News: Forge Island prepares for fit out as hotel opens for bookings

The new multimillion pound Travelodge Hotel being built on Forge Island in Rotherham has begun taking bookings for when it opens this summer.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as six independent restaurants on the riverside, including The Rustic Pizza Company, Estabulo, and Sakku Samba.

The hotel, the first Travelodge in the borough, is now is bookable for stays from July 8 2024.

The four storey hotel is being built by Bowmer + Kirkland on the north of the Forge Island site. It was designed with a metal top and brick base in grey. The new Rotherham hotel will be in Travelodge's new-build budget luxe hotel brand. It has also been confirmed that it will incorporate the new Bar Café concept offering unlimited breakfast, tasty evening meals and fresh barista coffee.

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In 2022 Travelodge announced that it was evolving its core brand product to a new budget-luxe premium look and feel design which includes all the low cost efficiencies you would expect from Travelodge, but with the added benefit of thoughtful, stylish design and homely touches throughout its interiors.

Standard rooms (with new décor and signature king size "Dreamer" bed) are priced at £77.99 for the saver rate and £89.99 for the flexible rate.

Also on Forge Island, Arc Cinemas is currently recruiting for a general manager.

The job advert reads: "The Arc Cinema will be opening its doors to offer an ultra high specification luxury cinema experience to customers in Rotherham. A brand new build, scheduled to open in August 2024, with 8 screens, The Arc Cinema will offer something special for all movie lovers. State-of-the-art facilities offering the ultimate blockbuster experience, while smaller screens provide a more intimate movie watching atmosphere. All screens feature VIP electric recliner seats as standard.

"We pride ourselves in taking great care of our customers, and on becoming a central part of each community that we serve."

On the food and beverage offer, incoming outlet, Rustic Pizza Co has provided an update on Forge Island progress.

The Rustic Pizza Co was founded in 2017. Its base at Lakeside in Doncaster offers authentic Neopolitan style pizza, Italian hand-pulled coffee and rustic breakfasts.

A recent update to Facebook said: "We attended a site visit at Rotherham Forge island this week and to say we are excited would be an understatement! We will be starting our fit out in the next couple of weeks and we can’t wait to bring Rustic to Rotherham!"

Forge Island website
Travelodge website
Arc Cinema website
Rustic Pizza Co website

Images: Travelodge / Rustic Pizza Co / Facebook

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News: Rotherham regen roles refilled

Two council roles, key to the continued regeneration of Rotherham, have seen changes in recent weeks.

There is a new Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment and a new cabinet member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy.

Andrew Bramidge has recently been installed as the Interim Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment at Rotherham Council following the departure of Paul Woodcock.

With over two decades at the local authority, Woodcock has worked on almost all facets of economic development and regeneration, from inward investment and the business centres operated by RiDO (the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council), to the large scale investment projects coming to fruition in the town centre such as Forge Island.

Bramidge was most recently the Chief Executive of Harlow Council, having worked for the Essex authority since 2013 in roles such as Director of Strategic Growth and Regeneration and Head of Environment and Planning.

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The £125 - £131k a year role at Rotherham comes with the responsibility for 2,000 staff and a budget of £90m, plus further invested in capital projects. Recruitement was launched earlier this year for an interim appointment for "a period of at least six months. "

The recruitment post read: "It is an exciting time to join Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The Council has a number of significant regeneration programmes including the town centre’s Forge Island flagship scheme with a new 8-screen cinema; Riverside Gardens which is a new public park running alongside the River Don and the redevelopment of Rotherham markets and a new central library, supported by the Future High Streets Fund."

Following the May local elections, Cllr. Robert Taylor, the Aughton & Swallownest ward member that is fresh from a year representing the borough as the Mayor, has been named as the Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy.

Taylor replaces Cllr. Denise Lelliott, who was previously Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy and remains an elected member for the Hoober ward. Cllr Dominic Beck was Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment until October 2023. He remains an elected member for the Wales Ward

The Council has adopted the “strong” leader with a cabinet form of executive. The executive is responsible for most day-to-day decisions and cabinet members are appointed with a specific area of responsibility. The cabinet meets regularly to make decisions.

Cllr. Taylor's portfolio has overall responsibility for securing jobs and investment in the local economy as well as strategic responsibility for transportation and planning. It includes things like planning, regeneration, inward investment, economic growth and major town centre projects and development.

Images: RMBC

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News: Is Rotherham ready for "The Reytons effect?"

The Reytons gig at Clifton Park in Rotherham in July is close to selling out - 20,000 people are expected for one of the largest music events the borough has seen in years.

Last September, Rothbiz revealed first that FKP Scorpio, one of the world’s top ten leading concert promoters, and the promotor for The Reytons tour, had applied to Rotherham Council for a licence for Clifton Park in July 2024.

The hometown heroes confirmed the gig in October and within two days of going on sale, 10,000 tickets were sold for the July 6 date.

Now only 600 tickets remain.

