News: Grimm & Co's novel idea reopens in Rotherham next month

The unique story destination created by Yorkshire literacy charity, Grimm & Co., is opening a new chapter from new premises in Rotherham town centre in April.

Converting the former church on Ship Hill has provided a new home for the charity’s programmes, activities and festivals, and now they are able to offer much more.

The charity has been running since 2014 and was founded by Deborah Bullivant, who developed the story destination and a suite of activities, built on a bedrock of action research that demonstrated real and significant positive impact on literacies for children and young people and families - especially for those communities, often left behind.

Inspired by writer Dave Eggers, who helped to open 826 Valencia in San Francisco in 2002, similar organisations have set up across the globe where in each case, a shop is a façade, and although they sell products, like any other, it is all part of creating a fantastical destination to inspire children to work without knowing they are working, and increase participation in literacy projects through a creative writing and mentoring centre.

The COVID pandemic, the closure of the Rotherham story centre and magical shop on Doncaster Gate, the diversion of promised funds and the enforced cancellation of fundraising events, meant that plans for the new building were put on hold.

But now the shop and café are set to open on April 5, with an official opening in the diary for April 9.

As one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, Grimm & Co. is supported with a contribution towards core costs and the charity has also been fortunate to secure additional significant capital investment from the Arts Council towards their new home.

The charity delivers story-based family learning activities and creative educational programmes that support teachers, and those working with children and young people, to build imaginative, playful approaches into their practice.

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This new story destination offers a world beyond the original home of Grimm & Co, enabling this charity to deliver three times more than their previous capacity allowed. This magical venue has responded to community demand to expand the offer, providing a welcoming space for anyone to dwell. Step through the arched bright red doors of the castle-like facade to find an Apothecary to the magical, filled with quirky products and comforting book nooks. Step a little further and find the Feastery, a story-themed cafe with delicious treats and snacks. If you are very lucky indeed, you might just find a little extra through a secret door or two.

Alongside work in schools and community settings, the charity has been able to provide exciting school writing workshops, Saturday clubs and after-school programmes from the site since November, but only now is it completely ready to fully open to the public, with no cash barrier, so everyone is welcome to browse and dwell a while.

The shop and the café will help to support the work that the charity does with children, young people and families. The spaces are also available for room hire and events, corporate team builds, and musical and spoken word performances.

Other support and funding has come from Awards for All, Rotherham Council, BBC Children in Need, Key Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Tudor Trust, Hugh Neill Trust, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Future High Streets fund, UKCRF, UKSPF, Changing Places, Reach Fund and contributors, large and small.

Deborah Bullivant, Founding Director of Grimm & Co., said, "We are over the moon that we will have the opportunity to thank our supporters who helped to make this happen and have patiently but enthusiastically monitored progress as we’ve navigated the pandemic amongst other challenges since this project began. We’ve been fortunate that Lumsden Design have provided the ultimate, quality finishes to give us an exceptional and unique destination to be proud of.”

Lisa Pogson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added: “I am so proud to be a part of this charity and to see first-hand all the incredible work that they do. We are grateful to so many people and organisations who have supported us to reach this point and I can’t wait to celebrate this beautiful community resource with them all!”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “Children and young people sit at the heart of our Let’s Create strategy and Grimm & Co is a fantastic example of a creative organisation putting them right at the centre of its work. We know how important literacy is in developing skills, building confidence and extending horizons, and the workshops, Saturday clubs and activities that Grimm & Co delivers in schools and to the local community are so important in helping children develop their creativity through story-telling. I’m very pleased that the Arts Council has supported the Emporium of Stories which I’m sure will continue to inspire and enthuse its visitors for years to come.”

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co.

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News: B&Q plans approved, another retailer eyes up same site

Plans have been approved to enable B&Q, the UK's leading home improvement and garden living retailer, to make a return to central Rotherham.

Plans are also being progressed on behalf of another retailer who wants to open in a vacanct unit nearby.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2023 that the retailer, part of the Kingfisher group, was eyeing up space at the retail park at Great Eastern Way in Parkgate.

Currently operating at Cortonwood in Rotherham, B&Q closed its store at Northfields, Parkgate in June 2016 when it cut back its UK store numbers. The 51,000 sq ft unit was purposely built to enable a move from the edge of the town centre in 2009.

Plans have now been approved by the site owners that enable two units to be combined together to create a new large store and garden centre. The plans, from Rotherham Foundry RP Limited, involve Units 2 and 3, in addition to the existing rear service yard and a small area of car parking to the front of the units.

Unit 2 (at 9,880 sq ft) is currently occupied by Bensons for Beds and Unit 3 (9,930 sq ft) is currently vacant, having previously been occupied by Harveys Furniture prior to the company entering administration.

The plans were approved without going to the planning board at Rotherham Council.

Planners also agreed with the applicant's assessment that found no available sequentially preferable sites. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen. The issues of the garden centre being ancillary to the B&Q store meant that any large vacant sites in nearby town centres were discounted.

An objection was recieved by retailer The Range, which already operates at the site, but planners say that it raised ownership issues, rather than planning issues which have been addressed.

Planners concluded that: "the proposal is acceptable in this commercial location without being harmful to the area."

Since securing planning permission, the site owners have applied to increase the height of the proposed garden centre enclosure from 3 metres to 4.6 metres.

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Also at the retail park, a planning application has been submitted that would enable another vacant unit to be brought back into use.

Applicants want to increase the range of goods that are permitted to be sold from the unit. This would enable Rotherham Hospice to operate a large charity shop from the 7,900 sq ft Unit 5, which was previously home to United Carpets.

When permission was granted a decade ago for the subdivision of the former Staples unit, Rotherham Council restricted the type of goods that could be sold in the new units. Things like food, clothing, books, media and toileteries are not to be sold.

The application, drawn up by agents at Montagu Evans explains that the proposed Rotherham Hospice shop would operate in addition and be complementary to their existing shops.

The plans state: "The application site has been identified by Rotherham Hospice as the preferred location to expand their existing offering within Rotherham. The proposed operation from the Site will provide a complementary offering from their existing shops, namely that it will sell a wider product range including bulkier items such as furniture and larger collectables, which requires adjacent surface level parking, as well as the provision of a small ancillary café."

A sequential assessment and impact assessment has also been submitted.

It is anticipated that the proposed shop will create an additional ten full time equivalent (FTE) positions and up to 30 volunteer opportunities.

B&Q website
Rotherham Hospice website

Images: Tristan Capital Partners

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News: Rotherham pub placed on the market, operators react

A live music venue in Rotherham town centre has been put up for sale following the brewery's move away from "wet-led" properties.

