News: Growing pet chain to open Rotherham store

A rapidly-growing nationwide pet superstore has announced plans to open in Rotherham as it reaches its 100-store target.

Jollyes has now grown into one of the leading pet food superstores with over 90 locations across the UK. It started in Enfield as a single store in 1971.

Known as "The Pet People," Jollyes is set to open at Great Eastern Retail Park in Parkgate on March 22.

Since the beginning of 2022, the firm has doubled the size of its estate with the opening of 34 new stores. Last year the growth was backed by a £3m facility from HSBC which enabled the firm to step-up its opening programme with another ten new locations before the end of the financial year.

Sales in the 2023 financial year broke through the £100m threshold, rising 33% from £87m in the previous year, to £115.5m in the year to May 29 2023.

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The company experienced record-breaking sales during the festive period, with a 13% increase in like-for-like sales over five weeks leading to December 31 2023. The total growth for this period was an impressive 25%. The week leading up to Christmas marked the chain’s strongest seven-day trading period in its history, with customer numbers up by almost 45% compared to the previous year and a 26% increase on a like-for-like basis.

Joe Wykes, CEO of Jollyes, said: “Christmas saw us continue to fly, delivering market-leading trading both in stores and online as we brought our special combination of expertise, service, and value to UK pet parents.

"A big thank you to our 1,000-strong team – I know these excellent results are powered by their hard work for customers in the communities they serve. We’re looking forward to trading from 100 stores for the first time and continuing to invest in 2024 in building a platform for even more growth in the months ahead.”

Superstores stock pet food, pet toys and an array of pet accessories and customers are actively encouraged to bring their pets into store.

The new Rotherham is also set to house a community clinic offering vaccinations and other advice from trained vets.

With Wren Kitchens moving to Parkgate Shopping Park nearby, last month, Rothbiz revealed that plans had been submitted to enable DIY retailer, B&Q, to join Jollyes and open on the retail park at Great Eastern Way.

Jollyes website

Images: Jollyes

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News: Harworth makes progress towards becoming £1bn business

Harworth Group plc, the Rotherham-based leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has reported on robust performance in 2023 and strong momentum into 2024.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Harworth is based close to its flagship Waverley development and is a specialist in brownfield regeneration, owning and managing approximately 15,000 acres on around 100 sites in the North of England and the Midlands.

Based close to its flagship Waverley development, the firm has an ambitious strategy to reach £1bn of EPRA NDV over five to seven years. EPRA NDV is how Harworth measures the value of the its assets.

In a trading update in respect of its financial year ended 31 December 2023, ahead of the announcement of its Full Year Results on 19 March 2024, Harworth said that EPRA NDV would be slightly ahead of current market consensus as the result of management actions undertaken on development sites to unlock high value uses, and positive progress with planning applications, which have underpinned valuation gains.

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Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive at Harworth Group plc, said: “Harworth had a strong 2023 and delivered another robust performance. The unique combination of our extensive landbank and applying our specialist skillset to identify and realise the highest value from each of our sites saw us complete serviced land and property sales at prices in line with, or ahead of, book values, achieve lettings ahead of estimated rental values, and progress sites through the planning system, all against an uncertain market backdrop.

“Since re-listing in 2015, Harworth has doubled its EPRA NDV. The progress made across our portfolio in 2023 has meant that our year-end valuation is slightly ahead of expectations, moving us closer to our strategic ambition of becoming a £1bn business by 2027.

“As we enter 2024, there are some signs of optimism in the macro environment whilst our key markets remain characterised by structural undersupply. We are encouraged that we are seeing continued good demand into the new year for our serviced residential land as well as occupier interest in our employment sites. This, combined with our long-term through-the-cycle approach, our low loan-to-value and significant financial liquidity means that as well as securing and progressing opportunities to deliver long-term value to investors, we are well positioned to take the management actions that will generate further value gains from our portfolio in the year ahead.”

Recommended reading: 5 Desirable Business and Finance Positions in Rotherham

The update also discussed progress at Waverley and the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), which is in Rotherham.

During 2023, Harworth completed development of 110,000 sq. ft of Grade A space at Gateway 36 in Barnsley and 83,000 sq. ft at the AMP in Rotherham, which is 39% is let, exchanged or in heads of terms.

Work is also underway on a further 187,000 sq. ft of space at the AMP, comprising two pre-let units and one build-to-suit unit that will be owned by its occupier. Harworth said that this underscores the location’s popularity and the company's flexible approach to development.

At the heart of a new South Yorkshire Investment Zone, the first in the UK, newcomers to the AMP will inlcude: global steel business Danieli; Technicut, the UK’s largest cutting tool manufacturer, and; Vulcan Engineering Limited - a specialist in the production of mechanical seals and encapsulated ‘o’-rings.

On the housing development at Waverley a number of land deals have been announced with housebuilders with Harworth also reporting a robust pipeline for further residential plot sales in the months ahead.

Harworth website

Images: Harworth / Knight Frank

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News: Details of new 450-home Rotherham development revealed

A detailed planning application for a controversial 450 house development in Rotherham has been submitted by housebuilder, Avant.

Rothbiz reported in 2019 that landowners had worked together to submit an application having previously secured a residential allocation for the nearly 50 acre greenbelt site off Lathe Road / Worry Goose Lane 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.

Applicants, AE Waddington, R Parkes & V Foers, worked with JVH Town Planning and agents, WYG, to secure outline planning approval despite over 300 letters of representation being received when it went before the planning board at Rotherham Council.

Now a reserved matters application from Avant Homes Central (a good indication that they are the new owners of the site), details where the houses will go, the types of houses, and the location of things like attenuation basins and play areas.