Rotherham Council called the event, which will measure up to T-Rex in 1971, or The Specials at nearby Herringthorpe Playing Fields in 1981, as "an opportunity to celebrate Rotherham talent, build civic pride and support the burgeoning local visitor economy."

The band themsleves can't quite believe what they are about to do.

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In a recent YouTube video, the lads take a walk around the town centre and check out where the stage will be in Clifton Park.

Jonny Yerrell tells viewers: "It's not the tourist hot spot. It's going to be mad to think how many people are going to be walking through here. Them trains pulling up, people walking up here, all these Reytons flags, everyone's on it.

"Someone said for the [Sheffield] arena, it's like going to a cup final, but we've already won. Clifton Park's going to feel like that. 20,000 people, 20,000 of us walking the streets, all the way from that train station, or wherever you've come from, up to Clifton Park."

Talks began with the council over a Rotherham concert back in 2022, before The Reyton's secured their first-ever Number 1 album with "What’s Rock And Roll?" at the start of 2023. The authority have been keen to highlight that the band has become a "local cultural phenomenon of national significance."

In a recent feature for Notion magazine about the "Disruptor in Music" award at the first ever Northern Music Awards (which The Reytons went on to win), the band said: "We think that we’ve done enough for it to be the biggest that the town has ever had, so we’re excited for it.

"One thing that no one can say they’ve done is be a working-class kid from Rotherham, sell 20,000 tickets in the park that they grew up in as a kid, boost the local economy and change the reputation of the town forever. I don’t feel like it gets any bigger than that for me. I can die happy as an artist knowing that we’ve done all of that. The rest is a bonus."

The Reytons website

Images: Reytons / Youtube

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News: The outstanding products standing out in Rotherham-made glass containers

The UK’s only Trappist brewery has released a second beer which is now on sale in a bottle designed and manufactured by Beatson Clark in Rotherham.

The Greasborough Road firm, which has been making glass bottles and jars in Rotherham since 1751, specialises in providing glass packaging solutions for niche brands in the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets worldwide.

Mount Saint Bernard Trappist Brewery in Coalville, Leicestershire has brewed a tasty blond beer to join its internationally renowned Tynt Meadow dark ale – both of which are sold in the 330ml amber beer bottle from Beatson Clark’s standard range.

Trappist beers are traditionally sold in bottles because they undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, a process that is ideal in glass. 

It means the beer matures in flavour for the first three years, and because of the inert nature of glass it can have a much longer shelf life than that if the bottle isn’t opened, something that isn’t possible in other packaging materials such as cans. 

 “Because of this process, if the bottles are kept in the right conditions – out of UV light, at a consistent room temperature – and the crown and bottle is kept sealed so that no oxygen can get in, the beer will last indefinitely,” explained Peter Grady, Brewery Manager at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey.  

 “The flavour profile of a Tynt Meadow changes drastically over the course of the first three years and, in our opinion, less so after that. This is why we put three years on the bottle, but it will last much longer than that as it’s packaged in glass.” 

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Beatson Clark products are a popular choice for many beer brands such as BrewDog, Robinsons and Greene King but it's not only beer that benefits from glass containers.

Beatson Clark has been helping its long-standing customer Cottage Delight to update its packaging with a renewed focus on sustainability as the company celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

Cottage Delight sells hand-made food products such as jams and chutneys in 36 countries worldwide.

Cottage Delight is renewing its commitment to sustainability, removing the mop cap and elastic band from its jars and replacing them with aluminium lids, which means that the packaging will be 100% recyclable.

Beatson Clark has worked with the company for over two decades and has now redesigned the bespoke 302ml jar – the main jar in the range – to have a deep twist-off neck finish, giving it a modern look and providing a larger area on the cap for printing.

Sarah Williams, Marketing Director at Cottage Delight, said: "Working with the Beatson Clark design team has enabled us to create a more contemporary jar, while retaining a feel of heritage. The revised shape also means a more efficient jar for our production line and it will allow more accurate application of the front label.

“The team at Beatson Clark have been great to work with, allowing us to meet our timescales at launch for our special anniversary year.”

A UK peanut butter brand has also selected the Rotherham glass manufacturer for its switch from plastic containers. Described as ‘the Champagne of peanut butters’, ManiLife is now sold in 1000s of UK stores including Waitrose, Sainsburys and Ocado, and the brand has partnered with leading names like Gousto, Hotel Chocolat and Leon to name just a few.

“The new jar is a genuine pleasure to use,” said Stu Macdonald, founder of ManiLife. “We designed it to make it supremely spoonable and easy to stir and I think the feedback reflects that.

“Our customers like the fact that we’ve moved from plastic to glass, for a wide range of reasons. The general consensus is that it looks far better and is far easier to use, which was our main consideration.

“The jar looks bigger and more premium, and the customer experience has improved significantly, so we’ve definitely seen an increase in sales as a result.”

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

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News: Constituents' crime concerns at Carlton Park

Concerns are being raised about the goings on at a longstanding Rotherham hotel.