The Bridge Inn has a prominent position opposite Rotherham Central railway station but it is one of four pubs being brought to market by the Old Mill Brewery in Snaith.

Rothbiz reported on the demolition of The Trades back in 2022. During the last years of the Greasbrough Road venue, a passionate team of directors created "The Hive" and started working with The Trades to bring a wide variety of live music to the town as an "upstart side venue."

Then during the pandemic a deal was struck with the Old Mill Brewery to move to the adjacent Bridge Inn and turn, what was a designated pub for visiting football fans, into a live music venue.

But now the brewery, which operates 18 public houses, say that they want to focus on food and accommodation, rather than purely drinks.

The advert, with leisure property specialists Fleurets, for the Bridge Inn describes it as a "very individual and unashamed live rock music operation. Bands perform almost every day on two stages and trade has been developed to cater exclusively for this market.

"Not for the feint-hearted the fit out include ghoul masks, coffins as tables, zombies, skeletons, armour, devils and much more besides. Unique and wonderful."

The property, which has operated under a franchise agreement for several years, is being advertised for offers at £295,000 for the freehold with vacant possession.

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Nick Waugh, Tied Estate Manager at Old Mill Brewery, said: "The four properties no longer fit into our portfolio as we look to concentrate on our food and accommodation offerings.

"Our future plans do include further acquisitions as well as refurbishments to some of our current sites that are in line with our new goals for Old Mill Brewery.

"Our estate of pubs are community locals, many of which have been in our portfolio since 1983. We are proud to be a pillar of so many neighbourhoods and hope to find new owners that will carry this on."

Simon Hall, Director and Head of Agency North at Fleurets, added: "Freehold pubs of this type appeal to a wide range of buyers and we are already experiencing strong demand from pub operators and for a variety of alternative uses."

Following the property going up for sale, a joint statement from the directors at The Hive reads: "So, our brewery has decided to focus on their premises that have restaurants and boutique rooms, and although we are indeed a successful business - the brewery sees it as a good time to sell the property, as it is one of four "wet only" pubs.

"In the meantime, we’re doing background prep for any eventuality - involving either taking on the premises under ownership or working with any potential new owners with absolute minimal disruption.

"Either way, we have a positive outlook and are very confident - and as before with The Trades, this certainly is not the end of The Hive collective running a music event space in Rotherham Centre. We are continuing with our bookings for this year as normal for now and will post a further update once there is confirmation of ownership!

"In the meantime, we’d like to thank our amazing community of attendees/customers and look forward to many years bringing you live music!"

The pub was completed in March 1932 on behalf of Mappins Masbro Old Brewery. The neo-Jacobean style sits alongside the medieval bridge and bridge chapel. The Bridge Inn is not a listed building but is in the town's conservation area.

The Hive Facebook page
Old Mill Brewery website
Fleurets website

Images: Fleurets

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News: Camellia House opening at Wentworth Woodhouse

Bookings are open for The Camellia House, a new dining destination at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, following the completion of a £5m regeneration project.

Rothbiz reported last year that the Grade II* Listed was no longer on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register following the completion of the scheme, funded primarily with £4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and just over £614,000 from Historic England.

Work got underway last year to bring the Georgian building back into use as a speciality tea house and events space. Historic camellias, some surviving from the early 1800s, will have pride of place.

In the 1800s the Camellia House was used as a tea house by Lady Rockingham, wife of the 2nd Marquess, to entertain guests with the most fashionable new drink of the day.

Having already hosted a number of events, including its first wedding and an official launch last week, guests will be able to enjoy the new space from Tuesday April 2.

The menu features teas from across the globe and a food offer includes international tapas. In the evenings, the venue will serve as an events space.

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Mondays are reserved exclusively for charities and community groups. Partnering with Home Instead, monthly Memory Cafes will run for people living with dementia.

With the support of architects Donald Insall Associates and York-based construction specialists William Birch Ltd, the restoration has set a new benchmark for sustainable design in heritage and listed buildings, winning best Innovation in Environmental Improvement in the Green Apple Environmental Awards 2023 and shortlisted for the RICS Award 2024.

Numerous heritage conservation challenges, not least the protection of the historic camellias, were overcome. Wherever possible, original materials and features were retained - including some of the country’s largest Georgian sash windows.

Energy-conserving methods introduced include carbon-neutral heating and a rainwater harvesting system, which irrigates the camellia plants and provides water for the WCs.

Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, said: “Saving the Camellia House, removing it from the Heritage At Risk Register and giving it a new life is a huge achievement for us.

“It’s a significant step in our mission to build a financially sustainable long-term solution for Wentworth Woodhouse, so it can be enjoyed and used by local people for many years to come.

“We prioritised the Camellia House because it was in the most urgent need and it was vital that we protected our historic camellia collection. It now provides much-needed facilities for the gardens and means visitors can enjoy tea among the camellias, as the Marchioness did in the 1800s.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “It is incredibly exciting to see the wonderful Camellia House now open to the public. We’re very proud that, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support this restoration project that has not only breathed new life into a beautiful venue steeped in the history of tea, one of the globe’s most popular drinks, but also safeguarded it for future generations.

“This element of the important work being undertaken by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is a great example of the role heritage can play in creating a sense of pride in place, and the positive impact it can have on boosting the economy.”

Claudia Kenyatta, Director of Regions at Historic England, said: “It’s wonderful to see this important part of the Wentworth Woodhouse site brought back to life through strong partnership working. I’m proud that Historic England has played a role in transforming what was a derelict, roofless building into this stunning new public tearoom, complete with historic blooms.”

Construction specialists William Birch & Sons Ltd were lead contractors, working alongside UK-wide specialist conservation architects, Donald Insall Associates.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Pizza chain to close Rotherham store

A US pizza giant has announced the closure of 43 "underperforming" UK stores - including the one in Rotherham.

Back in 2018, Rothbiz revealed that Papa John's had outlined proposals to take on an empty restaurant in Rotherham town centre.

As one of the largest pizza companies in the world, Kentucky-based Papa John's has over 5,000 establishments, and operates a quality guarantee and commitment to making better pizza. With 450 units in the UK, where it has operated since 2001, the firm is expecting significant growth.

However, in January, the company undertook a comprehensive review of its UK-based restaurants to assess viability, and earlier this month, it announced that it would close around 50 underperforming corporate-owned locations.

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An earlier statement from Papa John's said: “Based on our current analysis, we are planning to close approximately 50 underperforming corporate-owned locations. The strategic closure of these restaurants would give us the opportunity to invest back into the right locations with the right partners; optimising the brand for long-term growth.

“For any proposed restaurant closures that impact team members, we will work to find alternative roles within Papa Johns.”