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The plans show a mix of detached and semi-detached housing types, and 113 of the 450 are considered affordable. The mix of dwellings includes 109 1-bed, 13 2-bed, 156 3-bed, 92 4-bed and 80 5-bed.

Other submitted details relate to matters such as drainage, ecology, landscape, waste management and construction management.

The development will be accessed from the two new junctions formed off Worry Goose Lane.

Conditions attached to the outline approval should help with the multimillion pound improvements needed at the nearby Worrrygoose roundabout. Highway works only need be implemented before the occupation of the 111th dwelling and should include road widening, bus lanes and new crossings.

The plans also show that Avant plans to build out the development in five phases.

A second set of outline plans for over 200 houses on adjoining former greenbelt land also gained approval from Rotherham Council's planning board in 2023.

Avant operates across the Midlands, north of England and Scotland from nine regional operating businesses and is currently developing the nearby Brecks Lane Park scheme.

Avant website

Images: Avant

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News: Parseq kicks off 2024 with double appointment

Rotherham-based business services and IT provider Parseq has expanded its senior leadership and account management teams with two new hires.

Keith Wright has been appointed as Group Operations Director, bringing with him 35 years of operational experience in document management and business process outsourcing (BPO).

He joins from business services provider Paragon Customer Communications, where he was Director of Operations. At Parseq, he will oversee the day-to-day delivery of Parseq’s full range of digital back office, finance and accounting, payment, secure print and warehousing and e-fulfilment services across its five UK offices and its sites in Bulgaria.

Meanwhile, Emma Fulker joins Parseq as a Senior Account Director, bringing 25 years’ experience in account and relationship management from global business services provider Communisis.

In her new role, she will be responsible for leading several key accounts and overseeing secure print solutions across Parseq’s client portfolio. Keith and Emma’s appointments follow recent business and team growth for Parseq.

In January 2023, the company acquired secure print and payment solutions specialist TALL Group and merged with Column Software Solutions, an IT services specialist. This strategic move positioned Parseq as one of the UK's largest independent providers of business services and IT solutions and expanded its service offering.

Subsequently, Parseq significantly expanded its sales team in July 2023, appointing new directors to help build on this momentum.

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Keith Wright, Group Operations Director, Parseq said: "Parseq stood out to me as not only a solid service provider with an enviable reputation in its key markets, but crucially as a people-focused business.

“It is committed to building lasting partnerships with its clients, and prides itself on championing its employees’ development – something that shines through in the commitment, skill and experience of its team and the results it delivers.

“This is a particularly exciting time to be joining the business, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to bear in helping deliver even more flexible, scaleable and technology-driven solutions that anticipate and meet clients’ ever-evolving needs.”

Craig Naylor-Smith, CEO, Parseq said: “After more than doubling in size last year, we have an ambitious strategy to leverage our broader product range, and deeper pools of insight to add new value to our clients.

“We're excited to have Keith and Emma join us on this journey. Their experience and expertise will be incredibly valuable as we look ahead to 2024 and our next stage of growth.”

Parseq, headquartered in Hellaby, is one of the largest independent business services and IT providers in the UK, with a global client base spanning FTSE 100 financial services companies, major utility providers, leading telecoms operators, manufacturers and local authorities.

Every year, it processes £36 billion of payments, digitises 70 million documents, prints 117 million secure documents and has delivered over 220 IT implementation projects globally.

Parseq website

Images: Parseq

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News: Construction milestone reached at Forge Island

Workers celebrated a major milestone on Forge Island recently with popcorn and deckchairs as the shells of the cinema and hotel completed on the flagship development.

Rothbiz reported last month that the Rotherham town centre leisure-led development was on track to open to the public towards the end of summer 2024.

The £47m development is being delivered by teams from Rotherham Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland. During the topping out event –which marks the last beam being placed on top a structure during its construction – builders enjoyed the sweet success of completing the final building on site.

Once fitted out, the building will host an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema. It will also be the first cinema in the heart of Rotherham for more than 30 years and will be a major part of Forge Island’s family-friendly offer.

Brian Gilligan, Director of The Arc Cinema, who attended the topping out, said: “We’re very excited to open on Forge Island later this year and it’s fantastic to be here today and see our cinema taking shape. The Arc Cinema is known for their top-class facilities and we’re proud to say that the new location at Forge Island will be no exception. We also place a strong emphasis on building personal connections within the community – which includes recruiting locally – and our aim is to create a meaningful place that belongs to the people of Rotherham just as much as it belongs to us.”

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Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the borough.

Cllr. Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “It’s just over a year since we broke ground and here we are topping out these amazing buildings with more exciting milestones to come. Forge Island is the single biggest investment in our town centre for decades and will provide residents from across Rotherham with a family-friendly destination they can enjoy and be proud to have on their doorstep.”

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, added: “We’re thrilled to have reached this significant and very visual milestone that shows just how far this scheme has progressed over recent months. We have been working closely in partnership with the Council to create something special for the people of Rotherham and this will undoubtedly help to bring families into the town centre and enjoy it as a leisure destination once again.”

The cinema will sit beside a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as six independent restaurants on the riverside, including The Rustic Pizza Company, Estabulo, and Sakku Samba.

Tony O’Brien, Travelodge, UK Development Director said: “We can't wait to open our new hotel later this year and it's fantastic to witness this significant milestone in development. Rotherham is growing at pace and has one of the fastest growing economies in Yorkshire. Our 69-room Travelodge hotel will also have an on-site restaurant and car parking. With the railway station, the town centre amenities and Rotherham United's AESSEAL New York Stadium within an easy walk, the Travelodge will be ideally located for business and leisure guests. This ground-breaking scheme is an excellent, new leisure destination that I'm sure will be of great benefit to the Rotherham community and visitors to the area for many years to come."

