News: Demolition begins on former Wilkos site in Rotherham town centre

Demolition work on the former Wilkos building on Corporation Street is under way as the regeneration of Rotherham town centre continues.

As reported by Rothbiz, the Council acquired the building at 4 Corporation Street in January 2023 to prevent it from becoming a long-term empty building, after high street household, DIY and homewares chain, Wilkos, closed the store after 127 years in the town centre.

The authority said that the site will be utilised to enhance the Town Centre Masterplan, and over the next 18 months will be part of the Forge Island site compound.

A planning application for demolition showed that the site was earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

The 20,423 sq ft property was vacated by the value general merchandise retailer at the start of 2022. It sits alongside the former Riverside Precinct and Chantry Buildings - again acquired and demolished by the council as part of regerenation works - and the former Mecca Bingo, another authority acquisition "that will contribute to the further regeneration of the Leisure & Cultural Quarter."

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A new theatre is included in a new place-based investment strategy outlined by the council and has been given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed to do the demolition work as they are the main contrator on the Forge Island scheme.

Heavy plant machinery is currently in operation on the back of the building and will continue to demolish the rest of the structure in sections over the next six weeks.

After being removed, the materials will be recycled and reused in other projects across the UK.

Prior to the demolition starting, the building was stripped inside to ensure that all asbestos was removed.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Economy said: “With the crane now towering over the ongoing works on Forge Island and more town centre homes becoming occupied, we’re making progress on our plans to regenerate Rotherham town centre. The closure of Wilko’s after such a long time was clearly a loss but sadly this is a pattern seen in other town centres across the country. So rather than leave the building empty we want to use the space to help facilitate the wider Forge Island development over the coming months.”

Images: RMBC

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News: AESSEAL sponsors Get Up To Speed with STEM for sixth year

AESSEAL attended the recent Get Up To Speed with STEM event as Gold headline sponsors for the sixth year running.

Led by The Work-wise Foundation, Get Up To Speed aims to showcase the world of work to young people and offer the opportunity for businesses to engage with the next generation and with each other. On Wednesday 29th March, students from across South Yorkshire gathered at the event at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham.

At the Business Breakfast, attended by special guest Dame Julie Kenny DBE, DL, businesses joined together to discuss their journeys and strategies in meeting the dual challenges of growth and becoming a sustainable business, and how skills are at the heart of this.

Keynote speakers included Richard Sulley - Net Zero Project Director, and Tom Rumboll from SYNETIQ Ltd. A panel discussion included contributions from Ava Jones (Head of Marketing, AESSEAL), Marie Cooper (CEO, CBE+), Ian Nicholls (Group Technical Director, Sheffield Forgemasters), Richard Sulley, and Tom Rumboll.

AESSEAL also held a mechanical seal workshop, where students were able to build their own mechanical seals and learn about the components within a seal.

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Past and present apprentices, including Junior Content Creator Jessica Copeland, spoke at the event to share their journey through the business.

Jessica said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at this year’s Get Up To Speed with STEM event, I had the opportunity to speak about my apprenticeship experience with AESSEAL® and talk to businesses developing post GCSE options. I would love to be involved again with GUTS in the future."

AESSEAL is the largest part of the AES Engineering Ltd group, which operates in over 100 countries. The British-owned group manufactures its core products in Rotherham, which are used by major industry globally to prevent the leakage of liquids and gases into the environment, thereby preventing environmental damage as well as avoiding a health and safety risk.

The Department of Education ranked AESSEAL among the UK’s top 100 best apprentice employers for 2022 for their vital work boosting career opportunities for more people.

The company is hosting a factory tour for potential apprentices at its global headquarters in Rotherham on May 3 at 4pm.

AESSEAL website

Images: AESSEAL

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News: Rotherham Council set to spend another £1m on town centre property

Rotherham Council's cabinet has given the go ahead for the authority to make further "strategic acquisitions" in Rotherham town centre using £1m of its own money.

The regeneration programme is now well underway using central government and Council funding and the council has already agreed that to facilitate the continued development of regeneration the town centre it is necessary to bring privately owned land into public sector ownership.

A further £1m for Strategic Land Assembly was approved in the Council's recent budget for 2022/23. This builds on acquisitions made through the Levelling Up, Town Deal and the Council’s 2021/22 capital allocation of the £1m Strategic Acquisition Fund.

As reported by Rothbiz, previous acquisitions include properties and plots of land for more housing on sites in the Sheffield Road and Westgate area of town and the former bingo hall and retail unit vacated by Wilko's to extend the Leisure & Cultural Quarter onto Corporation Street alongside the new Forge Island development nearby.

£70m is being used from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities through the Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund. This comes in addition to the £12.6m from the Future High Streets Fund.

The council's cabinet has approved the public sector intervention to acquire land and property owned by the private sector by delegating powers necessary to negotiate and acquire key strategic sites.

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The extra £1m provided by the Council, as opposed to a central funding body, gives additional flexibility and "allows the Council to move at pace when the opportunity to acquire is presented. This will allow the Council to continue to react to acquisition and development opportunities swiftly and positively as and when they may arise and to support regeneration, housing and economic recovery."

A report adds: "The Town Centre is currently home to a number of vacant, abandoned and derelict buildings and acquisition and public sector control of privately owned properties is a route to deliver on the Town Centre Masterplan ambitions."

Another property has been identified to aid the continued diversification and regeneration of the town centre, but details have not been disclosed due to commercial issues.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, explained: "In terms of the transparency, Cabinet gives permission, in effect, for money to be spent om particular land or buildings. The specifics of those has to be kept private for commercially sensative reasons. In layman's terms, if somebody knows that we are trying to buy something from them, the price immediately goes up."

Should acquisition of this property be unsuccessful or its acquisition leaves a surplus budget, properties previously identified will be considered for acquisition.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that the council had issued the legal documents for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to finally deal with two large burnt out buildings on Corporation Street. A decision has also recently been published regarding the acquisition of property at Westgate / Sheffield Road showing that an agreement had been reached with the private sector owner of the relevant land, and that the delegation seeks to finalise the necessary transactions.

Images: Google Maps

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News: AMRC spin-out raises £2.2m for machine tool AI

Productive Machines, a Rotherham-based artificial intelligence (AI) startup from The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), has raised £2.2m in Seed funding to make its advanced machine tool process optimisation technology available to a far wider range of manufacturers worldwide.

Based within the Advanced Manufacturing Park's (AMP's) Technology Centre, Productive Machines uses a software simulation process called digital twinning to accelerate milling process design, reduce cycle time, eliminate quality problems and maximize productivity. Creating virtual replicas helps companies machine parts right the first time.

