News: £11m for Dinnington and what it'll be spent on

Further details of an £11m regeneration project for a town centre in Rotherham are set to be agreed.

In March, the government announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration in The Budget for Wath and Dinnington. It came after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

The Rotherham bid was around creating a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

For Dinnington £11,049,547 is to be allocated with the project focusing on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of the town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community. It was developed in conjunction with Ward Members, Dinnington St John’s Council and the MP for Rother Valley, Alexander Stafford.

A council cabinet report explains: "The Dinnington project aims to enhance the blighted town centre along Laughton Road, redeveloping the area into a new purpose-built town square with an improved public realm.

"The development is proposed to include a new and improved commercial offer, a revitalised outdoor market and improved connectivity seeking to increase footfall on the high street."

Advertisement
The bid describes a "purpose-built town square with specialist retail and food and beverage spaces which will spill out to create a vibrant café culture destination."

Revamping the markets would enable it to expand into additional days and host more events and specialist food and drink fairs.

The redevelopment site has a prominent position on the high street located between anchor stores Tesco and Aldi and directly adjacent to the bus station. It also borders the main car parks serving the town centre.

Without grant funding, the scheme would not be viable to be delivered by the private sector. Funding will cover activities up until the end of the financial year 2025-2026.

The development of detailed proposals is due to take place over the next 6-12 months with negotiation and acquisition of property taking place at the same time. A multi-disciplinary consultancy led team, including Turner Townsend, AHR Architects and TetraTech, is already in place.

The report adds: "The site currently comprises burnt-out buildings fronting the high street, an ageing mid-century shopping parade, a disconnected outdoor market, and a collection of dilapidated and underused buildings. The layout and condition of the site make it an unattractive and occasionally unsafe key route between the car parks, bus station, residential areas, and the high street. It has therefore been identified as a key factor in poor perceptions of the area and reduced trips to the town centre particularly in the evenings.

"The regeneration of Dinnington as a destination will be launched through the redevelopment of this site through a new commercial square which will seek to draw visitors to the town centre. The grant funding will enable crucial strategic land assembly of the blighted site and redevelopment into a purpose-built town square with commercial space linked to an improved public realm to create a vibrant destination.

"Furthermore, the creation of an improved contemporary market space and public realm will improve the street scene while preserving the traditional market town culture. Redesign of the site will allow for the prioritisation of clear, connected pedestrian routes to improve connectivity from the car parks, bus station and surrounding residential areas and enhance natural surveillance."

Images: SYMCA / RMBC / Google Maps

Read more...

News: South Yorkshire celebrates gaining Local Visitor Economy Partnership status

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has welcomed the creation of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), a collaboration between SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, Doncaster City Council, Rotherham MBC and Barnsley MBC to work together on shared priorities and targets to grow the local visitor economy.

Developed and administered by Visit England, the LVEP programme is one of the key recommendations in the Government's response to the independent de Bois Review of Destination Management Organisations in England.

The LVEP programme, which will be led by Sheffield City Council, will create a national portfolio of strategic and high-performing partnerships working in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to support and grow the visitor economy.

LVEPs are at tier 2 with Tier 1 set to be a small number of Destination Development Partnerships (DDPs) which will be formed through partnerships of LVEPs.

After submitting an expression of interest, Marketing Sheffield were told that it did not have the geographical coverage required by VisitEngland and the remit wsa widened to South Yorkshire.

With no financial contribution from LAs required at this stage, the LVEP will be delivered as a working partnership thus amplifying the combined efforts of existing teams. SYMCA has indicated a willingness to support with funding and resource.

Advertisement
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Here in South Yorkshire we couldn’t be more proud of our world class music, landscapes, festivals and sport. We’re the birthplace of football and the home of snooker, we powered the Industrial Revolution and have England’s oldest national park. We celebrate art, music and literature like nowhere else.

“And now we have a new opportunity to share our beauty, our history, our culture, and our talent with the rest of our world. Our new Local Visitor Economy Partnership, being developed with the support of Visit England, will give visitors from far and wide the chance to explore and experience South Yorkshire in all its glory. I’m excited to see that partnership develop across all of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.”

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Councillor David Sheppard commented: “The LVEP accreditation will considerably strengthen opportunities to collaborate more effectively with neighbouring boroughs and the MCA and to partner with the private sector to ensure we continue to promote the many reasons to work, live, visit and invest in Rotherham and South Yorkshire as a whole.

“Wentworth Woodhouse, Magna Science Adventure Centre, Gulliver’s Valley and Rother Valley and Thrybergh Country Parks are big drivers of Rotherham’s visitor economy and the accreditation will help celebrate and promote these attractions and the green spaces that are unique to Rotherham’s heritage.”

The draft plan for South Yorkshire aims to diversify and strengthen the events programme, grow the conference market and develop the city breaks offer.

A DDP may be the most appropriate Yorkshire wide model to take forward over time and SYMCA continues to work in partnership with local and combined authorities across Yorkshire on the Yorkshire Tourism Initiative focused on promoting Yorkshire as a visitor destination. This project is being delivered by Barnsley MBC.

Images: Gulliver's

Read more...

News: Works complete on £8m replacement reservoir in Rotherham

Yorkshire Water’s £8m reservoir replacement project is now complete and is supplying drinking water to Rotherham.

Plans were approved in 2019 and the work to replace the two reservoirs, based in Boston Park, Rotherham, began in February 2020 with partners Mott McDonald Bentley and was commissioned to ensure that Rotherham can continue to have high quality drinking water in the future.

The first reservoir, which carries 4 million litres of water, was completed in summer 2021, and began serving parts of Rotherham including Rotherham hospital.

Work on the second reservoir, which holds 8 million litres of water, is also now complete and in service, along with a new water pumping station that was upgraded as part of this work. Work reinstating the public field at Boston Park is being completed.

Advertisement
While work was underway to make room for the reservoir, local Rotherham Red sandstone was uncovered. Smaller pieces of the rock have been used to separate the field from the access road to the reservoirs and larger pieces have been given to a local stone mason, who will create a piece to feature in the park.

Helene Moore, who has project managed the scheme for the last year said: “I am delighted to see that the second reservoir is now in service, bringing high quality water to thousands of properties across Rotherham.

