News: Plans tweaked for Forge Island as work continues

With construction well underway, Rotherham Council and national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, its delivery partner, have made minor changes to the plans for the Forge Island leisure scheme in Rotherham town centre.

More public realm is being added to the riverside area.

Construction work started last year with lead contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, after Rotherham Council stepped in to fund the scheme when the funding available to Muse, "significantly reduced."

Plans were approved in 2020 for the scheme which will include a new Arc Cinema, Travelodge hotel and six food and drink outlets, which are already fully let.

Applicants now want to make non-material amendments to the previously approved planning permission which "reflect design development as the project moves from the planning approved drawings to detailed design for construction purposes."

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that the cinema will have two flagship Hypersense screens, including Dolby Atmos sound, a giant screen and a 4K Laser projector – which creates a truly immersive experience. Additionally, it will also have six medium-sized screens that provide an intimate atmosphere for smaller showings – perfect for Arc's popular events like ‘Silver Screen’ and ‘Kids club’ which will be launching in Rotherham.

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Across the river, the acquisition and demolition of the former Wilkos store by the council has prompted a rethink for the café and public realm in that area.

With the Riverside Precinct and Chantry Buildings gone too, the site on Corporation Street is being readied for proposals that include a 1,500 sq ft café in a new open area called "Millgate Place" that connects Forge Island (and its new bridge) with the heart of the town centre.

The plans, drawn up by Tetra Tech consultants, state: "The proposed amendment on Site B north to the café arrangement and the surrounding public realm layout reflects the opportunity to enhance the Forge Island project detail following a change in circumstances since the grant of the original planning approval.

"The Wilko store adjacent to the boundary of Site B north has now been demolished and, subject to the amendments now proposed, allows the café and public realm design to take advantage of the more exposed aspect to the north and better orientate the building within its immediate environment but also improve its integration with the wider public realm and connectivity to the riverside.

"The previous arrangement comprising a retaining wall and steps can be removed and the land graded to allow level access (1:20 max) on the footpath connecting back into the riverside path to the north. This is considered a significant public realm enhancement with improved accessibility compared to the original planning approval."

The Thistle Group's Caffé Noor is signed up to take on the unit when construction is complete in 2024.

Planning approval is still awaited for a much larger public realm scheme along the river at Domine Lane and Market Street.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / FaulknerBrowns

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News: Cepac acquires land for expansion

Cepac, the UK's leading independent corrugated packaging and display provider, has acquired an 11 acre parcel of land for expansion alongside its head office in Rotherham.

Founded in 1999, Cepac has established one of the largest and most technologically advanced corrugated packaging plants in the world in Manvers. Part of the HSA group, it also has operations in Darlington, Doncaster and Rawcliffe.

Adjacent to the existing flagship manufacturing facility at Brookfields Park, the company said that the "acquisition of the land has been undertaken to allow for future expansion of our Group’s activities."

Steve Moss, Group Managing Director at Cepac, said: "Cepac has been established for almost 25 years, during which time we have pioneered Performance Packaging, making us one of the most innovative corrugated packaging producers. We shall continue to pioneer high quality sustainable packaging in the UK through the development of our unrivalled range of industry leading solutions.

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"This recent land acquisition is in line with our Group development strategy and will allow us to grow our manufacturing capability further for the benefit of existing and new customers. It is an exciting time for our business and this need for expansion is a direct result of the hard work of the whole team at Cepac working in partnership with our customers and key suppliers over many years."

last year the comapny invested £1.45m in solar panels that provides around 25% of the site's electricity requirements focusing on domestic hot water.

The firm has also announced that Alastair McDonald and Stuart Gilder have joined the Board as Directors. As existing members of the management team, both Alastair and Stuart will also continue in their current General Manager roles.

Moss added: “We have some wonderful developments ahead of us, following the announcement of the machinery investments for Rawcliffe, the acquisition of the Flutepac business and the recently announced 11 acre site acquisition in Rotherham. Having Alastair and Stuart as Directors undoubtedly strengthens our Board, further ensuring we hit our strategic objectives. We welcome them both.”

Cepac website

Images: Cepac

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News: Xeros dyeing to change the world

Xeros Technology Group plc has signed a deal with one of the largest manufacturers of garment finishing machines in the world that will help to reduce the environmental impact of new jeans.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that has created a number of technologies that reduce the impact of clothing on the planet.

Trials carried out on the AMP using polymer beads demonstrated that Xeros can process denim jeans from their raw state to a finished product in a single machine in a continuous process at scale. The results were achieved with ultra-low chemistry, water ratios and effluent.

The latest deal is a technology license and distribution agreement for its garment finishing technology with KRM Tekstil Boya San. Tic Ltd.

Under the terms of the ten year, worldwide non-exclusive agreement, KRM, which will act as a global distributor for Yilmak Makine, is licensed to distribute and sell machines manufactured by Yilmak incorporating Xeros' proprietary XDrum and XOrb technology for use in denim processing, garment finishing and garment dyeing processes across Yilmak's full range of garment finishing machines.

Yilmak, headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, was established in 1968 and is one of the largest manufacturers of garment finishing machines in the world. It exports to more than 35 countries globally and supplies machines to over 500 factories.

The agreement allows Xeros to significantly increase its market access into new territories including Europe, Brazil and Mexico as well as strengthen its current access into Asia. The Agreement has the potential to deliver substantial revenues over the 10-year term. The textile machinery market is estimated to be worth $52 billion by 2033.

Approximately 2 billion pairs of jeans are manufactured globally every year and Xeros' technology significantly reduces the volume of water, chemistry and cycle time used in the finishing processing of raw denim jeans into consumer products.

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Neil Austin, CEO of Xeros, said: "The apparel industry is estimated to consume over 93 billion cubic metres of water every year in the production of clothing.2 In an industry under increasing pressure from both consumers and legislators to reduce its impact on the planet, technologies like ours can make a significant impact. We are very pleased to have signed a further contract with like-minded partners that enables us to continue bringing our technologies into the global market."

On other fronts, Xeros is expecting a business boost for its XFilter technology from new legislation having signed a number of global deals this year.

In a recent updat, Austin added: "Currently, the apparel industry is estimated to consume over 93 billion cubic metres of water every year in the production of clothing. These processes are not environmentally friendly, nor sustainable and without the intervention of technologies such as those offered by Xeros, will fail to reap the rewards of this consumer-driven ESG macro-trend.