The funding will enable Productive Machines to expand its team of eight people to more than 20.

UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S) led the round with participation from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, ACT Venture Partners and Fuel Ventures, alongside grant funding from Innovate UK.

Alexander Leigh, Investment Director for UKI2S and Future Planet Capital Group, said: “We are thrilled to cornerstone this investment into a UK-based deeptech University spin out from Sheffield. We are excited by the technology’s ability to reduce energy consumption by up to 25 per cent, in addition to the improvement in surface quality, yield, and waste reduction, all of which offers the potential to bring high value jobs back to the UK in the machining industry.”

“We are particularly pleased that as an Innovate UK investor partner we enabled Productive Machines to successfully apply for £700,000 in non-dilutive grant funding alongside the investment round.”

Productive Machines will use the funding to deliver its AI technology as a fully-automated Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product.

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Founded by Dr Erdem Ozturk (CEO) and Dr Huseyin Celikag (CTO), Productive Machines is commercialising the results of a six-year AMRC research project on machining dynamics. This research covered process and machine tool interactions, including how cutting forces and resulting vibrations affect machine tool performance.

Productive Machines has developed a powerful computational model to predict and mitigate the influence of these harmful vibrations at every stage in metal and composite milling jobs. It uses a digital twin to determine the best parameters for each machine tool and production run, eliminating wasteful configuration experiments and ensuring that milling jobs are right the first time.

The technology has already been deployed at ten major manufacturers, including Renault and MASA Aerospace. Machines configured by Productive Machines can produce parts in half the time it took originally and deliver significant surface quality improvements due to the mitigation of chatter vibrations created by instability in machining processes. Users report that cutting tools last up to 30 per cent longer on optimised machines.

Productive Machines is developing a network of partners to take its technology to market. These include measurement technology specialist Kistler, metal cutting solutions company Seco, and various other machine tool and cutting tool manufacturers.



Dr Erdem Ozturk, CEO at Productive Machines, said: “Manufacturers want to reduce costs, improve quality and cut carbon emissions. But most don’t want to buy complex software products or hire PhD-level engineers to make them work. We are meeting all of their goals. The results of our research and innovation are proven with major manufacturers, and this investment enables us to make the significant benefits more accessible to manufacturers of all sizes, anywhere in the world.

“Our cutting-edge technology is already best-in-class in a $400 billion industry ripe for optimisation. There are three million machines in the world that would be more accurate, productive and sustainable with our AI, and we are removing the cost and skill barriers to its adoption.”

Keira Shepperson, Director at British Business Bank, added: “Partnerships between research hubs and corporations foster new ideas and blend the talent and creativity of both worlds together. With funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, Productive Machines will now be able to make an even greater impact on manufacturers by providing them with cost-cutting and efficiency improvements. The sector is brimming with opportunities for new ways of working and it’s encouraging to see Northern companies leading the way.”

Productive Machines website

Images: NPIF / Productive Machines

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News: When is the new Popeye's in Rotherham opening?

Next month, Rotherham will welcome the first-ever drive-thru restaurant from American fried chicken restaurant, Popeyes UK.

Rothbiz has reported that, continuing its rapid growth across the British Isles, Popeyes UK has included Rotherham in its next clutch of sites – with five new restaurants across the country launching imminently.

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 4,000 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world.

Expect some Southern hospitality when the Rotherham restaurant at Parkgate is set to officially open its doors to the public on Monday May 15.

As part of the launch, a competition sees entrants given the opportunity to win a VIP experience and be the first ever person to go through the new drive-thru.

Previous Popeyes UK restaurant launches have seen round the block queues, with diners all over the country having previously queued from as early as 10pm the night before.

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Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes® UK, said: “We’re hugely excited to be opening our first Drive-Thru in the UK. This is a critical format for us as we fully recognise the UK is underserved with exciting new brands opening in this space. The sustained demand we are seeing for Popeyes throughout the UK is incredible, we are confident that this will only increase with the launch of our Drive-Thru restaurants of which we now have many in the pipeline for 2023 and into 2024."

Popeyes UK recently confirmed that, for the Rotherham drive-thru site, it was the landlord's decision to replace KFC with a Popeyes restaurant.

Recommended reading: Will South Yorkshire’s Junk Food Advertising Ban Be Worth It?

Work is currently underway after planning permission was secured for new signage and the reconfiguration of the car park and drive-thru lane to create dual ordering lane, designed to "enhance the function of the drive thru lane in order to reduce the potential for queuing vehicles to obstruct the customer car park."

Recruitment at the new outlet continues.

Popeye's Rotherham website

Images: Popeye's UK

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News: 450 home Rotherham development recommended for approval

Detailed proposals for the next large phase of residential development at the Waverley regeneration scheme are being recommended for approval by Rotherham Council planners.

After Harworth Group plc secured a residential land parcel sale at its Waverley site to Barratt and David Wilson Homes for £29m, a reserved matters application was submitted for the 28 acre waterside area adjacent to both Highwall Park and the Waverley Lake, benefitting from unique water frontage in an area of the development known as Waverley Waterfront.

The application sets out the development of 456 dwellings - a mix of house types - 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties which will range from apartments, to terraced, semi-detached and detached dwellings. 149 will be affordable housing which equates to a provision of 33% on site.

Plans show that the proposals for the waterfront area have been revised to provide an increased amount of non-residential uses. The previous block with a cafe use indicatively shown at ground floor has been revised to provide non residential uses over three blocks (with residential above) which could be smaller or larger units depending on demand.

The amended scheme is also considered to "address the important location and function of the promenade adjacent to the Lakeside, which is a prestigious location within the development, with the non-residential uses proposed attracting residents from the wider Waverley community." The promenade is also set to provide a unique waterside pedestrian and cycle only route along the western bank of Waverley Lake.

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The site falls within Flood Zone 1 and a Flood Risk Assessment and Surface Water Drainage Strategy were submitted and approved as part of the outline approval.

Responses to the application show local residents of the estate calling for work to begin on the medical facilities and retail development at Olive Lane before more houses are built. Waverley Community Counci are also objecting to the proposals.

The Olive Lane plans are currently being revised. 2021 plans included retail uses, a gym, offices, restaurants and cafes, a supermarket, community space, a bus hub and residential development. Planning approval has been gained for the £2m medical centre and construction is due to starts in autumn this year.

Planning documents show that Harworth has told the council of significant cost price inflation caused by several factors outside of their control including the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine which have resulted in the significant rise in construction costs at Olive Lane.

The report adds: "However, they are in the process of finalising the design for an amended scheme with the intension of being on site before the end of 2023, with completion of construction expected in winter 2024 subject to the approval of planning permission."