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / Joe Horner

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News: Safeguarding lifted on some axed HS2 routes, but Rotherham waits

Land in Rotherham outlined for high speed rail is still being safeguarded despite being "in the wrong place for any future routes."

The Government has announced that safeguarding of land and property across the majority of Phase 2a of HS2 (West Midlands to Crewe) has been removed, but safeguarding for Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester and West Midlands to Leeds) will not be amended until summer 2024. This will allow for safeguarding that is needed for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Local leaders in Rotherham say that land and property owners have had a "long shadow" of HS2 over them since the route was changed in 2016. The now scrapped M18 route east of Rotherham affected Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

An update from HS2 Ltd said: "The Government has announced Phase 2b safeguarding will be amended by summer 2024, to allow for any safeguarding required for Northern Powerhouse Rail. It is expected that some areas in Phase 2b will continue to be safeguarded for other rail schemes, and safeguarding will be removed in the other areas."

The government announced in November 2021 that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg would terminate at East Midlands Parkway and no longer reach Leeds through the communities in the east of Rotherham. A study into how best to take HS2 services to Leeds was announced but never really got underway before the Government launched its "Network North" document in October 2023.

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Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council said at the end of last year: “Communities like Bramley, Wales Bar and Aston are simply in the wrong place for any future routes between Sheffield and Leeds and it cannot be right that residents in those places are left in limbo.”

In September, Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley raised the issue in the House of Commons, saying: "I know that the Government still want high-speed trains through the area, but the only financially viable way of HS2 getting to Leeds is by using existing track. Why is it taking so long to release the land when everyone knows and accepts that we will not be building a new track through Rother Valley to Leeds? Will the Minister release the safeguarding and release people’s homes?"

Writing to the Transport Secretary last week, Wentworth & Dearne MP, John Healey raised the issue of the threat of compulsory HS2 purchase, blight on property prices and a freeze on any other developments, adding that there was no reason to not lift safeguarding land restrictions for HS2 on large areas of land in Rotherham.

Healey said: "It was last summer when we were told by your Rail Minister that the Government's study of IRP (Integrated Rail Plan) links to Leeds meant that safeguarding restrictions would not be lifted because you were still looking to complete the HS2 Eastern Leg as had been "previously scoped" and you were looking to upgrade lines between Sheffield and Leeds.

"With HS2 now being scrapped beyond Birmingham the first part of the argument no longer holds firm and the second line of reasoning can be clearly dismissed by looking at a map to see that the community of Bramley, in my constituency, and those further afield in Rotherham, like Aston and Wales Bar, are nowhere near a new Sheffield-Leeds rail route.

"I would appreciate it if you could please provide me with the latest reasoning as to why the decision to lift blight in Rotherham has not been made.

"People deserve to live their lives without the worry of HS2 hanging over them and I would urge you again to lift the HS2 blight on our area and let people live their lives without this fear."

HS2 website

Images: HS2 Ltd

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News: Training firm gains approval for new Rotherham centre

JTL, one of the leading apprenticeship providers in England and Wales, has secured planning permission for a new operation in Rotherham.

Established since 1990, the not-for-profit Kent-based charity offers advanced apprenticeships in electrical installation, engineering maintenance, mechanical engineering services comprising plumbing, gas alongside heating and ventilating. They serve approximately 8,000 apprentices and 3,800 employers in six regions across England and Wales, providing opportunities via its own estate of 14 training centres and 80 partner organisations.

The firm has now secured approval to convert the former Morphy Richards offices at Adwick Park in Manvers into a vocational educational training centre.

Currently vacant, the 16,469 sq ft unit with 82 car parking spaces was offered with CBRE and Crosthwaite Commercial for sale / to let at £1.1m / £8.50 Per sq ft.

Plans show that the ground floor would facilitate two workshops and six classrooms with other ancillary facilities. It is anticipated that this space would provide for eight staff in a combination of tutors and technicians that would teach a maximum of 70 pupils.

The first floor would be retained as office space and would house 40 full time members of staff.

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The plans, drawn up by agents from NTP, explain: "The proposals will bring the entire building back into use whilst the application only relates to the ground floor, the intended use of the first floor is as office space as both a mix of both refurbished office space for commercial let and JTL staff use as part of their regional operations and as such provides the opportunity to also bring the first floor back into employment use.

"The Ground floor will be used to provide vocational training for 16 to 25 year olds seeking to expand their education and skillset, and thereby providing a wider offering of trained and employable staff in the area for local business.

"We consider the location adjacent the Dearne Valley College enhances the education and employment offering in this area of Rotherham and is thereby of substantial benefit to the Borough as a whole."

JTL are presently having to use a temporary centre in Tankersley having had to move out of Doncaster where JTL was hiring rooms for training. A move to Wath upon Dearne for the training centre and staff base is seen as a positive move for all.

JTL website

Images: CBRE

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News: First tenants revealed as work starts at Olive Lane

Work has finally started on a much-needed new commercial and residential scheme on the Waverley development in Rotherham with an innovative restaurant and a creative housing developer the first to commit to Olive Lane.

The new mixed-use heart of the community will provide convenience retail, cafés and restaurants, alongside a new medical centre. It will comprise a new pedestrianised high street with 21,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, linking the Waverley residential neighbourhood with the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

A groundbreaking event took place at the site in December 2023, attended by representatives of Harworth, Rotherham Council, the Waverley Community Council, Sky-House and Forge New Homes, who are also building new homes at the Olive Lane scheme. They were joined by teams who will be involved in the delivery of the project, including construction contractor Lindum Group, architects CODA, landscape architects PWP Design, civil engineer BE Design, planning consultant Stantec and project/cost manager Edge.

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The first tenants to sign up include a new concept from the innovative food entrepreneuers behind Sheffield's JÖRO Restaurant.