"Many of these pressures are also relevant when considered in the context of the appliance industry, and have recently been exacerbated by France's decision to mandate a deadline of 1 January 2025 for a microfibre capture requirement in all washing machines. The announcement has paved the way for further reforms and placed increasing pressure on other governments to follow suit. California has also proposed similar legislation and we are currently awaiting the European Commission's publication of its initiative to reduce microplastic pollution. The passing of this legislation will have a substantive impact on reducing microfibre pollution at scale and improving the industry's environmental footprint.

"Given the global legislative agenda, Xeros' technologies are vital to achieving this and are increasingly doing so."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

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News: Approval for £6m Rotherham regeneration scheme

Planners at Rotherham Council have approved proposals for a £6m mixed use development to replace burnt-out buildings in Rotherham town centre.

The decision is seen as key to the authority's attempts to secure the properties on Corporation Street using a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

Located on a key gateway into the town centre, the burnt-out buildings that make up 3-7 Corporation Street have been a long-standing eyesore in Rotherham. Khyber Pass Indian Restaurant (no.7) suffered fire damage in December 2005 with the ‘Envy’ night club above (no.7) suffering a similar fate in April 2007 (affecting the retail units below). The Muskaan Indian Restaurant (no. 3-5) was also fire damaged in July 2011. All properties were taken out of the ratings listings soon after the fires due to the properties being uninhabitable. Repairs were not made to any of the properties and the businesses never reopened.

Council officers are looking to acquire the properties 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. A planning application was submitted by Rotherham Council at the start of 2023.

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.

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Slightly amended through the planning process, the plans are for a mix of 1-bed (7) and 2-bed (12) flats with either garden space on the ground floor or juliet balconies on the upper floors. Access is retained through the site to service the buildings on Bridgegate to the rear and plans include three parking spaces and space for 40 cycles.

The site is within the town centre conservation area and Historic England and the council's conservation officer have no objections as the designs have restricted the height of the buildings so that views, especially of Rotherham Minster, are to be respected. From the North, the building would step down towards the Chapel on the Bridge.

The plans were approved without going to the council's planning board as a quick determination was required to tie in with the ongoing CPO. Rothbiz reported last month that the authority had issued the legal documents for the order.

Council documents explain the next steps: "The project will bring the site into public ownership and demolish the current, derelict buildings, offering a cleared site for redevelopment. Partnership with the private sector (preferred option) will secure the delivery of a residential-led, mixed use development. The Council has worked closely with local developers to deliver similar successful schemes across the Town Centre, following a ‘build to rent’ template. This delivery model has proven successful on other sites (Old Market, Keppel Wharf, Imperial Buildings) located in close proximity to 3-7 Corporation Street."

Commercial property firm, Eddisons, provided a viability report for Rotherham Council. It concludes that the development costs associated with the project comes in at £5.94m with the completed properties worth around £2.12m, a gap of £3.8m showing that the development would be unviable. However significant external funding has already been secured to address the gap - £2,647,664 from the Town Deal, £537,724 from the Levelling Up Fund and £75,000 via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) gainshare fund.

Images: RMBC / AHR

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News: Rotherham bistro's bid for extended opening hours

A bistro that operates in the popular Wickersley area of Rotherham has applied for planning permission so that it can continue to open later.

Rotherham Council's Cumulative Impact Policy was introduced in 2020 and detailed that an area of Wickersley village would become a Cumulative Impact Zone. Here applicants "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."

The Yard has taken the first step to extending its opening hours with a planning application to vary a condition of its original approval. A premises licence would also be required to be varied.

The coffee shop and bistro on Bawtry Road secured planning permission to operate as a café/restaurant in 2016. This included a condition that stated that the premises would only be open to customers or for deliveries between the hours of 08:00-17:00 Mondays to Friday and 08:00-14:00 on Saturday and 0900-14:00 on Sundays.

Since opening The Yard has also been running bistro nights and events in the evenings.

A new application to vary the condition states: "The business currently operates within the permitted opening hours between 08:00-17:00 Mondays to Friday and 08:00-14:00 on Saturday and 09:00- 14:00 on Sundays.

"The business has however been operating without issue or objection within the hours of 08:00-23:00 for several times a months utilising temporary events notices applications and protocol.

"It is not practical or financially feasible to sustain this method of extending trading hours in the long term interests of the business. This application is therefore required to place the already established trading patterns into perpetuity which is essential to the long term viability and success of the established business."

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The new condition would enable the premises to be open to customers or for deliveries between the hours of 08:00-23:00 Mondays to Friday and 08:00-23:00 on Saturday and 0900- 23:00 on Sundays.

Wickersley Parish Council has commented on the application. It states: "Wickersley Parish Council does not object to the extension of opening hours so long as the premises continues to operate solely as a cafe/restaurant and do not operate partly as a drinking establishment during the evenings as this could lead to late night noise and nuisance as occurs at other premises within Wickersley centre.

"Wickersley has been designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone to prevent the further proliferation of drinking establishments and it is important that these premises do not operate partly in this way. It is therefore recommended that a condition be imposed to require the premises only to operate as a cafe/restaurant and for no other purpose."

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

Consultation has been taking place on the policy as it is required to be reviewed every three years. The Yard Facebook page

Images: The Yard / Facebook

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News: Rotherham-based Environmental Regeneration branches out

Rotherham business Environmental Regeneration has grown rapidly in the last 12 months, supported by part-funded training from South Yorkshire’s Skills Bank, which has promoted a greater resilience amongst the skills of the staff and across the wider business.

The Wickersley firm offers a range of services from tree felling and removal to woodland planting, fencing, hedgerow maintenance, grounds maintenance, tree surgery and vegetation clearance. The business has gone from strength-to-strength over the past two years and now employs nine people.

Darren Butt, Director of Environmental Regeneration, applied for Skills Bank funding for his new team of employees in pesticide training, forestry operations and chain saw certification.

Darren Butt explains: “I’d worked with Skills Bank in a previous role and knew how valuable skills training can be. As we’ve grown, taking on a new people to join the team, a number of them needed upskilling and I wanted to brush up on my skills too. Without the funded training at the early stages of the business, I wouldn’t have been able to grow the team and fulfil our contracts. It meant that the new staff could get up to speed quickly with the skills they needed and meet our customer’s requirements.”