Planners conclude that the layout of the new housing site "offers an acceptable balance between achieving an efficient use of the land available" and that "applicants have also specifically designed certain areas to respond to its location especially along the Promenade on the waterfront."

The council's planning board is due to meet to dicuss the plans on April 27.

At Waverley, Harworth is undertaking Yorkshire’s largest brownfield regeneration project – the transformation of the former Orgreave colliery into a new community of up to 3,038 homes.

Images: Harworth Group

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News: HBO series filming at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham

A major new TV series starring Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant, is another big budget production to be filmed in Rotherham.

Developed by US TV giant, HBO, "The Regime" tells the story of one year within the walls of the palace of a modern European regime as it begins to unravel.

Joining the previously announced cast of Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Guillaume Gallienne, Andrea Riseborough, Martha Plimpton and Hugh Grant, the newly announced cast members include Danny Webb, David Bamber, Henry Goodman, Stanley Townsend, Louie Mynett, Rory Keenan, Karl Markovics, and Pippa Haywood.

The story is influenced by Ceausescu Palace, the opulent home of Romania's former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, and modern day Russia and its imprisoned opposition politicians. Winslet plays a leader compared to Ceausescu and Donald Trump.

The series, formerly known by its working title The Palace, is written by Will Tracy, who has worked for HBO before on hit shows such as Succession. Directors include the acclaimed Stephen Frears, who has worked accross film and TV on projects such as The Queen, Philomena and High Fidelity.

Frears was featured on BBC's Imagine last month, interviewed on a pre-production reconnaissance of locations for The Regime.

The director of A Very English Scandal and Quiz confirmed that he'll be working on the new series in Vienna and Rotherham.

"Vienna and Rotherham. That's quite a mix," says interviewer Alan Yentob with a smirk.

Frears replies: "But Rotherham has got the second biggest house in England after Buckingham Palace."

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The house and grounds of Wentworth Woodhouse are ideal backdrops for period dramas with an abundance of striking architectural features and open spaces.

With over 300 rooms, and architecture from the 1720s to 1890s, the Grade I listed country house has played host to a wide variety of filming including Oscar winning feature film, Darkest Hour, and the big screen version of Downton Abbey, plus worldwide hit TV series including ITV’s Victoria, BBC’s Gentleman Jack, and Netflix's The Crown.

The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust recently posted that access to the house would be restricted this month "due to an exciting project." With the gardens staying open for the Easter holidays, the entire site is now closed until Saturday April 29.

Last year, Netflix used Wentworth Woodhouse in series five of The Crown which follows the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1991 to 1997. The Marble Saloon, described as one of the finest rooms in England, was used to recreate a state dinner for the Queen in Moscow.

A strange irony given that one of the room's claims to fame is the perfomance by Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova for King George V & Queen Mary, on their 1912 Royal Visit.

Another Netflix series, Bodies, filmed at Wentworth last year. Stephen Graham is set to star in the mystery with four detectives, four time periods, and four dead bodies. The adaptation of Si Spencer’s graphic novel is expected on screens some time this year.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: HBO / WWPT

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News: Magtec working on commercial vehicle solutions

Rotherham-based Magtec, the UK's leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, has entered into a partnership with ETRUX, an advanced manufacturer, to develop full vehicle solutions.

Magtec, which has its state-of-the-art factory at Templeborough, has its main market of trucks but it has a growing presence in other sectors including rail, UK land defence, bus re-powers and special applications such as marine and mining.

Signing a Memorandum of Understanding, commits Magtec and ETRUX to a business relationship which enures that a unique full vehicle solution comes to fruition.

ETRUX is a commercial vehicle specialist that assists companies in the transition of vehicle fleets to carbon zero.

Ronan Hamill, CEO of JANS Group, of which ETRUX is a subsidiary, said, “ETRUX is a relatively young company, but punches well above its weight in terms of experience and expertise. The company is focussed on assisting customers in the evolution of diesel to electric fleet. This collaboration will allow us to offer a much wider range of electric vehicle products and signifies a good and strong business partnership which has the potential to see further advancement in the electric commercial market.”

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Jim Erskine, Head of Commercial at Magtec continued “As a company we are unique as we design, manufacture and produce core technologies as well as software and diagnostic systems in the commercial EV sector. Working with ETRUX allows us to blend our capability with theirs in order to have a greater range of completed commercial vehicle solutions.

“ETRUX brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in lightweight composites and top hat vehicle solutions and combined with our range of electric drive train solutions, ETRUX has a much broader offering for their EVolve customers.”

Gerard Galvin, managing director of ETRUX, said; “This Magtec MOU allows ETRUX to progress with a number of exciting projects through our EVolve consultancy and we look forward to working closely with the Magtec team in Rotherham over the coming months.”

Magtec recently secured GB Small Series Approval for its own-brand 7.5 tonne electric truck for daily urban operations, the MEV75. It means the MEV75 will be eligible for a government plug-in grant, offering fleet managers a discounted purchase price and reduced monthly finance option.

Louise Atkinson, Homologation Specialist and Vehicle Integration Engineering Manager at Magtec, said: “Securing GB Small Series Approval for our MEV75 is a significant milestone for Magtec. It is evidence of our commitment to UK manufacturing and our support for fleet managers as they move to zero emission vehicles. Watch this space for more Magtec own-brand electric vehicles to follow soon.”

Magtec website

Images: Magtec

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News: Plans approved for Wentworth Woodhouse stables project

Plans have been approved for a further phase of regeneration at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham which includes the conversion of the Riding School into a large conference and events space.

Described as the most exciting and challenging heritage project of a generation, overall it is set to take up to two decades to deliver and cost over £130m.

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

Permission has already been granted to convert part of the stables for use as a production kitchen and another part for a 120 cover café catering for visitors as they arrive and leave Wentworth Woodhouse.

A further application, from Donald Insall Architects, set out plans for the other buildings around the stables.

The latest approval, made by council officers without going before the planning board, includes the conversion of the stable's south range, the riding school and "Ostler's House."

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

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

A main production kitchen will deliver appropriate menus for the proposed café at the Camellia House and the existing kitchen within the mansion, which are both very limited due to size and will work well as satellite kitchens in the future.

The designs for restoring Ostler's House is to use it for overnight accommodation linked to the events space.

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Works to bring the derelict buildings back into use, include the conservation and repair of building fabric, structural repairs, improving thermal efficiency and acoustic insulation, mechanical and electrical services, installation of audio-visual equipment, refurbishment of all rooms including repaired or new doors and windows, fire prevention measures, drainage repairs and reordering, new landscaping including entrance gate, and some new built interventions in order to upgrade site into suitable kitchen space for modern use.

