News: Further funding to finish Rotherham travel scheme following council u-turn

Funding looks set to be approved to complete a £9.74m active travel scheme in Rotherham. Changes are planned after initial designs to reduce traffic on Westgate "received significant local opposition."

Rothbiz has reported that a Rotherham Council scheme to connect the cycle route created through Templeborough to the town centre along Sheffield Road and Westgate was under review.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is now being asked to sign off on a £8.6m grant to complete the scheme where costs have risen by 10%.

Using money from part of the Transforming Cities Fund, the first phase of the Rotherham to Tinsley scheme added cycle tracks along the A6178 between the borough boundary and the roundabout with Bessemer Way. Phase two will continue the cycle tracks to Centenary Way underpass.

Phase 3 is around "improved conditions for walking and cycling between Centenary Way and the town centre and will support wider town centre regeneration."

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Meeting papers show that the consulted design to implement measures to reduce traffic on Westgate "received significant local opposition, particularly from businesses. This option was also based on pre-covid traffic counts and following consultation with Active Travel England it was agreed traffic reduction measures were unnecessary given the current traffic levels.

"Public consultation did not demonstrate support for the project with the majority of respondents expressing disapproval. Opposition to these elements mostly came from local businesses. However, it is highlighted that the contentious areas (reduced car capacity at Bradmarsh Way and traffic reduction measures around Westgate) are not included in the proposed scheme which was revised to take into account public feedback. Subsequent engagement on the scheme with these revisions indicated that this has addressed the material concerns of local businesses.

"The promoter has also noted that negative feedback from the public was often associated with a lack of support for active travel schemes generally rather than this scheme specifically."

The issue was discussed at a recent Rotherham Council meeting where Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Cllr. Dominic Beck, explained that the Council did hear loud and clear the responses to the consultation and what had been said, adding that: "The new proposed scheme would be drastically different from that proposed in 2022. All of the banned turns that were proposed as part of the scheme would be scrapped and there were plans to enhance the parking offer for businesses on Westgate and their customers.

"I believe the new scheme will be a positive thing as there will be much more parking for customers of the businesses to use and there would be hundreds more people living in the area due to the Council funded housing developments. This has to be balanced against the need for the Council to create safe spaces for cyclists and pedestrians to access the town centre and it is believed that the new plans, once brought forward, would do those things."

Esh Construction has been chosen to deliver the scheme and the contract has been agreed.

In addition to the active travel scheme, £7.5m has been earmarked from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) for Ickles Roundabout where new junctions are proposed with bus priority and improved pedestrian and cycle crossings. The aim is to deliver "bus passenger journey time savings, improved bus journey reliability, better walking & cycling journey ambiance and mode shift."

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: New housing options adding to the mix at Waverley

New Private Rented Sector (PRS) homes are being added to the mix at the Waverley development in Rotherham. At the same time, a partnership between five leading housing providers has submitted plans for its first development on the former Orgreave opencast site.

Over the next four months, Sky-House Co will be offering 22 properties for rent as part of the second phase of its Waverley development.

The Sheffield company has recently submitted plans for its latest scheme that will comprise a mixture of two to four-bedroom houses and apartments designed by CODA Architecture. Close to the Olive Lane part of the site, the units will again be a re-imagining of Victorian terraced homes for modern day living, providing well-designed energy-efficient homes with roof gardens, all of which will have a rating of EPC B+ or above and EV charging points.

106 properties are planned for land off Mitchell Way.

A major move by Sky-House Co into the growing PRS for families market comes as part of the company’s funding partnership with St Bride’s White Rose Residential Partnership, which is seeking to make both a social and economic impact within the South Yorkshire region.

David Cross, co founder and director at Sky-House Co, said: "Our aim is to be very much recognised as a PRS house builder alongside our already extremely successful private sales market.

“Although the PRS sector might be most firmly identified with the apartment market in many people’s minds, the reality is that there is a massive demand for family homes too, especially as people who are being squeezed by the cost of living crisis find it hard to become established on the property ladder.

“These new Sky-House properties aim to meet that demand and will give renters the assurance of the highest quality at every level of construction as well as the comfort of knowing they are renting a home that exceeds all the demands of the contemporary eco-friendly family.

“We are launching at Waverley but will be offering a selection of properties for rent at our Oughtibridge Mill site too.”

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Also in the Olive Lane area, Forge New Homes has submitted plans for a 32 home development.

The Sheffield company is a partnership between five leading housing providers – Great Places Housing Group, Yorkshire Housing, Together Housing, South Yorkshire Housing and the Guinness Partnership. Profits from private sector developments are shared by partners and reinvested in providing new affordable housing and supporting local communities.

Designed by Fuse Architects, the plans show 32 high density, two and three bed family homes again in a back-to-back style. The scheme is promoting a "green community street" through the centre of the development and so a 52 space car park is planned for the corner of the site.

The plans state: "The project brief is for the development of a high density new build residential scheme at Olive Lane, Waverley, with a different approach to the design taken by the more traditional volume housebuilders. The scheme's design will provide high quality residential accommodation with individual gardens, parking spaces with electrical charging points as well as landscaped communal areas / footways."

Sky-House Co website
Forge New Homes website

Images: Sky House / CODA

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News: Parkgate Shopping put up for sale

Parkgate Shopping Park in Rotherham has been put up for sale by its owners. Its guide price is just half of the price paid to acquire it seven years ago.

Described as the UK’s second largest retail park, the site comprises a total of 577,837 sq ft of unrestricted retail accommodation in 45 units and occupies a site of 37.5 acres.

Back in 2015, BMO Real Estate Partners (BMO) acquired the park in a transaction worth around £175m. BMO's EMEA asset management business was acquired in 2021 and rebranded into Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

Experts in out of town retail property investments, Staunton Whiteman, has now been instructed to sell Parkgate Shopping.

The client is seeking offers in excess of £80m for the freehold interest in the property with the agents stating: "A purchase at this level will show a net initial yield of 8.50%, after allowing for purchaser’s costs of 6.8%. This equates to a capital value of just £197 per sq ft."

The site brings in some £7.267m each year which equates to £17.92 per sq ft overall.

Sale documents show that, even with the impact of COVID, Parkgate attracted 10.123 million shopper visits in In 2021 and benefits from a catchment population of 438,954 within a 20 minutes drive and captures 31.9% of all retail spend within it.

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The park is listed as being 97% let. Recent deals include Poundland expanding into the former Marks & Spencer unit, Popeyes taking over from KFC, a new letting for Wren Kitchens and the Frasers Group developing plans to take on the large vacant unit that was previously used as an outlet for JD Sports Fashion plc's outdoor brands - Millets and Blacks.

