."

A recent update to the Council's cabinet said: "The appointment of a contractor to build the scheme is underway with an announcement expected in November. Construction on site is scheduled to commence in Summer 2023."

Rotherham markets website

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News: Forge Island construction contract awarded

One of the most successful and financially secure, privately owned construction and development groups in the UK is to build the long-awaited Forge Island regeneration scheme in Rotherham.

Ground works recently began on the Forge Island development – bringing a state-of-the-art cinema, 69 room hotel, and six restaurants providing food from around the world to the town centre.

Bowmer & Kirkland has bagged the £33.9m construction contract.

The Derbyshire company was founded in 1923 and for 2021 had a turnover of £1.2 billion.

Forge Island is a Council-owned site which sits between the River Don and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. The Council's Cabinet recently approved an increase in the Council’s Capital Programme to cover the £46.8m costs of the scheme which is expected to be covered by the authority's own borrowing and capital resources.

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The funding deal cemented the contract with the Council's delivery partner, Muse, for the delivery of Forge Island, and subsequently the construction contract with Bowmer & Kirkland.

A spokesperson from Bowmer & Kirkland, said: "No longer will the people of Rotherham have to leave their town to watch a movie as we have started work to build an eight-screen cinema , food and drink units, a 69-bedroom hotel, car parking for 340 cars and a new pedestrian bridge spanning the River Don.

"Working for Muse Developments on the Forge Island area in the town, we will be building a podium level above the flood level of the site to provide the ground floor of the buildings and all will be completed by Spring 2024."

Bowmer & Kirkland website
Forge Island website

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News: North Star science event returns

One of South Yorkshire’s most important science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) events will return to Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park in Rotherham on November 23, to inspire the next generation to consider the fascinating range of careers in STEAM subjects.

Organisers of North Star Science School, The Work-wise Foundation, has over 650 pupils aged 12-14 years, registered for the event, which is now in its third year and is supported by Professor Brian Cox who will open the event virtually and give an inspiring talk about the wonders of the universe.

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

Organised by The Work-Wise Foundation, a non-profit, employer-led charity which develops awareness of STEAM subjects and employment opportunities for young people within South Yorkshire. The event in November is free to attend and open to Year 8 and 9 pupils from schools across the region.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation explains: “We have had a fantastic response from South Yorkshire schools and businesses to the North Star Science event. We are now really excited about bringing science technology engineering, arts and maths to life for young people, who are set to have an unforgettable and potentially life changing experience!”

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The North Star student experience includes ‘hands-on’ interactive workshops which explore the different STEAM sectors in detail and the opportunity to meet employers and inspiring role models from science and industry.

The event will see a broad range of speakers from a variety of organisations and businesses presenting to young people on exciting innovations and within their industry, the opportunities available and their own career stories. From apprentices through to company directors, the audience will be given a real insight into the world of work and the opportunities the region has to offer.

For the first time, the event will see an exciting celebratory evening event taking place which encourages businesses, educators, parents/guardians and some of those students participating to come together to celebrate the achievements of the North Star programme and help join the dots to better support young people.

Professor Brian Cox CBE, Britain’s leading physicist and science communicator and Co-Founder of Science Summer School, says: “My congratulations to North Star Science School for this third annual STEAM celebration. I am delighted students from across South Yorkshire will come together and discover that developing their interest in science can also help them to achieve an exciting career and fulfilling life. My thanks to their teachers too for all their hard work in support of this aim. We need scientists and engineers more than ever in these challenging times to help make a brighter future for everyone."

Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, co-founder of Science Summer School says: “Professor Cox and I started this project in an east London secondary school in 2012 and it is now running in various locations around the country including here in South Yorkshire very successfully. We all know that knowledge is power but how best to utilise that power? Our practical aim is to help connect the career pipeline between young people and the myriad of training and work opportunities across education, health and business available within local communities. We believe this is the best way to create an enthusiastic workforce equipped with the right skills to help drive the UK forward which, in turn, makes this a better place for all to live."

North Star website

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News: New commercial future for former bachelor wing at Wentworth Woodhouse

Bedlam, a suite of rooms once reserved for boisterous Georgian bachelors at Rotherham stately home Wentworth Woodhouse, could soon become one of the most prestigious business lets in the UK.

The next phase of regeration at the Rotherham stately home involves plans to transform Bedlam into rental spaces attractive to national PLCs and local companies.

When Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) took over the Grade I listed mansion in 2017, decades of neglect had left one of the finest homes in the UK in a sorry state.

The 23 Bedlam rooms were the worst. Situated on three floors of the South-East Wing on the East Front, there were holes the size of footballs in the roof above and gutters and drains were blocked. Rain poured in by the bucketload, roof timbers had rotted and ceilings and plasterwork were being destroyed.

Bedlam’s roof, along with those of the mansion’s chapel and riding school, was one of the first to be tackled when £7.5m of Capital Works/emergency repairs began in late 2018, using grant funding awarded in the Chancellor’s Autumn 2016 Statement and managed by Historic England.

After 15 months of work and a lengthy drying out period, the Trust can now explore its aim of turning Bedlam into commercial property rental space.

The Trust hopes to see a wide range of businesses sharing its address - from national companies looking for a prestigious setting for their HQ, to specialists in heritage construction and the digital and creative industries.

“Our priority is to use the spaces we have at Wentworth Woodhouse to generate healthy income for our ongoing restoration tasks and to boost the local economy,” said the Trust’s CEO Sarah McLeod.

“When we launched our master plan in 2018, Bedlam was designated for commercial office lets. It is in a prime position, right alongside the state rooms on our famed East Front and this stunning and impressive location has easy access to the M1, M18 and A1 motorways."

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Bedlam was originally the nickname of the Bethlem Hospital asylum in London.

“The fact that the name was adopted at Wentworth Woodhouse gives an insight into the high jinks which happened in that wing,”commented WWPT historian David Allott.

“In Georgian and Victorian times young gentlemen of the house slept there, as did visiting bachelor guests and their male servants. The rooms would have been well-furnished, comfortable - and a safe distance from those occupied by single women.”

The men-only domain switched to women-only when the rooms became the dormitories of the Lady Mabel College of Physical Education from 1950 to 1977.

It could be three or four years before Bedlam’s next occupants arrive, though. Permission for change of use from residential to commercial would need to be granted by Rotherham Council and extensivel repairs and refurbishment are needed.

Feasibility studies have started, thanks to £10,585 of funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund and £12,500 from the Pilgrim Trust. The lengthy study will test the current market for office lets and examine refurbishment costs.

Consultants from the Leeds office of UK-wide surveyors/property agents Carter Jonas have been appointed to carry out a market appraisal.

Bruce Allan MRICS, head of commercial valuations at Carter Jonas, said: “We are delighted to be instructed to provide appraisals on the viability of this project. We have a previous relationship with this magnificent house, and we hope the re-purposing of elements will assist in securing its financial future.”

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Rotherham mainline remains amongst South Yorkshire's rail investment priorities

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has reiterated its rail investment priorities so that it can continue to make the case for the important rail improvements that the region needs.

It includes a potential new station on the mainline in Rotherham.

The MCA has agreed its priorities following the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan for the Midlands and the North (IRP) which was published by the Government 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 Government, through recent iterations, has given various commitments, and trackbacks, around NPR.

Ahead of the Autumn Statement, Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire, said: "The Government has announced Northern Powerhouse Rail 61 times now and we need to break out of this cycle of announcement, delay, and then cancellation of schemes which does nobody any good across the North and should not be allowed to continue.

"I can't say that I'm optimistic about the announcements that I'm going to see on Thursday but I hope that it does contain commitments to capital projects, particularly those related to public transport and trains in particular.

"The picture when it comes to rail transport across the North has been woeful recently, if not before, and it does need to change. This sort of long term ambition for our region is exactly the right place to be."

SYMCA's priorities are based around:

- Getting current commitments delivered (eg. the electrification of the Midland Mainline to Sheffield by 2030)
- Improving South Yorkshire’s strategic connections (eg. improving the links to Leeds and Manchester)
- Supporting the role of rail in accessing South Yorkshire’s planned growth hubs (eg. new stations)

Rotherham mainline comes under strategic connections and links to SYMCA's priority of improving the Sheffield to Leeds route with the "further electrification and infrastructure enhancements to improve connectivity on the key north-south route via the Dearne Valley, including extending electrification to South Kirby Junction (ECML) and unlocking new station proposals for Rotherham Mainline and Dearne Valley Parkway."

SYMCA and Rotherham Council have been developing a scheme to return mainline train services to the borough for the first time since the 1980s. A site at Parkgate is the frontrunner for a regeneration project described by experts as "a relatively straightforward scheme for delivery within three to four years."