The restaurant on Wellgate in Rotherham is set to close, along with locations in Doncaster and Barnsley, by mid-May following a consultation process.

Papa John's website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Alucraft administration confirmed

Alucraft, which has a significant operation in Rotherham, has gone into administration. It is the second time the Manvers site has been affected by problems with construction contracts.

Alucraft Systems, Ireland's leading designer, manufacturer and installer of architectural glazing systems, acquired certain assets, including the fabrication facility in Rotherham, when Façade and Glazing Solutions (FGS) Limited went into administration in 2020.

Now Helen Wheeler-Jones, Edward Williams and Peter Dickens of PwC have been appointed as joint administrators of Alucraft Systems Limited.

Founded in 1975 and part of The Clarison Group, the company manufactures and fits aluminium cladding to the outer walls of infrastructure properties for main contractors.

Recent problematic contracts have resulted in claims and offsets against projects which have impacted on cash flow and profitability of the business.

Administrators confirmed that the 38 people employed by the company have sadly been made redundant and the company’s existing projects will not be completed.

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The Joint Administrators said that they will now focus on the closure of the company’s operations which includes sites at Tamworth and Rotherham and recovery of assets for the benefit of creditors.

The remainder of The Clarison Group is not directly affected by the administration of the company and continues to trade normally.

Alucraft was working on contracts for the new Everton Football Stadium, Portland House in Westminster and various other commercial and residential buildings.

The Clarison Group is majority owned by Elaghmore, the UK-based private equity fund, and acquired Alucraft in 2018.

Previously known as Glassolutions as part of a French multinational, FGS specialised in conception, engineering and installation of glazed façades and building envelopes. Employing hundreds of staff, it rebranded from Sologlas in 2012 and brought together three separate operating divisions into its 65,000 sq ft premises at Manvers in Rotherham in 2011. In 2018, CoBe Capital, acquired the Glassolutions Installation business of the Saint-Gobain Group.

FGS was undone by problems with major projects that caused cashflow issues when a lending facility expired.

Images: Alucraft

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News: Partners see inside £47m Forge Island leisure development

Project partners were given a sneak peek inside the new leisure spaces at Forge Island, ahead of the development reaching practical completion in the spring.

The landmark leisure destination in Rotherham town centre is being delivered by teams from Rotherham Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland.

Last week, Council Leader Chris Read; Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, and Hamza Sayed, Operations Director of Thistle Group Holding – who are opening three food and drink eateries at Forge Island - headed to site for special ‘behind the scenes’ tour. This was an opportunity for a first look inside the buildings ahead of them being handed over to the tenants to begin their fit-outs in a few weeks’ time.

The family-friendly destination is set to add to Rotherham town centre’s foodie offering, with Thistle opening Portuguese and Southern African eatery, Casa Peri Peri, created by Masterchef finalist, Bobby Geetha; Estabulo Rodizio, a concept honouring the Gaucho style of cooking and luxury coffee shop Caffé Noor. Other Yorkshire independents coming to Forge Island also include The Rustic Pizza Co.

Forge Island will also include an 8-screen state-of-the-art boutique cinema, delivered by The Arc Cinema, alongside a 69-room Travelodge hotel, complemented by stunning public realm and a new riverside park. Hundreds of local people recently flocked to Rotherham Council’s annual recruitment fair to find about employment opportunities at Forge Island, who will become a substantial local employer once open creating around 100 jobs.

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.

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Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Denise Lelliott said: "To see the development today rising up out of the old Forge Island site is really something and we’re firmly on track to putting a sense pride back into the town centre. This presents a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to be part of one of the most attractive leisure destinations in the region. This site will offer high quality restaurants, a hotel on a scale of which has not been seen in the town centre before, and a new cinema bringing blockbuster movies back to the town centre for the first time in over 30 years. With spring having sprung, and summer round the corner. we’re on track and very much looking forward to celebrating an amazing launch.”

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “It’s exciting to share with our partners the work that’s been going on inside these spaces: the project team have done an amazing job of keeping us on track to open this summer. We’re looking forward to handing over the keys to the new tenants so that they can begin their fit-out works and bring us even closer to realising Forge Island – which will soon be a new leisure destination for everyone to enjoy.”

Hamza Sayed, Operations Director of Thistle Group Holding added: "We are thrilled to introduce these new culinary experiences to the community. Each restaurant embodies our passion for food, service, and creating memorable dining experiences. We can't wait to welcome guests and share our vision with them."

Forge Island is due to open to the public in summer 2024.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC

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News: AMRC helps drive forward blueprint for production rates of SMEs electric motors

New processes have been devised and technology de-risked by the University of Sheffield AMRC to help increase electric motor production rates for the UK’s largest supplier of electric drive systems - with an ambition of transitioning from 60 to 5,000 traction motors per year.

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) formed part of a consortium of experts tasked by Magtec, based in Rotherham, to support the business need for new ways to reduce bottlenecks within its production processes to enable an increase in the number of electric motors it could make per year.

Based at Templeborough, Magtec is a leading designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric commercial vehicles.

AMRC engineers with expertise in composites and integrated manufacturing supported Magtec by successfully creating factory simulations to optimise vital decisions prior to implementing changes to production and making investment decisions, helped them adopt a towpreg winding technique, reducing set-up time and increasing throughput, as well as providing ideas and advice on alternative lamination technologies it could use in the future as the business grows.

Lloyd Tinkler, senior technical fellow who led on the project for the AMRC, said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Magtec again as a follow on from a previous five-day assist programme we did with them in 2022, which looked at their factory flow and how they could save time and money.

“This extended project has enabled us to use our expertise and delve deeper into their factory workflows and processes, complementing the work other consortium members have contributed.

“We believe our work has been useful to help Magtec on its growth journey – it has been rewarding to see them move into a bigger facility, bring in new equipment and technologies off the back of our research work and recommendations, and grow from a small to a medium-sized business in just a few short years. We look forward to seeing what they do next.”

Andrew Gilligan, managing director at Magtec, said: “Global demand for EV drive systems continues to increase at rate. Magtec has been challenged by its clients to increase production significantly and this requires a fresh perspective on how we produce our EV systems, especially traction motors, in a volume environment.

“Magtec has a strong and long-standing relationship with the team at the AMRC, so we engaged them to help us on this exciting industrialisation journey. Through the evaluation of current manufacturing methods and the adoption of best in class manufacturing processes, AMRC has helped Magtec to define its industrial roadmap, as well as embed processes which have had an immediate and long lasting effect.”

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The AMRC, part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, secured £350,000 of the total £5.5m project value, £2.6m of which was funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which provides funding for the development of low emission transport solutions and automotive technologies – supporting the UK’s transition towards net zero product manufacturing and supply chain in the automotive sector.