Chef and co-owner Luke French, together with his wife and business director, Stacey Sherwood launched JÖRO, Sheffield’s first ever Michelin bib restaurant, in December 2016 to rave reviews. In late summer 2019 they opened Konjö, a street food concept, just around the corner from JÖRO. June 2021 saw their boutique hotel opening and last year it was announced that they would open at a new development in Oughtibridge Mill, also in Sheffield.

For Olive Lane, space is set to be taken for a community kitchen / bar venture - a new full day operation serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals.

Also taking space is Sky-House Co. The Sheffield company that is pioneering 21st century back-to-back housing at Waverley, will relocate its HQ and 30 jobs to office space sitting above the new venture from JÖRO.

An agreement has also recently been reached with NHS England and Rotherham Council to allow construction of the site’s medical centre to commence.

David Cross, CEO & Architect of Sky-House Co. described the new development as the "final missing-piece of the jigsaw" adding: "It's incredibly complex to curate a new neighbourhood and Olive Lane will become an exemplar model of placemaking in the new world."

Harworth recently completed a two-acre land sale to Sky-House to develop an additional 50 residential units (46 new homes, four apartments) directly adjacent to Olive Lane’s high street, alongside a new headquarters for the company and a small amount of retail and leisure space.

Completion of the high street element of the scheme, including the medical centre, is anticipated by the end of 2024, after which fit-out works for the retail and leisure units will begin.

Ed Catchpole, Regional Director – Yorkshire & Central, Harworth Group plc, said: “We are very excited to be starting work on Olive Lane, and to have completed this land sale to Sky-House, a trusted partner who shares our vision for making Waverley an attractive, vibrant and inclusive community.

"We know that many in the local area are excited about this part of Waverley being created, and we look forward to it being a place for those living and working here to come together and shop, eat and drink, or meet with friends.”

Cross added: “Our fourth deal with Harworth at Waverley is particular exciting as it helps provide the final and most crucial piece of the jigsaw in delivering a true heart of the community. Olive Lane fully represents our design-led and low carbon ethos as a business and our decision to move our headquarters there anticipates the vibrant place that it will become.

"Harworth has been instrumental in supporting our growth as an SME housebuilder over the past seven years and we look forward to continuing to work with the company throughout 2024, including in welcoming a range of new tenants for the scheme.”

Olive Lane website
Sky-House Co. website

Images: Harworth

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News: Wilko confirms Rotherham reopening

Rotherham has been confirmed as the next location in the national roll-out of new wilko stores by the brand's new owners.

Rothbiz revealed last week that recruitment for a new Rotherham wilko store was underway.

The British high-street retail chain was founded in 1930 sells homeware and household goods. The group, with headquarters in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, had 400 stores across the UK and approximately 12,500 employees.

Administrators were called in after it was hit by incredibly challenging trading conditions, both throughout the pandemic and more recently as it has felt the impact of the cost of living crisis, resulting in increasing cashflow pressure and a deterioration in trading.

A deal to save hundreds of stores fell through and instead, B&M was reported to be acquiring 51 former wilko store premises and Poundland owner Pepco is taking on the leases of up to 71 stores.

The Range agreed a deal to buy the Wilko brand, website and intellectual property.

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The retailer has announced that the next two new stores will be in St Albans (The Maltings), Rotherham (Parkgate Shopping Park).

Launch dates for the stores will be in spring 2024, with exact timings to be announced shortly, alongside news of further store openings.

The new wilko stores will offer shoppers everything they need to get all their homes and garden jobs done - wilko-brand products that simply help alongside well-known brands.

CEO of CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and wilko, Alex Simpkin said; “The initial reaction to the new concept stores has been even better than we’d hoped, we’ve seen queues of both returning and new customers at the store launches and the feedback is giving us the confidence we need to continue with our store opening plans.

“We’re in advanced negotiations with a number of landlords and are continuing to review all options as a part of our roll-out plan. Any interested agents or landlords should get in touch. “We’ll continue to endeavour to give ex-wilko employees priority as a part of the recruitment process for the new stores.”

wilko website

Images: Google Maps

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News: New policy to help local residents access Rotherham jobs

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to approve a Local Labour Policy to add to go alongside an award-winning social value policy.

If approved, the new policy will challenge developers to do more to train and employ local people as part of the planning process.

The policy will enable the Council to work towards its aim to create a more inclusive local economy in Rotherham which will see an increase in opportunities for residents to access training and jobs within the borough.

It will also build on social value work to promote local employment through council spending. Last year, the Council’s Social & Local Economic Value Commitments amounted to £13.6m with 1,500+ weeks of skills and training opportunities committed and 302 employees hired or retained in council related projects.

Recently the Council has used voluntary local labour clauses in planning conditions on major developments in Rotherham, but these will now become an expected part of the Planning process.

Major developments include housing schemes with ten or more dwellings, and the development of floorspace of 10,700 sq ft or more, including change of use applications.

To satisfy planning conditions, applicants will need to get a Local Labour Agreement approved by the council, whose officers will also monitor progress.

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Amongst the partners and developers that have voluntarily agreed to arrangements are Wentworth Woodhouse, the Swinton town centre redevelopment scheme, Eastwood trading estate, Bessemer Way at Templeborough, and others across the borough.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Mcleod, said: “The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) is committed to providing paid work, volunteering opportunities, training and apprenticeships for the communities of Rotherham and South Yorkshire and has, since taking ownership of the site in 2017, created over 100 new paid jobs for local residents.

“Throughout the site’s regeneration programme, opportunities for apprenticeships and training have been created in traditional heritage skills, administration, finance and accounting, hospitality and film making. By providing these opportunities for local residents, WWPT is building a long-term skilled workforce, resulting in positive economic, social and environmental benefits for the area.