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£10m in funding has been secured for land assembly and a lead consultant has been procured to produce a masterplan study for the station area but delivery has not been helped by a Government decision to not allow SYMCA to use the full £8m requested from its City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) for the project. Instead, the SYMCA is being allowed to only spend up to £1m from the pot between now and 2027 to "develop the Outline Business Case (OBC) for an integrated mainline and tram-train station"

Regarding the funding, Andrew Moss, Interim Head of Transport Infrastructure at Rotherham Council, said: "Developing a transport scheme is both akin to a snail race and the rabbit and tortoise fable, you never know who is going to be the winner until the end. A business case for a rail station can take 5 - 10 years, I'm not suggesting that Rotherham Mainline will take that long but we've backing that proposal as an authority for some years now.

"We've been awarded some funding for the business case from the CRSTS programme so that's got programme entry status with government. Government has accepted that this scheme is one that it sees the benefit of seeing it completed, but nobody knows until we've done the site investigations, the ground surveys, the scheme designs, the land assembly, and all the other project features that go along with building railway stations - we've got to work with Network Rail and plan service patterns and energy supply for the tram system. There's a lot of engineering challenges within such a scheme. Sometimes we can get part way down that road, or track, and find that there is an unsurmountable blockage and we have to stop the scheme. It's certainly not the case that we are anywhere near that point.

"Government has definitely supported us and granted us funding. The only thing that has changed is that our desire as an authority was very ambitious - we wanted a sum of money to do the business case and deliver the scheme in short order because we'd like it as soon as possible. Government has said that: "we think it could take longer to evaluate all those things so you can have some of the money - about a million pounds - develop the business case, come back to us, let's talk and let's see how we can go." We are still optimistic that we will have a sound business case in about a year's time and the follow-on funding will be granted."

Also included in South Yorkshire's rail investment priorities is a new station at Waverley in Rotherham.

Work has been underway for a number of years through the Restoring Your Railway "Ideas Fund" for a new railway station on the Sheffield to Lincoln line at Waverley serving the new community and the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). A £1m contribution from the CRSTS has been allocated for business case development work up to 2026.

Images: Transport for the North

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News: Sustainability and social enterprise in the spotlight at conference

Entrepreneurs that are helping to make our society and environment better places to live are gathering in Sheffield this week to discuss a sustainable future.

Social Enterprise Exchange Conference 2022 on November 17 is set to cover a host of topics ranging from the cost of living crisis to environmental concerns.

Working throughout South Yorkshire and the Sheffield City Region, Social Enterprise Exchange promotes social entrepreneurship and provides support for start-up and established social enterprises through grants, mentoring and specialist advice.

Project partners are hosting the in-person event to mark Social Enterprise Day.

Free to attend, the event takes place at The Circle, in Sheffield city centre, from 9:30am - 3pm. Bookings are open now and can be made online via the Social Enterprise Exchange website.

Social Enterprise Exchange is managed by a consortium of partners, Barnsley CVS, CM Solutions, Cultural Industries Quarter Agency, Sheffield Live! Sheffield Social Enterprise Network and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

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The conference will include speeches, panel discussions, in-depth workshops and plenty of opportunities for networking. Lunch is being supplied by Blend Kitchen, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Sheffield.

The event’s keynote speaker is Sonia Gayle, a commissioner on the Sheffield Race Equality Commission. Sonia’s previous roles include financial services director (HSBC, Barclays) and an ex-UK regulator. Sonia also volunteers for the British Red Cross and is a member of the Sheffield NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust.

Expert panellists and workshops will focus on topics key to sustainability and social enterprise, from people, profit and the planet, to culture and community spaces, education and housing.

Steve Buckley, project director at Social Enterprise Exchange, said: “Our 2022 conference is timely in the face of multiple challenges – political, economic, social and environmental. It is open to all involved or interested in social enterprise and will give attendees the chance to connect with others to build a sustainable future.

“Social Enterprise Exchange partners have worked with over 1000 social entrepreneurs and social enterprises over the last five years. Our region’s social enterprises are playing a vital role in supporting people and communities with services ranging from health and social care, to food, transport and environment.”

Social Enterprise Exchange is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020 and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Social Enterprise Exchange website

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News: Liberty make major step in refinancing

Liberty Steel Group has signed a term sheet subject to contract on an agreement in principle for a debt restructuring linked to its principal lender, Greensill Capital.