“This scheme has been a fantastic investment in the longevity of Rotherham’s clean water systems and despite setbacks due to Covid, we’ve given these reservoirs a new lease of life.

“The area that was used to store the red stone and other assets throughout the construction period has been cleared and re-seeded, and we’re really pleased with the overall success of the project.”

Yorkshire Water website

Images: Yorkshire Water

Read more...

News: Another empty retail unit next on Rotherham Council's shopping list

Rotherham Council is set to acquire another empty retail unit in Rotherham town centre that has been vacated by a national retailer.

And the large vacant retail unit, that was formerly home to Boots, looks to have a new use, at least temporarily.

A year after Boots walked away from Effingham Street as part of a 2020 acceleration of it Transformation Plan, new planning documents show that a new occupier has a proposal to bring it back into use.

Henry Boot Construction is gearing up to begin work on the long-awaited, multimillion pound revamp of Rotherham markets and new library having bagged the tender from Rotherham Council for the £31.7m project.

The Sheffield-based firm, which worked on the new markets and library and the wider Glass Works scheme in Barnsley town centre, has now submitted its Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for approval by Rotherham planners.

The document shows how the contractor intends to take on the former Boots building nearby to use as its main site office from September 2023.

With 25,985 sq ft of floorspace over three floors, Henry Boot Construction is set to convert the retail space into offices, canteen areas and kitchenettes. In the yard to the rear on Henry Street, temporary cabins and toilets will be in place as the fit out works take place.

Rotherham Council used delegated powers to enable it to complete the necessary transactions to acquire property at 42 – 46 Effingham Street.

Advertisement
The council report said: "Rotherham Council is embarking on its most significant regeneration opportunity following the securing of major public sector investment. The impact of this programme will bring benefits across the entire Borough and the community of Rotherham.

"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."

A price for the property has not been disclosed but Rothbiz believes that it is in the region of £770,000. It follows on from the council's cabinet approving the proposed use of the £1m Strategic Acquisitions Fund in April.

To aid regeneration, Rotherham Council has previously acquired the empty Wilko's unit on Corporation Street in 2022 and the former Primark unit on High Street in 2020.

Boots is listed as "under offer" with agents, Brassington Rowan who advertised it as an "outstanding retail / leisure / development opportunity." The building was previously sold in 2020, before it was due to go to auction with a guide price of £1.1m.

When Henry Boot move onto the site, the proposed works to the indoor markets include a new layout and timber effect ceiling whilst the outdoor market's canopy roof is set to be replaced. A new dining area with commercial units is a new addition, along with much improved public realm. A new library will include a café, meeting rooms, flexible gallery space, and a maker’s space.

The project timetable for delivery is due to take approximately three years. Construction was due to finish in December 2025.

As for the former Boots building, "long term redevelopment is anticipated as part of the continuing redevelopment of the town centre," the council says.

Images: Brassington Rowan

Read more...

News: Fortune 500 company planning to open new operation in Rotherham

Planning permission has been secured to enable Insight, a Fortune 500 IT firm, to operate from a prestigious location in Rotherham.

A solutions integrator focused on driving client success through digital transformation, the principal activity of the company is the provision of technology solutions including hardware, software and services to business and public sector clients.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of American firm, Insight Enterprises Inc., Insight Direct UK is a leading provider of brand-name IT to large enterprises, small to medium-sized businesses and public sector institutions, principally in the UK.

Insight has operated from a technology campus created in a converted former nightclub next to Sheffield Arena for over 15 years with part of the premises used as a distribution facility for the sale of IT equipment.

Harworth Group has recently secured planning permission for a large unit on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham which is proposed to be occupied by Insight Direct UK.

Advertisement
On Insight's investment, the planning officer's report approving the plans explains: "In recent years, they have expanded their service line to include an ‘integration centre’ whose main activity is to asset tag and store client equipment during their own IT refresh. Their focus is around adding value to the services and solutions to their client base which includes some high profile public sector bodies such as the NHS."

Insight's Sheffield building went up for sale last year and the plans show Unit 12 as part of the R-evolution development off Whittle Way as one single 86,000 sq ft building for commercial use which includes a 70,000 sq ft warehouse on the ground floor.

The building includes B8 storage use, but it is described as "not a "traditional" storage and distribution centre as the storage is directly linked to the research and development use of the building. The hardware which is stored in the warehouse is all processed within the Integration Centre."

Insight employs 11,000+ around the globe, with Insight Direct UK having over 1,000 staff in 2022.

Contractors, Lindum, are making good progress on phase 4 of the R-Evolution development for Harworth who received outline planning permission for 242,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace on 18 acres of land at Waverley.

Rothbiz reported in May on plans for a 51,000 sq ft facility on the AMP fronting the Parkway that would house the UK headquarters and laboratory for Italian firm, Danieli.

The AMP was recently confirmed at the heart of a new South Yorkshire Investment Zone, the first in the UK.

Insight Direct UK website

Images: Harworth / Knight Frank

Read more...

News: Agreement reached over burnt out buildings

It has been a long time coming but it now appears that Rotherham Council has reached an agreement with the owners of the eyesore buildings in Rotherham town centre that have remained burnt out and empty for well over a decade.

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.

Attempting to acquire the site, the authority served a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in April after negotiations with the owners failed. But it now appears that the order, which could take more than 12 months to resolve if objections are received and an inquiry is required, won't be neccessary.

The CPO is running alongside the authority's attempt to acquire the property by private treaty, but this was complicated with the recent death of the landowner and the property going into probate.

Advertisement
However, an update from the council this week states that: "an agreement to acquire the property at 3-5 & 7 Corporation Street has now been reached resulting in the removal of the freeholder’s objection to the Compulsory Purchase Order."

Officers will now work to agree Heads of Terms and complete the land transaction.

A CPO uses powers provided by the government to enable acquiring authorities to compulsorily purchase land to carry out a function which Parliament has decided is in the public interest. The council already has planning permission for a £6m mixed-use scheme, and external funds, to support the regeneration.

Rothbiz understands that three objections to the CPO were received - one from the landowner and others around rear access to properties on Bridgegate.

The plan is that when acquired, 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. Plans were approved in May.