A number of current occupiers have also been able to secure "regears" to vary aspects of a lease following the COVID pandemic.

In 1987, Parkgate Retail World opened as part of the regeneration of large areas of reclaimed land formerly occupied by the Park Gate Iron and Steel Co.

The Hercules Unit Trust (HUT), which was advised by British Land and managed by Schroders, acquired Parkgate in a £260m deal from developers, the Stadium Group in 2005, representing an equivalent yield of 5.25%. As part of the same transaction, Stadium acquired Newport Retail Park from Hercules for £60m.

In 2014, British Land agreed to purchase £41m of additional units in Hercules, taking British Land's share to 54.2%, which meant that the trust would become a subsidiary of British Land.

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Staunton Whiteman

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News: Steelphalt secures funding to improve energy efficiency

Rotherham road surface specialist SteelPhalt has secured a share of more than £12m government funding to help energy-intensive industries cut their carbon emissions and energy costs.

The funding for the 22 winning projects will help businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland clean up their industrial processes and improve their energy efficiency – benefiting industries including pharmaceuticals, steel, paper, and food and drink.

This £12.4 million funding was awarded as part of the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), which has awarded grants to British projects across the country to increase the energy efficiency of their industrial processes, from car manufacturing to steel production and food processing.

SteelPhalt - part of the Harsco group of companies - has been developing and manufacturing high performance asphalt products for the UK road making industry since the 1960s. Harsco has a site at Aldwarke and Steelphalt has an extensive facility at Templeborough.

This energy intensive process of drying, heating, crushing, grinding, conveying currently utilises large volumes of natural gas, gas oil and electricity from the grid, but thanks to government funding, the company is investigating ways to capture the waste heat in the exhaust gases and transform it into electrical power, reducing the fuel demand of the road burners and supporting manufacturing in the local area.

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Graham Stuart, Minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: "Boosting the energy efficiency of industrial processes is a critical step not only in our transition to a lower-carbon economy, but also by helping businesses to cut their energy costs and protect valuable British jobs.

"That’s why the government has stepped in once again to support energy intensive industries, with a fresh funding round to unleash the next generation of green innovators who are re-shaping the way technology can reduce carbon emissions."

So far, £34.8 million of funding has been awarded through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, which was first launched in June 2020.

A Harsco Metals company spokesperson said: "Harsco has welcomed the IETF grant offer from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to continue its journey to help continue our commitment to innovation and sustainability. With this IETF feasibility funding grant, we have been able to investigate how we can recover heat from our asphalt plant to optimise our use of energy and reduce our carbon footprint."

Steelphalt website

Images: Steelphalt

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News: Council reviewing Wickersley pub and bar policy

Rotherham Council is to look again at its policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the popular Wickersley area of Rotherham.

A statement of licensing policy was approved in 2020 as the council is responsible for licensing the sale of alcohol, hot food and various events. It included a Cumulative Impact Policy which detailed that an area of Wickersley village would become a Cumulative Impact Zone.

Policies are introduced if the authority considers that the number of licensed premises within a defined area is at such a level that the granting of further licences would be inconsistent with the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The zone was introduced to combat "problems surrounding anti-social behaviour, low-level crime, public nuisance including noise and ambulance related alcohol call outs in a mainly residential area."

The policy is required to be reviewed every three years, and any review must be consulted upon, before being published alongside an appropriate evidence base.

The council has now decided to carry out a consultation process with residents, businesses, Elected Members, and statutory consultees as defined in the Licensing Act 2003.

The Council was keen to make clear that the policy does not create a ban on the grant of licenses within Wickersley but an applicant "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

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There were nineteen premises within Wickersley back in 2020. In total, sixteen premises are located along a 300 metre section of Bawtry Road. It is explained that the area does not have the required infrastructure to deal with a large and sustained night-time economy and residents have cited noise nuisance from premises as a key issue, alongside issues with street scene such as broken glass, fouling and vomiting.

Since the policy's introduction, FIKA Coffee Lounge successfully secured a licence for the sale by retail of alcohol and the playing of music on The Tanyard. In the face of objections, the applicant explained the operating model which was unlikely to cause nuisance to local residents at a coffee lounge selling breakfasts, brunch, lunches and afternoon teas. It is only intended to open in the evenings for private bookings and special events.

Over the road, The Garrison restaurant secured planning permission in 2021 to operate as a drinking establishment, despite objections.

In 2022, Rothbiz reported that operators of Seasons restaurant, who are also the owners of The Courtyard next door, wanted to vary the premises licence that currently restricts Seasons to operate solely as a restaurant, save for alcohol being served to those waiting to be seated or ancillary to a restaurant meal.

The licencing officer at Rotherham Council said that the changes would make the premises "more akin to a pub than a restaurant and would adversely affect residents within the locality due to noise and the likelihood for increased disorder following increased demand for drinks only within the premises."

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News: Engineering apprentice says a student's number one role is to ask questions

Aaron Noble always knew he wanted to go into engineering. He thought the word ‘engineer’ sounded ‘cool’ but he also knew he wanted to continue with some form of education.

In the end, an apprenticeship appealed to Aaron because, for him, it was the best way to study and gain practical experience.

“I’ve realised how important it is in the industry to get that experience as well as backing it up with a qualification,” said Aaron, who works as an engineering technician apprentice at Rotherham-based Element Materials Technology, a global provider of testing, inspection, and certification services. He also serves as a Siddall STEM Champion with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre.

Siddall STEM Champions are named after and championed by Graham and Brenda Siddall. Graham is a retired Silicon Valley CEO who grew up in Attercliffe in the 1950s, whose life was changed by an apprenticeship. Graham has thrown his full support behind the AMRC Training Centre, promoting STEM and engineering apprenticeships to the local communities through Siddall STEM Champions.

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It was Aaron’s ‘brilliant’ GCSE engineering teacher, Samuel Booth, who introduced him to the AMRC Training Centre.

“He really inspired me to enrol. I just really enjoyed his lessons and thought, if I’m going to do something, that’s what I want to do,” said Aaron, who believes apprenticeships are good for future careers because ‘academia helps you understand your work more’.

“If you've got that educational background, you'll be able to take the work you do in the company further, and to a higher standard, a higher level of understanding.”

Aaron also acknowledges the benefits of earning money whilst gaining experience and qualifications, adding: “It’s not about the money, but it’s helpful to be able to support yourself whilst in education, and it gives you experience in looking after your money too.”

At the start of his apprenticeship with Element Materials Technology, Aaron spent time on rotation to get a feel for different departments and to find out what he wanted to do.

He said: “I’m proud of the skills I’ve developed whilst working alongside our different teams. I’m now able to work across departments flexibly and help where needed.”