Also in the plans is considered demolition and removal of some modern college fabric such as the changing rooms from when the Riding School was used as a college gymnasium.

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

Schools are now being tasked with re-designing the Stable Block’s imposing central archway and clock tower as part of the John Carr 300 Challenge, recently launched by the preservation trust and its architects.

Jen Wall, Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s Skills Development and Learning Officer, said: "We want budding designers and architects of the future to let their imaginations run riot and create something exciting to go in its place. It could be strikingly modern, or influenced by architecture of the past; the choice is theirs.

"Our challenge celebrates the work of one of Yorkshire’s most respected sons and aims to encourage creativity and career aspirations. The Trust is passionate about helping young people through education and plans to set more design challenges for schools in the future.”

Tony Barton, chairman of Donald Insall Associates, commented: “We are specialist conservation architects and are proud to have worked on some of John Carr’s magnificent buildings, including Wentworth Woodhouse’s roof, pavilions and Camellia House.

“Wouldn’t it be marvellous if this project inspires only one young person to train as a conservation architect, who works with us in the future, especially on a John Carr building, and follow in the footsteps of our brilliant trainee architects, Emma Chrystie-Lowe and Ryan Farrell, who produced the drawings for the John Carr 300 celebration?”

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Slice to meet you: Rustic Pizza Co.'s journey to Rotherham

Lee Ogley, managing director of The Rustic Pizza Co. is looking ahead to a new base in Rotherham where he aims to help create an authentic, welcoming vibe combined with great food at Forge Island.

The Independent South Yorkshire restaurant chain exchanged a deal earlier this year with nationwide placemaker, Muse, to open a new outlet in the last remaining retail space at Forge Island.

The Rustic Pizza Co was founded in 2017 by Doncaster-based husband and wife team Lee and Sian who originally ran a mobile street food business. The duo transformed a passion for pizza into a successful business venture, delivering their freshly made, wood-fired pizzas across their home city as well as serving up a slice of Italy at events and festivals all over the country.

The company opened its first permanent outlet at the popular food court in Doncaster’s Wool Market in 2019.

The Rotherham restaurant is due to open in 2024 after work completes on the Rotherham town centre site.

Lee said: "When covid hit, we had to adapt and soon became famous in the city for our DIY pizza kits – something we hope will be as popular in Rotherham. Since reopening post-pandemic we’ve gone from strength to strength – opening our sister venue, The Rustic Burger Co. at the Wool Market and we have plans to open another Doncaster venue later this year [at Lakeside].

"We’re so excited for Forge Island; we really believe that it will regenerate the area and make Rotherham a place people want to visit and be an incredible destination for families who live here."

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Joining the pizza place, the Thistle Group is signed up to bring a number of brands to Forge Island. These include Portuguese and Southern African eatery, Casa Peri Peri, created by Masterchef star, Bobby Geetha; Estabulo Rodizio / Sakku Samba – a dual-branded concept honouring the Gaucho style of cooking and a fusion of Japanese-Brazilian cuisine, and luxury coffee shop Caffé Noor. Local burger, shake and dessert restaurant, Cow & Cream has also taken space to complete the mix of eateries.

The independent eateries will be joining boutique cinema operator, The Arc, and national hotel chain, Travelodge, who will anchor Forge Island, to bring a real, family-friendly feel to the town centre.

Lee added: "We really like Rotherham as a place and can’t wait to get set up in our new space and meet our new neighbours. We think that with the help of all the other independent businesses who will open here, we can work together to bring people back into the town centre by creating something truly special for the people of Rotherham – an authentic, welcoming vibe combined with great food. Our restaurant here will offer a combination of both our pizza and burger menus, with 70 to 80 in-dining capacity and we have future plans to include a takeaway offer.

"People can expect a truly unique experience when eating with us – a true taste of Italy in Yorkshire. Our freshly made, authentic, wood-fired pizzas are made with only the finest Italian products, something this area of Rotherham has never seen before.

"We can’t wait to bring our famous rustic atmosphere, tasty food, cocktails, and live music to the city and we’re confident that people are going to love it."

Rustic Pizza Co. website
Forge Island website

Images: Muse

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News: Rotherham furniture manufacturer packs in following economic downturn

A Rotherham-based furniture manufacturer was placed into administration after suffering from significant losses and a historic under investment in machinery. It had around £2.5m in debts.

Addspace Furniture Ltd was based at 85,000 sq ft premises in Hellaby and supplied domestic flat-pack or contact furniture to high street retailers such as Argos.

Administrators were appointed in January 2023 and 62 employees have been made redundant.

A report filed by administrators, Kroll, showed that the company posted significant losses for the past few years. Accounts show a loss before tax in 2021 of £432,437 and £369,259 in 2020. Directors attributed this as a direct result of the economic downturn in the UK, reduced customer orders, together with lower margins resulting from cheaper overseas competitors entering the UK market.

Administrators explained that "as a result of the losses, HMRC liabilities and trade creditors had been stretched. Repayment plans were put in place with these Creditors in order to improve the short-term cash flow of the business whilst trade performance initiatives were undertaken."

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The report adds that: "The Company historically suffered from under investment in new plant and machinery which in itself compounded the Company's problems of a deteriorating cash position. Regular machinery breakdowns disrupted sales activity and customer confidence. The majority of the plant and machinery needed modernising to benefit from more complex cutting and finishing to existing product lines, as well as adding new product offerings to the Company's customers. New technology would also have significantly reduced the time taken to manufacture many of the customers product lines.

"In order to invest in new technology and reduce the accruing creditor arrears, the Directors looked to secure investment from outside sources. An investment of £250k was introduced into the Company in February 2022 from one of the customers, Accentuate Group Limited, in exchange for 25% shareholding in the Company. These funds were ultimately utilised to fund restricted trade credit facilities and therefore the Company was unable to upgrade any of its machinery.

"The Directors went back to the market during November 2022 seeking further investment to provide additional working capital and capital expenditure funding. Whilst there were several parties willing to look at the opportunity, no additional funding was obtained."

Kroll undertook work to find investment, or a buyer for the company and despite ten parties signing non-disclosure agreements, no offers were forthcoming and options to resuce the company were exhausted. Trading ceased at the end of February.

Lender, Close, has been repayed in full after chasing debts but the company's bank, HSBC, may struggle to be repaid for its Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan and other debts.

In total, unsecured creditors totalled over £2m, with HMRC also owed around £500,000. Administrators say that as there has been no sale or investment, "it is not anticipated that there will be sufficient realisations to enable a distribution to the unsecured creditors of the company."