The council is now engaging with the private sector to establish the level of interest in the redevelopment of the site.

£3.2m has already been secured through the Town Deal and Levelling Up funds which is intended to be used to acquire the land, clear the site and address the viability gap that exists in the development scheme.

To support the CPO, Rotherham Council has also said that, if it can't secure a partner, then it will secure the necessary resources to deliver the scheme itself using its Town Centre Investment Fund (TCIF).

Images: Google Maps / AHR

Read more...

News: Police have "no confidence" in Pitches events proposal

Environmental health officers and South Yorkshire Police are both recommending that Rotherham Council's licensing board turn down an application that would enable a number of near 10,000 capacity outdoor events on a plot of greenbelt land.

Having been turned down planning permission for housing on the land close to The Stag known as The Pitches, the owners recently applied for an events and alcohol licence to cover the whole site.

If approved, a number of events a year would be allowed related to the performance of plays, exhibition of films, live music, recorded music and the perrformance of dance. The capacity for the events would be no more than 9,999 and would include the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, that is the open space. The hours sought in the application are between 12 noon and 10pm every day of the week, closing at 11pm.

The application, from Pocket Sports Bar Limited, which operates in Worksop and Mexborough, is due to be discussed by councillors on the authority's Licensing Sub-Committee next week.

Catherine Lunn, Community Protection & Environmental Health Manager at Rotherham Council, said: "Following a review of the above application I am unable to agree to the granting of this licence due to concerns regarding noise affecting the surrounding residential area. The premise is surrounded on all sides by residential properties and the area is densely populated. Allowing the licence is likely to breach licensing objective in relation prevention of public nuisance."

The representation adds that there is not enough detail in the application - for example regarding controlling noise and other nuisance, traffic management, including vehicular entrance and egress to the site and parking, maintaining blue routes for emergency vehicles and policies around alcohol, drugs, entry, security and staff training.

Advertisement
The report adds: "The application relies on, an as yet unseen, event management plan to provide effective control. It fails to provide site specific information. There is no option for the Responsible Authorities to reject any event management plan submitted. This means that an event could proceed regardless of any concerns any of the Responsible Authorities may have.

"The applicant has employed a professional event management company to make the application on their behalf. It is accepted that the event management plans they have produced for alternative venues are comprehensive. However, should an application be granted, there would be no obligation on the part of the applicant to employ the services of a professional event management company.

"It is therefore critical that the detail of the intended operation of an event is clearly set out in the application. The Licensing Authority would reiterate the recommendation that the application is refused as it fails to demonstrate how the licencing objectives would be promoted should a licence be granted."

South Yorkshire Police is raising an objection based on crime and disorder, public nuisance and public safety.

Tracey Klein, Licensing Assistant at SYP, said: "The applicant has not provided enough evidence as to how the premise will operate and what measures will be put in place to enable to premise to operate within the guidelines set out in the Licensing Act.

"The applicant held a pre-consultation, where South Yorkshire Police provided additional conditions we would require, it was noted that the formal application would still have to be processed and other departments within South Yorkshire Police would be consulted to provide comments, unfortunately other than the conditions we initially requested no other conditions were offered. As a result South Yorkshire Police have no confidence that the premise will run within the guidelines set out in the Licensing act and uphold the four licensing objectives."

The nine acre site on Wickersley Road has previously been used for football, cricket, hockey, tennis and bowls but it has been vacant for over five years. However, the club house remains on the site, complete with alcohol licence.

A number of residents have made representations on the latest licence application. They raise concerns around crime, traffic, noise, safety and the impact on the green space.

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

News: Primary Engineer awards showcase young people’s ‘ingenuity and creativity’

A power aid designed to help a person with memory function, directions, warnings, and hearing better scooped the top prize at a presentation ceremony for the Primary Engineer Leaders Award competition held at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The competition inspires school pupils aged three-19 to take an interest in engineering by asking one simple question: ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ They were tasked with interviewing an engineer, identifying a problem they see in the world around them and design a creative solution for that problem.

Judges praised the innovative ‘power aid’ idea by nine-year-old Elsa Marie Moorhouse for its ‘versatility and originality’. Elsa, a year four pupil at Wath Central Primary School in Rotherham, beat more than 3,000 entries from the Yorkshire and Humber region to win the overall award and said the idea was inspired by her mum.

“I was really excited when we got the email at school saying I had won an award and I couldn't wait to tell my mum,” Elsa said. “The idea for the power aid came from my mum as she can’t hear out of one of her ears and she forgets things sometimes – so I thought this was something I could do to not only help her, but to help other people too.

“I was really surprised to win the judges award as well because I didn’t expect it to be me. I never get awards like this and I feel proud and happy. It has now made me want to think of more inventions."

Elsa was presented with a special, one-off trophy for being the overall judges winner, alongside her year four winners accolade, certificate and goody bag. The university will then select a couple of ideas from this year’s pool of entries to turn into prototypes to be revealed next year.

Emily Connolly and Luc Dewulf from The iForge, a student-led makerspace and engineering workshop run by students for students, based within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield, unveiled three prototypes from ideas submitted in last year’s awards at the presentation evening – which included a pill crusher, pen sucker and medicine helper.

Advertisement
This year’s competition, celebrating its tenth year, saw over 48,000 pupils take part across the UK. The 3,100 submitted from the Yorkshire and Humber region were whittled down to 250 shortlisted entries. A judging panel including engineers from the AMRC and University of Sheffield, alongside engineers from other neighbouring manufacturing firms, had the job of selecting two highly commended and two winning entries from each year group, which spanned reception classes through to year nine in secondary schools.

The pupils, which included five winners and three highly commended from South Yorkshire, received their awards and certificates at a presentation ceremony at the AMRC’s Knowledge Transfer Centre in Rotherham.

The Primary Engineer Leader Award is a great way for young people to be involved with STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) – the AMRC and University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, is committed to encouraging children to take up careers and apprenticeships in these topic areas.

Cathie Barker, STEM coordinator at the AMRC, said: “This is the third time the AMRC and AMRC Training Centre has been involved with the Primary Engineer Leaders Award. It asks such a simple question and yet invokes so much creativity and innovation.