“WWPT believes that Wentworth Woodhouse is an asset for Rotherham, and by working closely with the Council we can ensure that Rotherham residents benefit from the opportunities that its regeneration brings.”

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “Rotherham Council is committed to supporting and encouraging more training and job opportunities for residents across the whole of the borough, and implementing a Local Labour Policy formalises this commitment. It is another way the Council is ensuring that local people get all the opportunities possible so that we can expand our local economy and keep more Rotherham pounds in the borough.”

The policy will outline two phases of possible training and job opportunities: the ‘construction phase’ where partners will be encouraged to give opportunities to local tradespeople and trainees during the building of the development, and the ‘operational phase’ where plans for employing local people after the build is complete will be outlined.

The Council set out its vision for the borough and priorities in The Council Plan 2022-25. One of the themes was expanding economic opportunities which included supporting people to improve their skills and secure decent work through a range of schemes and initiatives.

Images: WWPT

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News: Free parking for film fans at Forge Island

Rotherham Council has confirmed that film fans are set to have another reason to chose to stay local to watch future features - free parking at Forge Island.

Rothbiz first reported on the parking plans back in 2020 and the new Arc Cinema on the £47m development in Rotherham town centre is slated to open in 2024.

The scheme is being lead by national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, partnering with the council. It will also include a new Travelodge hotel and six food and drink outlets, which are already fully let.

A 340 space car park, to be operated by the council, is being created on the main site with the new buildings on a podium above taking them higher than the 1 in 100 flood risk level. Entry to the car park is to continue from Bridge Street and Market Street as it does currently.

When discussing the progress at Forge Island at a recent council meeting, Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, confirmed that users of the hotel and the cinema would be able to park for free.

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Cllr. Lelliott said: "The strategy for parking at Forge Island offers free parking for hotel customers between the hours of 4pm and 10am. In addition, those customers using the cinema will be offered concessionary free parking for a period of up to 3.5 hours.

"Outside of these concessions car park users will be expected to pay, and while yet to be agreed, the tariffs are expected to be at least in line with the Council’s current core town centre car park tariff."

Council car parks currently charge in the region of £1.50 up to two hours, £2 up to four hours, £3.50 over four hours.

Rotherham Council bought the Forge Island site in 2017 for £1.5m. Previously a Tesco store, it has since been used as a council car park, a temporary bus station, and COVID-19 testing centre.

Cllr. Lelliott added: "Forge Island was a car park, and previous to that it was a supermarket. We have been working and looking at a parking strategy - we have got to make it work for the hoteliers and the cinema operators that have come in. We don't want parking fees to be something that prevents people from coming and using this."

Last year, Rothbiz highlighted what to expect when the Arc Cinema opens in Rotherham. It is set to have two flagship Hypersense screens and six medium-sized screens.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC

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News: New housebuilder coming to Waverley development in Rotherham

Local housebuilder, Honey has acquired a plot of land at the Waverley development, and a site in Maltby, both in Rotherham.

On a 3.8-acre site in Waverley, the Sheffield housebuilder is set to deliver a £15.5m, 54 new home development having made the land purchase from Rotherham-based bownfield regeneration specialist, Harworth Group.

The proposed site, which will be called Homes by Honey at Waverley, will comprise a mix of semi-detached and detached two-, three, four- and five-bedroom homes.

Situated off Rivelin Way, the development will form part of Yorkshire's largest ever brownfield redevelopment, transforming the former Orgreave Colliery & Coking site with outline planning consent in place for 3,890 homes alongside the nationally-significant Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), extensive green space and amenities.

In Maltby, Honey hopes to deliver a £46m, 185 new home development on a 39-acre site located on Tickhill Road. Subject to planning, the proposed site, which will be called Jet, will comprise a mix of terraces, semi-detached and detached two-, three-, four-bedroom homes.

Planning for the proposed developments is expected to be submitted to the Rotherham Council early this year.

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Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, said: “We have painstakingly designed a range of house types that combine style, substance and sustainability that we believe are unmatched at their price point. This ensures our buyers, and the wider communities in which we build, benefit from a high quality, high specification development.

“We are excited by the opportunity to make our vision for our developments a reality and we now look forward our plans being considered by the relevant local authorities.”

Honey has analysed consumer insights and trends to inform its house type designs to ensure they meet the needs and wants of today’s new home buyers, including the flexible use of all living spaces.

Standard features in every Honey home include bi fold doors; individually designed fully integrated kitchens; and boutique style bathrooms with a signature free standing bath and full height tiling. All properties will have an electric vehicle charging point.

Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group plc, said that the land deals "demonstrates the continued strong demand for Harworth’s de-risked serviced residential land product."

Honey website
Harworth website

Images: Homes by Honey

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News: Work starts as Rotherham leads charge for electric buses

Work has started at a depot in Rotherham to bring the first fleet of zero emission electric buses to South Yorkshire as part of a partnership between Stagecoach and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Electrification work has begun at the Rawmarsh depot ahead of the arrival of the first fleet of 23 zero emission electric buses to arrive in the region.

The brand-new electric Yutong buses will be introduced on the region’s bus network in the spring and will feature on the 22x and 221 routes which connect the Dearne Valley across Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.

The project is part of South Yorkshire’s first successful bid for Zero Emission Bus Regional Area funding (ZEBRA) from the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Stagecoach.

DfT contributed £8,351,721 as part of our winning ZEBRA bid and SYMCA also contributed £2,683,051 of their City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) provided by Government.

The infrastructure needed to charge and maintain the electric buses also reflects a major £2.5m investment in the Rawmarsh depot.

The contractor, EO, will install the 23 output chargers as well as two mobile workshop chargers at the depot which will facilitate the running of the zero-emission fleet.