Darren, who had worked for infrastructure services and engineering contractor Amey for ten years, decided during the lockdown to set up his own forestry and woodland management business offering services to private estates, local authorities and other organisations.

Darren adds: “I enjoy being outdoors and working on worthwhile environmental projects, whether its maintenance alongside the canal network, woodland creation works, tree planting and associated maintenance or general forestry work. I’m passionate about what we do – and I’m really optimistic about the future.”

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Alexander Rothwell, Growth Skills Advisor at South Yorkshire Growth Hub, added: “It is fantastic to see how the Skills Bank training has directly impacted the team at Environmental Regeneration, giving them the skills they need to offer a wide range of services to their customers. The business is a real post-Covid success story and has grown tremendously in a very short time, creating a number of new jobs, which is great for the local economy.”

Skills Bank provides employers across South Yorkshire with access to high quality training and funding to support skills training that will enable them to develop their business. Skills Bank is part of South Yorkshire Growth Hub, a service which exists to help businesses to find the best possible support to grow, whether that is investment in Skills and Training, access to finance options, support with innovation or export or even helping new businesses to get off the ground.

South Yorkshire Growth Hub Skills Advisors are available across the region to support and assist businesses with their needs. The Growth Hub supports the aims of the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership to create jobs and drive economic growth by providing local businesses with the tools they need to succeed.

The Skills Bank Programme has been extended until 2025 by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The extension is in recognition of the needs of local businesses and as part of the support to boost South Yorkshire’s post pandemic recovery and renewal.

Skills Bank website

Images: Skills Bank SCR

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News: Another global firm looking to expand on Rotherham's Advanced Manufacturing Park

A global manufacturer of plants and machines for the metals industry is set to expand with new premises on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, new plans show.

A planning application has been submitted to Rotherham Council for a 51,000 sq ft facility fronting the Parkway that would house the UK headquarters and laboratory for Italian firm, Danieli.

The Danieli Group designs, builds and sells plants for the iron and steel industry, offering a complete range of machines from primary process management to the manufacture of finished goods (essentially from ore to finished product). Rotherham is already home to one of its twelve global design centres - at Templeborough - but the site is now too small for the growing firm.

Regeneration experts Harworth Group are leading the expansion plans with consultants, Stantec, and architects, The Harris Partnership. Outline approval for new units in this part of the AMP have already been approved.

Matching the successful commercial property on the park, such as the nearby units for McLaren and X-Cel Superturn Ltd, Unit 9 at Seldon Way would inlcude labratory and office space across threee floors, with room included for future expansion.

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The plans state: "The proposed development will form one single unit for Danieli; a company who are one of the UK biggest advanced service solutions and consultancies for production and maintenance of metals. Danieli is a full cycle provider from raw materials to finished products in the metals industry and are leading in their field globally. The majority of Danieli's services are lab and/or office based. Danieli are locally based in Rotherham at Ignite Magna Way but have outgrown their current facility and require more space.

"The proposed development is earmarked to become the company's main headquarters in a dedicated building comprising a mix of lab, office, and meeting room space. The new headquarters will allow the company to continue to build upon their success and grow whilst combining many of their businesses on to one dedicated site.

"The proposed development has been futureproofed and includes a second floor of office space which will facilitate employees working in the labs and research spaces. It is envisaged that the second floor will not be occupied from the outset but rather be occupied as and when the company operations demand it and/or as the company grows.

"In short, this application seeks to build on the success of both the AMP and a local company which contributes towards the advanced manufacturing success of the region. The proposed development will facilitate the attraction and retention of highly skilled jobs on the AMP."

In its most recent accounts, Danieli Uk Holding Ltd reported that it had bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic with turnover doubling to £38m for the year to June 2022. With export accounting for around 50% of trade, the group said that it is well placed to serve the metals industry that is looking to reduce CO2 and is expecting strong demand for its products and services in the scrap metal proccessing sector.

This week, Harworth Group confirmed that construction will commence shortly of an additional 73,000 sq ft pre-let and built-to-suit unit at the AMP. It is already on-site with a further 93,000 sq ft which is due to reach practical completion in autumn 2023.

Danieli website
Harworth Group website

Images: Harworth / Harris Partnership

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News: Inside the massive Rotherham warehouse where staff share the work with 250 robots

NEXT, the British multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer, has announced the success of an automation collaboration at its Dearne Valley Pallet fulfillment centre in Rotherham.

In 500,000 sq ft of warehouse space at Manvers, 250 Geek+ robots handle both goods-to-person picking and order sorting processes for NEXT's e-commerce operations.

Opened in 2008, Next's 1.1m sq ft Rotherham operation at Brookfield's Park had 1,500+ people working there in 2021, when the robots were first introduced. The two buildings can handle over 100,000 pallets and includes the largest warehouse in Next's 13-site distribution network. A £50m, 200,000 sq ft extension is on the cards, creating an additional 150 jobs.

Faced with high demand and operating in the volatile fashion industry, NEXT decided to streamline its processes and scale up efficiently to meet new customer requirements. To achieve this goal, they have sought efficient solutions including selecting Geek+ as their robotic warehouse automation partner. The hybrid “Pick-and-Sort” solution is the result of the successful co-development process between the two companies.

Liam Jenkinson, Site Manager at NEXT, said: "Working with Geek+ has been a positive experience for us, both from the start and with the ongoing support provided. The flexibility offered by Geek+'s picking and sortation system is critical to our operations, and the integration between our Warehouse Management System and Geek+'s Robot Management System is seamless. As our business continues to expand, we are planning to extend the warehouse and replicate the success of this project in the new space."

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The process begins with the Geek+ P800 picking robots, which retrieve the pallets from the pallet transfer area and move them to the storage area for picking. Once a picking order is initiated, the robot transports the rack to a multifunctional workstation that is utilised for both the picking and sorting procedures. Once the picking is completed, the operator deposits the item onto the S20C sorting robot. The S20C robot then transfers the goods to the designated chute for the depot, while the parcel heads downstairs for packing. The flexibility of the Geek+ solution enables NEXT to manage a wide variety of products that differ in size, weight, and velocity of sale.

With this solution, NEXT can process 16,000 units per day. According to NEXT, the efficiency of the automated process is twice that of manual picking.