“As someone whose role is to work with young people in promoting STEM and careers in engineering as a potential opportunity, this is a fantastic tool. It is completely inclusive and allows children to be creative and inspires their thinking. It also ignites their interest in the wonder of the world in which we live in and if they became an engineer, how they could change the world for the better.

“For the AMRC and AMRC Training Centre, this competition gives us the opportunity to speak with such a wide variety of young people about apprenticeships and other opportunities in engineering and reach out to other underrepresented groups, particularly females. I am absolutely delighted to support Primary Engineer again this year and hope that this partnership continues.”

The awards evening also saw a visit from special guest Dame Julie Kenny, Master Cutler for Hallamshire and chair of trustees for the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, who is keen to see more young people think about careers in engineering.

“The country has got such a lack of engineers and this is why we want to inspire young people and children to actually get involved and think creatively,” said Dame Julie. “It’s events like this that absolutely gives them the initiative they want and to also gain an understanding of other people's ideas, enabling them to go ahead and become the engineers of the future.”

Nathalie Cachet-Gaujard, head of partnerships for Primary Engineer for the North of England, said she was extremely pleased to have the Yorkshire and Humber region’s awards ceremony at the University of Sheffield AMRC, as the last in-person event hadn’t taken place since before Covid.

“The AMRC as a host venue provides a great opportunity for kids to come and start to get an understanding of engineering and what is done here, it works extremely well,” she added. “We had a big turnout, more than we expected and it was a real pleasure to see.

“As this year marks our tenth year, this awards presentation felt extremely special and it was great to see so many entries look at how the pupils will identify a problem very specific to them, someone very close and want to help. They think ‘how am I going to solve this problem and design/find a solution’. Other entries look at global challenges and we see a lot of understanding and concern from young people about the planet and pollution – and a lot think about how they can make this better.

“All the entries we have seen across this region really showcase a lot of creativity and ingenuity about the future. Ultimately, this generation will have to solve a lot of challenges, so it’s really nice to see that this is on the way.”

AMRC website

Images:

Read more...

News: New Rotherham cinema in the frame

The new cinema in Rotherham town centre has started to come into view at the £47m Forge Island development.

The town has gone nearly 35 years without a cinema. Cannon, the last town centre cinema, closed in 1990.

The new Arc Cinema is slated to open in 2024 with contractors, Bowmer & Kirkland making swift progress for Rotherham Council and its development partner, Muse Developments. Indeed working hours were extended to include more time for construction on Saturdays (except when there's a Rotherham United home game).

As shown in the image above, the platform for the development has been installed with the 340 space car park underneath and the new structure being built on top.

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.

Rothbiz reported in May that operators Arc are set to bring 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.

Advertisement
Also on the construction site, two eye-catching cranes have been named by children at Thornhill Primary School.

More than 70 pupils from the school in Masborough submitted names for the cranes, and a range of colourful pictures of their crane characters, to Forge Island site developers, Muse.

After a long and difficult deliberation, the two winning entries were "Rotherham Rainbow" by Redwanella, aged 7 and "Steely Crane" by Selda, aged 9.

The competition winners were invited down to the construction site for a hard hat tour with the project team and to see their winning names attached to the 37-metre and 25-metre-high cranes.

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “We had so many wonderful entries that it was difficult to choose just two names, so thank you to all the pupils who took part. Our winning names really capture the essence of Forge Island, with Rotherham Rainbow representing a bright future for the town, and Steely Crane a nod to the site’s heritage as a steel forge.

“We’ve also decided to have a selection of the other pictures made into colourful hoardings around the site – a brilliant daily inspiration for the project team who are working hard to create something quite special here for families who live in and visit Rotherham. We plan to work with more local schools and community groups over the next year to bring them on the journey with us and build anticipation before the scheme opens to the public in 2024.”

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Victoria Cusworth, said: “It is great to see the borough’s young people getting involved in this flagship scheme and it really underlines the fact that, once opened, Forge Island will be a family destination.

“Forge Island will be a space for residents of all ages to enjoy and socialise, while accessing some brilliant amenities and restaurants. Along with Riverside Gardens, it will provide a gateway to Rotherham’s riverside where residents will be able to enjoy urban wildlife and nature. Overall, it will be hugely beneficial to residents by promoting a strong economy, good mental and physical wellbeing, and strengthening our communities.”

Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen / Muse

Read more...

News: Magtec helping local authorities to reach net zero targets

A delegation from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has visited Magtec to see how the company’s electric vehicle technology is helping fleet managers to deliver quiet, quick and zero emissions operations.

The Rotherham-based company is a leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric commercial vehicles. Its technology has been deployed on vehicles in service across the UK, including 180 electric refuse collection trucks.

Organised by local MP Sarah Champion, the visit included a tour of Magtec’s purpose-built 65,000 sq ft Templeborough facility, demonstrations of the company’s new own-brand MEV75 and MEV190 zero emissions trucks and a discussion about the local authority’s plans to achieve net zero status by 2030. The delegation included councillors Simon Ball and Dominic Beck alongside senior officials.

Advertisement
Andrew Gilligan, managing director, said: “Sarah Champion MP is a great supporter of Magtec and was keen to show Rotherham Council how we are leading the charge to electrify HGV fleet operations. Rotherham Council has an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions across the borough and we are ready to help in any way we can.”

Magtec serves customers in the commercial vehicle, rail, defence and logistics sectors with EV systems, trucks and re-powers. Recent business highlights include winning GB Small Series Approval for the company’s 7.5 tonne MEV75 electric vehicle. Magtec is currently finalising homologation of its 19 tonne MEV190 EV.

Magtec website

Images: Magtec

Read more...

News: £5.1m of work begins at Wentworth Woodhouse stables

Restoration work is about to begin at Wentworth Woodhouse’s derelict Georgian stables, which were the biggest and costliest in England when they were built for their fabulously wealthy owner.

Planning permission was secured last year to convert part of the magnificent stables for use as a production kitchen and another part for a 120 cover café catering for visitors as they arrive and leave the Grade I listed architectural jewel.

The work is being funded with £4.6m of the Government’s £20m Levelling Up investment in Rotherham, which was secured by Rotherham Council to help improve the town’s leisure economy and skills. Historic England is providing £500,000 of partnership funding, bringing the total invested in this project at Wentworth Woodhouse to £5.1m.