On the challenges of apprenticeships, Aaron jokes that ‘getting up in the morning’ was a huge challenge as he used to a 9am-3pm school day, but he now feels adjusted to the daily routine.

For prospective apprentices, Aaron’s best advice is to be yourself and be inquisitive. He said: “Your number one role as an apprentice is to ask questions; you’re there to learn from experienced people who are eager to teach, so take advantage of that and show an interest.

“They’re not just hiring you for your skills, because you're an apprentice and you're going to learn those skills, they're hiring you because they think you’re going to work well with their team. I think if you can show the personal side of yourself during an interview process, they're going to like you more and see you fitting into that team.

“You want to put your best foot forward, but your own foot. Be the best version of yourself.”

Element Materials Testing
AMRC Training Centre

Images: AMRC

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News: Council acquires more sites for new housing in Rotherham town centre

Rotherham Council has purchased further properties and plots of land as it continues to spearhead a drive for more housing in Rotherham town centre.

A key part of the town centre masterplan places the focus on more leisure and residential uses and a diversifying of the high street from being retail focused.

Three Rotherham Council housing projects have completed recently as part of the £30m+ "Trilogy Collection" - Westgate Riverside, Wellgate Place and Millfold Rise.

Now the authority is pressing ahead for more housing on sites in the Sheffield Road and Westgate area of town.

As part of the £31.6m Town Deal programme, government funding is being used to continue the development of a Riverside Residential Quarter. Masterplanning has been undertaken for up to 279 high quality residential units, to include a mix of apartments and houses. Consultants at Turner and Townsend are working on the project.

Money was set aside for the acquisition of land owned by the private sector, the creation of a new Riverside Walk, bridge and general infrastructure around the Sheffield Road and Westgate area providing better access to enjoy the waterfront.

The authority has confirmed that it has purchased six properties and two plots of land on Westgate. An update adds: "In the long term it is the intention of the Council to redevelop the area for housing, however, in the short term some of the properties will generate income from leasing."

The purchases have not been detailed but Rotherham Council is now operating the large 200 space surface Westgate car park next to the Cutler's Arms.

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Satnam Urban Regeneration Ltd has been a significant landowner in the area but has been unable to realise development including a proposed food store on the Royal Mail site that was turned down in 2009.

Regarding the prominent sorting office site, Royal Mail has previously asked that the re-provision / relocation of its operations would be required prior to redevelopment.

Levelling Up Funding is also being added to the regeneration of the area with a new bridge over to the New York Stadium and Guest & Chrimes site.

Tim O'Connell, Head of RiDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, updated councillors at the end of 2022. He said: "The next big project is around riverside residential. Some of that is already happening. You'll have seen the developments that are taking place at Westgate Riverside and Millfold Rise, and also there's been investment from a private developer at Westgate Chambers - some really high quality apartments on the corner there.

"We are looking to build out the remainder of that site with more residential, a bigger community and connect that through pedestrian connections along a riverside walk that brings those developments, and new developments still to come that we need to work through with developers and others to bring those forward.

"We are looking to acquire large landownings on that site so they'll be in the council's ownership and the council's control in order to be able to bring that forward."

A scheme to connect the cycle route created through Templeborough to the town centre along Sheffield Road and Westgate is under review.

Phase three of the scheme went out for consultation last year and included new traffic management measures to deter people driving through the town centre.

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham ready to host biggest Get up to Speed event to date

Get up to Speed with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing), Yorkshire’s largest annual employer-inspired STEM and construction showcase for young people, is set to be the biggest to date this year, with over 4,300 visitors already booked to attend.

Taking place at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on Thursday March 29, the event gives young people the chance to see some of the UK’s most exciting STEM innovations and meet the people who design, build and operate them. Pupils can also speak to a wide variety of businesses, inventors, apprentices and education providers about future career opportunities. For the first time, the main Magna visitor attraction will also be open to visitors to explore.

Get up to Speed with STEM also gives companies taking part the opportunity to showcase their expertise, highlight career opportunities and current vacancies and meet with other businesses, whilst helping to address the skills gaps across the sectors.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation (organisers of the event) said: “This year’s event will be our 11th and largest live event to date. We have a huge variety of businesses exhibiting who will be demonstrating the wide range of jobs and careers from more traditional sectors to new advanced technologies and innovations. This event truly showcases the depth and range of exciting opportunities open to our young people.

“Exhibition space is already filling up, so we are encouraging any businesses that would like to be involved to get in touch as soon as possible, to help inspire even more young people and educate them on opportunities in STEM industries.”

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So far, sponsors of this year’s event include: Gold Sponsors; AESSEAL, CBE+, Sheffield Forgemasters, and Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. Silver Sponsors; Arm Ltd, UK Atomic Energy Authority, Institution of Engineering and Technology, Hydra Creative, Dragonfly PR and Bronze Sponsors; AMETEK Land, Forged Solutions Group Ltd, Highlander Computing Solutions, ITM Power, Wessex Archaeology, Made in Sheffield, and Stream 7.

John Barber continued: “This year there will be lots of opportunity to explore, experience and get hands on for visitors including access to the Magna main attraction. Everything from virtual reality to medical and digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and green technologies to traditional manufacturing. We even have a Spitfire alongside our Vulcan education programme in the aviation zone!”

The event will be opened by The Master Cutler, Dame Julie Kenny DBE and a business breakfast will start on the day, before the doors open to schools and young people at 9:30 am.

For eleven years, Get up to Speed, which is championed by employers and organised by The Work-wise Foundation alongside key partners in the private and public sectors, has showcased STEM career opportunities to over 30,000 young people and their families from across the South Yorkshire region and beyond.

Get up to Speed is designed for young people, their families and teachers to see some of the UK’s best innovations first-hand, hear from and talk to those involved in their success and learn about the future of the sector and its evolution through technology.

Get up to Speed website

Images: Workwise

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News: Poundland's Rotherham expansion confirmed

Poundland has confirmed that it is relocating to a larger unit in Rotherham as it announces a major expansion for 2023 where the bargain retailer is set to open and relocate 50 stores, creating up to 800 jobs.

Rothbiz reported last month that Poundland was set to take on the former Marks & Spencer unit at Parkgate to create one of the brand's largest stores.

The 32,185 sq ft unit is under offer with Poundland applying for planning permission for signage and for a licence to sell alcohol.

A recent move has seen Poundland open new "supersize" stores, often out of town, which offer a selection of everyday essentials such as groceries, drinks and snacks that shoppers love, as well as revamped health and beauty, entertainment, stationery and craft ranges, so customers can do more of their shopping in one trip.

