Monday, July 15, 2024

News: Plans submitted for Wath regeneration scheme

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A new chapter for Wath town centre has been outlined in a planning application for a £8.9m regeneration project.

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.

£8.9m of government funding is set to focus on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of Wath town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community.

Plans show that this will be done through the demolition of the existing 1970s library and a brand new library built in its place.

The library fronts onto Montgomery Square which acts as the Town’s market place. It sits between the town and the large Tesco store on Biscay Way.

Drawn up by Rotherham Council arhitects, the new split level 2/3 storey public library building has been designed to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. A library as a space for people has been designed with places for people to meet, and to learn, and as a community resource.

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The ground floor consists of an open plan main library incorporating two double height entrances, library reception area, sensory corner, a new coffee kiosk, an exhibition area and a flexible IT suite. The ground floor also includes a separate area for a commercial unit as an addition to the local high street offering.

The first-floor accommodates a large, double height Exhibition / Meeting / Conference Space, a private meeting room, two balcony reading areas, and a dedicated "Makerspace Workshop."

Externally, the design incorporates stonework, glass curtain walling and flashes of colourful sharp and industrial looking corten panels which architects say provides "a balance of modern aesthetic and civic presence with the link to the areas past and historical roots."

The design incorporates large entrances and landscaping as the plans addd that: "A key feature of the proposal is to make the building more open and inviting, something the current library is very much lacking."

The public surface car park that offers free parking for 96 cars is set to remain.

Rothbiz reported last month that Rotherham Council has been carrying out a pre-tender exercise to engage with the construction industry to establish the level of interest in the redevelopment projects, which are due to be completed in 2026.

Images: RMBC

11 comments:

Anonymous,  July 15, 2024 at 9:13 PM  

Waste of money

Anonymous,  July 16, 2024 at 1:06 AM  

This is great news for the residents of Wath, who will in the future be able to look across to an aesthetically pleasing backdrop as they enjoy their traditional breakfasts and afternoon meal deals, from the goldfish bowl window of their local 'Spoons!

Anonymous,  July 16, 2024 at 9:37 AM  

First comment typically negative of every proposed project, second comment sarky. What's not to like about this site?

Anonymous,  July 16, 2024 at 10:41 AM  

Is that because you don’t live in Wath and it won’t personally benefit you?

Anonymous,  July 16, 2024 at 10:43 AM  

Well don’t you just come across as a complete snob.

Anonymous,  July 16, 2024 at 11:31 AM  

Oh look! It’s Snobby McSnob!

Anonymous,  July 16, 2024 at 3:50 PM  

If you're ever passing do us all a favour and keep passing.

Anonymous,  July 16, 2024 at 5:48 PM  

This is a fantastic development for Wath. This will bring a fresher look to the town center as well as enhancing and future proofing the library offering. Given a lot of libraries are closing around the UK it is great to see Rotherham investing in their future.

Anonymous,  July 17, 2024 at 8:45 AM  

Here here!

Anonymous,  July 17, 2024 at 6:54 PM  

Moi aussi

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