When the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) took over in 2017, along with the Palladian mansion, The Stables were in a sorry state.

After spending six years on urgent repairs to the mansion, and most recently renovating a derelict Camellia House, the Trust is beginning the first stage of its ambitious plan to regenerate The Stables.

The south-west corner of The Stables will in future become the main arrival point for Wentworth Woodhouse visitors - and as a result of this project, will house a production kitchen, with a new café and events space to follow.

The 2,100 sq ft kitchen will enable more catering outlets to be developed at what is fast becoming one of South Yorkshire’s most popular tourist destinations, and will be able to provide training for hospitality and catering skills, helping to address local skills shortages in the sector.

Advertisement
Sarah McLeod, CEO of WWPT, said: "This first stage of developing The Stables, part of a much wider regeneration programme we have planned for this enormous site, is only possible thanks to Rotherham Council’s determined and successful bid for Levelling Up investment, and the support of Historic England.

“It will help us to draw more visitors, which will further boost this region’s tourist economy and help us to employ more people. The kitchen will be a very valuable asset for delivering one of the Trust’s key aims - developing the skills of local people.”

Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr. Chris Read, added: “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.

“Wentworth Woodhouse is a local gem and these improvements will help in making it a spectacular visitor attraction to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come.”

Heritage construction specialist William Birch & Sons Ltd and heritage architects Donald Insall Associates, who recently restored the Grade II* listed Camellia House, have been appointed to The Stables kitchen and café project.

From the late 1940s to the 1970s, areas were converted into classrooms and sports facilities for students of the Lady Mabel College of Physical Education, which opened in 1950.

Some newer additions have already been demolished and buildings that attach the Riding School to the main stable block will then be extended to accommodate the new kitchens. The courtyard area between the carriage houses and riding school will be opened up.

Described as the most exciting and challenging heritage project of a generation, the projects at Wentworth Woodhouse will take up to two decades to deliver and will cost over £130m.

A further planning application set out plans for the other buildings around the stables. It includes the conversion of the Riding School into a large conference and events space, and the restoration of "Ostler's House" to use it for overnight accommodation.

The Stable Block 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.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT / Donald Insall Associates

Read more...

News: Latest on HS2 through South Yorkshire

The government has finally set out how it will assess the potential options to run HS2 trains into Leeds through South Yorkshire given that it has ditched plans for the Phase 2b Eastern leg and scaled back ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

A number of potential routes, with some that include the potential for a stop in Rotherham, have been confirmed.

The government announced in November 2021 that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg will terminate at East Midlands Parkway and no longer reach Leeds through the communities in the east of Rotherham. Instead, the completion of the electrification of the Midland Main Line (MML) (due in the early 2030s) would allow high speed journeys from London to Chesterfield and Sheffield in the same times to those originally proposed by HS2.

The Government wants to see whether "similar or better benefits could be obtained in a more affordable way, earlier and allow for an iterative approach to delivery" and is now using an "adaptive approach" to further projects beyond the core pipeline.

The £96 billion Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands also scaled back ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and added that a study of route options to take HS2 to Leeds will be led by Network Rail.

Now the terms of reference for the study, which is expected to take two years to complete, have been published.

In its scope is an assessment of the different options for HS2 services to Leeds, following on from work done on the strategic alternatives to the Eastern Leg for the Integrated Rail Plan.

Advertisement
The documents explain: "The study will assess viable choices consistent with the decisions reached in the Integrated Rail Plan. These would include but are not limited to:

- via Newark: the extension of HS2 Nottingham services via Newark and the East Coast Main Line route
- via Sheffield: the extension of HS2 services from Sheffield
- via Manchester: the extension of HS2 services from Manchester assuming Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) infrastructure and the HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg as set out in the High-Speed Rail (Crewe-Manchester) Bill, including a new high-speed surface station at Manchester Piccadilly
- via Erewash: with upgrades and electrification to the Erewash Valley and Old Road lines, as well as sections of a new line to complete a route to Leeds
- via full Eastern Leg: completing the HS2 Eastern Leg from the East Midlands broadly, as previously scoped

"During the course of the study, we intend to review the case for focusing development work on a smaller number of options taking account of evidence including costs, affordability, benefits and value for money."

Rothbiz highlighted some of these alternative routes last year with the options most likely to serve Rotherham being the upgrade and electrification of the route north of Sheffield to Leeds, or the upgrade of the Erewash Valley line and the "Old Road" between Clay Cross Junction and Masborough Junction. A new high speed line between broadly Rotherham and Leeds, known as the "M18 Short Alignment" would connect to the northern leg of the currently proposed Eastern leg into Leeds.

Plans for a new mainline station for Rotherham are being progressed, backed by government cash.

Whilst the Government studies how best to take HS2 services to Leeds, safeguarding of the previously proposed high speed route through Rotherham (affecting Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts) will remain in place, extending the period of uncertainty for property owners.

The Transport Committee has looked at the government's decision to scale back NPR and has expressed concern over the continued delays. Its chair, Iain Stewart MP, said: "One can only wonder if all of this will still be achievable within the £96bn spending envelope, or whether inflation and rising interest rates will continue to cut this budget down in real terms.”

HS2 website

Images: HS2 Ltd

Read more...

News: Funding deal needed to progress Templeborough regeneration

A multimillion pound regeneration scheme in Rotherham is moving ahead around Magna.

The charity operating the site is set to receive compensation, and retain ownership of the completed developments.

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

The Templeborough Business Zone project supports the creation of new managed workspace units, improved public realm and food and beverage facilities on the Magna site.

One of those underutilised sites is the former "Cent" Building at Sheffield Road and a legal deal is being agreed to compensate Magna and enable the new schemes to go ahead.

Advertisement
A council report explains: "The project requires the use of Magna’s land, including buildings which are currently occupied. The Council and Magna have negotiated early surrender of a lease to facilitate vacation of the former Cent Building at Sheffield Road. Additionally a fixed sum will be passed to Magna to compensate for loss of revenue income.

"The Cent building is currently owned by Magna once the project is underway the building will be demolished and new managed workspace and public realm put in its place. Throughout the project Magna will retain ownership of the building and land once demolished and will continue to own and operate the new property in perpetuity."