Local MP, Sarah Champion says that she has been made aware of "increasing issues with crime, drug use and anti-social behaviour in the Moorgate area and seemingly associated with the Carlton Park Hotel."

Since opening its doors in 1981, Carlton Park has hosted eberything from family events, party nights and visiting football teams. A change of ownership in 2019 saw Red Admiral Vintage pledge to embark on an extensive refurbishmnet but the hotel was closed during the COVID pandemic and has never fully reopened.

The MP believes that the issues are concerning, particularly given the close proximity of Thomas Rotherham College and Oakwood High School.

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In a letter to Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police, Sarah Champion says: "Residents have contacted me reporting an increase in anti-social behaviour, drug activity and drinking in the area. Residents are concerned that this is linked to the Carlton Park Hotel.

"Residents understand that the hotel is not open to paying guests, but that people arrive and leave at all hours, many of whom appear to be under the influence of drink or drugs.

"Constituents have suggested that the building may be being used as a bail hostel or halfway house."

Authorities are being asked regarding the use of the hotel and the operations at the building.

DJ Hotels & Resorts Ltd had been operating the site but Barton Huxley Management Ltd, a London-registed asset management firm, is currently responsible for the business rates for the premises.

The hotel continues to take bookings and its website states that: "While we are working hard to restore facilities please bear with us while our pool & dining options are closed.

Some recent online reviews seem to back up residents' claims.

One reviewer said last month: "No way can I recommend this hotel to stay in. It’s shabby and run down. I was confronted by a drunk man who was just outside reception. He appeared to be living in the hotel and was aggressive and had wet himself. After confronting us he wandered back inside."

Images: Google Maps

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News: More residential for Rotherham town centre

Further properties in Rotherham town centre could be converted into housing under newly submitted plans, including at the heart of the heritage high street.

At 21 High Street, in the middle of a row of restored heritage buildings, plans have been submitted to add another storey and create three flats above Cutthroats barbers.

The application, from local firm, SME Holdings Ltd, explains: "The current ceiling heights are generous and the loft space above is also of a generous nature. Our proposal is to remove the existing metal flat roof and replace it with a more traditional pitched roof. At this time we will also increase the height of the building by adding approximately 1.2m of masonry to the South, East and West elevation.

"The appearance of the property will be altered in an attempt to make better use of the current space on offer. By increasing the roof height slightly and by the installation of a more traditional pitched roof we can remove the unsightly metal flat roof and metal side cladding to the West side and return the property to a more traditional aesthetic that will be more in keeping with the street scene."



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One major change is the proposal to remove the flat timber cladding used as advertising in the past to the upper façade of the building so that windows can be added.

Applicants say that the retension of the timber side fluted piers and the addition of a traditional pitched roof will enhance the character of the building, which is in the town's conservation area.

At 16A Bridgegate, plans have been submitted for a change of use to the upper floor from office to studio apartments and construction of extension to rear at second floor.

The objective of the application from Mr Khalid is to change the use of the existing office into two studio apartments.

Plans are further advanced for the corner of Corporation Street and Upper Millgate, where an application has recently been approved.

Starting life as a restaurant before becoming a nightclub - known to many as Crestas, Precint or Diamonds - applicant, AKM Holding LTD, has secured planning permission for a change of use to use the space as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) with nine bedrooms.

With conditions around noise, planners conclude: "Having regard to the above the conversion of the upper floors of this building would be an acceptable form of development, which subject to conditions will ensure that future occupants are not adversely affected by existing town centre uses."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Science firm expands at Rotherham's AMP

A group of life science companies that consolidated their brands onto one site in Rotherham continue to expand.

Rothbiz reported in 2022 that a number of similar firms under the Calibre Scientific portfolio were operating from the R-evolution Phase 3 scheme at the world-renowned Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. The move from Sheffield was expected to bring significant growth and expansion opportunities.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, Calibre Scientific is a diversified global developer, manufacturer and distributor of consumable products in the life sciences and diagnostics markets. The business has continually expanded through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, and today has a broad portfolio of more than 3,000 products, which it sells into over 100 countries worldwide.

Calibre Scientific UK has now signed a ten year lease for Units 11A and 11B at R-evolution 4, going from 10,000 sq ft to over 40,000 sq ft.

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Andy Wright, Head of Manufacturing, Calibre Scientific said: “Calibre Scientific are delighted to expand our presence on the AMP, since first setting up on the park in 2022. The leasing of these new state-of-the-art units allows us to significantly expand our operations and build our global presence, while cementing our position as one of the UK’s leading and fastest growing life-science providers.

“Focusing our expansion within the AMP, demonstrates our commitment to the region, and plans to build a life-science campus, achievable through our successful partnership with the Harworth Group and other local business providers.”

R-evolution 4 comprises c83,000 sq. ft of modern flexible business space. The BREEAM “Very Good” certified, EPC A rated development includes rooftop solar PV panels, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and EV charging points.