Brian Lee, VP of EMEA Region at Geek+, said: "NEXT is a visionary customer that placed their trust in us. We are proud to have fulfilled our promise and provided NEXT's warehouse with our intelligent and flexible warehouse automation solutions. We are eager to replicate it in more warehouses across the UK, Europe, and around the global."

This improved efficiency has not only enabled NEXT to handle a record volume during the last Christmas season without requiring additional labour, but it has also allowed them to push the cut-off time from 6 pm to 10 pm while still meeting their NEXT day delivery promise. One of the advantages of the Geek+ solution is its scalability. To meet their growing demand, NEXT introduced 50 additional S20C robots earlier this year.

NEXT plc website
Geek+ website

Images: Geek+ / NEXT

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News: Rethink for Rotherham riverside residential regeneration scheme

Plans have evolved for a key regeneration project that aims to bring more houses to Rotherham town centre.

At Westgate and Sheffield Road, a bridge over to the football stadium is no longer in the plans and the condition of the river wall is presenting a problem.

As part of the £31.6m Town Deal programme, government funding is being used to continue the development of a Riverside Residential Quarter. Following on from Council-led projects in the area such as Westgate Riverside and Millfold Rise, masterplanning has been undertaken for up to 279 high quality residential units, to include a mix of apartments and houses.

Rotherham Council has purchased further properties and plots of land for housing in the area. The authority has acquired all land and properties owned by Satnam Urban Regeneration Ltd which includes the 200 space Westgate Car Park and the two pubs including the derelict Alma Tavern, which has been under the threat of demolition.

Council documents show that £4.1m was set aside to purchase the land and properties.

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Satnam Urban Regeneration Ltd has been a significant landowner in the area but had 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. Royal Mail have now engaged with the council and are in negotiations.

Council documents also show that a potential footbridge has been removed from the scheme now that work on regenerating the former Guest & Chrimes site was no longer proceeding as part of the Town Deal.

Despite £4.5m being set aside for a scheme to repurpose the former foundry as an National / International music venue, the council was unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club. It is now looking at other sites within the town centre.

To progress the riverside residential project, Esh Construction Ltd has recently been awarded a contract for the enabling works. Project officers had been looking at the river wall which is "in poor shape" with sheet piling needed to steady it prior to work on a Riverside Walk.

A council report on the £483,842.47 contract states: "As part of Rotherham’s continued diversification of and investment in the town centre this scheme contributes to the delivery of a new residential quarter in the town centre. This contract will facilitate the progression of the Riverside Residential Quarter through the development of an engineering design solution and delivery strategy for a new riverside walk and realignment and infrastructure works to Water Lane."

Esh, who have also been awarded the council contract for the scheme to connect the cycle route created through Templeborough to the town centre along Sheffield Road and Westgate, have the option to progress to stage 2 works in the riverside area which has an estimated 10 months programme in the region of £5.2m.

Images: Google Maps/ RMBC

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News: Growing Rotherham engineering specialist boosts productivity

A longstanding design engineering company has ignited its ambitious growth plans after securing funds from the South Yorkshire Business Productivity grant scheme, by helping them to save a staggering half a day per employee, per week in lost working time.

Rotherham-based Philford Design Engineering, which is headquartered at Aldwarke Business Park designs, manufactures and installs the vital equipment relied upon by the quarrying, mining, recycling and energy sectors, including conveyor belts, crushers and automated metal detection equipment.

Over the past twelve months the company has seen its workforce increase by 25% and with a growing order book, Philford’s senior management team began exploring ways of improving the way in which the business operated.

A key challenge the business faced was that it was reliant upon a dedicated welding bays, which often meant moving large structures around the factory during the manufacturing process. Realising they were in a unique position to overcome the challenges the company was facing, Daniel Beckett decided to reach out to RiDO for advice.

Help came in the form of key account manager John Fox, who advised the company that it may be eligible to receive support through the South Yorkshire Business Productivity grant scheme: a match-funded ERDF grant scheme, specifically developed to help businesses overcome growth barriers.

The successful grant application enabled Philford Design Engineering to invest in new mobile welding and ventilation equipment, allowing crucial fabrication work to be undertaken without the need to move the large structures around the factory.

The funding secured proved to be transformational and as a result of the changes the company has implemented it is hoping to add another five new recruits to its workforce, as well as helping to pass on the skills and knowledge within the business to the next generation through its apprenticeship programme.

With the costs of the project match-funded through the grant, the company was also able to set aside additional funds to commission a new argon gas line, reducing the reliance on individual bottles, which needed to be replaced regularly throughout the working week. Since implementing the changes, the company has not only reduced lost working time, but the new welding equipment purchased has helped it to reduce spatter – formed when droplets of molten materials land on surfaces near to the area being welded.

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Daniel Beckett, Management Accountant, Philford Design Engineering, said: “We’ve seen demand for our services increase significantly over the past 18 months, resulting in a 25% growth in our workforce. As a relatively small business, we knew that the key to creating sustainable growth wasn’t simply about recruiting new members of staff, but also overcoming the barriers that were impacting upon our capacity. This meant re-thinking the way in which we operated as a business.

"We knew that the limitations of our welding bay were holding the business back. I explained the problems we were facing to John Fox, and he recommended that we should apply to the Business Productivity Programme for help. The match-funded grant we received has helped us to purchase new portable welding equipment, which means that rather than spending time moving large steel structures around the factory, the welding equipment can be moved to where it’s needed.

"The match-funded grant also meant that funds which would have been set aside to invest in the welding equipment could also be reinvested back into the business and as a result we were able to bring forward our plans to commission a new argon gas line, which eliminated overnight the time spent changing individual gas bottles.

"The measures we have introduced have proved to be transformational for our business. Not only have they reduced the need to move the large structures we’re working on around the factory, but the new equipment has helped us to create a better quality of weld; the reduction in spatter being created also means less time grinding and cleaning too. It all adds up to quite a large time saving.

"Until the work was completed, we didn’t quite appreciate just how much time was being lost. We didn’t realise how transformative to our business the funds would prove to be, resulting not only in increased productivity, reduced lost working time, but also contributing towards the creation of five additional new jobs in the business this year.”

John Fox, Key Account Manager, RiDO, added: “SME businesses like Philford Design Engineering are the lifeblood of the local and regional economy, but in many cases the challenges they face can stifle their growth. The South Yorkshire Business Productivity Grant scheme was launched specifically to help businesses across the region unlock the barriers to growth they face.