With the decision made at officer level, costs have not been disclosed but the council says that they are included within the project budget as funded by Town Deal.

Redesign of the project to retain the building, previously used as an IT training centre and by procurement firm, In-Tend Ltd, was considered and rejected in the early feasibility work.

Some design changes were made to the project as The Source Skills Academy is moving its offices to Magna.

At the other side of the site, Network Rail has been appointed to lead on delivery for the proposed tram train stop and they have a principal contractor in place for detailed design. A planning application is expected soon.

The Templeborough Business Zone project, and tram train stop, are due for completion in late 2024.

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

News: Workers at KP Snacks in Rotherham won’t accept “peanuts”

Workers at KP Snacks in Rotherham are voting for strike action.

135 workers at KP Snacks at Hellaby, including low-paid cleaners, will begin voting on strike action today. Strike action would shut down the factory and disrupt supplies of KP Nuts to pubs and supermarkets.

Unite the union said that the company made £54m in profit and has increased its profits by 275% since 2018. In contrast, average pay at KP Snacks has fallen in real terms by 14% since 2018.

The famous snacks brand has excluded the lowest paid cleaners from its pay offer. The hygiene team earn just £10.66 an hour, which is called by the firm, “the KP living wage”.

Advertisement
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “KP Snacks has increased its profits by 275 per cent since 2018. This year workers won’t accept being paid peanuts.

“To exclude the lowest paid workers from the pay negotiations all together is corporate greed in action. Especially when KP Snacks made £54 million in profit. The workers have Unite’s steadfast support.”

The current company offer is a below inflation 6% increase plus a £1,000 one-off payment. Taking on the 141,000 sq ft Hellaby 140 building for its new £16m state of the art nut processing and packing facility, the factory is the sole producer of KP Nuts.

Unite regional officer, Chris Rawlinson said: “KP Snacks in Rotherham is the sole producer of KP Nuts. So if the strikes go ahead pubs and supermarkets will be hit hard. Unite members are determined to get a fairer portion of the company’s huge profits. It’s time for management to put a serious pay offer to the workforce.”

Previously based at Eastwood, in 1968 it became part of United Biscuits before it was sold to German-headquarted multinational group, Intersnack, in 2012.

At the end of 2022, 700 workers employed by Greencore at its Waleswood site in Rotherham secured pay increases following a pay deal negotiated by Unite.

KP Snacks website

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

News: South Yorkshire confirmed as UK's first Investment Zone

A ministerial visit to South Yorkshire from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed the first Investment Zone in the UK.

Rothbiz revealed last week that the new Investment Zone will use the region’s success in advanced manufacturing and will help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy.

Primarily focused on connecting Sheffield to Rotherham (where the research assets such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are already located), it is expected to create 8,000 new jobs and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

An £80m fund (over five years for the Investment Zone) will be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses.

Existing innovation assets, including the Advanced Manufactuting Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Olympic Legacy Park and the University of Sheffield Innovation District and the rest of the Sheffield Business Park in Sheffield, will be joined by expansion sites as the core expands into Sheffield city centre and Rotherham town centre.

Rotherham expansion sites include remaining land at Waverley and around Magna at Templeborough - both around 25.5 hectares / 63 acres.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Leader, Cllr. Chris Read, said: “We always welcome any investment into our region, and as a Council we have already secured millions in funding into our borough for our communities. Today’s announcement builds on the successes of the Advanced Manufacturing Park and other big-name companies who have also chosen to invest here.

"Our new manufacturing economy is helping to bring more high paid jobs to Rotherham and the Investment Zone agreed for South Yorkshire today demonstrates the national significance of this. We look forward to seeing how it will help us in achieving our aim of meeting the needs of our communities and building on the good work we are already doing in this area.”

Advertisement
The first investment announced is a more than £80m Boeing-led research project into manufacturing lightweight structures for aeroplanes – a key part of making aviation more sustainable.

Compass (Composites at Speed and Scale) will be built as an extension to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050 on the site of the former Sheffield Airport. It will be built with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “Our first Investment Zone is a shining example of how we will drive growth across the country.

“It’s already secured more than £80 million of private investment, including backing from Boeing, and will help support more than 8,000 jobs by 2030.”

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Our Investment Zone will help put South Yorkshire back where we belong; at the forefront of this country’s manufacturing-led growth.

“Technology created in South Yorkshire built the modern world. Because in South Yorkshire we have always known how to deliver practical solutions to big challenges. Yesterday it was stainless steel and our coal industry, today it is AI, Robotics and creating lighter, stronger materials for Jet Zero.

“That’s why this new Investment Zone status is so important. Because with the support of partners like Boeing, and working with the government, we’re showing we have the tools, the technology and the confidence to build on our strengths as not just the world’s first, but the world’s best Advanced Manufacturing District.”

The most recent Enterprise Zones in the 2010's included parts of the AMP and Templeborough in Rotherham and involved business rates discounts and simplified planning arrangements for businesses in specific target sectors. When it was announced in 2011, it was forecast to create 12,600 jobs and attract around 250 new advanced manufacturing and technology-based businesses to the area by 2015. It was hoped to reach 20,000 jobs, 400 businesses and £20m a year in new business rates from over 6.4 million sq ft of floor space.

Images: SYMCA

Read more...

News: Deichmann hosting open event for new Rotherham store

Deichmann, Europe’s largest shoe retailer, is hosting an event to celebrate the opening of a new store in Rotherham.

Rothbiz revealed in May that the German company was looking to take on an empty unit at Parkgate Shopping.

Deichmann 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.

A store opening event is taking place this Saturday, July 15 as Deichmann take on unit 10A that was formerly occupied by Bensons for Beds.

Advertisement
The retailer is offering up to 50% off selected lines and are providing the chance to "Spin the Wheel for a chance to win some treats." The first 25 customers through the door also get a £25 voucher.

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 opened recently 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.

Other recent deals at Parkgate include Popeyes taking over from KFC and a new letting for Wren Kitchens. Another leading shoe retailer, Shoe Zone, is also looking at the popular retail park as it focuses on expanding in out-of-town retail locations.

Images: Deichmann

Read more...