Images: Google Maps

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News: 5,000 at Rotherham STEM event

This year’s Get up to Speed with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing) ‘Skills for Sustainability’ event for young people, organised by the Work-wise Foundation, was a huge success, hosting over 5,000 visitors at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham recently.

For the first time, visitors had access to the entire Magna Science Adventure Centre attraction, as well as the chance to meet many of the region’s leading employers and get hands learning about their industry, jobs and careers. They also had chance to explore some of our industrial history and heritage with the chance to see a Spitfire, Vulcan XH558 Engine and classic police vehicles. They even got chance to sit in a McLaren and interact with virtual reality, gaming activities and solve crimes! The event was attended by over 100 local business exhibitors who were looking to attract and inspire the workforce of the future.

This year’s theme was Skills for Sustainability, which saw exhibitors showcasing some of their innovations towards achieving net zero, as well as demonstrating some of the opportunities in the green energy sector which will provide employment for people in the future. Many of the local businesses who exhibited at the event used the opportunity to reveal innovative robotics and automation solutions that are likely to drive competitiveness in manufacturing and engineering in the future.

As well as seeing some of the most exiting STEM innovations, pupils had the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of businesses, inventors, graduates, apprentices and education providers about future career opportunities.

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Dame Julie Kenny DBE, DL, Master Cutler, said: “Almost 5,000 young people had the opportunity to meet many South Yorkshire companies in a wide variety of industries at the event.

“Young people who visited Get up to Speed will come away feeling they can do whatever they want to do and be whatever they want to be! It is great to see companies exhibiting their products and skills to inspire young people!”

Before the event, organisers The Work-Wise Foundation, held a Business Breakfast, for businesses to come together to discuss what they can do to support and inspire STEM careers in the region, and why it’s so important for economic and sustainable growth.

Keynote speakers included Dame Julie Kenny DBE, DL, Master Cutler, Richard Sulley – Net Zero Project Director from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Tom Rumboll – UK Managing Director of IAA Inc and CEO, SYNETIQ Ltd, plus Richard Caborn, President of The Work-wise Foundation and Chair of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Along with headline sponsors AESSEAL, CBE+ and Sheffield Forgemasters - they spoke about and debated the challenges for businesses to become more sustainable, their journeys balancing growth and sustainability, and how skills are the answer to all of this.

Richard Sulley, Net Zero Project Director, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), said: “We have world-class facilities and world-class universities in the region, so we need to make the best use of what is available to ensure that we can close the skills gap.

“Young people want to work for exciting companies where they feel like they are making a difference. Having sustainability at the forefront of business culture and priorities is becoming increasingly important. This event is a great way to showcase just what opportunities exist for young people in South Yorkshire.”

Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director, IAA, Inc & CEO, SYNETIQ Ltd, said: “Businesses, big and small, are committing to net zero, but many don’t yet know how to get there.

“Showing your customers that you are on your journey, and taking steps towards it will attract more clients and could put your business ahead of your competitors.”

John Barber, CEO of The Work-Wise Foundation, said: “The theme for this year’s event was to raise awareness of the need for greater sustainability skills in the region.

“South Yorkshire has set out a plan to be Net Zero by 2040, so it’s essential that we have the right skills in place to achieve those targets. Businesses are still experiencing skills shortages and the answer to this problem is young people! Given the right direction and access to skills, they can fulfil that need!”

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Comments from teachers about Get up to Speed included: “It was an amazing experience for our Year 10 engineers. It seems to be getting bigger every year! Many of our students have come away focused on being a part of the sector post 16” and, “Very impressive to get so many major companies to attend. Demonstrates their support of getting messages over to children about job opportunities for when they leave full time education. Great variety from many sectors. We always come away with more connections and ideas.”

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.

GUTS website

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News: Merkur Slots turned down for 24 hour opening hours at Rotherham gaming centre

Merkur Slots, which opened in a vacant unit in Rotherham town centre last year following a partly successful planning appeal, has seen new plans to open 24 hours a day refused by Rotherham Council.

In 2021 Cashino Gaming Ltd was refused planning permission in Rotherham for a High Street adult gaming centre (AGC) as council officers were unhappy with the proposed 24 hour operation.

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

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

A new planning application was submitted in February 2023 with the planning consultants asking for consistency from Rotherham Council given that Noble Amusements Ltd on Effingham Street did not have its opening hours restricted when planning permission was granted 20 years ago, enabling 24-hour operation. The site is now operated by Admiral 24/7.

The application states: "It is clear that Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council have welcomed 24-hour operation within the Town Centre and a precedent has been set."

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In its representation Merkur included noise assessments showing no detrimental impacts from its "smart, well-run establishments."

Consultants at Planning Potential for the applicants, said: "Merkur Slots typically operate 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Whilst longer hours of operation are sought, it is important to consider that Merkur noise levels are generally very low and impacts on disturbance to surrounding residences are effectively mitigated and minimal. For example ... only background music is played within venues (similar to shops) and there are no tannoy systems. Further, the late-night customer base is predominately late shift workers looking to relax and larger groups are very rare due to the offer within the Adult Gaming Centre. As such, the nature of the use proposed would not result in adverse noise in night-time hours and the use is appropriate to the Town Centre context."

In refusing the new application, planning officers at Rotherham Council said: "The Council considers that a 24hr operation would result in additional activity and general disturbance to local residents in an area where uses opening beyond midnight is not encouraged" adding that the proposal is considered to be contrary to national and local planning policies.

If the application is to be appealed again, Merkur will hope for a different planning inspector who could not support operation through the night in the intitial application, concluding that it "would create additional activity at a time when local residents would expect a quieter environment at such times."

Merkur website

Images: Merkur

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News: Work continues on £13m travel schemes in Rotherham

Work is now underway on an active travel scheme on the edge of Rotherham town centre, with funding confirmed for another to make it easier to walk and cycle from Sheffield.

At Wellgate and Broom Road a £3.6m scheme sees Rotherham Council introduce 1.4km of dedicated cycle tracks on Wellgate between Hollowgate and Boswell Street, along with three new signalised junctions, one new road crossing, two improved road crossings and associated connecting works.

The funding was secured by the council through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Active Travel Fund (ATF), Gainshare and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). The rationale for the scheme is to encourage a mode shift away from private car use and to enable cycling in an area identified as a priority in the Rotherham Cycling Strategy.

Clifton Roundabout, along with its approaches, will be narrowed to a single lane to control vehicle speeds, provide space for cycle tracks, separate from traffic and pedestrians, all the way around, and improve the refuge areas for pedestrians and cyclists crossing each arm of the roundabout.