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South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “We think around 200,000 people in South Yorkshire live in areas vulnerable to air pollution, and 1 in 20 deaths here are related to poor air quality. That’s a challenge we simply have to address, and why we need to get cleaner, greener vehicles of all sorts on our roads.

“To meet that goal we’ve funded electric bus projects that are underway across the region as part of the Zebra1 project and we also have a second bid for ‘Zebra 2’ funding submitted to the Department for Transport with Stagecoach and First.

“Not only will they help improve public transport in South Yorkshire, they’ll make a real contribution to us hitting our net zero goals, and making South Yorkshire’s air cleaner. “

Stagecoach Yorkshire Managing Director Matt Kitchin, added: "This marks a huge step towards the future of sustainable travel in South Yorkshire as we await the arrival of the new buses.

“Sustainable forms of public transport are key to reducing congestion and improving air quality across the region and we look forward to these state-of-the-art vehicles encouraging more people to make the switch to bus travel as well as making local air cleaner for all our futures."

The buses will feature a bespoke livery and will be fitted with full electric air conditioning and a bespoke premium passenger saloon for enhanced passenger comfort.

A total of 27 electric buses will be rolled out across South Yorkshire as part of the first stage of ZEBRA.

Images: SYMCA

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News: Is wilko returning to Rotherham?

Having crashed into administration last year and closed all of its stores, including two in Rotherham, could the discount retailer's new owners be reopening a wilko store in the borough?

The British high-street retail chain was founded in 1930 sells homeware and household goods. The group, with headquarters in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, had 400 stores across the UK and approximately 12,500 employees.

Administrators were called in after it was hit by incredibly challenging trading conditions, both throughout the pandemic and more recently as it has felt the impact of the cost of living crisis, resulting in increasing cashflow pressure and a deterioration in trading.

A deal to save hundreds of stores fell through and instead, B&M was reported to be acquiring 51 former wilko store premises and Poundland owner Pepco is taking on the leases of up to 71 stores.

The Range agreed a deal to buy the Wilko brand, website and intellectual property.

Now bosses at The Range have begun a revival of the wilko name with the reopening of stores, and recruitment has begun for a wilko store in Rotherham.

Posted online by The Range, but marked "wilko", the firm is recruiting for a number of roles, including store manager, assistant manager, retail assistants, warehouse and cleaning roles. The company says that it is planning to recruit up to 80 local team members per store.

The Range currently has a Rotherham store in Parkgate. wilko stores that closed last year were based at Cortonwood and Parkgate.

As reported by Rothbiz, Rotherham Council acquired the building at 4 Corporation Street in January 2023 to prevent it from becoming a long-term empty building, after wilkos closed the store. It has since been demolished.

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Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and wilko, said; “For the majority of its 93 years, wilko was an incredibly successful business that gave its customers exactly what they needed to get their home and garden jobs sorted. It was their advanced own-brand capabilities that encouraged us to invest in the brand and wilko.com and, we’re excited to now be selling wilko products online once more and across our 200 stores network.

"The public reaction to the loss of wilko stores was undeniable. It’s clear that there’s a huge love for wilko and we’ve seen an encouraging demand for the return of its own-brand products. That’s why we’ve taken the decision to reintroduce wilko back to many of the high streets and communities that it used to so proudly serve.

“Our team from wilko that joined us through the acquisition has shown true resilience, they’ve set to work to integrate the best parts of wilko into The Range’s operational systems. We’re expanding that team every day with new wilko hires and can’t wait to extend that back out to local communities.

“We’ll endeavour to give ex-wilko employees priority as a part of the recruitment process for the new stores.”

Under new owners, wilko recently opened its first three stores in Plymouth, Luton and Exeter.

Simpkin added: "This initial rollout is only the beginning for our plans for revitalising the wilko brand on the nation’s high streets and retail parks, and we’ll be announcing further store launches and re-openings throughout 2024.”

wilko website

Images: wilko / Facebook

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News: MP backs plans for a new Rotherham mainline station

Local MP John Healey has backed bold plans for a new Rotherham mainline station.

Rothbiz reported last month on efforts to secure land at Forge Way, Parkgate.

This potential new station, developed by he South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Rotherham Council, alongside Network Rail, would see the reintroduction of mainline train services in Rotherham – including receiving direct London services for the first time since the 1980s.

The project was one of many contained in the "Network North" document, published by the Government when it axed HS2 going beyond Birmingham.

The total cost was listed as £107.6m in 2022. £99.5m for the station and £7.1m for the tram-train stop.

John Healey MP wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport last month to give his full support to the "visionary" plans and challenged Ministers to back their words with action.

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John Healey, MP for Wentworth & Dearne, said: “I’m giving my full support to this bold scheme to bring back mainline train services to Rotherham with a new station in Parkgate.

“Rotherham Council are working up a very impressive case for a major new transport hub in Parkgate, with a new station that provides for both mainline train services and to connect up with the Tram Train service already in the area. A new station in Parkgate is ideally placed to provide the greatest benefits of mainline train services for the town centre and the surrounding areas across the wider Dearne Valley region.

“I’m calling on Ministers to step up and match the ambition shown by Rotherham Council for our area by ensuring our scheme for a new mainline station is supported with the necessary funding needed from government to get this project done.”

In his letter, John Healey urges the Secretary of State to get behind Rotherham Council’s plans by ensuring the proper financial support required from government is given to ensure this scheme can be delivered without delay.

In the Network North document the Government states in their "commitment to the north" how they will take forward a £3billion plan to connect major cities in the North and this includes a commitment to: “Upgrade and electrify the line between Sheffield and Leeds. There is currently 1 fast train per hour taking 40 minutes; these upgrades will enable 3-4 fast trains per hour and include a new mainline station at Rotherham, which could receive direct London services for the first time since the 1980s.”