"Philford Design Engineering recognised that simply recruiting new members of staff would not solve the problems they were facing; instead, they needed to re-think the way a key element of their production process was undertaken – something that required significant investment - and I feel confident that the Business Productivity Grant funding the company has received will help them to lay the foundations to create new skilled jobs and enjoy a period of growth and expansion.”

Philford Design Engineering was founded in 1979 by two ex-coal mining Design Engineers to provide specialist services to support the coal industry. Today, the company is one of just a small number of UK businesses that is responsible for designing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining heavy industry equipment.

The Business Productivity Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and provides businesses with 50% grant funding up to a maximum of £12,499, and the other 50% must be provided by the business. The maximum project application is £24,999 and can include investment in new equipment or machinery and consultancy services to help them overcome barriers to growth. The scheme is delivered by Enterprising Barnsley, Business Sheffield, Business Doncaster and the Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO).

Philford Design Engineering website
RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Rotherham bus depot demolition

A large vacant bus depot in Rotherham can be demolished under recently approved plans.

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

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

The MCA's board agreed to sell off the 212,000 sq ft warehouse last year.

The site consists of aged office accommodation and bus sheds and was constructed over 40 years ago. Following bus de-regulation the site was leased to a number of private operators, generating a financial return that was re-invested into transport activity. It was also used as a COVID-19 test centre during the global pandemic.

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

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

This month, a planning application to determine whether prior approval is required of the method of demolition and restoration of the site has been granted by Rotherham Council. It comes with a number of conditions regarding demolition and remediation works such as the need to approve methods and means of disposal both on site and off site of the debris. Details over the timescales for restoration after the demolition also need checking by planners.

The planning application is from Prospect Estates Ltd, a UK focused real estate investment management company, that has been advertising the property as being for sale.

The Leeds based firm has previously had success with commercial property in Eastwood, Rotherham.

Prospect Estates website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Ben Bailey begins work on Rotherham redevelopment project

Yorkshire property developer Ben Bailey Homes has begun work on a major development of new housing and important community restoration in the Rotherham town of Swinton.

Plans were approved last year for the long-awaited project that will see the construction of 41 private properties and eight housing association homes, along with upgraded community buildings and public gardens.

The £8m plus Harrop Mews project is being carried out in partnership with Rotherham Council.

The 49 new homes - including the eight affordable properties - are being built off Highcliffe Drive in Swinton, along with a newly refurbished library at the former customer service centre building, an upgraded and improved Civic Hall and a new public space area between the existing Civic Building and Station Street.

As part of the partnership, Ben Bailey will also provide funding towards sustainable travel measures, the planting of replacement trees and education provision. Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy performed a ceremonial ground-breaking alongside Rotherham Council Leader Councillor Chris Read, Council colleagues and partners from Ben Bailey Homes.

“These new homes, green spaces and improved community facilities will transform Swinton Town Centre for the better,” said Cllr. Lelliott.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to mark the official start of works and I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits.

“These changes will bring people much-needed housing, and new community buildings where friends and families will meet and enjoy their leisure time together.”

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Ben Bailey Sales and Marketing Director Jon Bailey said: “This project really takes Ben Bailey Homes back to its roots as the company was launched in the 1930s in neighbouring Mexborough.

“We’re pleased that as well as providing much needed two, three and four bedroom homes for sale, all with Ben Bailey’s signature unrivalled specification, we are also providing refurbished facilities to Swinton town centre, delivering a project that will once again make this area the centre of the community.

“This is the sort of project that the Ben Bailey brand was revived for, bringing quality development to the heart of the region.”

Launched in 1933 by Ben Bailey himself, Mexborough-based Ben Bailey Plc was Yorkshire's largest independent house builder, developing more than 700 homes a year when acquired by Gladedale in 2007.

Following the takeover and a subsequent rebrand, the Ben Bailey name disappeared completely from the construction industry.

But it has made a strong return after it was acquired and revived by Yorkshire’s award-winning Conroy Brook Group.

Conroy Brook website

Images: Conroy Brook

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News: Flats plan for prominent Rotherham town centre property

A commercial building in the heart of Rotherham town centre could be converted into a mixed use property with a number of flats created in the upper floors.

At 5 - 9 All Saints Square, the applicant seeks to use the first and second floor to provide two flats as "permitted development." The ground floor, fronting onto the square and Rotherham Minster, would remain as a commercial use and is not part of the application proposals.

The property is known by many as the former Scrivens Opticians, before their move to new premises on nearby Effingham Street. It is now a convenience store.

Luton-based VV Realty Ltd is the applicant and they are hoping for approval given that the ground floor of the building is occupied as a retail shop, but the two upper floors of the building have been vacant since July 2020.

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New permitted development rights were introduced in 2021 to allow the change of use from any use, or mix of uses, from the Commercial, Business and Service use class (Class E) to residential use (Class C3), partly in an effort to help high streets and town centres.

Plans drawn up by Volta Design, say that the proposed flats are for single person use only and the council's Environmental Health officer has commented that it "appears from the plans that the premises may potentially be two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) rather than flats. However, this would need to be confirmed."

Environmental Health has raised issues over the "potential for disturbance to the future occupiers of the proposed residential flats/HMO as a result of noise from the busy town centre, activities in the ground floor retail premises and fixed plant in the area."

All Saints Square is regularly used for outdoor events and gatherings such as the Christmas Lights switch on.

A condition of approval is being recommended that asks for a noise assessment to be carried out before providing details of any necessary mitigation to protect the amenity of the occupants of the new residences.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham's new cinema - what we know so far

National urban regenerator, Muse Developments, has provided an update on the new cinema at its Forge Island leisure scheme in Rotherham town centre that is slated to open in 2024.

The Arc Cinema signed a long-term lease with Muse in 2021 to become the leisure anchor at Rotherham's Forge Island. Construction work got underway last year after Rotherham Council stepped in to fund the scheme when the funding available to delivery partner, Muse, "significantly reduced."

Plans were approved in 2020 for the scheme which will also include a new Travelodge hotel and six food and drink outlets, which are already fully let.

Positioned at the south of the former home of the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the design of the cinema looked to the strong industrial heritage of the site which was historically home to a foundry and an iron works. The cinema design incorporates a saw-tooth roof profile with a metal cap and a robust brick podium base.

A 340 space car park is also in the plans.