The proposals mean that the current bus lane on Broom Road would end before the roundabout where two lanes will merge into one, with the cycle track alongside. The existing westbound bus lane will be kept, and goods vehicles will be newly allowed to use the bus lane.

Esh Construction secured a £1.9m tender related to the scheme in February.

During works there will be traffic management closures on Broom Road for approximately 25 weeks, Wellgate for approximately 25 weeks and Clifton Roundabout for approximately 14 weeks.

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£8.6m of funding has also been secured by the council from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for the £9.74m Sheffield Road Cycleways scheme which aims to support affordable and environmentally friendly travel with new segregated cycle tracks extending the existing route from the Sheffield boundary near to the Magna Science Adventure Centre at Templeborough, through to Rotherham Town Centre.

Original proposals for the third phase have been change after they "received significant local opposition." Plans to close the junction of Centenary Way onto Main Street to private vehicles have been dropped, as has the proposed “no left turn” restriction from Westgate onto Main Street, and other changes to junctions with Canklow Road and Old Sheffield Road, and restrictions to vehicles on Coke Hill and Wilfred Street.

These changes, agreed with Active Travel England, follow new data showing the need for traffic reduction was not as originally thought, and address the main concerns of local traders.

The revised plans are also expected to increase the number of parking bays along Sheffield Road and Westgate above the current level of provision.

A new 20 mph limit will be implemented along Westgate to help to make the stretch between new housing developments and the town centre more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists.

Approximately 400 metres of Westgate leading to the junction with Main Street will incorporate 2 metre-wide advisory cycle lanes on either side with a single carriageway down the middle (as used in the Sheffield scheme pictured). This will provide space for motor vehicles to pass using the full width of the road when required whilst indicating to drivers the distance with which they should pass cyclists. The layout follows similar schemes already successfully implemented across the country, in Hull, Sheffield, East Yorkshire, Norwich and London.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “We listened to residents and business feedback and have made substantial changes to the original proposals for this stretch of cycle route. This proposal means a minimal impact on motorists, while still meeting the need to ensure that the new housing developments along Sheffield Road are not entirely dependent on cars for travel, and putting the government’s funding for cycle routes to good use.”

“Completing the latest phases of Sheffield Road Cycleways will be a great achievement as it provides a safe and pleasant cycling environment and connects developing communities along the route, reducing air pollution, congestion and supporting healthy lifestyles.”

Monies for the scheme were secured by Rotherham Council and the South Yorkshire Mayor Combined Authority from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund. Construction will take place in two phases, starting in the spring and expected to last for 15 months.

The council said that it wants to extend the Meadowhall to Broom route as more funding becomes available in the future.

RMBC website

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: All systems go for CPO

Rotherham Council has issued the legal documents for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to finally deal with two large burnt out buildings in Rotherham town centre.

Six years after previously discussing the same powers, negotiations with the owners have failed with the council previously stating that there is a "wide gulf between the landowner’s expectations on price and realistic values for the properties."

On the key route through town, the former Envy nightclub building, which suffered a malicious fire in 2007, and Muskaan restaurant, which was closed after a fire in 2011, have been left empty ever since, and whilst not structurally unsafe, the buildings are widely acknowledged to be an eyesore.

Council officers are looking to acquire 3-7 Corporation Street using powers provided to enable acquiring authorities to compulsorily purchase land to carry out a function which Parliament has decided is in the public interest.

In this instance the buildings would be demolished and a private sector developer would be brought in to build a £6m residential-led, mixed-use development, comprising of apartments with commercial space on the ground floor. The council has already secured funding to address the viability gap through the Town Deal and Levelling Up Funding and a planning application was submitted at the start of 2023 and is expected to be determined this month.

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The order states: "The proposed redevelopment of the Order Land offers the opportunity to create a significantly more attractive gateway into the town centre whilst maintaining the existing views of the historic Minster.

"The redevelopment of the Order Land will also bring about a critical change of use, helping to repopulate the town centre and offering modern commercial space to take advantage of the significant leisure-focused investment at Forge Island.

"Whilst Corporation Street is not currently a residential destination, the emphasis of the Town Centre Masterplan and more recent Town Investment Plan is on repopulating Rotherham town centre. The residential market in the town centre is currently limited but redevelopments such as that proposed on the Order Land aim to develop the residential market. The redevelopment proposals intend to deliver a high-quality, private rented scheme."

Designed by AHR Architects, the proposals show that the current buildings would be demolished and replaced by a mixed use building, between two and four storeys in height, comprising 19 residential flats and three units totalling 1,238 sq ft of commercial floorspace, plus access, external landscaping and car parking.

The order also sets out the recent history between the landowner and the council. Following the fire in 2011, the owner was interested to know if the Council would purchase the buildings or offer financial incentives for redevelopment. At the time, a lack of a strategic plan for the area, as well as lack of ready funding and resource, meant that the Council could not justify a purchase.

2014 saw a pre-application from the owners for the creation of 48 apartments but this went no further. In 2017, following preparation of the Town Centre Masterplan, the Council issued letters to engage with the landowner and discuss the possiblity of acquiring the site. No responses were received to either of these letters and the owner subsequently proposed a hotel scheme on the site. Planning permission was granted but lapsed and expired with no sign of redevelopment.

Documents show that the owner or reputed owner is Scunthorpe-based Arrangepoint Ltd. Landowners are due compensation when land is taken by a CPO. It is based on market value, loss and disturbance.

In April 2022, Gateley Hamer were appointed by the Council to conduct negotiations and seek to agree a purchase to bring the land into public ownership. The order adds that "A wide gulf between a realistic value for the site and the owner’s expectations led to an unsuccessful conclusion in this period" and adds that "more recently, whilst the owner/owner’s representatives have been engaging, it has not been possible to reach an agreement" with the owner’s representative suggesting a social housing scheme on the site.

The order concludes: "The landowner, as indicated at the Land Registry, has recently passed away and his Estate is now likely to be subject to Probate. An offer to acquire the property has been put in writing and issued to the solicitors dealing with the matter. As a result of these circumstances, the inability to reach agreement on the acquisition, timescales relating to the funding and the prior non-cooperation of the landowner it is considered necessary to make and serve the Order."

Anyone objecting to the order has until May 4 to register with The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Images: AHR / RMBC / Google Maps

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News: Rotherham entrepreneurs secure grant for production company

Two Rotherham entrepreneurs have turned their passion for producing, writing and acting into a successful celebrity backed production company – with passion project ‘Simply Ken’ already being pitched to top TV channels.

Gratso Productions was founded by Craig Shepherd, a Rotherham College drama teacher and local actor who has featured in When Saturday Comes amongst other titles, alongside his childhood friend, Robert Sadler.