There are also wider ranges of chilled and frozen food and PEP&CO clothing and homewares, with the larger stores providing the choice and shopping experience customers would expect from the big grocers.

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Barry Williams, said: “We know how customers appreciate the effort we’ve made in the last few years to transform our offer, offering them more of what they want to buy, week-in, week-out.

“That transformation means we have to step up our search for the best locations to bring the best of Poundland to customers across the UK and that’s precisely what we’ll do in 2023.

“We will continue to work hard to find the right locations that suit the range of Poundland formats we now offer – from small neighbourhood convenience stores to our large destination stores.”

In February and March, Poundland will will relocate stores in Newport, Llantrisant and Rotherham. The move across the popular retail park would see Poundland double increase its space from its current 9,900 sq ft unit to use 16,726 sq ft og the new unit.

A spokesperson for commercial property agents, ESH, said: "ESH are proud to have helped deliver a flurry of deals on Parkgate Shopping, Rotherham for our client Tim Cornford @ Ellandi in the last few weeks, welcoming new names over the coming months including Frasers/Flannels, Wren Kitchens, Popeyes and a relocated, upsized Poundland. This along with lease regears completed with TK Maxx, Superdrug, Matalan and Wilko."

Poundland website
Parkgate website

Images: Poundland

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News: Rotherham country park upgrade approved

A £2.5m improvement plan for Thrybergh Country Park in Rotherham has moved a step closer after plans for a new café building were approved by the council.

Securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

At Thrybergh Country Park immediate upgrades include a new café and public realm improvements. AHR Architects and ELG Planning have drawn up detailed plans for the council which involve the demolition of the existing lakeside café and the erection of a replacement café building and seating terrace. Landscaping improvements and the formalisation of the car parking arrangements are also included.

With an enlarged footprint to accommodate the increased visitor numbers the park is already seeing, the new café is set to benefit from a new welcoming entrance with views through to the waterfront. The indoor seating area will also take advantage of the views with further covered outdoor seating also proposed. Replacing an existing building that is considered to be outdated and no longer fit for purpose, the new space will be able to accommodate 80 covers inside and 40 outside.

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Design aspects include asymmetrical multi pitch roof on multiple planes with the building "sitting comfortably within the landscape" using charred timber, gabion stone cages on the walls and cedar wood shingles.

Approved without going before the planning board, planners state: "It is acknowledged that the new building has an increased footprint when compared to the existing, however it will provide the increased number of visitors that the park have been attracting with a more useable space together with toilet facilities. Whilst the park is receiving increased visitors the park will not give rise to undue disturbance, noise or significant traffic issues.

"Furthermore, the building provides staff facilities and customer toilets which are not currently provided. Therefore, it is considered that the proposed building would constitute an appropriate facility for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation."

The report adds that very special circumstances have been shown that overcome the inappropriateness of creating a new car park within the Green Belt.

Thrybergh Reservoir was initially excavated in 1880 and still occupies the land to the present date. Thrybergh Reservoir came under the management of Rotherham Council in 1980 and was then developed into a Country Park and Nature Reserve by 1983.

Images: AHR

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News: Century II Business Centre in Rotherham nears completion

Building works on Rotherham Council’s £5.4m scheme, Century II Business Centre, are heading towards completion.

The new business centre based in Manvers will be Rotherham’s fifth dedicated business hub to support and grow start-up and small businesses in the borough.

Local MP for Wentworth and Dearne, John Healey MP, and Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Sarah Allen, had the opportunity to have a look round the new centre as the project nears the final construction phase.

Century II Business Centre will offer a range of spaces for local businesses, including 20 workshops, 16 office units, and two 512 sq ft lab spaces, giving businesses flexible and modern spaces to grow.

It is due to open to its first occupants in late Spring 2023, with businesses being welcomed to attend an open day after work is completed.

John Healey MP said: “Building work is really coming on and it will be great to see local businesses moving into the centre later in April.

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“It’s on the back of the success of the original Century Business Centre, which opened over 20 years ago, that this investment is being made and it’s clear to see Rotherham Council is committed to supporting start-up and small businesses across the borough.”

Esh Construction is the appointed contractor on site building the centre. Esh’s Operations Manager, Andrew Schofield, said: “It was a pleasure to be part of this visit and showcase progress made on the scheme so far. As part of the development, we made a commitment to maximising social and economic value within the local community. To date we have delivered careers and employability workshops for young people in nearby schools and colleges, arranged site visits for college students, and facilitated apprentice training on site.”

Rotherham Council’s Cllr Sarah Allen said: “This £5.4m business centre is just one of the major investments that the council is making to help create jobs and improve our borough. Spaces such as the workshops, office units and lab spaces at Century II Business Centre offer local businesses an incredible opportunity to grow in their chosen industry. It is fantastic to see spaces like these for businesses across the Rotherham borough, creating vibrant business districts with great connectivity and travel links with nearby Barnsley, Doncaster and the wider region. Developments like this highlight and solidify the Council’s pledge to expand Rotherham’s economic opportunities, and I am excited to see what fantastic businesses bloom in years to come.”

RiDO Business Centres website

Images: RiDO

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News: Funding for fit-out at Grimm & Co

Rotherham-based charity, Grimm & Co, is in line for a funding boost for its innovative new premises that will introduce an Emporium of Stories, The Feastery, The Book Nook and Cliffhanger Castle, to Rotherham town centre.

Leading design experts at Lumsden Design have been appointed to make the imaginitive space a reality.

The charity has been running since 2014 and was founded by Deborah Bullivant, who developed the story destination and a suite of activities, built on a bedrock of action research that demonstrated real and significant positive impact on literacies for children and young people and families - especially for those communities, often left behind.

Following the purchase of a former church building on Ship Hill, Grimm & Co were looking to proceed with the renovation and refurbishment work when lockdown hit. The closure of the story centre and magical shop on Doncaster Gate, the diversion of promised funds and the enforced cancellation of fundraising events, meant that plans for the building were put on hold and all efforts concentrated on taking their creative delivery to children and young people online and directly into communities.

The charity has carried out activities at Clifton Park, Gulliver’s Valley and took space in the Old Town Hall in the town centre.

Having extended its status as a “National Portfolio Organisation” for another three years, with £247,116 per year up to 2026, a tender exercise for the internal fitout works for the new home was completed in June 2022 where costs came back significantly higher than expected.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is now looking to support the £2.9m project with a £620,000 grant.

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Papers explain: "Although the chosen contractor was the lowest priced (as well as the highest scoring tender submission) they are still over the original budget which has led to this funding request of £617k to cover the cost increases, alongside £110k provided by Key Fund.