Following practical completion in December 2023, Harworth has now leased over 50% of the space within four months of completion, with c37,500 sq. ft of space remaining available for occupation, across units 8A, 8B and 9.

Jonathan Haigh, Chief Investment Officer, Harworth Group, said: “This letting demonstrates our ability to support business growth, as Calibre Scientific adds to its existing presence on the AMP by expanding into newly developed space at R-evolution 4. Together we are realising the vision and benefits to the region of enlarging this established vibrant cluster demonstrating the powerful role of the AMP as a centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing, science and innovation in the UK. We’ve experienced strong demand from occupiers for our high specification R-evolution 4 scheme, with half of the available space now let, and positive discussions ongoing with additional prospective occupiers.”

Harworth was advised by Knight Frank and CPP.

Calibre Scientific website
Harworth website

Images: Harworth

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News: £36m - final price for Rotherham Markets redevelopment confirmed

Rotherham Council will pay £36m for the redevelopment of Rotherham Markets and an adjacent new library, which forms a key part of the wider town centre masterplan.

Henry Boot has announced that its construction business has been appointed to deliver the project.

Rothbiz revealed back in 2022 that the firm, which has its headquarters in Sheffield and consrtuction offices in Dronfield, was being lined up for the project but that rising prices had created delays.

Having secured government money (£8.9m) from the Future High Streets Fund in 2020 for the project, a funding gap of £9.8m was identified in 2022, largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs.

In December, Rotherham Council's cabinet committed to pay for the redevelopment with the final price signed off in March.



With £4m already spent on the project, Henry Boot began a £2.1m enabling works contract at the end of 2023.

The project comprises a major refurbishment and redevelopment of the existing indoor and outdoor Rotherham Markets. This will include creating a vibrant new food hall and dining area on the first level above the existing ground floor retail, in addition to new workspace for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups on the second floor.

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While the refurbished adjoining outdoor market will continue to be used predominantly as a market for local traders, it will also be redeveloped for use as a multi-functional space to host exhibitions and community events. A new library will also be built to offer a café, meeting rooms and flexible gallery space.

As part of Henry Boot Construction’s objective to make a positive impact in the region, the business has committed to deliver significant social value, employing local subcontractors, creating jobs and delivering training initiatives during construction.

The contract was procured and awarded to Henry Boot Construction through the Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) Construction Works and Associated Services framework.

Tim Roberts, CEO of Henry Boot, said: “The Rotherham Markets is an important and significant local redevelopment and the fact that we have won this project is testament to the strength of our construction business and its track record of high-quality delivery, having led on major urban regeneration projects in Barnsley and Sheffield over recent years. In what is a challenging market for the sector, this latest contract means that we have now secured over 60% of our order book for 2024 and continue to work hard to grow our pipeline in our target markets.”

Andrew Bramidge, Interim Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment at Rotherham Council, added: “We’re delighted to secure Henry Boot Construction as our partner in delivering this latest regeneration project in our historic town centre. Their building expertise will help breathe life into our detailed plans for this key location and produce an impressive new venue for present and future generations to enjoy."

Henry Boot is undertaking current regeneration work at the Heart of the City scheme in Sheffield city centre. It also worked on the new markets and library and the wider Glass Works scheme in Barnsley town centre.

Henry Boot website

Images: RMBC

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News: Kiveton Tap's turn to fully open

Another micropub is set to open in the Rotherham borough, following the granting of planning permission.

Rothbiz recently reported on a planning application being submitted for a change of use at a vacant cafe in Kiveton so that it could be used as a drinking establishment.

The plans for the Kiveton Tap have now been approved by Rotherham Council, without going to the planning board, and come with a number of conditions.

Having been operating as a bottle shop on Wales Road, the one room micropub can now open to serve "mainly local cask ales from the region and to promote conversation with low level atmospheric background music."

Support and objection was put forward by locals and Environmental Health conlcuded that there is potential for noise nuisance to neighbouring residential premises.

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Applicant, Mark Whiteman, said that the premises are willing to upgrade the existing ceiling and eastern party wall insulation to reduce impact on neighbours and planning conditions restrict opening hours to 10pm, with no seats or tables to be placed outdoors.

Planners conclude that, whilst not a traditional High Street use, the proposals will "add to the viability and vitality of the existing shopping centre by encouraging people into the area throughout the day."

Similar to the decision on the new micropub in Dinnington, planners add: "The Policy notes that drinking establishments are not considered appropriate, micropubs are a relatively new innovation and are much smaller than traditional pubs/bars. As noted above, the proposed microbar will be open for part of the daytime period as well, and the applicant has indicated that it would also be used for the retail sale of drinks to be consumed off the premises.

"Whilst the proposed micropub is not a preferred use for a prime shopping street it is considered that in this instance the proposal will bring back a vacant unit into use helping to contribute to the vitality and viability of the Town Centre providing a day/night time facility for the local community that could encourage linked trips to other uses without being harmful to area."