Other members of the consortium included fellow HVM Catapult centre, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Angel Trains and Dennis Eagle Trucks.

On supporting new composite technology and processes for Magtec, Jonathan Di Lorenzo, technical lead at the AMRC, said his team's work focused on in-situ filament winding of the carbon fibre rotor sleeve which keeps the magnets in place whilst spinning at high speed.

“We firstly developed a calculator to estimate the inward pressure the sleeve could apply with different fibre tensions, which ultimately limits the maximum operating speed. We also performed experimental trials creating rotor sleeves, using microscopy to compare these results to Magtec’s existing wet-wind process.

“In addition, we investigated the influence of process parameters on throughput and provided information to help Magtec with future production adoptions. The calculators helped predict the minimum amount of material and tension required and as part of this project we were able to set up the foundations for mechanically testing composite rings to verify performance, which can be useful tools moving forward.”

As a result of working with the AMRC, Magtec is set to adopt a new technology – moving away from its former wet-winding process and now utilising a different method called towpreg winding.

“The towpreg method starts with the material having the resin already impregnated into the fibre and provides better consistency, less set-up time and processing, and can result in a more stable product at the end,” added Jonathan. “This is instead of using the wet-winding process involving dipping dry fibre into a resin bath which can be messy and time consuming.

“It’s a small, but important part of the motor build process, but by de-risking the new capability method first has helped provide confidence in the technology and justifies costs that this method can contribute to helping them achieve the build rate they are aiming for.”

Scoping lamination technologies and factory simulation also played a part in the AMRC’s work.

Alongside the updated composite processes, Lloyd said the team pushed further, providing recommendations that could take Magtec forward in the future.

He added: “We also helped Magtec with providing recommendations around lamination technologies which could support them as they increase the volume of their production. As well as the rotator, a motor also has a stator, both made up of sheets of steel, stacked and glued together – and we recommended a better way of doing that, looking at alternative cutting and glueing methods they could use.

“It’s not something Magtec is looking to adopt at the moment, but there’s potential for the future and new ways of working for them to explore.”

Cansu Kandemir, technical fellow at the AMRC worked with Magtec to create a factory simulation, and analysis of its supply chain, using Siemens’ tecnomatix plant simulation technology, which helped the business to understand what critical materials and precautions were needed to help validate and optimise their decision processes prior to production.

“We were responsible for integrating advancements to their factory floor via a virtual simulation and provided recommendations and support to enable the business to reach its ‘Blueprint 5000’ to create 5,000 motors per year," said Cansu.

“We looked to see how everything was working and if it was coherent with the rest of the production floor and to see if bottlenecks were cleared.”

The simulation was also able to plan out how many machines would be needed to enable Magtec to reach its aimed production goal. First, the team devised a baseline model that represented what went on in the facility currently and then added in new advancements, automations and new technology.

“At the beginning we didn’t have the exact process of their new operations, so we had to make some initial assumptions and came back with pessimistic and optimistic estimations,” added Cansu. “As a result of this, we created two models to reflect this and we were able to come up with the optimum number of machines and/or workers needed and gave them a profile to follow on how to achieve the blueprint 5,000 motors per year.”

As Magtec began purchasing new equipment off the back of projections coming from the simulation, the team was able to update the simulation model accordingly to ensure the projected production rate remains on track.

Alongside the updated composite processes and factory simulation creation, Lloyd said the team pushed further, providing recommendations that could take Magtec forward in the future.

Andrew Sloan, engineering director at Magtec said: “Magtec are committed to developing and manufacturing the best EV drive systems to meet the challenging demands of commercial vehicle operation.

“The team at the AMRC and Magtec will continue to work together to eliminate the limitations in our manufacturing processes, implement new and class leading technology and enable competitive industrial growth of traction motor production in the UK”.

Magtec website
AMRC website

Images: Magtec / AMRC

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News: Food court and music venue plan for former Rotherham cinema

The spotlight is on a former cinema in Rotherham town centre which could be converted into a music venue and food court under a proposed multimillion pound regeneration scheme.

Rothbiz revealed last year that a number of historic buildings were being assessed for their suitability by proponents after a scheme to repurpose the former Guest & Chrimes foundry as an National / International music venue fell flat, despite £4.5m of government funding being on the table, when the council was unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club.

With the Cutlers Arms and Alma Tavern under Rotherham Council ownership, the option to redevelop the site further had been looked at.

However, new documents show that the frontrunner for the project is the former cinema known as the Essoldo building and Essoldo Chambers.

Bought for £1.9m in 2006, the building on Ship Hill / High Street was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub and its facade, windows and other external features were refurbished as part of the council-led Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The nightclub last sold for £500,000 in 2015.

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A public private partnership between the council and building owner was looked at to progress the project, however, surveys and assessments showed that costs came in over budget.

Now with "pathfinder status" from the government and more freedom and flexibility over how Town Deal and other regeneration cash is spent, the council is now searching for leisure operators for the building.

Early plans show how the 14,950 sq ft building could be converted.

Letting documents explain that the project is supported by RiDO (the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council) where the proposal for "The New Empire Building" is to create "a music venue/bar/food court/co-working development with units of varying sizes."

A large food vendor / food court area is shown on the ground floor, alongside a large bar area that would also extend into the basement.

Two units are shown, a larger one on the first floor and a smaller one on the ground floor by the main entrance.

Part of the building is currently operating as The Amber Lounge, a contemporary cocktail / champagne bar. It went by many names as a nightclub including New York, New York, Beach, Blu Bambu, Synergy, Pop and Hub.

Expressions of interest are sought from occupiers for part or all of the units available. The Freehold may possibly be available.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Green Group's green belt plans updated

Expansion plans have been updated that would enable the Rotherham logistics firm, The Green Group, to create hundreds of jobs on a former brickworks.

Rothbiz reported back in 2017 on a planning application to replace the existing warehouse, offices and repair buildings on the group's current Maltby site - part of the Ibstock brickworks - with a new build, 100,000 sq ft bonded warehouse with offices.

The Green Group is a long-established logistical solutions company and employs more than 250 people in a variety of roles at Maltby - its headquarters. It works with multinational brands and companies, including Kellogg’s, Morrisons, DHL, Wincanton and XPO, and services include commercial cargo, freight and road haulage, pallet and storage services, with multiple sites across the United Kingdom, as well as international operations.

The plans were approved after originally being recommended for refusal due to the site being within the borough's green belt.

Members of the planning board went against the officer's recommendation, voting nine to three, not to refuse the plans, despite planners stating that the development and jobs could be located in more preferable locations designated for employment use and not in the green belt.