News: Rotherham transport scheme underway

A £2.4m scheme to improve bus journey times between Maltby and Rotherham town centre is underway, with Rotherham Council awarding another contract to the Esh Group for the work.

New bus lanes along the A631 between Addison Road in Maltby and the Bramley Roundabout/M18 Junction 1 will improve bus times and reliability, as well as benefitting other road users.

Work started on the new bus lanes this week, and will take 14 months to complete. Traffic management on the A631 will be used throughout the works, and signage announcing roadworks will be displayed in advance.

The bus lane, which will be an addition to existing lanes for general traffic, will run between Addison Road in Maltby, and Denby Way at Hellaby, and there will be an extension of the existing bus lane at Wickersley School towards the water works.

Buses will spend less time queuing and pulling into traffic flows, making services more punctual, particularly the X1, X7 and X10 services linking Maltby to Rotherham and onwards to Sheffield City Centre via Magna and Meadowhall.

Advertisement
The scheme is being delivered by funding secured by Rotherham Council from the Department for Transport’s and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “Bus services in our area have been going through a really difficult time since the pandemic and it's important that we do all we can to try to ensure they're sustainable for the future. One of the ways that the Council can help in this case is by helping to improve the reliability of services by making these improvements, funded by the government grant that we have secured. The route between the centre of Rotherham and Maltby is a key part of the bus network and I hope the passengers will soon be benefiting from this additional investment.”

The council has recently awarded a £6.9m contract to the Esh Group for the detailed design and civil works for the Maltby Bus Corridor and for Sheffield Road phase 2 and 3 Cycleways.

Rothbiz recently reported that multiple projects have been secured in the borough through the YORcivil2 framework, with Esh recently commencing work on a cycle lane project known as Wellgate and Broom Road. Other work includes early contractor involvement (ECI) work for a design and build contract on Rotherham’s Riverside Residential Quarter.

RMBC website
ESH Group website

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Rotherham Council planners recommend approval for over 200 houses on former greenbelt land

Despite a number of objections, plans for a large residential development on former greenbelt land in Rotherham look set to be approved, with a number of conditions.

Rothbiz has previously reported that landowners had worked together to secure a residential allocation for the nearly 50 acre site off Lathe Road / Worry Goose Lane / Sheep Cote Road at Whiston through the development of the borough's Local Plan.

The site consists of two arable fields divided by a bank and hedgerow and sits between existing housing and Sitwell golf course.

Outline plans for 450 house development on adjacent land at Whiston were approved by Rotherham Council's planning board in 2020.

The planning board at Rotherham Council are now being recomended to approve E V Waddington Ltd's outline plans for for up to 217 dwellings with access at land east of Shrogswood Road.

There might be potential for a housing mix including apartments, semidetached, detached and townhouses varying from 1 to 5 bedrooms. The site could be divided into two / three development blocks by different developers or come forward as a single development.

Advertisement
Junction improvements are proposed at Shrogswood Road and East Bawtry Road, with new turn lanes into Shrogswood Road, along with a signalised pedestrian crossing in East Bawtry Road. Planners say that the junction improvement "would fully mitigate the impact of development traffic during the typical weekday morning peak hour, with no significant queues or delays on any approach."

91 letters of representation were received from individual addresses, including comments from Whiston Parish Council, the Local MP and the Local Action Group (Whiston Residents Action Group (WRAG)).

A Section 106 agreement (a mechanism which makes a development proposal acceptable in planning terms, that would not otherwise be acceptable) has been drafted. It includes measures including 25% of the total number of dwellings are to be provided on site for affordable housing provision, an education contribution, £500 per dwelling towards sustainable transport and funding for footpath and bus stop improvements.

Rothbiz has previously reported that £4.88m from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) is to be used to improve nearby Worrygoose roundabout.

A planning report concludes: "The application is considered to be acceptable in principle given the site is an allocated Housing Site in the Local Plan, while the access arrangements being considered as part of this outline application would raise no significant highway issues that would warrant a refusal on highway grounds.

"It is therefore considered that the outline application would comply with relevant national and local planning policies in respect of the principle and access, and whilst noted and considered the issues raised by local objectors, would not, in this instance tip the planning balance towards a refusal that would be reasonably justified."

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

News: Ticket offices set to close at Rotherham stations

Nearly a thousand railway stations, including Rotherham Central and Swinton, are set to see their ticket offices closed under recently announced plans to modernise customer service across the rail network.

Train companies, including Northern Rail - the operator of stations in the borough, have launched passenger consultations to move staff from ticket offices and into stations, offering more face-to-face support for customers across the network as a whole.

Opponents believe that the move will restrict passengers’ access to the best value tickets, worsen passenger service, accessibility, safety and security and lead to a de-staffing of stations.

Where adopted, the proposals will see ticket office staff transitioning to multi-skilled ‘customer help’ roles - already in place in many parts of the network - where they would be better able to give advice about the best and cheapest fares, advise on journey planning and support customers with accessibility needs. The changes would mean a more visible and accessible staff presence across the network as a whole at stations during staffed hours, on ticket concourses and on platforms.

The Rail Delivery Group, previously the Association of Train Operating Companies, said that 12% of tickets are sold at ticket offices on average following a generational shift in customer behavior. It added that an estimated 99% of all transactions made at ticket offices last year can be made at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) or online.

Staff are likely to be given the option to move to a new skilled role and comprehensive re-training and re-skilling.

Advertisement
Objecting to the proposals, Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "I strongly believe that passengers would no longer have widespread and easy access to the purchase of rail products and best value fares if the ticket offices closures went ahead.

"There is substantial demand for the ticket office. While the Government says that 'only' 12% of tickets are sold at ticket offices, in 2022/23, there were 1.5 billion passenger journeys, which equates to around 180 million journeys being facilitated by ticket offices."

The MP raised concerns over ticket machines and added that ticket office closures would cause a "significant worsening of the facilities and support offered to disabled, deaf and older people."

The RMT union claimed that train bosses had already issued hundreds of redundancy notices to staff.

Champion added: "It is difficult to see how train operators would be able to demonstrate that their proposals would make cost savings, unless there is the intention to reduce staffing. I am wholly opposed to any cuts to station staffing and believe any supposed cost savings cannot be used to justify a policy that will worsen passenger service, accessibility, safety, security and access to rail products.