"This scheme will provide a ‘hub’ for Grimm & Co (a registered charity) to support under-resourced children and young people aged 0 - 18 with their confidence and skills around creativity and writing. Examples of programmes planned to be delivered in the new ‘hub’ by Grimm & Co include: workshops to school children focusing on creative writing; sessions aimed at engaging teachers in professional development; production of digital resources to encourage writing; and a ‘festival of stories’. "

Contractors at TH Michaels are currently on site and Lumsden Design Ltd is set to carry out the fit-out work and the renovated church will become an Emporium of Stories and also include a story themed café called The Feastery, a book shop (The Book Nook) and an entertainment zone - Cliffhanger Castle.

As the charity put it in its annual report: "We invite you to venture into a place unlike anything you’ve seen before, with more learning spaces, more gym equipment for your imaginations, a place to fill your stomach in the Feastery, a place to fill your boots in the Apothecary, a place that is safe and welcoming to all, where children and young people can celebrate being themselves and feel empowered in their own creative abilities, oh, and there’ll also be an overgrown beanstalk too."

Lumsden designs retail for destinations – cultural, entertainment and visitor attractions worldwide, including for The British Museum and Harry Potter retail destinations such as Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

Grimm's shop in the Old Town Hall closes on Saturday February 25 with the online shop remaining available. The opening of the new premises is scheduled for June 2023.

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co / Google Maps

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News: Plans in for large unit on AMP in Rotherham

The next phase of the development on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is to be a large warehouse unit, if newly submitted plans are approved.

Work recently got underway on the latest AMP development, known as R-evolution Phase 4, and the latest plans are for another parcel of land to the south of Whittle Way and Highfield Spring.

In 2021, Harworth Group plc received outline planning permission for a further 242,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace on 18 acres of land which has previously been granted planning permission for business and industrial uses.

Drawn up by The Harris Partnership, the latest plans for the Harworth Group show one single 86,000 sq ft building for commercial use which includes a 70,000 sq ft warehouse on the ground floor.

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Designed to match the current industrial units on the site in appearance, the new building would be 18.7m high. The proposal features a number of green objectives and is targeting a BREEAM rating of very good.

94 car parking spaces are proposed and other elements are discussed in the plans, including landscaping and drainage.

The plans state: "Many world-leading manufacturing firms are already located at the AMP and this next phase of development seeks to build on this success to date to further strengthen the AMP's reputation as an advanced manufacturing, hi-tech engineering and research and development location."

In its year-end trading update, Harworth Group confirmed that it had agreed terms for a 73,000 sq. ft built-to-suit unit at the AMP to be retained in its own investment portfolio after completion.

AMP website

Images: Harworth / Harris Partnership

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News: Former ‘troublemaker’ who stumbled into apprenticeship saves company time and waste

AMRC Training Centre second-year manufacturing engineering degree apprentice Lequesha Gonsalves says she used to be a ‘troublemaker’ in secondary school but found her calling in engineering.

“My secondary school design and technology teacher had a lot of faith in me. He always made sure to remind me that I was capable of great things, even at a time when I never would have considered engineering.”

Originally looking to join the Royal Air Force or British Aerospace Engineering, Lequesha said she stumbled onto her apprenticeship by accident, after seeing Rolls-Royce come up during her application.

“It was the first time I realised they didn’t just work on cars. I was curious what other misconceptions I had,” she said.

When considering the university pathway, Lequesha’s opinion was that an apprenticeship was the better choice for her.

“I learn so much of value at work, ranging from how to conduct myself professionally, to how to program robots using drone technology. I even created a datasheet, using macros I learned in two days, to document blade parts and where they were in their process. This made sure that time was not wasted unnecessarily locating blades, and meant they were processed accordingly, to avoid losses.”

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Though happy with her choice, Lequesha does find that managing your time can be a challenge during an apprenticeship. She said: “You can’t spend hours binge watching Netflix. You have a full-time job alongside your studies, whereas your peers might only be at university and have much more free time. You can end up missing out on events.”

But, she says it is worth it.

“An apprenticeship gives you the skills and understanding on how to master a work-life balance,” she said. ” It also teaches you to communicate with a variety of people from different backgrounds, ages, and genders. That’s something you can only learn on the job, and it helps you overcome fears like presenting to large crowds.”

For Lequesha, one of the big benefits of an apprenticeship is who you are surrounded by.

“It’s easier to stay focused and motivated on your goals because you’re constantly surrounded by influential older people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself,” she said. “You might grow up a bit earlier than other peers, but you’re ready for the real world.”

The AMRC Training Centre has multimillion pound facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. Apprentices have opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses, doctorates and MBA levels. It works with global leaders such as Rolls-Royce and McClaren, to local high-tech supply-chain companies.

AMRC Training Centre website
Rolls-Royce website

Images: Rolls-Royce

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News: New tenants sought for Rotherham's boutique hotel

The owners of the George Wright Boutique Hotel in Rotherham have given an update on circumstances at the town centre venue after being left high and dry by tenants who have hit financial trouble.

Back in 2018 the Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building reopened as as boutique hotel, bar and restaurant following a £500,000 revamp led by Mark Mcgrail, owner of SME Environmental Holdings.

The former office built in a Tudor Revival style is tucked away behind the High Street on The Crofts. It was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. The site also formed lawyer's offices from 1777-1887.

An update of Facebook states: "We just wanted to make everyone aware going forward our tenants at George Wright have gone into insolvency and left us to pick up the pieces hence we have also had to set up a new page.

"We are now only currently open for drop ins until we can sort these issues out!

"We hope everyone understands and can help us in moving forward as this beautiful listed building is definitely not going to waste after all the hard work we have put in over the years!

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"If anyone has any grievances with the previous tenants (Darren Hughes & Mark Casson) please use the details to follow as they have also left us and quite a few others in a financial crisis!

"We will be temporarily open from Monday 13th 8am onwards if you want to pop in to discuss anything. Together we can make a change for the better!"

Hughes and Casson were behind the Fitzwilliam & Hughes coffee shop in the town centre which closed in the Imperial Buildings last year. The Imperial Catering Services Limited company was also operating Walsh's Irish Sports Bar on Domine Lane as well as the George Wright.

Now listed for sale or lease, the George Wright has seven en-suite rooms, a restaurant, three bar areas, and an outdoor area with retractable roof. The property is also available with a totally separate cottage, known as Badger Cottage, that sleeps four.

George Wright Boutique Hotel website

Images: George Wright Boutique Hotel

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News: Rotherham engineers on benefit of apprenticeships

This week is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2023 - the 16th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships.

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is "Skills for Life"; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.

