News: Council's cabinet commits capital for Rotherham markets revamp
Rotherham Council has committed to pay for the redevelopment of Rotherham markets - the second largest regeneration scheme in the town centre behind Forge Island.
But the final cost of the delayed scheme is not yet known. At the last count, costs had risen to over £30m.
The plans, which were approved in the summer, will bring together the library, markets, food hall, gallery, and event spaces onto one site, off Drummond Street. Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, and an external recreation area.
Not only will this provide a modern and accessible central library but will also ensure links are improved between the town centre, library, and college.
Appointed on a two stage proccess last year, Henry Boot and the council have been finalising designs for the redevelopment and confirming development costs. The Sheffield firm began enabling works on site in October.
Now Rotherham Council's cabinet has approved the scheme enabling the delivery of main works and contract award (with Henry Boot Construction Ltd), subject to budget parameters that have not been made public. The Council currently anticipates that the final costs for the main works will be confirmed in Spring 2024.
With officers delegated authority to complete the deal, the report states that "this option provides an upper funding limit, allowing for a swift response once the costs are confirmed and mitigates the risk of additional costs as a result of inflation and other market pressures."
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Rotherham's markets date back to the 13th Century and have been at their current site since 1971. Cllr Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, told the meeting that the revamp was "big and exciting" but warned that the alternative was that the markets would close given the current state of the buildings.
Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “This next phase of the town centre masterplan is a testament to the Council’s dedication to investing in Rotherham’s future and to preserving the heritage of the town while embracing its dynamic future. The redevelopment will not only breathe new life into the community, but also provide economic opportunities for local businesses.
“Small independent retailers play a vital role within the wider town centre offer and whilst the works are on-going, we ask that residents continue to support local traders by visiting the markets.
"The reinvention of the markets is not just a facelift, but a holistic reimagining that aims to boost the local economy, celebrate our diverse community and provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all."
Main work will begin in Spring 2024, once a developer has been appointed. The report adds that: "The works programme is currently estimated to last for 29 months with a targeted completion date in late 2026 to be confirmed."
The outdoor market has already been moved to Effingham Street in preparation and will remain there until the new premises are complete.
Images: RMBC
But the final cost of the delayed scheme is not yet known. At the last count, costs had risen to over £30m.
The plans, which were approved in the summer, will bring together the library, markets, food hall, gallery, and event spaces onto one site, off Drummond Street. Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, and an external recreation area.
Not only will this provide a modern and accessible central library but will also ensure links are improved between the town centre, library, and college.
Appointed on a two stage proccess last year, Henry Boot and the council have been finalising designs for the redevelopment and confirming development costs. The Sheffield firm began enabling works on site in October.
Now Rotherham Council's cabinet has approved the scheme enabling the delivery of main works and contract award (with Henry Boot Construction Ltd), subject to budget parameters that have not been made public. The Council currently anticipates that the final costs for the main works will be confirmed in Spring 2024.
With officers delegated authority to complete the deal, the report states that "this option provides an upper funding limit, allowing for a swift response once the costs are confirmed and mitigates the risk of additional costs as a result of inflation and other market pressures."
Advertisement
Rotherham's markets date back to the 13th Century and have been at their current site since 1971. Cllr Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, told the meeting that the revamp was "big and exciting" but warned that the alternative was that the markets would close given the current state of the buildings.
Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “This next phase of the town centre masterplan is a testament to the Council’s dedication to investing in Rotherham’s future and to preserving the heritage of the town while embracing its dynamic future. The redevelopment will not only breathe new life into the community, but also provide economic opportunities for local businesses.
“Small independent retailers play a vital role within the wider town centre offer and whilst the works are on-going, we ask that residents continue to support local traders by visiting the markets.
"The reinvention of the markets is not just a facelift, but a holistic reimagining that aims to boost the local economy, celebrate our diverse community and provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all."
The outdoor market has already been moved to Effingham Street in preparation and will remain there until the new premises are complete.
Images: RMBC
17 comments:
Sounds good, I hope the markets may cater to the 8 to 5 workers one night a week by opening later, or their clientele may dwindle.
Hope this doesn't turn out to be a White Elephant that bankcrupts the council!
I used to suffer from that.
The town centre seems a lot busier now that the outdoor markets are using it.
They won't open later, they can barely survive opening the times the are doing, the market is dead by 2pm, in fact the entire town centre is too. Paying staff to work later just so a small handful of people may or may not come in simply isn't worth it.
If that is the attitude then the markets revamp is a waste of money and no use to many of rotherham residents.
Markets will simply die if they don't change with the times.
Trying to reason logically with some on here is like trying to play chess with a pigeon. However good you are you just know that they will strut around and sh it all over the board.
It's not about attitude, I'm use they'd love to be able to but it's about economics. It's not financially viable for most of the traders to open later. It's more likely that Rotherham market will go the same way as Doncasters and open fewer days a week rather than longer hours.
Check mate
Markets are a thing of the past like VHS, Blockbuster and Woolworths. Nostalgia won't change that.
But is it worth giving a try and make it into a event to see if people turn out.
Id love to shop at markets but I work so I have only Saturday I can go and you end up with the rubbish going off veg they have left.
Why should 30 million which will end up being 60 million be spent on markets that will benefit very few people.
I can't quite work out what this building will replace. Is the plans to demolish the whole of the outdoor and indoor markets, or is just to replace the Guardian Centre?
Don't think the new building is going to win an architectural prize any time soon!
What you really mean is, it doesn’t benefit you.
Saturday is traditionally the busiest day of the week for markets and one they stock up for. Can see no reason why you would be left with rubbish unless you can't get there until late afternoon.
I think it very possibly could
King Charles would love it
It would be one of his favourite carbuncles.
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