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The cinema is set to be an 8-screen boutique style cinema with initial plans for the 25,000 sq ft building showing five screens with between 125 and 143 seats and three smaller screens of between 50 and 83 seats.

Arc Cinemas are known for their top-class facilities at 12 locations spanning across the UK and Ireland. The new location at Forge Island will be no exception. Every seat will be a comfortable, leather, electric recliner with plenty of legroom, providing a luxury experience but at an affordable price.

Operators now say that the Rotherham cinema will have two flagship Hypersense screens, including Dolby Atmos sound, a giant screen and a 4K Laser projector – which creates a truly immersive experience. Additionally, it will also have six medium-sized screens that provide an intimate atmosphere for smaller showings – perfect for Arc's popular events like ‘Silver Screen’ and ‘Kids club’ which will be launching in Rotherham.

Last year, the operator applied for a premises licence, covering 8:00am to 3:00am to enable the cinema to stay open late to enable die hard film fans to watch new releases at midnight on the day they open. Up to 12 events per year for these cinema "all-nighters" were requested.

Prices at Arc Cinema in Beeston range from £2.95 for Kid's Club showings, to £7.00 for concessions and up to £10.50 for adults at peak times. Showings in the Hypersense screens are charged at the standard ticket price + £2.50. Family tickets are £30 for a family of four.

Brian Gilligan, director at Irish firm, Melcorpo, which runs The Arc Cinema, said: "At The Arc Cinema, we believe everyone should get to experience the magic of the movies on the big screen. Unfortunately, Rotherham has been underserved of cinema facilities for so long, with the nearest cinema over in Sheffield. We’re excited to open in Forge Island next year and bring something new to the town and make it easier for locals to experience movies how they were intended to be seen."

Cannon, the last town centre cinema, closed in 1990.

Arc Cinema website
Forge Island website
Muse Developments website

Images: Muse / Arc Cinemas

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News: Rotherham regeneration at UKREiiF

Regeneration projects across Rotherham and the rest of South Yorkshire where on show last week at UK’s Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF).

Key players, influencers and decision makers gathered at Leeds’ Royal Armouries Museum to highlight investment and development opportunities. The message from South Yorkshire was around the area being a location at the heart of the UK, which offers a world-class investment and relocation opportunity, as well as being a great place to live and work.

Rotherham Council joined with the other local authorities and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to showcase the region’s recent success stories and attract further investment to drive economic growth.

Investible opportunities where featured in a "Transforming Rotherham" showcase including the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and wider Waverley site, projects backed by Government funding including in the town centre and Dinnington such as Riverside Residential and Corporation Street, the proposed new Mainline Station, and further regeneration at Templeborough.

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Rotherham-based regeneration firm, Harworth Group, were also in attendance and they hosted an event all about its AMP success story and why it is a Blueprint for High-Tech Productivity. THe panel discussed the multi-decade journey from deindustrialised former coal mine to hub of high-tech manufacturing and innovation, and why it continues to thrive.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for South Yorkshire. We’re a region turning our huge potential into reality. Already world-leaders in advanced manufacturing, we attract companies, investors and leaders from around the world.

"We’re at the cutting edge of research into health sciences and renewable energy. We have two globally respected universities and a thriving cultural sector. We combine rural beauty and urban edge right at the heart of the UK, with the Peak District National Park as our backdrop.

"We’re working with Westminster to bring more devolution to South Yorkshire so we have the powers, money and control to shape our economy so it works for us. With new leadership, ambitious plans and a warm welcome for everyone who wants to live, work and invest here, there has never been a better time to come to South Yorkshire.”

Invest in Rotherham website

Images: SYMCA

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News: Master Cutler's challenge set to benefit Wentworth Woodhouse

Big-hearted South Yorkshire businesses are being urged to back a charity challenge set by the second woman in 398 years to lead the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL, who was appointed to the prestigious role in October, has launched her Master Cutler's Challenge and aims to raise £200,000 by September 30.

The money will help fund community-enriching projects at her beloved Wentworth Woodhouse, the Rotherham stately home she helped to save for the nation in 2017.

Companies already signed up include AESSEAL, Vulcan Steels, Airmaster Air Conditioning, accountants Hartshaw, Grant Thornton and BHP, law firms DLA Piper and Irwin Mitchell, architects Donald Insall Associates, Sheffield Hallam University and OSL Group Holdings.

The annual Master Cutler’s Challenge has brought in over £1m for local causes since launching in 2008.

Each new Master Cutler of Hallamshire chooses a charity to support and fundraisers are given a £50 fund which they are tasked with growing into as large a sum as possible.

Dame Julie has chosen the Educational and Community Programme at Wentworth Woodhouse, the Grade I listed Georgian masterpiece which was crumbling into ruin when her five-year campaign with SAVE led to the purchase of the house for £7m in 2017.

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With Dame Julie as Chair, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust began the task of regenerating the house and changing the economic fortunes, and people’s perceptions, of Rotherham.

“I am very proud to be only the second female Master in almost 400 years. Every year the Master Cutler has a cause they want to raise awareness of; mine is the Wentworth Woodhouse educational and community programme, which strives to increase diversity and inclusion in South Yorkshire,” said Dame Julie, founder of award-winning Rotherham electronic security manufacturer Pyronix.

“ “I got involved in Wentworth Woodhouse not only to rescue such an important and beautiful place, but also because I wanted it to become a catalyst for change - supporting regeneration, providing jobs and workplace opportunities and becoming a place for the people.

“We have achieved a huge amount in six years. It is now one of the core pillars in South Yorkshire and is transforming lives and communities in what is one of the most deprived regions in Europe.

“I came from a very poor background. Sometimes we didn't eat and often we had no electricity or gas because my mother didn’t pay the bills.

“As a child I was written off as a low achiever, but I have achieved significant things. The trust is giving people just like me educational and entrepreneurial programmes, training opportunities and cultural experiences they might never otherwise have got a chance of.

“I urge the region’s businesses to join in the Master Cutler’s Challenge 2023 and help Wentworth Woodhouse change more lives.”

Money raised will go towards the trust’s activities supporting low-income families, ethnic and minority groups and people with disabilities, including the creation of a Community Growing Garden.

Situated on the Drying Green, where for centuries laundry maids pegged bedlinen out to dry, a fully accessible space will feature raised growing beds, polytunnels and greenhouses.