Rotherham-based Philford Design Engineers, one of the UK's leading designers and manufacturers of bespoke materials handling, conveying & industrial equipment, is just one local company to benefit from having apprenticeships in its workforce.

Richard Durr, director of operations at Philford Design Engineers, explained: "There's a couple of reasons really, that apprenticeships are important, certainly to our business and most businesses.

"One, it gives the local area and community an opportunity for people to develop, for us to invest in that local area. Second, businesses are certainly in our sector engineering. There are some shortages of skills, and I think apprenticeships certainly do help us prepare to fill those gaps as the future progresses.

"So for us, certainly we've looked at fabrication, we've looked at welding as two separate apprenticeship programs. We've looked at design apprenticeships, so that's another design engineering apprenticeships.

"We can look at different levels in there. So you might have your level two, your level three, but then there's the higher levels, degree apprenticeships, which we're also interested in as a business.

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Lucas Baldin, is currently studying to level three standard from the AMRC Training Centre and working at Philford. He said: "This is probably the best workplace I've been to so far in regards of the variety of work.

There's custom fabrications and you've got a good background, realistically to work to, you work it to a good standard. Well, I wanted to do the one thing what my dad couldn't do when I go out and that's really how it started!

"I don't want to be a plumber or do any joinery or bricky. I wanted to choose a different path and something that will keep me on my toes all the time. I thought apprenticeships were the right route for me personally, myself, I don't want to spend a lot of time in the classroom.

"Apprenticeships, give me skills for life because it teach me all different aspects of basic writing and knowledge and stuff like that. Maths, it's all related to the workplace."

Durr added: "A real challenge for employing an apprentice is that mentoring part. So making sure within the business, our business or any business that employs an apprentice, that somebody or some persons can mentor that individual or those individuals.

"I think if you've never considered employing apprentice again, my advice would be the same. Just go and try it. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Do your research. Talk to employers who've done it and talk to the colleges that provide the apprenticeship programmes, but just give it a go.

"It works. In terms of Lucas, a level three apprentice who joined us about eight months ago, I've certainly seen a change in Lucas from being a quiet, almost introvert as an individual is totally the opposite now. He gets involved with people, with discussions. He's starting to add value to our business, which is great."

Philford Design Engineers website

Images: Philford Design Engineers / SYMCA

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News: Council leader addresses "believe it when I see it" jibes over Rotherham regeneration

The leader of Rotherham Council has addressed the all-too-common comments from constituents of "nothing ever gets better," "what a waste of money” and “it won't happen anyway” when it comes to regeneration projects in the borough, stating that things like new cinemas and theatres, "don’t just randomly drop from the sky" and have to be earned the hard way.

Cllr. Chris Read was speaking at the recent launch of the updated Rotherham Together Partnership plan at the University Centre Rotherham (UCR).

Rothbiz reported this week on Rotherham Council's new place-based investment strategy which sets out priorities for using funding across the borough up to 2025 and beyond.

The document captures already announced schemes such as the £45m leisure-led development of Forge Island, the £31m redevelopment of the markets complex, the £27m cultural quarter around Corporation Street and the £12m of investment into new housing along the riverside. Multimillion pound transport schemes are also underway at Parkgate and Magna.

Going beyond 2025, a new theatre is included in the strategy and has been given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Cllr. Read talked about the projects underway but also of the comments he receives such as "nothing ever changes" and “I’ll believe it when I see it with my own eyes.”

Read said: "For too long, that logic of “nothing ever gets better” has been too prominent in the conversations we have.

"I’ve got saved on my phone a screenshot of the comment posted on Facebook when we announced the building of this UCR [the £10.5m university centre opened on Doncaster Gate in 2018]. It simply said; “What a waste of money.” I’m guessing no one thinks that now.

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"But, why were we the last place in South Yorkshire to get an HE skills centre like this? Why will we be the last to have a cinema?

"Too often, the conversation is caught between “it won’t happen anyway” and “it should have happened already,” as if progress is made magically, without anyone ever having to take a chance, have a go, spend some money – or frankly make some mistakes.

"Progress may well just be taken for granted when it’s achieved, but it has to be earned the hard way in the first place.

"The Forge Island debate looked exactly like that: we’ve waited sixty years or more for that development. People rightly look at our neighbours and ask why we can’t have facilities like Barnsley’s Glassworks or Doncaster’s Cast. Then they’re horrified to discover that gems like those don’t just randomly drop from the sky."

Last year, Rotherham Council agreed to fund the Forge Island regeneration scheme itself when the the funding available its delivery partner, Muse, "significantly reduced" due to the volatility of the financial markets. The authority said it would save nearly £50m compared to an externally funded deal drafted in 2018. Work is underway in site with Bowmer & Kirkland bagging the £33.9m construction contract.

Images: Rotherham Labour

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News: Local apprentices take ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip to home of McLaren

Apprentices who had the rare opportunity of a visit to McLaren’s flagship technology centre described the trip as being ‘one of the coolest things they had ever seen’ and was ‘an amazing tour that money couldn’t buy.’

The group of ten were finalists in the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre’s Apprentice of the Year Awards 2021, with the delayed ceremony being held earlier this year. Part of their prize was a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to the headquarters of McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive, which was gifted to them by the awards’ headline sponsor, Stanley Black & Decker and its offshoot manufacturing company, DEWALT.

The AMRC Training Centre has multimillion pound facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Kate Todd-Davis, a manufacturing engineer for Rolls-Royce, who was crowned the overall ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the awards, said: “The McLaren Technology Centre is a very impressive, world-class manufacturing facility and it’s one of the coolest places I have ever seen.

“It was fascinating to see the evolution of Formula One (F1) cars on display and having the opportunity to go into the manufacturing areas and see the different technologies they use.”

From the outside, the Woking-based facility has a picturesque green landscape surrounding it – reminiscent of a scene taken straight from a Jane Austen novel – and from above it looks like the Chinese symbol of Yin and Yang. But it is on inside where heaven on Earth can be found for car fanatics.

As soon as you set foot through the door, visitors are greeted by a sea of colour in the shape of legendary McLaren racing cars from throughout history, alongside a showcase of McLaren sports cars through the ages.

With glass windows as far as the eye can see, the facility also houses a fully-operational manufacturing facility for all of its F1 demands, countless trophy cabinets showcasing their achievements spanning several decades, as well as its impressive sports car production centre, which is a dream sight for any serious petrolhead.

Jack Gascoigne, a project engineer at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), said the trip was brilliant. He added: “I am a big F1 fan and I’ve gone from never seeing an F1 car before, to then getting to see about 20 in one day.