Kiveton Tap website

Images: Kiveton Tap

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News: Multimillion pound hotel and spa proposal for picture-perfect Rotherham village

Early stage proposals are being drawn up to convert a collection of agricultural buildings in a picturesque village in Rotherham into a destination hotel and spa.

Owners are looking to introduce a new focus on food at Wentworth, working alongside the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), whose own masterplan is introducing new events space and visitor facilities to the grounds of the Grade-I listed stately home.

Having drawn up its own masterplan for the surrounding village and farm land (around 15,000 acres,), the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estate, is now engaging with planning consultants to bring forward proposals for the site at the entrance to Wentworth Woodhouse and next to Wentworth Garden Centre, known as Home Farm.

Pre-application advice has also been sought from Rotherham Council before an official planning application is submitted.

Proposals, seen by Rothbiz, show how the Grade-II listed buildings within the green belt could be repurposed to give the farm complex a viable use, providing guest accommodation, hotel and spa facilities and parking.

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Early ideas include the conversion of the threshing barn to a boutique hotel incorporating the creation of 17 guest bedrooms. The Gun Park building could be converted to a restaurant, ancillary to the hotel.

Agricultural buildings could make way for a new spa building with a pool and cafe whilst other existing buildings, like the steading stalls, could be repaired and used to provide additional accommodation suites, a games room and meeting rooms.

Plans show that the dovecote could become a coffee shop and the Power House, with its tall tapered stone chimney, could be used for events.

Later agricultural additions and modern structures could be demolished and there is the potential for holiday cottages on the site and a water terrace garden.

Whilst access would remain off the B6090 Cortworth Lane, a large area of car parking (over 400 spaces) could be contained in a nearby wooded area, called Granny Clarke's Wood.

The Fitzwilliam Estate plan explains: "We want to introduce a focus on food. The Fitzwilliam Estate has been fundamental in developing Malton as Yorkshire’s Food Capital.

"We want to bring some of what we have learnt at Malton to Wentworth, adding to the already thriving food offer by creating new opportunities for local producers, artisans and hospitality businesses.

"Alongside multi-use parking provision, we have identified the area associated with the Gun Park, the Powerhouse and Home Farm as the optimum place to introduce new visitor experiences associated with food and play. We have discussed these ambitions with both the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and the operators at the Wentworth Garden Centre and plan to work collaboratively to create a complementary offer in this gateway location."

The origins of the Home Farm date back to the 1700s and it is still partially operational. Buildings on the site, such as the main threshing barn, some of the ranges, the Octagon Lodge, the North Lodge, the Power House (built in 1904, to provide electricity for the mansion), and even the Duck House, are Grade-II listed.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Magtec secures substantial order for next-gen battery pack

Magtec has designed and developed a next-generation lithium ion battery pack for specialist automotive and industrial applications in the construction and agriculture sectors.

The innovative Rotherham company has started volume production of MAGPAC after winning an initial order for 120 units with a world-class British manufacturer and exporter.

Magtec, which is based at Templeborough, will be showcasing the product at the Innovate UK stand at Battery Cells and Systems Expo at NEC Birmingham this week.

MAGPAC is a compact battery pack with built-in battery management system and lightning-fast charging capabilities, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.

Its control interface enables seamless integration with existing systems, simplifying installation and operation.

The high density battery can store up to 6kWh of energy, providing ample power for extended usage, and is encased in rugged housing to protect against environmental hazards, ideal for the yellow goods industry.

Its development was led by mechanical engineer Tom Rock, who joined Magtec as a graduate trainee.

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Mr Rock said: “MAGPAC can be adapted to lots of industrial and automotive applications and is equipped with state-of-the-art control, management and safety systems.

“Our automotive grade technology differentiates MAGPAC from other products which use battery cells intended for energy storage and stationary applications and are less able to withstand vibrations and sharp movement.”

Andrew Gilligan, managing director at Magtec, added: “Despite its deceptively small size, MAGPAC packs a punch for specialist applications in sectors with challenging operating conditions.

“We see a significant opportunity for MAGPAC as a reliable drop-in replacement for older generation battery packs that depend on obsolete cells.

“The fact that a prestigious British engineering group has already placed a substantial order for MAGPAC shows the market appetite for our latest innovation.

“It is another example of Magtec’s ability to transform cutting-edge research and development into successful products for the transportation sector.”

Magtec website

Images: Magtec

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News: Mayor's plan to improve AMP connectivity

The newly re-elected Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, has set out his vision to connect people across South Yorkshire to opportunities through an integrated public transport network that puts people at its centre.

One key pledge is to transform the public transport network at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Others focus on bus reform, assessing potential Supertram extensions and reopening Doncaster / Sheffield Airport.

The Mayor has set out his priorities for a transformed public transport network at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre on the AMP at Waverley. Despite many communities being geographically close to the AMP and the AMRC Training Centre – a place of excellence attracting highly skilled people and providing training opportunities through apprenticeships, many local people struggle to access the area by public transport which closes them off to these opportunities.