Up to 20 local community groups will be able to grow their own food, develop gardening skills and friendships.

Master Cutler's Challenge website

Images: WWPT

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News: Europe’s largest shoe retailer to open new Rotherham store

An empty unit at Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham looks set to be the right fit for an international shoe chain.

With recent expansions for Poundland, who have taken the large former Marks & Spencer unit, and plans in the pipeline for Sports Direct and USC to join a new gym in the former Millets outlet, now the former Bensons for Beds unit looks to have a new occupier.

Deichmann is eyeing up the unit so it can bring the best in stylish footwear to Rotherham.

The German company, which has more than 4,000 stores in 31 countries around the world, is a global success story selling 160 million pairs of shoes annually.

Still run as a family business - as it has been since the early years of the 20th century - Deichmann is now Europe’s largest shoe retailer and features its own range of "must-have" fixes for fast fashion shoppers, a host of stylish essentials, as well as big name brands including Skechers, adidas, Nike, Hush Puppies and many more.

Recruitment is underway and a planning application has been submitted for new signage at Parkgate's unit 10A, which is around 7,000 sq ft.

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Deichmann’s gross revenue reached the record level of more than 8 billion euros in 2022. The Essen-based company focused on taking advantage of opportunities, despite the crisis, and made forward-looking investments to establish strong strategic foundations for the future. For 2023 Deichmann said it remains focused on expansion, including overseas. The group will continue to invest its own funds in organic growth and is planning to open around 200 new stores around the world.

The very first Deichmann branch in the UK was opened in 2001. It already has stores at The Glass Works in Barnsley, and the Frenchgate Centre in Doncaster, as well as at Meadowhall and The Moor in Sheffield. A new outlet is opening this week at Crystal Peaks, also in Sheffield.

Diechmann stores operate using the "rack" concept where the customer is not presented with single shoes arranged on the shelf by size. You don't have to ask the sales assistant to get the shoe in a different size or colour. Shoes are on display not only in pairs, but also in boxes.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year that Parkgate Shopping Park had been put up for sale by its owners who are seeking offers in excess of £80m for the freehold interest.

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.

Other recent deals include Popeyes taking over from KFC and a new letting for Wren Kitchens.

Deichmann website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Google Maps

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News: New degree apprenticeship launched to boost skills in nuclear

Aspiring nuclear engineers and scientists have a new route into careers in low-carbon energy, with the launch of a degree apprenticeship delivered by the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham.

The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer degree apprenticeship has been developed with the support of the Nuclear AMRC and industry partners including the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Westinghouse, Rolls-Royce, Sellafield and Jacobs, to produce graduate professionals who can work across the UK’s current and future civil nuclear programmes.

The course has been designed to provide the engineering and management skills needed to ensure that nuclear systems and equipment can be operated safely and efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way. Specialist modules include the principles of nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing and materials for nuclear applications, and industry codes and standards.

Depending on previous experience, the course will take up to five years to complete. Graduates will qualify with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), and be well suited for roles including design, operational management, project management, plant performance enhancements and maintenance of safety standards.

Both based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Nuclear AMRC and the AMRC Training Centre worked together closely to ensure that the course meets industry needs, coordinating input from employers in the nuclear supply chain and supporting development of the curriculum.

Liz Gregory, supply chain and skills director at the Nuclear AMRC, said: “We are committed to supporting our supply chain companies to obtain suitably qualified personnel to meet today’s challenges and those of the future. There is a real shortage of staff in the nuclear sector, so we are working hard with our partner organisations to meet their needs for high-quality training and to give young people the best possible start in the industry.”

Apprentices will be employed by a company working in the nuclear supply chain throughout their training. Their employer will pay the course fees plus a basic salary, either with support from the apprenticeship levy or via co-investment with the government if the employer doesn’t pay the levy. As part of their final year of study, the student will carry out an industrial project to tackle a real engineering challenge for their employer.

For people who want to work in nuclear but are not currently employed in the sector, the AMRC Training Centre can match applicants to a suitable employer.

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Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, said: “The nuclear sector is a rapidly-developing high-value sector in the UK with immense growth opportunities. With the new Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer degree apprenticeship, we want to feed into the skills bank for industry employers and also provide our apprentices with quality training and knowledge needed to get a head-start in the industry.

“Building on the AMRC Training Centre’s remarkable track record in apprenticeships in other high-value sectors, we’re confident that the new degree apprenticeship will be an excellent first step towards plugging the existing skills gap in the nuclear industry and will open up exciting, new opportunities for young people looking to get into the industry.”

Applications for students are now open, with apprentices starting the new course in September. The course aims to help employers in the industry bridge the skills gap and develop their workforce. Employers interested in getting involved can contact the AMRC Training Centre for more information.

With an estimated 150,000 skilled people needed to meet the UK’s target of 24GW of nuclear power by 2050, the Nuclear AMRC is currently expanding the support it provides to companies to support skills development. The course aims to bridge the skills gap for all employers in the industry.

Nuclear AMRC website
AMRC Training Centre website

Images: AMRC Training Centre

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News: Plans for pioneering plastics to hydrogen facility in Rotherham

A planning application has been submitted for a pioneering new centre in Rotherham that would divert tonnes of plastic waste from landfill and convert it to hydrogen and electricity.

Newton Hydrogen Limited want to use an empty part of the Magna Science Adventure Centre to house an an advanced facility which would apply pyrolysis technology to generate Green Hydrogen from upto 13,000 tonnes of plastic per year which is not suitable for recycling and would be designated for landfill.

If approved, the facility would use a HydroPlas reactor developed by Canadian firm, Fusion One. Waste plastic is shredded and subjected to very high temperatures in a zero-oxygen environment.

The plans add: "The thermal decomposition breaks the complex polymer chains down into a Hydrogen rich syngas which is first cooled, creating energy for use around the site and then is separated and purified to extract the Hydrogen from the other components in the syngas.

"Newton Hydrogen are currently working with Councils in the local area to look at utilising the produced hydrogen for use in refuge collection vehicles. The green hydrogen produced at the facility would be used as a vehicle fuel which is proposed to be used a refuelling stations to the nearby park and ride facility and for use with the local authority hydrogen vehicle projects for public transportation and refuge collection vehicles."

The facility would be able to produce 3,000 kg of hydrogen fuel per day.