Members considered that the proposed development would be beneficial for the local economy, generating significant additional jobs, on a site that is already occupied by the applicant, and that these amounted to the very special circumstances to justify the inappropriate development in the green belt.

Green Group say that the plans were implemented in 2020 with the foundation excavations and associated works for the replacement office works but now a new planning application has been submitted with changes to the proposals.

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The plans, drawn up by David L Walker Limited, explain: "Following the grant and subsequent implementation of the planning permission, the applicant has acquired additional land within the vicinity of the application site and have taken the opportunity to review the design and layout of the approved development to determine if any refinements could be made to support ongoing operations.

"To improve traffic routing through the site, including access to the adjacent mineral workings and also to minimise disruption to the Green Group’s existing operations during construction of the replacement office and warehouse facilities, it is proposed to revise the approved site layout."

The proposal would also "improve access to the adjacent land in the context of future potential development opportunities."

The revised layout includes a minor reorientation of the approved, replacement warehouse by approximately 20 degrees, relocation of the approved lorry parking and loading/unloading areas, and building canopy from the north to the east of the application site.

The relocation of the approved, replacement office facilities from the western frontage of the replacement warehouse to the southern frontage is also proposed. The approved car parking for office staff and visitors will also be relocated to the south and changes to the access road are also proposed.

A landscape scheme was approved in the 2017 plans.

The plans conclude: "The site is located in an industrial area with industrial and commercial operations to the immediate west and permitted clay pit and former brickworks to the north.

"The applicant’s existing operations at the site are also well established and a number of environmental controls are or will be put in place by virtue of the planning permission.

"The approved and proposed development in this regard will facilitate growth in the applicant’s base of operations at the application site, with more than 200 jobs created and more than 250 existing jobs safeguarded through the applicant retaining its headquarter operations at the application site."

Green Group website

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News: Covid loan misconduct uncovered in Rotherham

A Rotherham-based businessman has been found guilty of making a false application for a government scheme designed to enable businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Insolvency Service has been carrying out work to target Covid loan abuse.

In January 2024, Abdullah Khan, formerly known as Imran Khan, 32, was given a ten year Bankruptcy Restrictions Order (BRO).

Whilst not a criminal offence, a BRO is a legal order from the court which extends the period of time where certain restrictions have to be followed. They are often used for people going bankrupt when the official receiver thinks they have been dishonest or are to blame for the debts.

Khan, of Norrel’s Croft, Rotherham, obtained a £50,000 loan in June 2020 for his AK Courier Services business.

However, he overstated the turnover of his business, claiming it was £203,000 and received at least £36,000 more than he was entitled to.

The application stated that his business turnover for the year ended 31 December 2019 was £203,000 but according to his tax returns Mr Khan’s business turnover for 2018/19 was £15,077 and for 2019/20 was £37,784. The average turnover for the year ended 31 December 2019 was therefore £31,975, which entitled him to a Bounce Back Loan of £7,994.

At bankruptcy in March 2022, Mr Khan had liabilities of £62,568, of which £50,000 is in respect of the loan.

Khan appeared at the County Court in Leeds in January where he was handed the BRO.

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The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was available through a range of accredited lenders and partners and provided financial support to businesses across the UK that were losing revenue, and seeing their cashflow disrupted, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, or could benefit from £50,000 or less in finance.

A lender could provide a six-year term loan from £2,000 up to 25% of a business’ turnover. The maximum loan amount was £50,000. The scheme gave the lender a full (100%) government-backed guarantee against the outstanding balance of the facility (both capital and interest).

The scheme saw over 1.5 million loans approved, totalling £47bn.

So far in 2023-24, the Insolvency Service has secured 757 director disqualifications and 69 bankruptcy restrictions relating to Covid financial support scheme abuse allegations.

Robert Peck, Director of Official Receiver Services at the Insolvency Service, said: "Tackling Bounce Back Loan abuse is a key priority for the Insolvency Service and we will take action against those who applied for these loans giving misleading information during the pandemic.

"Bankruptcy Restrictions Orders and Undertakings are a tool available at our disposal to limit the activities of those who have provided false details to obtain credit or who have otherwise acted dishonestly."

Images: Insolvency Service / twitter

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News: New stores opening in Rotherham

Two national retailers are celebrating the opening of new stores in Rotherham.

At the Great Eastern Retail Park in Parkgate, rapidly-growing nationwide pet superstore, Jollyes, is hosting an official launch event on March 22 and 23.

Jollyes has now grown into one of the leading pet food superstores with over 100 locations across the UK. It started in Enfield as a single store in 1971.

Known as "The Pet People," the Rotherham store is the 101st in the country and so the launch event has a 101 Dalmations theme.

The Mayor will be accompanied by 101 Dalmatians, Cruella De Vil, a Dalmatian mascot, a Jollyes mascot, Local Rotherham ‘Ambassa-dogs’ Fenrir and Daisy and the store team.

Two charities have been chosen and will be at the store fundraising on opening day are Sheffield Retired Greyhounds and Adoptapaws UK.

The firm says that the new store has created ten new jobs.

Regional manager Kerry Midgley said: “As a business that’s potty about pets, there was only ever going to be one theme for the opening of our 101st Jollyes store - 101 Dalmatians!

“We can’t wait to open our doors and would love to see Rotherham families bring along their Dalmatian dogs, or even Dalmatians toys, and enjoy a packed weekend of entertainment!”

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At Parkgate Shopping, wilko is set to reopen its Rotherham store on March 29.

The Range agreed a deal to buy the British high-street retail chain's brand, website and intellectual property after wilko fell into administration.

Opening in the same unit as before at 9am, the store will offer customers all the essentials needed to get their home and garden jobs done – great value wilko own-brand products, alongside popular named brands.

The first 50 people to enter the new store will get a goody bag.

The Rotherham site is one of the brand’s new concept stores and is among the first to open this year ahead of a continued roll-out of further store openings. When staffing the new store, priority was given to ex-wilko team members.

Ben Exall, Chief Digital Officer at wilko, said: “We’re delighted to see the return of wilko to the high-street in Rotherham. The team and I anticipate a great response from locals and visitors who are looking for all the products they need to get their home and garden jobs done.”

Jollyes website
wilko website

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News: New images released for Rotherham regeneration schemes

New details have been released regarding the regeneration of two town centres in the Rotherham borough.

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

The £11m scheme at Dinnington aims to address blight in the town centre and boost the local economy. The funding will facilitate clearance of the burnt out and derelict buildings on the hight street and pave the way for a new attractive town square, with purpose built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

£11,049,547 has been allocated to deliver significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The project has been developed in more detail since the autumn 2023 consultation, and plans will be submitted for determination in the coming months (sketch, top). A face-to-face engagement event is being held outside the Indoor Market building on Laughton Road on Friday March 22 at 9am to 12 midday.

Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott: “These planned changes are great news for Dinnington and we want as many people as possible to come along and see where the improvements will be made.”

Rothbiz reported last month that allthough negotiations with some of the landowners were moving forward, other negotiations had stalled with some landowners unable to reach agreement based on the independent valuations.

Physical works are expected to commence autumn 2024 with an aim for the project to be completed by spring 2026.

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In Wath the £8.9m scheme will include the demolition of the existing library, to make way for the creation of a brand-new library, providing a modern and inclusive community facility.

The public space around the building will be improved and will include new play equipment. Investment in the surrounding public realm aims to draw people into the town centre and provide more things to do. The redevelopment will also include commercial space to support a vibrant mix of businesses in the town centre.

The redevelopment will be designed to improve green spaces between Biscay Way and the High Street and encourage visitors into the town centre.

Following feedback from the consultation in autumn 2023, changes have been made to the proposals (cgi, above). Face-to-face engagement events are being held at Wath Library on Thursday 21 March at 12:30pm to 2:30pm and 5:15pm to 6:45pm.

The scheme is due to be completed in spring 2026.

Cllr Lelliott added: “Wath’s future is looking bright and we want to share our planned improvements with as many people as possible so they can see what’s changing for the better.”

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham firm raises £3m to boost uptake of green energy

A Rotherham-based company developing an innovative hydrogen generator that could boost uptake of green energy, has raised £3m from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance.

The company, which is based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, plans to create generators the size of shipping containers that could be placed on site to power factories, hospitals, and warehouses or at filling stations to fuel hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Producing hydrogen where it is needed eliminates the high costs involved in distribution from a large, centralised plant, which has been one of the key barriers to adoption. It also allows businesses that want to decarbonise their operation to start much sooner than waiting for large-scale hydrogen plants to be built.

Suiso’s process produces low-cost, low-carbon or zero-carbon energy. It uses a novel microwave technology to extract hydrogen from natural gas or biogas, while capturing the carbon in the form of carbon black, a valuable byproduct that can be used to make tyres, batteries and inks. As existing methods of carbon black production create high levels of emissions, Suiso’s technology can help decarbonise these industries too.

A study by the Department of Business, Energy & Industry Strategy (BEIS) confirmed that, for many key applications, Suiso’s technology is lower cost and produces lower emissions than existing production methods such as grid-powered electrolysis, and 97% lower than steam methane reforming, making it one of the greenest forms of hydrogen available. It also uses 80% less electrical energy than electrolysis, therefore putting less stress on the grid network.

NPIF is managed by Mercia Ventures and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and Mercia’s EIS funds. It is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

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Suiso was founded by engineer and financier Stuart McKnight and serial entrepreneur Dr SB Cha, whose father invented Suiso’s microwave technology. The company was one of the winners of the BEIS Low Carbon H2 Supply scheme in 2023.

The latest investment will enable it to scale up its technology and begin a pilot project. Ultimately it aims to produce generators that can produce 1,000 kg of hydrogen a day – equivalent to 1.6 MW of energy and enough to fuel 50 20-tonne trucks. The company, which currently employs five staff, expects to create seven new jobs in the next six months.

Stuart McKnight, CEO of Suiso, said: “Hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a sustainable way to decarbonise the economy, but cost, availability and other practical issues have held back its use. Our technology offers a way to overcome these and provide clean, low-cost power on site. For some organisations, Suiso’s on site hydrogen generation may be the only realistic ‘green’ option – for example, energy-intensive industrial applications such as large boilers or furnaces, heavy lifting gear or HGV and truck refuelling. This investment will help us move to the next stage on our journey to bring it to market.”

Ashwin Kumaraswamy, Investment Director with Mercia Ventures, added: “Suiso has found a way to decarbonise natural and biogas to produce ‘greener’ hydrogen than many current methods of production including grid powered electrolysis, and a zero-emission form of carbon black which is a valuable product in itself. This technology could make hydrogen a viable option for many businesses and drive rapid uptake. With growing global demand for clean energy, we are confident that Suiso will have many opportunities ahead.”

Keira Shepperson, Director, British Business Bank said: “Suiso’s dedication to the use of greener and cleaner energy showcases it as a future-focused business, committed to helping the country meet its net-zero targets. As it continues to prosper, we look forward to supporting it in its growth journey. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund remains dedicated to investing in innovative businesses, and particularly those striving towards a greener future.”

Suiso website
NPIF website
Mercia website

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News: Rotherham Council planners recommend 300 home development be approved

Details of further phases of a 300 home scheme in Rotherham are set to be discussed at the council's planning board this week and officers are recommending that they be approved.

Rothbiz reported last year on Jones Homes launching its Lambcote Meadows development in Maltby at the same time as submitting a detailed planning application for the rest of the scheme.

Having secured planning permission for the first phase, and outline permission for the rest, work has started on 100 new homes on a 40-acre site off Grange Lane - 95 new homes for private sale and five affordable starter homes with a mix of three, four and five-bedroom properties.

Of the 300 dwellings proposed in total, 95 are proposed as affordable housing, which equates to 31.6%.

The land was previously in the Green Belt, however it was reallocated for residential use within the council's Local Plan in 2018.

The latest application covers reserved matters - things like appearance, layout, scale and access.

Many objections have been received but the planner's report states that most relate to issues already discussed when the outline plans were approved.

Other objections have been received on the grounds that "Maltby does not have enough resources to meet the needs of existing residents so will not be able to cope with more."

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The Section 106 for the outline permission included £756,300 towards funding the provision of additional school places at Maltby Academy. Section 106 legal agreements are signed between developers and the council when planning permission is granted on a site by site basis. They often include funding that can be used for school places, improving the local road network or public transport provision. Section 106 agreements would still be used, where appropriate, to secure affordable housing and on-site mitigation.

A planner's report showed that Rotherham Primary Care commented on the application highlighting that "since the closure of the Queens Medical Centre in 2022 services in this part of town have been extremely pressured and additional patient numbers without increased care provision will exacerbate this problem."

The closure of the medical centre comes four years after the outline plans were approved, when capacity issues were not looked into in detail by Rotherham Primary Care. The Section 106 for the outline permission did not make any provision of medical facilities and planner's confirm that "they cannot be required as part of this reserved matters application."

The report concludes that the overall layout of the site "offers an acceptable balance between achieving an efficient use of the land available ... whilst safeguarding a satisfactory provision of individual private amenity space for each dwelling." The plans also include an "acceptable level of landscaping appropriate for the site."