The current level of public transport available in the area is very restricted, both in terms of areas served and the frequency and times of operation. Analysis commissioned by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority found that fewer than 1% of people across South Yorkshire live within a 30-minute public transport journey of the AMP.

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South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “I refuse to accept a situation where people living across South Yorkshire aren’t able to access opportunities in South Yorkshire. There’s talent and opportunity right across our region, but it is only by connecting the two that we will unlock South Yorkshire's full potential.

“So on day one of my Mayoral term, I'm today committing to start rolling out a new South Yorkshire integrated public transport network by the end of this four year term. That’s how we’ll make sure that everyone who lives here can access work or training, see a doctor, see friends and family and - crucially - access opportunity."

Included in the Governmen's 2023 plans for Network North is a new station at Waverley. Work has been underway for a number of years through the Restoring Your Railway "Ideas Fund" for a new railway station on the Sheffield to Lincoln line at Waverley serving the new community and the AMP. It is linked to another bid for the restoration of passenger services on the Barrow Hill line between Sheffield and Chesterfield.

The Mayor's announcement said that opportunities were already being explored to expand the light rail network by using tram trains to operate between Sheffield and Stocksbridge and along the Barrow Hill Line.

The AMP and the wider Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District is a key part of the Mayoral Combined Authority's "Plan for Good Growth" and being included in the South Yorkshire Inzestment Zone gives the area a £160m envelope to catalyse local growth and investment.

SYMCA website

Images:

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News: New plans for historic Rotherham bank building

A prominent vacant building in Rotherham town centre could be brought back to life under newly submitted plans. Music to the ears of the indepdendent traders revitalsing the historic High Street.

In 2020 Rothbiz reported that permission had been granted to allow for part of the ground floor of the Grade II listed building, most recently the Royal Bank of Scotland, to change from financial and professional services (A2) so that it can be used as a café or restaurant (A3). Consent was also granted for internal alterations, as were plans to demolish redundant outbuildings in the rear yard.

Applicants, Zayan Developments, then applied to change of use of the first and second floors so it could operate as a hotel.

With little progress, and plans for a nearby hairdressers to relocate into the building also falling flat, a new potential occupier has submitted a planning application to Rotherham Council to enable a new use in the space.

Rock Out Music Provision, the brainchild of local Rotherham musician and tutor, Martyn Scott is developing plans for a new business for music provision.

His plans explain that the centre would incorporate "music creation, production and educational activities in Rotherham Town Centre. The building will not be changed but inside I would like to build some false wall particians [sic] to create separate rooms."

Plans show that the 2,927 sq ft space would have sound proofed partitian walls and ceilings built to create separate rooms.

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Activities could include after school band/ensemble work shops, 1 to 1 instrumental and music production lessons, band rehearsal spaces, alternate provision for young people in the community not accessing a full school timetable, workshops for schools, a recording studio suite, adult band coaching sessions, adult ukulele clubs and "Mini Rockers" parent and baby bonding/sensory sessions.

Martyn Scott of Rock Out Music Provision, said: "I’m looking to open a provision consisting of four band rehearsal spaces fully equipped with band instruments and get young people who may or may not already play an instrument into a band and start making music with one rule… to ROCK OUT!!!

"The bands would be tutored by me with the hope of developing repertoire and who knows, to arrange concerts and events in the future.

"The rock bands would operate as an after school provision for young people to come and spend an hour rehearsing and learning to play with other musicians and experience the feeling of playing in a band. There’s nothing like it and it really does offer a depth to a person's musical learning that playing on your own or to a backing track doesn’t give you."

Rock Out Music Provision facebook page

Images: Avison Young / CPR

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News: Three Rotherham firms win King's Awards for Enterprise

Three Rotherham-based companies have been recognised for their achievements in innovation and international trade.

King’s Award for Enterprise celebrates outstanding achievement by UK businesses and is internationally recognised.

This year's recipients include Dinnington's Advanced Alloy Services Ltd, Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) based, SBD Apparel, and near neighbours, Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML) of Catcliffe.

Originally a spin-out from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, AML is now recognised as a market leader in delivering flexible manufacturing capability at the leading edge of machining technologies and efficiencies, with particular expertise in aerospace, defence and energy components.

The 100-strong team has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise Innovation.

The award was driven by funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute for the Automotive Excellence for Aerospace (AXIS) project around reducing production times in aerospace component manufacture. The successful implementation of the project and the development of AML’s high-rate production has resulted in AML securing long term contracts for the production of components for regional business jet engines.

The funding also resulted in eight new roles to support the a production cell built to manufacture components, consisting of six machine operators and two manufacturing engineers.

Dr Gareth Morgan, managing director at AML, said: “This is an incredible achievement for the whole AML team and a recognition of our expertise and commitment to excellence. Innovation was hard wired into our DNA from the very beginning which is why the most demanding customers on the planet, from aerospace and defence to land based gas turbines that complement the green energy/renewable sector, trust us with the manufacture of strategically critical components.”