Healey has pressed the Government to provide more detail on this funding commitment, the process for how this support will be allocated and the timeframe for this to take place so the mainline station can be delivered.

Images: gov.uk

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News: Parkgate Shopping sold

Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham has been acquired for an undisclosed sum.

Rothbiz reported last year that the UK’s second largest retail park had been put up for sale with a guide price of £80m.

The site comprises a total of 577,837 sq ft of unrestricted retail accommodation in 45 units and occupies a site of 37.5 acres.

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

Now Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, the real estate investment and asset management arm of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, has acquired the park, which brings in some £7.267m each year. At 406,000 sq ft, that's around £17.92 per sq ft overall.

In 2021, Parkgate attracted 10.123 million shopper visits, It benefits from a catchment population of 438,954 within a 20 minutes drive and captures 31.9% of all retail spend within it.

A spokesperson for Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate said: “We are delighted to add Parkgate to our extensive retail warehouse portfolio that now totals some 10 million square feet.

"By utilising our existing strong retailer relationships, we see real opportunity to maximise Parkgate’s potential both for retail and restaurant operators and customers, taking its place as a leading shopping and leisure destination befitting of its scale and regional dominance.”

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2023 saw Poundland expanding into the former Marks & Spencer unit, Popeyes taking over from KFC, a new letting for Wren Kitchens and the Frasers Group developing plans to take on a large vacant unit. Wilkos was the biggest departure.

A £12m transport scheme, which includes a new access road and park & ride facility for the tram-train stop, is also set to benefit the location.

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

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

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

The property has been part of The Rotherham Unit Trust, ultimately held in an Channel Islands property investment firm. It has been managed by Capreon asset managers.

ESH acted for the purchaser, whilst Staunton Whiteman represented the vendor.

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Staunton Whiteman

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News: Skills Bank fuels business growth for Leighton Vans

South Yorkshire Skills Bank continues to support business development across the region, with the recent approval of funding for Rotherham-based Leighton Vans, the UK’s premier retailer of bespoke VW sports vans.

This funding was earmarked for a comprehensive sales training programme, sourced by Leighton Vans, aimed at enhancing the sales team’s performance and driving revenue growth.

From their headquarters at Templeborough, Leighton Vans is renowned for its craftsmanship in converting standard VW transporter vehicles into unique Leighton-branded vans, complete with exclusive external styling packs, wheels, and internal conversions.

The company prides itself on designing and manufacturing elements that set their conversions apart from any other in the market. With a global reach, including a recent business expansion in Australia, Leighton Vans has positioned itself as a leader in the niche market of high-quality, customised sports vans.

In a strategic move to further leverage their market position, Leighton Vans chose to invest in the development of their sales team. The company has collaborated with Kennedy Ross, a specialist training provider, to deliver a tailored sales training programme. This initiative was designed to equip the sales force with proven methods and bespoke sales strategies, ultimately aiming to elevate sales performance and increase revenue.

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Leighton Vans offers not only the sale of fully converted vehicles but also provides a range of services, including the sale of individual parts through their website. Their trade business extends to serving camper converters globally, enhancing their vehicles with unique Leighton styling. Additionally, the company operates Leighton Drive, a sister business offering both long-term and flexible rentals of their vehicles. The used stock from Leighton Drive becomes an additional stream of inventory for Leighton Vans.

Robert Pick, Finance Director at Leighton Vans, stated: “We identified a key opportunity to boost sales by investing in the training and development of our sales team. Due to the way the business has grown, this is the first time we’ve had the chance to scrutinise our sales process comprehensively, and it’s evident that working with a leading sales training company to align our team’s experience, styles, and attitude will drive a more cohesive and successful sales strategy.”

The funding provided by South Yorkshire Skills Bank underscores the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s commitment to fostering business growth in the region. Skills Bank supports businesses like Leighton Vans to invest in essential training programmes that contribute to the overall economic development of South Yorkshire.

Leighton Vans website
SY Skills Bank website

Images: SY Skills Bank

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News: All South Yorkshire councils to cover Supertram losses

A transport levy paid by the four local authorities in South Yorkshire is set to be used to cover the £6.3m losses of Supertram after Stagecoach’s current contract for operation of the network ends in March.

Opened in 1994, Sheffield's Supertram system cost £240m and now serves major residential and employment sites in Sheffield. A tram-train pilot project brought new vehicles to Rotherham in 2018. The running of Supertram services, infrastructure and finances will be controlled by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) through an arms-length company from March 22.

Rothbiz revealed in November that the cost to keep the Supertram network going for another 30 years is now nearly £600m, with only the first £105.95m secured, and that £7m is being set aside from the MCA budgets to support any operating losses. This is £7m each year, reducing over time.

The Mayoral Combined Authority Board is set to receive an update on the proposals, and budgets, when it meets next week with a business plan for Supertram on the agenda.

A 2024/25 operating budget for SYFTL (the arms-length company operating the tram) shows that operating costs are £23.6m per year for the 29km long network of four overlapping routes, served by 25 trams and seven tram-trains. Nearly 60% of costs go towards the wages and salaries of the workforce with almost 20% of the budget paying for the cost of electricity which powers the trams.

Annual income is £17.5m, which mostly comes from ticket revenues and around £1.8m from concessionary subsidies via SYMCA for elderly and disabled passengers and children.

Around 9.5 million people travel on Supertram every year. A long period of track renewal and the COVID pandemic has seen patronage fall from its peak of 15 million passengers per annum in 2010/11. There were 11.5 million passengers in 2019 prior COVID.