“I could not stop smiling the whole time. My highlight of the tour was getting to hold Daniel Ricciardo’s steering wheel. It was a visit like no other and will be hard to top – it was an amazing once- in-a-lifetime tour that money cannot buy.”

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Connor Blades, who is a process engineer for Stanley Black & Decker, says the tour was the best experience of his life.

“It felt such a privilege to get to go and see the McLaren facility. I love F1, but even for people that don’t, you can still appreciate the centre and what’s there,” said Connor.

“It’s cool to be able to tie in a work trip around something that I enjoy as a hobby. My favourite part of the visit was when I walked into the sports car production area and saw the McLaren cars being built.

“I feel very grateful that from undertaking an apprenticeship at the AMRC Training Centre, it has allowed me the chance to access such a place.”

Anne Griggs, head of business development and contracts at the AMRC Training Centre, said it was great to see the apprentices receive such a fantastic opportunity. “We are so thrilled that our apprentices were given such an amazing prize to visit McLaren’s HQ,” she added.

“Our apprentices work very hard, so it’s good to see that their efforts are rewarded and are given the chance to visit such industry-forward facilities.”

AMRC Training Centre website

Images: AMRC Training Centre

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News: Further units planned for Rotherham industrial area, including new Starbucks

Another scheme is coming forward for commercial units and a new drive thru at Templeborough - right next door to a similar proposed redevelopment.

Rothbiz reported in December that Euro Garages Limited was looking to create new food outlets and drive thru for an empty Rotherham car showroom at the Ickles roundabout.

Now local development firm, Primesite, has submitted a planning application for building on the adjacent vacant parcel of land between Riverside Way and the River Don.

Sheffield-based Primesite, which created the nearby commercial development at Fullerton Court, has set out plans for commercial space of around 8,000 sq ft and a drive thru / cafe building of 1,800 sq ft adjacent to the roundabout on Sheffield Road.

Plans show that the drive thru / cafe would be occupied by American coffee company and coffeehouse chain, Starbucks.

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The application, drawn up by consultants at Nineteen47 and Five Seventy Three, state: "The proposal comprises of a two storey height building containing a storage or light industrial usage, and a drive through Starbucks in the southern portion of the site.

"Forty car parking spaces will be provided, including four accessible spaces and electric vehicle charging facilities. There will be a single storey external store adjacent to the drive through facility.

"The proposal will contribute positively to the surrounding area and offer new business and employment opportunities to further enhance the regeneration of this area."

If approved, the development would create 20 jobs.

A Flood Risk Assessment is included which shows that the site is within Flood Zone 2 (medium risk of flooding), benefitting from defences and the implementation of the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme (RRFAS) and the raised flood defences present on the banks of the River Don adjacent to the site.

Rotherham Council has been developing plans for the Templeborough area, with around £6.5m from the Town Deal set to be used to create a new "heart" of the business zone by "bringing forward underutilised sites and creating new opportunities for businesses within accessible and pleasant public realm."

Primesite website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Xeros-equipped washing machines in stores in India

Xeros Technology Group plc, the creator of technologies that reduce the impact of clothing on the planet, continues to work with IFB, India's largest domestic and commercial washing machine manufacturer.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that has moved to "IP-rich, capital-light" business model with water saving and filtration technologies with multiple commercial applications.

IFB, which has been innovating washing machines for over 30 years and is a household name in India with over 6 million customers, has confirmed that it is placing its new premium 11kg domestic washing machines, designed for large households and incorporating Xeros' Care technology, in its Indian retail stores.

The market launch complements the field trials of a new 9kg domestic washing machine, designed for mass market adoption. IFB is expected to install trial machines in Indian homes early in the new year. Subject to these field trials being successful, IFB will then proceed with a nationwide launch in Q1 2023.

Xeros' "XOrbs" last for many hundreds of washes before needing to be replaced and recycled. The beads gently remove unwanted molecules and contaminants from materials allowing washing machines to work more efficiently while using just a fraction of the water traditionally needed.

The unique technology delivers superior wash performance when compared to conventional wash programs and is capable of achieving this while still reducing energy and detergent consumption by 50%, and water consumption by 70%.

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Water scarcity affects millions of people in India every year. If a million customers start washing with XOrbs they could save over 4 billion litres of water every year, enough to meet the basic needs for water and sanitation for over 200,000 people for a whole year.

In the Commercial Laundry market, IFB has commenced trials of a 90kg washing machine in Bangalore for Indian Railways. The machine has already been placed at the Railway Boot Laundry in Bangalore to trial the washing of linens used on sleeper trains across India. Indian Railways is one of the largest organisations in India and is an established customer of IFB. This trial follows another successful contract win for Xeros with Georges SAS, the Company's French commercial laundry partner, placing further IFB commercial machines with SNCF, the French national rail operator.

Neil Austin, Chief Executive Officer of Xeros said: "We continue to work in partnership with IFB and the ... launch of the 11kg machine will enable consumers to use our proprietary technology in their home for the first time. This is an exciting milestone for Xeros as we continue to accelerate new licence agreements.

"Xeros is also confident of future developments in the rail sector, both in India and France as our technology is more widely used in commercial machines."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

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News: Rotherham's new investment strategy includes £28m theatre ambition

Rotherham Council has published a new place-based investment strategy setting out priorities for using funding across the borough up to 2025 and beyond.

It includes things like a new £28m theatre and the expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District (AMID).

Replacing the Economic Growth Plan, the strategy takes a place-based approach, responding to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and the devolved "South Yorkshire Renewal Fund" which is set to fund projects across the region.

Looking beyond buildings and infrastructure to the needs and assets of its community, the strategic objectives include supporting and diversifying Rotherham’s town centre offer to increase footfall and create a resilient and economically secure place. Other objectives focus on manufacturing, culture, housing, transport, skills and inclusive growth.

Capturing already announced schemes, projects for the town centre from now until 2025 include the £45m leisure-led development of Forge Island, the £31m redevelopment of the markets complex, the £27m cultural quarter around Corporation Street and the £12m of investment into new housing along the riverside.

Cultural projects include the £2.9m expansion for literacy charity, Grimm & Co, and a £9m new library to go alongside the new markets.

Going beyond 2025, a new theatre is included in the strategy and has been given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Rothbiz revealed that the authority had applied to knock down the former Wilkinson's Store on Corporation Street and that the site had been earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

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To develop the economy further, the strategy looks at expanding the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District (AMID) which has developed around the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and is occupied by highend industrial operators such as Boeing and McClaren.

A Land Supply review carried out by Aspinall Verdi consultants in 2022 identifies a geographic cluster for expansion at Templeborough and the opportunity for growth presented by the arrival of a new Mainline Rail Station "must be capitalised upon and the creation of a new industrial growth zone spanning a corridor between Eastwood and Aldwarke must be investigated and maximised."