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Advanced Alloy Services was recognised for its outstanding achievements in International Trade.

Founded in 1993 the company underwent an MBO in 2019 and now operates from a purpose built 44,000 sq ft facility in Dinnington on the former colliery site supplying high purity pure metals and fully processed and certified superalloy revert to customers all over the world.

A spokesperson for Advanced Alloy Services, said: "We are proud to support the drive towards net zero by effectively recycling and recovering secondary revert, reducing the requirements for primary metals and the associated high carbon emissions from mining and refining. We have ambitious plans to grow our international footprint and global sales, the accolade from the King’s Award will be instrumental in helping realise these aspirations."

SBD Apparel, the global market leader in strength sports apparel, clothing and accessories worldwide, has been for its outstanding achievements in International Trade.

SBD Apparel, which counts elite strength and fitness athletes across the world amongst its growing client base, as well as being synonymous with the World’s Strongest Man Competition, successfully opened a new manufacturing hub at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in 2022.

The move to new 100,000 sq ft premises was part of a desire to boost exports. The company now sells in markets including Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway and Iceland. Each retailer is given exclusivity to sell SBD products in their territory, receiving support with branding, website, enquiries and customer services to ensure the retailer shares in the brand’s success.

AML website
Advanced Alloy Services website
SBD Apparel website

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News: Plans approved for pioneering plastics to hydrogen facility in Rotherham

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

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

The facility would use a HydroPlas reactor developed by Canadian firm, Fusion One. Waste plastic is shredded and subjected to very high temperatures in a zero-oxygen environment. The reactor produces a syngas through the pyrolysis of plastic wastes. The thermal decomposition breaks the complex polymer chains down into a Hydrogen rich syngas which is first cooled, creating energy for use around the site and then is separated and purified to extract the Hydrogen from the other components in the syngas.

The applicant explained that the proposed production and research facility would create up to 35 job opportunities and provide a facility that can be incorporated into the visitor experience section as part of the wider Magna site.

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In an existing vacant area within the easternmost section of the main Magna building, the proposal would be primarily a test production facility and would not operate as a fully commercial hydrogen production facility.

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

Approved without going to the planning board, the planner's report concludes: "Overall the principle of the change of use for predominantly employment and research purposes is considered to be acceptable in this location and compatible with the adjacent Magna Science Centre, a popular visitor and tourist attraction.

"The external alterations to be building are considered to have an acceptable visual appearance and will bring back a redundant part of the building. The highway safety aspect is considered acceptable and the application has satisfactorily considered the flood risk and drainage elements."

The next stage is for the operators is to secure an environmental permit from the Environment Agency.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham firm fined £1.2m

A Rotherham metals recycling company has been fined £1.2m after a worker was injured after being struck by a wagon at its processing site.

On 10 August 2020 an employee of CF Booth Limited was walking across the site yard in Rotherham when he was struck by a moving 32-tonne skip wagon. The man was not wearing his hi-vis jacket and did not see the wagon approaching. The wagon driver did not see the employee prior to the collision due to concentrating on manoeuvring the vehicle around some low-level skips which had been placed on the corner near where the employee was crossing the yard.

Following the incident, the man sustained a fractured skull and also fractured his collar bone in two places but has since made a full recovery.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that at the time of the incident the site was not organised in such a way that pedestrians and vehicles could circulate in a safe manner. A suitable and sufficient workplace transport risk assessment was not in place for the segregation of vehicles and pedestrians. The company had failed to take steps to properly assess the risks posed by the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. The incident could have been prevented by adequately assessing the risks and implementing appropriate control measures such as physical barriers and crossing points.

Every workplace must be safe for the people and vehicles using it and traffic routes must be suitable for the people and vehicles using them. HSE has guidance on workplace transport with advice on keeping traffic routes safe and separating people from vehicles.

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At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on April 25, CF Booth Limited pleaded guilty of breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were fined £1.2m and ordered to pay costs of £5,694.85.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Kirstie Durrans said: “If CF Booth Limited had assessed the risks and ensured vehicles and pedestrians could circulate in a safe manner, this incident could have easily been avoided.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyers Karen Park and Kate Harney, and supported by paralegal officer Rebecca Forman.

CF Booth Ltd had a turnover of £135.7m for the financial year ending March 31 2023.

CF Booth website
HSE website

Images: HSE

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News: Building hope in the heart of Rotherham

Fundraising has begun with a leap of faith for a £3m regeneration project in Rotherham town centre.

Rev Canon Phil Batchford quite literally took a leap of faith to launch the campaign to redevelop Rotherham Minster, the 500-year plus old building so that it can serve the whole community in the 21st century.

Rev Batchford was joined by the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox, both dressed in clerical robes, to abseil inside the building 42 feet down into the central transept from the bell tower.