Rotherham Council's planning board are set to discuss the application on Thursday.

An outline application for 185 homes nearby was recently approved by Rotherham Council.

Jones Homes website

Images: Jones Homes

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News: Uber's Chinese rival wants to open an office in Rotherham

A Chinese ride-hailing giant has applied for planning permission to open a new operation in Rotherham.

DiDi Global Inc. is the world’s leading mobility technology platform. It offers a wide range of app-based services across markets including Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa, including ride hailing, taxi hailing, chauffeur, hitch and other forms of shared mobility as well as auto solutions, food delivery, intra-city freight and financial services.

With services such as DiDi Express, DiDi Taxi, DiDi Food and DiDi Delivery, and over 500 million users, a planned expansion into the UK has slowed due to reported regulatory challenges and cybersecurity and privacy concerns.

DiDi Mobility secured a private hire operator licence for Sheffield back in 2021. A licence to operate in Rotherham was secured last year but it will expire in May 2024.

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The company has now applied for planning permission to enable it to take on an office within Bizspace's Silkstone House in Manvers, Rotherham.

The application explains: "Although we are applying as a private hire app operator, we act exactly like a normal E business. We will not have customers on site nor have any phone operators and no drivers or vehicles Didi Mobility UK Ltd."

The move is similar to rival firm Bolt, the Estonian company that has an operator's licence in Sheffield, and secured planning permission to operate from Bizspace's offices in Templeborough in 2022. Another rival, Uber also has a private hire operator's licence from Rotherham and Sheffield councils.

Last year, Rotherham Councl began consultation on changing its Hackney Carriage (taxi) and Private Hire Licensing Policy. After being found to have "weak and ineffective arrangements for taxi licensing which leave the public at risk," Rotherham's policy is now widely regarded as a benchmark for other local authorities. The new focus is on the increase in out of town vehicles and sub-contracting.

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News: New "Dining Room" experience launching in Rotherham

Something new is being added to the menu in Rotherham. Chef’s Counter, a pioneering local hospitality events company, has announced the grand opening of its first permanent site, and it is set to be in Rotherham town centre.

Not just about culinary excellence, the Sheffield-based social enterprise is dedicated to providing supported employment to individuals interested in pursuing careers in hospitality. With Chris Hanson, who spent seven years at Blend Kitchen, it has been running food events across a variety of underused spaces.

A permanent site is set to open next month inside a former hairdressers in the Imperial Buildings in Rotherham town centre.

Chef’s Counter has a proven track record of success, having hosted numerous sold-out public dining events in unique venues around Sheffield since its inception in 2023. From American diner food at the Millenium Gallery to a pie and pea super at Samuel Worth Chapel. The bespoke corporate hospitality service, “Business Bites,” has also garnered attention and bookings from across South and West Yorkshire.

Chris Hanson, founder and chef at Chef’s Counter, said: “Since our inception, Chef’s Counter has been about more than just food. It’s about community, inclusivity, and providing opportunities for those facing barriers to employment. With the launch of our first permanent dining room in Rotherham, we’re excited to expand our reach and continue making a positive impact in the region.”

The Victorian, Grade II listed, Imperial Building, was restored by developer, Illiad as part of the Rotherham Renaissance initiative in 2008 creating nearly 9,000 sq ft of retail space and 19 residential apartments around an Edwardian-era arcade with gallery space in the centre.

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In preparation for the opening of a permanent site, Chef’s Counter has launched a crowd funder appeal to raise money for the launch.

The Crowdfunder page reads: "Since our first invite only event in June 2023 and our latest sold out Saturday Night Dinner event in February 2024, Chef's Counter have cooked for over 2,000 people, won the collaboration excellence category at Sheffield Business Awards, had a mention from Jay Rayner in the Guardian, generated thousands of pounds additional revenue for local charities and community groups, created supported employment for 8 people overcoming barriers to enter the workplace (ranging from overcoming substance misuse, homelessness to living with long term mental and physical health conditions) and finally cooked alot of delicious food!

"We now need some help. So far hiring spaces on an ad hoc basis from local charities and community groups has been fine in terms of meeting the demand for our services. The reality now is we're getting busier and busier with more people booking onto our expanded public events programme and companies taking up our delicious business bites offering. So we've decided we need a permanent space that we can use as and when we need it rather than fitting round other groups.

"This year is about establishing Chef's Counter as a regional business, so in our search for a permanent site we've spread our wings a little bit further than Sheffield. We also want to use this opportunity to expand our events programme, create more jobs and bring some life back to areas that have been left behind a bit. We also want to create a model that is easy to replicate in other towns and cities as we continue to grow and expand in the years ahead.

"We're pleased to announce that we have found the perfect space in Rotherham. After viewing several locations over the last couple of months we came across Unit 8, part of the Imperial Building in the centre of Rotherham. We are now in a position to turn the space below into our first Chef's Counter dining room. The space will include a production & development kitchen to service all our upcoming South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire events as well as opportunity for guests to enjoy our food onsite."

Chef's Counter website

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News: Plans for new Rotherham tram-train stop get green light

Plans have been approved for a £6.9m project to introduce a new tram-train stop on the existing network, and a new Park & Ride site, in Rotherham.

Network Rail has also officially been appointed to deliver the works at the.Magna Science Adventure Centre.

The scheme is designed to provide a boost to the museum and venue, and the wider Templeborough area, as well as improve alternative travel options in a location known for low air quality. Rothbiz reported on the application when it was submitted at the end of 2023.

The tram-train line runs to the rear of the site and making use of the existing underutilised parking supply at Magna is seen as a cost-effective way of increasing Park & Ride facilities in the area.

The application shows a station with two, 30m long platforms on land next to the car park at Magna, further down past the AquaTek outdoor play area. It is described as having basic facilities including a shelter, information boards, lighting, CCTV and cycle parking. A bridge, with lifts, and a fence running between the two tracks are also included.

The station will be accessed directly off the existing car park, which itself has direct access onto Bessemer Way. 428 standard parking spaces will be shared with Magna Science Adventure Centre, an increase from the current total of 399 spaces, and includes standard spaces, EV charging points, disabled spaces and motorcycle parking. In addition to this secure cycle parking facilities will also be provided at the site.

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Netowrk Rail said in the application that: "The proposal for a new station at Magna is seen as a vindication of the Tram-Train trial and is seen as a key enhancement in improving the public transport system of the Rotherham area, enhancing journey opportunities between the Magna attraction, the town, and the wider Sheffield area. It makes an important contribution to the sustainable development of the tourist attraction and the wider town in aiding modal shift and reducing dependence on the private car, enhances economic prospects for job creation and helps to maintain the attractiveness of the Magna facility."