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A report to the SYMCA board said: "All these income streams are not enough to cover the tram system’s day-to-day running costs. In 2024/25, the operating deficit is forecast to be around £6.3m. SYMCA will pay an operating subsidy to SYFTL which will allow the company to meet all its financial obligations. SYMCA will also meet any costs necessarily incurred by SYFTL to deliver the asset renewal programme. In its own medium term financial plan, SYMCA has set aside sufficient resources (£5-7m per annum) from the South Yorkshire Transport Levy (paid by each of the four local authorities in proportion to their population) to cover the cost of the operating subsidy."

This year's transport levy is to be discussed at the same meeting. For 2024/25 it is set at £56.65m, raising an additional £1.1m of funding. The 2% increase would mean that Sheffield Council would pay in £23.6m, Doncaster £12.5m, Rotherham £10.6m and Barnsley £9.9m.

The new company's five year strategy sees Supertram go through a recovery phase before an improvement phase and then a growth phase. The plan forecasts that the operating deficit will decline as energy prices begin to stabilise.

The report adds: "One of SYFTL’s primary goals is to decrease its dependence on the public purse. To achieve this, the delivery plan includes several measures that aim to boost ticket sales and other forms of revenue, as well as identifying more cost effective ways of working. This includes new ticket collection machines which will speed up payments for customers. Efficiency in the business will be targeted with a major Timetable Optimisation Study the results of which will determine future service levels and support efficient running and manning of services."

SYMCA has put in place a two-year emergency support package for local transport in the face of a lack of resources and "stop-start" government funding for buses. The authority states that "without sustained Government funding this level of support cannot be maintained beyond financial year 2024/25."

SYMCA website

Images: Supertram / SYMCA

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News: Proposals for second solar farm in south of Rotherham borough

Early stage proposals have been made public for a massive solar farm in Rotherham, the second such potential project in the south of the borough.

Rothbiz reported in June that plans for a £60m solar farm in Rotherham, which includes thousands of solar panels installed on green belt land, were granted planning permission after the Secretary of State decided not to intervene.

Approved plans from Banks Renewables are for a new solar energy park on a 116 hectare piece of agricultural land to the west of the Todwick Road Industrial Estate in Dinnington.

Now proposals have been unveiled for a similar project on agricultural land near Aston.

ABEI Energy, a leading independent power producer with projects across Europe and America, has identified the 56 hectare site at Piper Lane as having the potential to house a solar farm temporarily for 40 years.

The firm has submitted a screening opinion to Rotherham Council and planners will now determine whether the proposed project falls within the remit of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, and whether it is likely to have a significant effect on the environment and therefore requires a detailed assessment.

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Plans show that the "moderate grade agricultural land" which is classified as green belt land, could house approximately 71,500 solar modules creating photovoltaic (PV) cells located in rows.

The PV cells convert energy from the sun to direct current power, which is then transmitted to inverters and transformers within small cabins on site. 24 hour battery storage units would also be built on site along with other plant.

The proposed development would produce sufficient renewable electrical energy for the local grid network to supply approximately 16,800 households.

During operation, the site would be retained in agricultural use. The majority of the site would be planted with a combination of grassland / meadow to enable grazing by sheep. This would include land between and underneath panels.

The site is close to the M1 and Banks' wind farm at Ulley. It would have been in the way of the HS2 route had it not been cancelled.

The report concludes: "The Proposed Development involves the generation of renewable energy and would make a positive contribution towards reducing carbon emissions while contributing to the local community and economy.

"Given the limited construction requirements and passive nature of the operational development, it is considered that, whilst there will be some effects upon the environment as a consequence of the Proposed Development, none of these are likely to constitute significant effects in the context of the EIA Regulations and can be managed via appropriate measures.

"The magnitude and complexity of impact is not considered to be significant and transboundary impacts will be predominantly confined to the site and within understood parameters."

ABEI Energy website

Images: ABEI Energy / Google Maps

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News: Organisers warn that 2024 Rotherham beer festival "may be last"

Organisers of The Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival are again warning that this year could be the last, as rising costs make charity events of this scale more and more unviable.

Starting at Oakwood School in 1992, the event has gone on to become the largest indoor beer festival outside of London.

Usually attracting over 5,000 people to the Magna Science and Adventure Centre in Rotherham, proceeds from the festival are used to support the work of local charities. In recent years, the Rotherham Cancer Care Centre.

A post on social media from the organisers said this week: "We are sad to announce that the 2024 Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival may be our last. Unfortunately times have been hard for all business over the last few years and that has seen an increase in prices and a drop in sponsorship.

"We have always prided ourselves on being affordable for you all and have not wanted to over charge for drinks or entry, aiming to be competitive with what you pay for a pint down at your local or how much you pay to get in to other beer festivals. We have increased our prices accordingly over the last few years but unfortunately we don’t think we’ll be able to continue to do so and stay competitive.

"Ultimately, this is a charity beer festival. All profits made go to Rotherham Cancer Care Centre and that means that any losses are also covered by them. It is not sustainable and so we have made the tough decision that if things do not improve in 2024 that this year will be our last.

"We hope that everyone will get behind us this year and make it a success. Please come along, bring as many friends as you can and have a great night and help us raise as much money as possible for Rotherham Cancer Care Centre. If anyone is interested in sponsorship please get in touch and we are happy to tailor a package to suit you."

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A similar warning was made during preparations for the 2020 festival, which eventually was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event relies on the work of volunteers and needs to hire the venue for the whole week in order to set up. The costs are described as "enormous" with margins "getting smaller each year."

Big price increases to cover costs have been discounted.

The festival combines a diverse range of over 150 beers, ciders, wines and gins, including vegan friendly and gluten-free brews, with great live music. The events usually have a theme, with 2022 used as an opportunity to pay tribute to the efforts made by front-line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and 2023 celebrating all things Yorkshire.

Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival website

Images: Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival / facebook / All About You Photography

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