Called Building Hope in the Heart of Rotherham, the plan is to reorder the inside of the Grade 1 listed Minster to make it more of a modern space and to meet the changing needs of people who use it, from concerts and exhibitions, to choral singing for children and young people, and food support for those in need.

There has been a church on the site of Rotherham Minster since 937 and the current building dates, in the main, from the 15th century.

A new future includes creating a space where people come for concerts, for events and performances, for banquets and big celebrations. A place that draws visitors to Rotherham to see the wonderful architecture. A place that reaches out to even more people in need, in distress, in poverty.

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The aim is to make Rotherham Minster into a place where people gather, where the people of the town go, a reason for people to visit Rotherham. Those behind the plans say that the the Minster "can play a key role in reinvigorating the town, its economy, and its sense of community."

Rev Canon Batchford, said: “Rotherham Minster is an incredible building and one that lies in the heart of the place, and we need to ensure it is here for another thousand years.

“So, to do that I am taking a leap of faith alongside our Bishop to kick start the funding campaign. It is a rather more unusual way to raise awareness but I firmly believe we can do this with the help of local people, businesses and communities from Rotherham and South Yorkshire. The Minster means different things to different people, it has a special place in many people’s hearts and so we are asking if they can support our campaign in whatever way they can and be part of our evolving story.

“We hope local people will connect with the Minster including those who have not set foot in it for a while and those to whom the building is a new experience. Everyone is welcome to help us in the new chapter of our history.”

The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, added: “The iconic Minster building has stood for centuries in the centre of Rotherham as a symbol of the faith, hope and love which Jesus came to bring. Today that spirit is transforming the lives of local people in remarkable ways, and we want to ensure it remains so for the generations to come. This fundraising campaign is the only way to realise the full potential of the Minster to serve the communities of Rotherham as they deserve. I fully support the Minster team in this adventure and I am looking forward to taking part in this challenge! I urge everyone in Rotherham and beyond to get behind this campaign.”

A Just Giving page has been set up for donations.

Rotherham Minster website



Images: Shaun Flannary / SHeffield Diocese

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News: £5.9m renovation scheme completes at Maltby Grammar School

An exciting £5.9m renovation scheme to transform Maltby Grammar School in Rotherham into a community resource and education centre has been completed.

This ambitious project has been made possible through a winning bid secured by Rotherham Council via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, providing a substantial £4.5m toward the redevelopment.

The revitalised building, including its iconic clocktower, spans three floors, featuring bookable workspaces, serviced hot-desking facilities, seminar rooms, a community coffee shop, and an apprenticeship and skills development centre.



During the course of the project, Contractors, Clegg Constrcution, invested more than £3m into the local economy by using local labour and materials wherever possible.

The company’s commitment to South Yorkshire provided local employment opportunities for those living in the area which also enabled reduced travel-to-work times and distances – helping the environment too.

Nine former Maltby Grammar School students, as well as a number of people from the Maltby area, were part of the workforce.

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Pre-construction director at Clegg Construction Ross Crowcroft said: “We are delighted to have handed over the repurposed and renovated Maltby Grammar School to Maltby Learning Trust.



“The building has had a distinguished past and now has a bright future as a superb community resource, providing local services and learning facilities.

“Clegg Construction takes pride in supporting local communities wherever we work, which has been aptly demonstrated by our commitment to the local economy in the Maltby and South Yorkshire area and the people who live there.

“We wish Maltby Learning Trust all the best as Maltby Grammar School once again comes to life to provide facilities for the local community.”

During the course of the renovation, Clegg worked with clock repair and dial restoration specialists, Smith of Derby Ltd, to repair the iconic clock tower at Maltby Grammar School – getting it working again for the first time in ten years.



The renovated Maltby Grammar School will accommodate local services, support wellbeing, employment and enterprise, and provide substantial learning opportunities.

The building will also extend Maltby Learning Trust’s post-16 specialist facilities and create an incubator space for training, apprenticeships and start-up support in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Maltby Learning Trust CEO, David Sutton, said: “We are thrilled with the work that Clegg Construction has done to renovate and refurbish the former Maltby Grammar School Building. The Trust will now be working to fit out the interior of the multi-purpose building to make it suitable for our sixth form, business, and community audiences.

“This project will make a huge difference to the area by offering a space for people to learn, reskill, work, and thrive. We are looking forward to opening the building later in the year with a series of events.”

Built in the early 1930s, the school closed in 2012 and had fallen into a state of disrepair after being mothballed.

The redevelopment project was part of a £20m winning bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which focused on boosting the leisure and hospitality sectors in the area.

During the renovation, Clegg supported careers events at Maltby Academy, sponsored Maltby Learning Trust’s 2023 annual staff conference and awards, and also delivered 212.5kg of food, nappies and other donated items to Maltby Foodbank for distribution to local families as part of its commitment to the area.

Other members of the team involved in the scheme included Self Architects, engineer GCA Ltd and employer’s agent and project manager Cube.

Maltby Learning Trust website

Images: Clegg

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