"I also believe that ticket office closures will be counterproductive in terms of revenue, as it would disincentivize rail travel for many."

Re-opening in 2012 following a £8.5m revamp, it took years before a ticket machine was installed at Rotherham Central.

National Rail's website has the ticket office opening at Rotherham Central between 6am and 6:45pm weekdays and then 7am and 6:45pm on Saturdays, 8:45am - 4:15pm on Sundays. Swinton station's ticket office is curently listed as opening between 7am and 1:30pm Monday to Saturday and closed on a Sunday.

Images: AHR Global

Read more...

News: Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards return for 2023

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber have announced the launch of the 2023 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, the prestigious awards event aimed at recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs in Barnsley, Rotherham and the wider South Yorkshire region.

Sponsored by RNN Group, the awards ceremony, which will take place on Friday 3rd November 2023 at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, promises to be an exciting and inspiring showcase of the local business community’s outstanding contribution to the region.

The Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards is an annual highlight on the local business calendar, bringing together businesses of all sizes to celebrate their accomplishments. By shining a spotlight on exceptional businesses and business leaders, the awards aim to inspire others and promote the region’s economic growth.

The awards will feature a range of categories that reflect the diverse sectors within the Barnsley and Rotherham business community. Some of the categories include the “Businessperson of the Year Award”, “Most Promising New Business Award”, “Excellence in Customer Service Award” and “Community Impact Award,” among others. Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber use a rigorous judging process to ensure a truly deserving winner in each category and crowning the overall “Business of the Year” award from the selection of category winners.

The Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards are proud to have established partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and sponsors who share the vision of promoting excellence and innovation in the region. Their generous support has made it possible to create an event that rewards success and provides a valuable networking opportunity for guests.

Advertisement
This year welcomes the RNN Group as Headline Sponsor, CEO and Principal of the RNN Group, Jason Austin said: “The RNN Group is delighted to be the headline sponsor for the Region’s Business Awards, supporting the work of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and in the year that the RNN Group achieved a Good Ofsted Rating, of which we are all very proud of and achieved due to a collective effort of students, staff, partners and employers from around the region.

“Every year, we are honoured to be part of the awards and celebrate everything that is good about our local business community at this event, so we are delighted to support these awards through our headline sponsorship.

“Our vision as a Group is to ‘lead on innovation and skills in our communities’ and much of this is achieved through our work with businesses and employers, and therefore we are delighted to be able to champion the region’s business talent.”

Carrie Sudbury, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Chief Executive said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to showcase their hard work, innovation, and dedication to excellence.

“I would encourage all businesses in Barnsley and Rotherham to enter these awards and be recognised for their outstanding contributions. Together, let’s celebrate the success stories that make our business community thrive and inspire others to reach new heights.”

The Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards are eagerly anticipated by the local business community and will serve as a platform to award those who have made a significant impact in the region.

Tickets will be available to purchase soon, with nominations for the various categories will be open next week, giving ample time for businesses to put themselves forward or for others to nominate them.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Awards website

Images: BR Chamber

Read more...

News: South Yorkshire Investment Zone to focus on Sheffield-Rotherham corridor

A shift in government policy means that a new Investment Zone for South Yorkshire will benefit sites in Rotherham. It is set to be backed by a flexible £80m fund for grants and tax incentives to help businesses start, expand or relocate.

South Yorkshire was one of 38 initial areas keen to establish investment zones in England and an expression of interest was submitted last year when the focus was on tax cuts for businesses and liberalised planning rules.

Since then, a number of changes in leadership positions in government has meant that the policy has been under review.

Initially, no sites in Rotherham were put forward for the creation of an investment zone in South Yorkshire but the government announced in The Budget in March that it was launching a refocussed Investment Zones programme with a greater emphasis on research institutions and priority sectors, including advanced manufacturing.

In line with its levelling up objectives, the government said that: "Investment Zones will be established in places with significant unmet productivity potential, and where existing strengths and assets aligned to priority sectors can be leveraged to increase opportunities for local communities. By focussing on growing high-potential innovation and industrial strengths in areas with significant scope for catch up economic growth, this plan will seek to drive national productivity growth."

South Yorkshire was one of eight areas selected to work up proposals and a report to the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) shows that the Investment Zones must have a lead sector and a defined spatial core that is built around an existing cluster with close links to research institutions.

For South Yorkshire this core spatial offer is set to be connecting Sheffield to Rotherham (where the research assets such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are already located).

Advertisement
The report states that the focus on the core, that is already home to 30 nationally recognised research centres, is "an approach that enables us [to] expand and create greater density at existing innovation sites as well as bringing sites from across South Yorkshire to the table for new business investment."

Existing innovation assets, including the Advanced Manufactuting Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Olympic Legacy Park and the University of Sheffield Innovation District and the rest of the Sheffield Business Park in Sheffield, will be joined by expansion sites as the core expands into Sheffield city centre and Rotherham town centre.

Rotherham expansion sites include remaining land at Waverley and around Magna at Templeborough - both around 25.5 hectares / 63 acres.

The report adds: "We’ve stretched the principle of co-design with government as far as we can. We’ve focused our story and work on the basis that our real capabilities are problem solving and working at the interface between industry and research in the here and the now – and that to supercharge South Yorkshire we don’t just need more research – we need greater stickiness of businesses aggregating around that research."

And for that "stickiness" the £80m fund (over five years for the Investment Zone) will be used for things like: capital infrastructure (land remediation, new lab space); skills support (training, graduate schemes); dedicated support on planning applications; funding to develop supply chains; and funding to develop the business ecosystem through networking and accelerator programmes.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is working to submit details of its Investment Zone before the Parliament summer recess later this month.

South Yorkshire, and especially Rotherham, has a long history of similar policies. Enterprise Zones established in the 1990's were influential in the regeneration of former coalfield areas such as Manvers, and earlier Enterprise Zones led to the creation of Parkgate Shopping without the need for local planning approval.

The most recent Enterprise Zones in the 2010's included parts of the AMP and Templeborough in Rotherham and involved business rates discounts and simplified planning arrangements for businesses in specific target sectors.

Images: Harworth

Read more...