The document states: "After years of under investment and declining economy the Council’s ambition and drive is now reaping success, the Council has been recognised as the Most Improved in 2022 and alongside its partners has successfully secured over £120m of investment in the Borough’s economy, people and infrastructure.

"However this investment arrives during difficult and changing times, rising costs and a reducing workforce impacts on business sustainability, the ability to deliver capital projects and surety over long-term economic future. The scale of Rotherham’s ambition in the context of current market conditions leads to an approach to investment which will bring focus to delivering current objectives. New investment will complement existing investment, retaining focus on priorities and delivering on promises. Rotherham’s place-based investment strategy will therefore be time bound and this first iteration focusses on investment to 2025.

"At the same time the Council and its partners remain ambitious and continue to plan for sustainable and continued growth, planning for 2025 and beyond and moving to public/private partnership approaches which will see less reliance on public sector interventions."

The strategy is due to go before the Council's cabinet later this month.

Images: RMBC

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News: New grant designed to attract tech businesses

A new grant has been launched designed to attract tech businesses to South Yorkshire, generating more digital jobs and boosting the local economy.

The Tech Welcome Grant, funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), will provide grants of between £5k to £10k to businesses new to South Yorkshire and start-ups from outside the area to relocate here and create jobs in the region.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Thanks to our entrepreneurs, world-class research universities and talent pool, South Yorkshire is not just attracting, but creating high-quality tech companies and high-value jobs. Innovation is part of South Yorkshire's DNA, and we are going to make sure our region flourishes by working closely with stars of the sector to create an action plan for tech growth in our region. Digital and tech are the lifeblood of our economy; increasingly, every barrier is a digital or technology barrier, so it’s a vital sector for the whole of South Yorkshire.

The grant was announced at a tech summit held at the end of 2022 which was a chance for businesses that work in the tech sector to network and showcase their expertise, build local, national and international relationships and share knowledge. The summit focused on the actions needed to ensure the right support, talent, finance, workspaces and culture are in place to help entrepreneurs and innovators from all backgrounds to achieve success.

Coppard added: “The ecosystem we are building here, and the assets we already have in South Yorkshire, will mean those businesses and people who do relocate will thrive here – creating more value for them, the region, and the UK.”

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The Tech Summit, which was attended by 188 digital & technology sector specialists and held at Cineworld in Barnsley, was a chance for businesses that work in the tech sector to network and showcase their expertise, build local, national and international relationships and share knowledge. The summit focused on the actions needed to ensure the right support, talent, finance, workspaces and culture are in place to help entrepreneurs and innovators from all backgrounds to achieve success.

Gary Stewart, Managing Director of Techstars NYC powered by J.P. Morgan who has spent the past 15 years investing in global start-ups, was keynote speaker at the event. He explains: “What I’ve learned over the years is that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Entrepreneurs are the wealth creators and we need new start-ups to create wealth. Start-ups fail when companies run out of money and the US has a large proportion of Venture Capitalists willing to invest in early stage companies. Tech start ups therefore need to build bridges to places like London and the US, as the money is concentrated in a few global clusters.”

Gary also gave his top tips from his many years of working with Tech start-ups. This included advising that small markets can offer big opportunities, where a company can gain a niche over competitors. He discussed how important it is to get corporate companies involved as they offer big funding opportunities. He also recommended that start-ups should celebrate small wins and encouraged them to build a positive narrative around what they were doing through the press and social media.

Tracey Johnson, Digital Economy Lead in Barnsley presented on why South Yorkshire is a great place to locate a Tech business, with a rapidly developing eco system and why creating the right spaces for businesses to flourish is so important.

Tracey Johnson, Digital Economy Lead in Barnsley said: “The Summit was a huge success and celebrated what has been achieved so far by Tech businesses in South Yorkshire. The focus was on how we can build on this and move forward with the momentum we have built up. There are some exciting things happening in South Yorkshire and UK and global businesses are no longer asking, why should we move to South Yorkshire, but why not?”

The half day summit also featured discussions involving some of the region’s leading Tech entrepreneurs and support organisations, discussing subjects such as building regional ecosystems and why changing the face of Tech matters. Dr Sam Chapman, CEO of The Floow, discussed how Sheffield is ‘engine room’ of the business, as the company has ambitions to be truly global.

Delegates also heard from Darren Balcombe, Deputy CEO of TEAM SY, who discussed the impact that TEAM SY is already having in South Yorkshire and how the Tech Welcome Grant is set to boost the region’s popularity for all things Tech on a national and international basis.

South Yorkshire Growth Hub website

Images: Barnsley DMC

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News: Council's pocket park plan scaled back

A plan for a pocket park in Rotherham town centre has been scaled back as the council wrestles with delays and rising costs.

The authority is no longer working with a contractor for Snail Yard and aims to bring the work in-house to get it completed.

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

Demolition work took place and the authority had set out to complete a pocket park by September 2021 before targeting the Women's Euros in July 2022.

The site remains unfinished and now an updated planning application shows that the pocket park plans have been ammended.

Previously approved plans were for the temporary use of the site for public space including the siting of three food & beverage pods and associated landscaping.

New plans show that the scaffolding wall design element to create a central focal point on the adjacent building has been removed as "this is no longer required following a change to the design."

The boundary has also been brought forward removing the stairs from the design. The plans add: "The stairs are no longer required; site has been made smaller to ensure funding can cover the cost of the development."

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Tim O'Connell, Head of RiDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, discussed the delays at Snail Yard with councillors at the end of 2022. He said: "It has not happened anywhere near the speed that we wanted this to happen. It has been acquired and demolished but it hasn't been developed out as the pocket park that we wanted to do. We want to address that as quick as we possibly can.

"There have been challenges with the contracter that was appointed. A private sector contractor has had challenges around resources - it hasn't been able to allocate resources for what we needed to do in the timescales there. We haved moved away from that approach now and moving it in-house so we can deliver that scheme. We are looking to bring that forward as quick as we possibly can but we recognise that it has taken far longer than we wanted that scheme to happen."

Simon Moss, assistant director for planning, regeneration and transportation at Rotherham Council, added: "Obviously we have had some challenges over the last few years like everyone else, and some of that in terms of the construction market has flowed through to Snail Yard. We had some challenges with the contractor - it is difficult to get contractors to do relatively small schemes."

Galliford Try Infrastructure was appointed as contractor for the £400,000 landscaping works in February 2022 and funding was secured via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Longer term plans for the site include a residential led redevelopment that may incorporate the landscape scheme or part of it.

Images: RMBC

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