Launched in 2023, Gratso Productions secured a kickstart grant from UKSE to allow for the editing and pitching of the pilot episode of its first production, ‘Simply Ken’ a modern sitcom about successful businessman Ken Codd who suddenly loses his job, house and wife all on the same day, to programme directors at some of the country’s leading broadcasters.

The duo have also received invaluable support from Acting legends Hi-de-Hi’s Jeffrey Holland and General Hospital’s Judy Buxton, who both star in Simply Ken.

Moving forward, the company already has plans for the production of a one-man touring play, Laurel & Hardy inspired ’The Fiddle and The Bow’.

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Speaking on the successful start to the business, Robert said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support and advice we have received right out the gate for Gratso Productions.

“Our main goal is to cultivate local talent out of South Yorkshire, with Craig also teaching drama at Rotherham College, we have been able to offer some amazing experience for the students.

“We are incredibly grateful for the grant from UKSE which has allowed us to speed along the process of our very first production.”

Steve Lyon, Area Manager at UKSE - a local investment company that provides finance of up to £1.5m to growing companies, but which also provides support to start-ups – said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting such an exciting business within the South Yorkshire region, Robert and Craig’s passion for bringing the arts back to the region is truly exciting.

“We wish them all the best moving forward and can’t wait to see Gratso Productions make it to the big screen.”

UKSE website

Images: UKSE

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News: Something in the air at Magna following revamp

Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham has re-opened its new and improved interactive "air" zone thanks to Levelling Up funding.

The revamped Air Pavilion, officially re-opened by Mayor of Rotherham Cllr Tajamal Khan, is one of Magna’s four hands-on exhibition areas where young people can explore the power of the four elements – earth, air, fire and water.

After 22 years of action, it has now been fully refurbished by Sheffield-based interactive exhibition specialists Aivaf who have refreshed existing exhibits, installed new ones and added digital fun-fact information points.

The make-over is the first of many at the centre as several exhibits, public areas and facilities are due to be upgraded over the next 18 months to improve the visitor experience and the venue’s sustainability.

This programme of work is part of a £20m pound investment secured by Rotherham Council to help improve the leisure economy and skills in Rotherham.

Other attractions also benefiting from the Levelling Up funding include Wentworth Woodhouse, Thrybergh Country Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Maltby Learning Trust and Skills Street at Gulliver’s Valley. The bid showed that the charity that runs Magna would need £1.9m for the £2.1m project.

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Magna chief executive Kevin Tomlinson said: “We are proud to be part of Rotherham Council’s vision for a strong and sustainable visitor economy across the borough, alongside our fellow attractions Wentworth Woodhouse, Thrybergh Country Park and Rother Valley Country Park.

“This support has enabled us to invest in our unique building, protect its heritage and develop our exhibits, which provide energetic and enquiring minds with a place to have fun, explore the wonders of science and develop a love of STEM learning.

“We are very pleased to be playing our part in making Rotherham a great place to visit now and in the future.”

Rotherham’s cabinet member for jobs and local economy, councillor Denise Lelliott said: “The Council aims to grow Rotherham’s leisure economy by making the most of our unique assets and green spaces and investing in training to support jobs in this sector.

“Magna Science Adventure Centre is a landmark visitor attraction and events venue for Rotherham, and it’s great to see these first improvements going live and being enjoyed by schools, families and groups from across the borough and all over the UK”

The Air Pavilion now features pump-powered rockets and pedal-powered airships. Visitors of all ages can turn wind turbines to raise air balloons and try to catch fabric flyers as they zoom through a maze of colourful pipes and shoot out above their heads in a jet of air.

Magna’s rolling programme of improvements will see other exhibition spaces and outdoor play areas refurbished, with a focus on STEM learning and accessibility. It will include improvements to the reception area, café, signage, lifts and LED lighting.

Magna website

Images: RMBC

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News: Zen partners with PGA as it launches newest golf innovation

An innovative Rotherham company is working in partnership with The PGA to provide the next generation of PGA Professionals with access to the latest golf coaching technology.

At the Zen Studio in Templeborough, the Zen Green Stage was the first system created using golf’s most advanced "active" indoor playing surfaces and enables players to recreate any makeable putt on the planet, including double-breaks.

2023 sees the launch of the Zen Swing Stage, which uses the same moving floor technology to let players play full shots from sloping lies.

Under the new agreement, PGA Members visiting The PGA’s National Training Academy at The Belfry – as well as trainees - will have access to Zen moving floors for both putting and full swing coach education. In addition, the new partnership gives PGA Members priority access to Zen Green Stage and Swing Stage facilities in the UK and they will also benefit from the fastest supply, installation and maintenance services from the Zen team.

Dr Paul Wiseman, PGA Executive Director – Education, said: “This is a very exciting new partnership between Zen Green Stage and The PGA, a leader in golf education.

“The PGA Training Programme is widely recognised as one of the best training programmes in the world. Partnering with brands like Zen Green Stage and installing the world’s most advanced fully-adjustable playing surfaces for golf at The PGA National Training Academy demonstrates we are providing future PGA Professionals with the latest technology in golf coaching.

“Not only do we have the best education programme in golf, but we are now offering our students the opportunity to learn and work with the very best technology in the game.”

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Andy Hiseman, Managing Director, Zen Green Stage, added: “Britain leads the way in this important new category – moving floors for golf – and we are thrilled to partner with The PGA as we seek to use this new technology to attract more people to the sport, and to enhance other indoor golf technology by creating accurate sloping lies.

“Our partnership with The PGA will help its Members to learn how to use moving floor technology to give better golf lessons, to better transfer that learning out onto the golf course, and to capture vital new coaching data when people hit shots on gradients.

“We couldn’t be prouder to become a PGA Partner and we look forward to all of the exciting opportunities which it will make possible.”

A familiar sight on Sky Sports TV screens since 2017, the Zen Green Stage is now in use in 18 countries worldwide. Recent buyers include Tour golfers, Major venues, equipment companies, golf academies and other leading golf organisations. The accurately-adjustable Zen Green Stage’s ability to create representative practice environments is being recognised by a growing number of coaches as one of the most important new technologies for coaching since the invention of the launch monitor.

It’s time to move……. ⛳️ 😮 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nQXowwzij7

— Zen Green Stage (@ZenGreenStage) March 17, 2023

Zen Green Stage was a first-time exhibitor at the recent 70th PGA Show in Florida, USA, showcasing the firm's technology and a series of integrations with other leading indoor golf technologies.

After the show, which attracted 30,000 visitors, Hiseman said: "It was thrilling to see the light in people’s eyes when they realised – as the floor moved under their feet – that they were experiencing the dawn of something significant in the sport.