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

With the collapse of Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks, Liberty put in place a specialist committe to accelerate a restructuring and refinancing project which saw investment and focus on the electric arc furnace at Aldwarke in Rotherham.

In June, courts ruled that financial firms Citibank and Credit Suisse could continue with their winding up petition against the speciality steels division of Liberty Steel. Issued to the courts by those seeking to recover money that they are owed, the move came ater HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issued a petition to have the speciality steel company wound up but following positive discussions, the petitions were withdrawn.

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The latest agreement is for a debt restructuring with parties responsible for the main creditors of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited, Greensill Bank AG and Credit Suisse Asset Management (Switzerland) Limited, a major step in the Group’s refinancing.

Liberty and Greensill Bank as main creditors are in the process of negotiating a similar term sheet for the debt restructuring of Liberty’s European steel businesses.

Court documents showed that just the Rotherham-based speciality steels division, with its forecast turnover for the year to March 2021 of £267m, owed Citibank and Credit Suisse £46.8m. Other parts of the alliance owed £19.9m and $131m.

In a statement, Liberty said: "The agreement remains subject to documentation and the respective internal approvals. All parties will now work to prepare and execute the agreement, providing Liberty with the platform to develop longer term sustainable financing. Under the agreement, the parties have adjourned the winding up petitions against Liberty entities.

"The agreement will allow Liberty to further advance its GREENSTEEL strategy and industry leading ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030."

Jeffrey Kabel, Chief Transformation Officer at Liberty Steel Group, said: “After several months of negotiations, we have now reached an agreement in principle that will provide recovery for the creditors and will significantly deleverage and derisk Liberty. This is a major step forward in our restructuring and transformation and we will now work at pace with the creditors to prepare and execute the agreement.”

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty

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News: American multinational chain eyes Rotherham for new location

A growing restaurant chain is hoping to open in Rotherham at the start of next year when locals will be able to experience "Famous Louisiana Chicken."

Popeyes UK is building its presence across the UK, with sites due to launch in early 2023 in Rotherham, Cardiff and Glasgow. Elsewhere, the brand is gearing up to open Reading and Croydon, as well as Cambridge, following the runaway success of its Oxford restaurant.

The record-breaking Oxford opening day saw hungry customers forming a queue around the block from 5am, and people arriving at the restaurant to join it straight from their nights out.

Popeyes UK’s first foray into the Midlands in October saw similar success levels, with its Nottingham opening breaking the records that Oxford previously set and, over in Derby, customers queuing from 10:30pm the night before launch.

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders and other regional items. It now has over 3,700 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world.

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Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes UK, commented: “There is a pattern emerging now at all our openings with people queuing through the night to be the first in line on opening day. It’s fantastic to see how well we are being received right across the UK.

“As well as the new high street restaurants and delivery kitchens, we’re also very excited to announce that in 2023, we’ll be opening a raft of drive-thru locations, with the first likely to be in Rotherham at Parkgate Shopping Park. Consumer demand has been high for a drive-thru ever since we landed in the UK, so it feels like a real milestone for us.

“We’ve carefully planned our site acquisition strategy in line with where we’re seeing most demand from our customers, and it’s great to see it coming to life. We’re working at pace currently on opening our Liverpool, Brighton and Leicester branches before the end of the year – but we always have one eye on the future and are looking forward to continuing sharing our expansion plans.”

In 2021, Popeyes announced its plans to open 350 restaurants in the UK over the next ten years. Overall, Popeyes UK is expected to open 20 restaurants in 2023, which brings the total number of UK restaurants to 31 by the end of 2023. The UK represents the 11th new market for Popeyes across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where the chain has already opened hundreds of new sites as part of its global expansion.

Since launching in November 2021, Popeyes UK has opened seven restaurants across the breadth of the country and four delivery kitchens in Greater London. It recently announced that it is due to open a further six, and is expected to have created a further 1,000 careers in the hospitality and construction sectors before the end of 2022.

In 2017, Restaurant Brands International (RBI) announced a deal to buy Popeyes for US$1.8 billion. RBI is a Canadian-American multinational fast food holding company which has other subsidiary brands including Burger King and Tim Horton's. Ring International Holding AG (RIH) acquired the master franchise rights for Popeyes United Kingdom last year.

Popeyes UK website

Images: Popeyes

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