The plans were approved without going before the council's planning board. Officers said: "Whilst this proposal does not lead to a direct increase employment levels, improved public transport infrastructure and the associated benefits this brings is considered to assist with the economic development of the area and of the Magna site."

The officer's report adds that the proposal's "dual role as a park and ride facility and public transport access to the Magna facility will not have any adverse impact on local road infrastructure or capacity.

"It is considered that the site is in a sustainable location and that the additional tram-train stop is considered to improve sustainability of both the site as well as the sustainability of the improved tram network. The layout of the site is considered to be acceptable in highway terms and the level of shared car parking retained is appropriate."

Magna has plans to continue growing its events business (e.g. holding conferences etc.) and wants to develop a night-time economy (e.g. bands/concerts etc.). Operators also hope that recent investments in the visitor attraction will boost visitor numbers from 80,000 to 100,000 in 2023/24 and 120,000 in 2024/25.

Backed by the Government's Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) signed a funding agreement for £6,859,649 last month with Network Rail which said that start on site was due in Spring 2024 with forecast completion and entry into service Autumn/Winter 2024.

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News: Rotherham town centre venue set to reopen

A prominent pub in Rotherham town centre could be back open soon after successful operators look to take on another venue.

It is another boost for the local leisure and night time economy sector, even before the completion of the Forge Island development this summer, with Rothbiz recently reporting on a rise in new venues applying for premises licences and to change the use of buildings.

Now the team behind Amber Lounge, a contemporary cocktail / champagne bar in the former cinema at the bottom of Ship Hill, has announced on social media that it has signed on to reopen The Corn Law, just around the corner.

The Corn Law Rhymer on High Street / Moorgate Street was sold off by J D Wetherspoon for an undisclosed sum in 2016 to Hawthorn Leisure. It reopend later that year as Stone & Taps but reverted back to being The Corn Law with sporadic opening, not helped by the COVID pandemic.

Hawthorn Leisure was taken over by Admiral Taverns in 2021, and last year agents Everard Cole were brought in to progress a number of disposals for the community pub group. The freehold of The Corn Law was made available for £295,000.

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The substantial three storey premises has a gross external area of 6,083 sq ft, with most of the trading being on the open plan ground floor.

The pub is housed in a property purpose built for the Yorkshire Bank when it opened in 1968. It is on the site of the long-standing Crown Inn which was first recorded in 1605. Previously know as The Litten Tree, its current name recalls Ebenezer Elliott, who achieved fame as the Corn Law Rhymer. The Rotherham-born poet's hard-hitting verses played a significant part in ending the unpopular corn laws which caused widespread hardship in the 19th century.

A Facebook update from Amber Lounge, said: "We are now the proudest owners of this absolute golden oldie and I mean who don't want to see this place back up and running[?]

"After continued success of the Amber Lounge we have decided to expand our business and open up a second venue.

"We cannot wait to get these doors back open."

An opening date has already been set of March 28.

Corn Law Facebook page

Images: Everard Cole / Amber Lounge / Facebook

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News: Rotherham gearing up for GUTS again

Almost 6,000 pupils and educators from the Yorkshire region are set to take part in this year’s Get up to Speed with STEM event, to be held at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham later this month.

On March 20, this highly interactive event will showcase the breadth and diversity of careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing), bringing employers together to promote and celebrate the very best of what the region has to offer young people.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation (organisers of the event) said: “This is our 14th annual Get up to Speed event and we have more science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and construction experiences than ever to give young people a real-life insight into different roles. There are dozens of interactive activities and challenges planned for the day, with many employers running competitions, demonstrations and practical experiences to really give pupils first-hand experience of their type of work.

“Every year we receive some fantastic feedback from schools about how Get up to Speed opens young people’s eyes to the many and varied career opportunities that they could consider. It also gives them new connections, makes them more familiar with businesses in their area and stimulates conversations and new ideas back at school. It’s a valuable part of every young person’s education here in South Yorkshire.”

The event starts with a Business Breakfast, themed this year around “Health and Wellbeing for Skills and Productivity”, which will be opened by the Master Cutler, Charles Turner DL, with keynote speaker Jason Brannan, Deputy Director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre in Sheffield. Richard Caborn, former Minister for Sport and Civil Society, will provide closing remarks.

Following the Business Breakfast, young people will be given the chance to see some of the UK’s most exciting STEM innovations and meet the people who design, build and operate them.

Pupils and teachers will also be able to explore the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) through an immersive 360-degree virtual tour, enabling them to understand how the largest general purpose particle detector experiment in the world works. This unique attraction at Get up to Speed is a result of the National Videogame Museum teaming up with the University of Sheffield and CERN in Switzerland.

Also new for 2024, Get up to Speed will feature a McLaren supercar: a volcano yellow 720S. Other vehicles on show will be from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, the National Emergency Services Museum, Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Cyber Crime Unit, plus lots more.

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In addition, Stream 7, a video production company based in Sheffield, will be creating GUTS TV, which will run throughout the day, giving pupils the unique opportunity to get involved with the video production and editing process.

Three major competitions will be celebrated on the day including Vulcan to the Sky, AMETEK Land and the High Sheriff’s Building a Better Future Together Challenge which pupils have been busy participating in in the build up to GUTS.

Pupils can also speak to a wide variety of business people, inventors, apprentices, graduates and education providers about future career opportunities. The Magna visitor attraction will also be open.

Get up to Speed with STEM also gives companies taking part the opportunity to showcase their expertise, highlight career opportunities and current vacancies and meet with other businesses, whilst helping to address the skills gaps across the sectors.

John Barber continues: “This year pupils will be able to immerse themselves in virtual reality, trial the latest digital technologies, as well as learning more about all aspects of the sector from traditional industries to advanced manufacturing and green technologies. There really is something for everyone.”

This year’s event sponsors include: Gold Sponsors; AESSEAL, CBE+, Sheffield Forgemasters, Worshipful Company of Ironmongers and Stream 7. Silver Sponsors; Arm, Forged Solutions, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Hydra Creative, Dragonfly PR and Bronze Sponsors; AMETEK Land, Highlander Computing Solutions, AMG Chrome, CPH2 and the Canal and River Trust.

Since 2010, Get up to Speed, which is championed by employers and organised by The Work-wise Foundation alongside key partners in the private and public sectors, has showcased STEM career opportunities to over 39,000 young people and their families from across the South Yorkshire region and beyond.

Get up to Speed is designed for young people, their families and teachers to see some of the UK's best innovations first-hand, hear from and talk to those involved in their success and learn about the future of the sector and its evolution through technology.

GUTS website

Images: GUTS

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