“Last summer we took a big gamble and committed a six-figure sum to something where the outcome was unknown. Now, we cannot imagine what life would be like had we not exhibited. That single week in Orlando has accelerated our company’s global growth by at least a year, and probably more.”

Zen Green Stage website

Images: Zen / PGA

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News: Why are new Rotherham town centre apartments still empty?

Rotherham Council has shared more on why part of its multimillion pound housing scheme in the town centre has stayed empty since it was completed a year ago, despite the houses and flats on the same development being filled with owners and tenants.

Rothbiz reported last month that at Wellgate Place, 11 one and two bedroom apartments remain unsold and that the authority was considering changing the tenure from shared ownership to affordable rent.

The first home opened in February 2022 as part of an ambitious £30m+ development of more than 170 homes across three key town centre sites, heralding the next stage in Rotherham town centre's transformation.

The ‘Trilogy Collection’ includes Westgate Riverside, Wellgate Place and Millfold Rise and properties have been made available for sale, affordable rent and through shared ownership.

Council documents show that the 11 shared ownership apartments at Portland House at Wellgate Place remain empty having been handed over to the authority in May 2022, with officers concluding that the "market has reacted well to shared ownership houses, but not to shared ownership apartments."

Shared ownership involves buyers purchasing a 25% - 75% share in the home and then paying rent on the percentage of the property not purchased along with a service charge. The Wellgate Place examples were on the market with a total value of the properties at £100,000 for the 1 bed, and £120,000 for the 2 bed.

On the site of the former car showroom on the edge of the town, 20 houses have all sold - including 12 through shared ownership and eight on the open market. Elizabeth House has 23 apartments for council rent for the over 50’s and the council's rented homes "are almost all let" despite the uptake being slow. For Portland House and its apartments for shared ownership, all 11 remain available.

A council report shows that previous strategies included the aim that grant funding bids would be expected to deliver circa 88% shared ownership. This was later reduced by national housing body (and part funder), Homes England, but it was still substantial when funding bids were being submitted.

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The report states: "Shared ownership however was not a significant part of the Rotherham housing market at that time and in being an early adopter, the Council effectively took on a market making role in delivering this tenure at reasonable scale into areas where shared ownership had little existing presence.

"There was also the view that the creation of homes in the town centre, particularly through home ownership products, would benefit the wider regeneration of the town centre.

"Learning from the delivery of the town centre programme has established that the market has reacted well to shared ownership houses, but not to shared ownership apartments. The likelihood is that the combination of a mortgage requirement, payment of rent on the unowned share in addition to service charges on apartments may be too much for the market to bear in what is still a borough of relatively depressed market values. This is also reflected in other shared ownership schemes across the borough. Shared ownership houses generally have no, or minimal service charge obligations.

"One block of apartments at Portland House, Wellgate place is proving difficult to sell under shared ownership terms. They were handed over to the Council in May 2022 and no sales or reservations have been taken. There has also been limited interest overall. The Council are now incurring costs while ever they remain empty."

The high level of service charges are likely to be the main concern for buyers. The report explains that the average service charges per property is estimated to be around £2,224 per year / £185 per month. In some instances, it can work out cheaper to purchase a house from the other town centre developments, as these do not generally include a service charge.

Other issues relate to the volatility in the housing market and the difficulty for prospective buyers in obtaining mortgages for the shared ownership properties. The report adds that the location of the development "has caused some concern with surveyors in terms of valuations" with some zero valuations being returned from "one or two particular surveyors who have limited knowledge of the area and the Council's ambitions."

Having looked at other options, such as financial incentives and addressing the service charges, or putting the properties on the open market, Rotherham Council has now made the decision for a change in tenure from shared ownership to affordable rent.

The properties are due to go out to council tenants and not be restricted to the over 50's like the adjacent apartment block.

Trilogy Collection website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham manufacturer bucks trend with year-on-year growth after securing NPIF investment

Rotherham-based manufacturer Casting Technology International (CTI) has bucked the trend with continued year-on-year growth two years on from its management buyout and its significant loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. The investment was also backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Cti is the world’s leading provider of production, innovation, technology, expertise and services to the cast metals sector.

CTI’s turnover grew from £6m to £7.2m from 2021 to 2022 and is expected to grow significantly by the end of the year, which was driven by new client acquisitions and contract wins.

The company, which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year, is also committed to creating more opportunities for women after a new report by Engineering UK highlighted the gender disparity in undergraduate engineering and technology degrees. The report revealed 115,000 more girls would need to study A-Level maths and physics each year to bridge the divide.

Since 2021, the foundry has grown staff numbers by 35 per cent. As part of its plans to address the skills gap in STEM, CTI will look to create 12 new apprenticeship roles in the next three years.

Funding from NPIF was used to bolster its world-class manufacturing facility to produce one of the world’s largest ever titanium parts poured into a ceramic mould for a Japanese customer. The funding also helped boost product development, and to expand its sales and marketing infrastructure and resources.

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To help mark its 100-year milestone, Louis Taylor, the newly appointed CEO at British Business Bank, paid a visit to CTI’s facility to find out more about the firm’s plans in the region.

Louis Taylor, CEO at British Business Bank, said: “CTI is a prime example of high-quality British manufacturing. I am proud that the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, backed by the CBILS guarantee programme, and our fund managers at Mercia have been able to support the management team through a period of exceptional growth. CTI has been a key part of Rotherham’s manufacturing scene for almost a century and has demonstrated true resilience in response to the various headwinds that sector has faced. Its commitment to supporting the next generation of women coming into this sector is remarkable, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the business in the years to come.”

Kevin Parkin, chairman at Casting Technology International, said: “We’ve been at the heart of manufacturing in the UK for 100 years, and funding from NPIF and Mercia has helped ensure that we’ll continue this legacy for years to come. We know the value of future investment into R&D and new technologies which is why we’re focusing heavily on that part of the business this year as we seek out new opportunities to grow. We’re also committed to increasing equality, diversity, and inclusion amongst our workforce, and our pipeline of apprenticeship schemes will be a key part in reaching that goal.”

Paul Taberner, managing director at Mercia, said: “CTI is a great example of the role NPIF and CBILS can play in enabling an SME to achieve its strategic ambitions. Working alongside its primary funders, Mercia was delighted to support the company in achieving the next step in its evolution and is equally delighted to see the progress made since the MBO, in particular the creation of new highly-skilled jobs and the significant investment in research and development.”

Both the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and the CBILS guarantee programme are delivered by the British Business Bank. Mercia Asset Management was the fund manager on the deal.

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.

CTI website
NPIF website

Images: NPIF

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