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The plans are for a change of use at the Rotherham end of the Magna centre, adjacent to RiDO's Fusion business centre, for around 35,000 sq ft of space.

The plastic waste would consist of upto 40 tonnes delivered per day of SRF plastic [non-recyclable combustible solid waste] which is stored internally in baled bunkers. Two HGV deliveries are expected each day.

The facility would be operational 24 hours a day and would create employment for 30 to 35 staff, applicants say.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

In 2022, plans were approved for a battery energy storage facility at Magna.

At the other end of Magna, Sterecycle operated a waste treatment facility. Sterecycle (Rotherham) Limited, which called in administrators in 2012, was found guilty of corporate manslaughter following the fatality at the site in 2011.



Images: Fusion One

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News: What's happening with The Steel Man sculpture?

A new challenge has begun for the "Man of Steel" - the proposed landmark sculpture in Rotherham, overlooking Sheffield's Lower Don Valley.

More than a decade ago, designs for a 32 metre stainless steel sculpture were created that was set to stand on a former landfill site overlooking the M1 between Rotherham and Sheffield. Plans were originally approved conditionally in 2012 for the art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi.

With slow progress being made since plans were resubmitted in 2015 alongside proposals for an Interpretation Hub forming part of the project in 2017, an update shows that work is still being carried out with a new 4.5 metre replica model of the sculpture now under construction.

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The update reads: "We are delighted to announce the beginning of a new era as we push forward with our plans to bring the Steel Man to life. Last year we began working with an international collaboration of design engineers to develop the fabrication design of the Steel Man. We then reached out to Outokumpu, one of our biggest sponsors, to supply all the stainless steel required to build a new 4.5 metre model of the sculpture. This is now being built by another of our sponsors, NEC Ltd in Bradwell, Derbyshire. The build will take 3-4 months and we can’t wait to let you know when its ready!"

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been pioneering the plans. It has reviously said that £4.2m is required to deliver the new landmark for Yorkshire, with a number of high profile companies backing the programme with materials, expertise and financial contributions.

A previous update said: "Funding an ambitious project of this scale has always been a huge challenge, and the impact of Brexit and COVID 19, along with other local economic challenges, has disrupted our plans and delayed progress. The team has worked hard to push through these challenges, and they recognise many hurdles still remain. Traditional funding routes under the current climate remain beyond our grasp. So, to harness the support we already have, we are preparing a global crowd funding campaign starting this Year. More about it will be announced in the coming months."

Originally conceived as a scaled up stainless cast version of Mehdi's sculpture, the Man of Steel has been radically redesigned, and will be fabricated from precision engineered stainless steel panels supplied from Outokumpu Stainless Distribution (UK), from Sheffield.

In addition, a 20 metre observation tower, supporting the 20 metre stainless steel sculpture is set to include a viewing deck, which will provide "elevated panoramic views across the region and interpretive technology which will focus on the heritage of steel and coal, as well as promoting the new technology sector helping to transform the region's future."

When plans were submitted, The Heritage Lottery Fund were committed to financially supporting the building of a £1m Interpretation Hub. Plans showed that the building would be sited to the west of the existing vehicular access onto Meadowbank Road at the bottom of the hill, with The Steel Man sculpture at the top of the hill. Plans showed areas for exhibitions, learning and activities associated with sculpture along with a canteen, staff room, shop and outdoor play space.

A full scale replica heart was gifted to the town and is on display in Rotherham town centre. A similar sculpture was reproduced to help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. With space to engrave 150,000 names, the Heart of Steel at Meadowhall shopping centre is eventually due to be included inside the 32-metre Steel Man.

The Steel Man website

Images: Yorkshire Icon Ltd: / NEC Ltd / Axis Architecture

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News: £25m boost for Rotherham heat network

Plans to harness the heat from the £150m biomass power station at Templeborough in Rotherham have received a funding boost from the government.

Rothbiz reported in 2018, when the site came online, that plans had been submitted for an energy centre and pipeline network as part of a project that aims to provide Rotherham town centre and key industrial energy-using areas of Rotherham with a low cost renewable choice for their heat source.

Now Rotherham Energy Limited has secured £25m to build a new Rotherham Energy Network - a share of £91m from the government’s Green Heat Network Fund.

Together, the projects will boost the UK’s energy security and independence and help delivering on the government’s commitment to grow the economy – with the schemes expected to create hundreds of new, skilled jobs.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: "The UK is a world leader when it comes to reducing carbon emissions – but we must continue to push the boundaries to reach our net zero goal.

"These innovative projects will not only benefit the communities they serve, by reducing emissions and providing low-cost heating that helps to drive down energy bills, but also support the nation’s push for greater energy security and independence.

"They form part of our energy revolution – creating hundreds of new jobs for our ever-expanding green economy."

In Rotherham, proponents of the scheme, 1Energy, have given it a total investment cost of £61.84m. The low-to-zero carbon (LZC) heat network will distribute upgraded waste heat from the power plant.

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Built on disused land at the Firth Rixson Ickles Works, the plant generates clean, green energy using waste wood, exporting just over 41MW of green electricity which is enough to supply 78,000 homes (around half the population of Rotherham) and save over 150,000 tons of CO2 every year.

Rotherham Energy Network (REN) will take waste heat from the cooling towers, upgrade the heat to 80°C using water-to-water heat pump and distribute heat over c.10km of pipework for distribution to 34 connections in and around Rotherham town centre.

2022 documents had construction starting on site in late 2023 and running for 28 months. It could become operational in Spring 2025.

1Energy, develops and builds private-sector funded LZC district energy networks in city centres. A joint venture between the founders and a fund managed by Asper Investment Management, 1Energy undertakes and funds all activities through the project stages. It is also working on a project in Bradford which has also secured government funding and began construction in November of last year. Asper recently announced the close of its fund to back 1Energy with £220m commitments from UK and global institutional investors.

Ken Hunnisett, Programme Director for Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management, delivery partner for the fund, said: "From Cornwall to London, Reading to Rotherham, funding announced today will go far to help us reach our net zero ambitions and provide clean heating across residential and commercial buildings.

"We are excited to work with the teams in each of these locations to deliver these new heating infrastructure projects to help them deliver on their green goals and make a real difference to how we heat our buildings."

In 2019, Greencoat Capital (now part of Schroders Capital) acquired 100% of Templeborough Biomass Power Plant Ltd from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

1Energy website

Images: Google Maps

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