News: How historic former foundry in Rotherham could be transformed into a high quality hotel
A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the remains of a former foundry on the edge of Rotherham town centre.
Rothbiz reported in 2022 that a scheme to repurpose the former Guest & Chrimes foundry as an National / International music venue had fallen flat. Despite £4.5m of government funding being on the table, the council was unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club.
Now the club's chairman, Tony Stewart, and vice-chairman, Richard Stewart, have submitted a planning application for a new hotel development on the prominent site which is alongside the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Stewart Developments Ltd is seeking permission to convert and partly demolish the dilapidated existing Grade II listed building and link it to a new build property to create a new hotel.
The foundry use of the site ceased in 1990 and the building has been empty since 1999. The site was purchased by Rotherham Council for £2.6m from developers, Evans in 2010 and is now controlled by the football club which has a very long lease from the Council.
A severe fire at the former brass and iron foundry in 2018 meant that the front portion was subsequently demolished.
The site has been allocated for mixed use and whilst there is a preference for employment uses, it was identified that support would be given for proposals that are well integrated with adjoining uses, and which support the vitality and viability of the town centre. Feedback has already been sought from Historic England and Rotherham Council.
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Plans show that the 51,074 sq ft hotel would have 138 bedrooms and include a restaurant and bar.
Plans state that: "The proposed hotel use conforms with the mixed-use allocation of the site and would be sustainably located within Rotherham town centre and would help with the regeneration aspirations of the RMBC [Rotherham Council] for Rotherham town centre."
The largest northern range is set to be refurbished so that the hotel main entrance is located directly beneath the water tower. The lobby has been designed to lead to an impressive five storey atrium, with views up to the glass light box which is described as a "feature beacon." The brick water tower and iron tank would be sensitively restored before a crystalline lightbox is installed above which can be fully illuminated.
The northern range would also include a bar and restaurant which has the ability to extend outside onto the public realm during warmer months, whilst hotel kitchens, staff areas, delivery bays and stores lie further to the east.
The new build takes inspiration from the profile of the historic tap mechanism.
Plans, drawn up by CarneySweeney and stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO, explain: "The proposal includes the addition of a large new build element to the south of the northern range with a raised walkway connecting the two elements of the proposed hotel.
"The new build element will be ‘L’ shaped and consist of two wings. The vertical wing being four storeys in height and the horizontal wing would be three storeys. The new build will be clad in a brasslike cladding to reflect the historic industrial use of the Guest & Chrimes site."
The plans also include a new external public square with a water feature in the shape of the Guest & Chrimes Tap surrounded by seating as a meeting focal point.
Close to the River Don, the majority of the application site area falls within Flood Zone 2, however, part of the site, along the eastern boundary falls within Flood Zone 3.
A number of flood risk mitigation measures are in the plans. They include ensuring that the floor levels in the new building are raised above current levels. Only less vulnerable uses would be located within the retained building where the floor levels cannot be raised. Construction would utilise flood resistant materials and services would be placed as high as practicable to reduce impact of flooding. Flood defences have been discreetly incorporated into the design and surrounding landscape.
The plans only include seven car parking spaces but the applicants add that staff, guests and visitors of the hotel development will be able to utilise the existing Pay & Display public car park on the site.
If approved, it is expected that a total of 60 jobs will be created on site (32 full-time and 28 part-time jobs). Applicants add that "hotel guests will also increase expenditure in the Rotherham area, including shops and facilities in Rotherham town centre, which will in turn help to support existing jobs."
At present it has not been decided if the hotel will be operated under a brand, or if it will operate independently. A financial viability assessment provided for the developer demonstrates that the plans put forward with just the retention of one building is viable "if a higher quality hotel operator is targeted, and a higher quality development is proposed."
A heritage assessment has also been submitted detailing the status of the building and setting out the reasons for partial demolition. The retention of fire damaged blocks is seen as unviable with the plans concluding that: "Whilst it is evident the proposals will not result in total loss of historic fabric, it is at the RMBC’s discretion as to whether the merits of the scheme outweigh the degree of loss of the listed buildings within the Site. The proposed development that forms this planning application is considered the only viable opportunity available to deliver beneficial use."
The conclusion goes on: "This application represents the opportunity to regenerate the former Guest & Chrimes site into an exciting new leisure and hospitality development for Rotherham, its residents, and visitors.
"The sensitive refurbishment of the derelict and fire damaged grade II listed northern range will ensure this important building is not only preserved but will become a cherished heritage asset to be enjoyed by current and future generations. The skilfully crafted extension with its tap mechanism concept and brass inspired colour palette informs a unique piece of contemporary architecture conceived from the site’s rich history of industry and manufacturing.
"This application will enable the site to once again become thriving and successful, serving Rotherham and it’s neighbouring areas just as the original Guest & Chrimes complex did many years ago."
Images: Stewart Developments / stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO
Rothbiz reported in 2022 that a scheme to repurpose the former Guest & Chrimes foundry as an National / International music venue had fallen flat. Despite £4.5m of government funding being on the table, the council was unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club.
Now the club's chairman, Tony Stewart, and vice-chairman, Richard Stewart, have submitted a planning application for a new hotel development on the prominent site which is alongside the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Stewart Developments Ltd is seeking permission to convert and partly demolish the dilapidated existing Grade II listed building and link it to a new build property to create a new hotel.
The foundry use of the site ceased in 1990 and the building has been empty since 1999. The site was purchased by Rotherham Council for £2.6m from developers, Evans in 2010 and is now controlled by the football club which has a very long lease from the Council.
A severe fire at the former brass and iron foundry in 2018 meant that the front portion was subsequently demolished.
The site has been allocated for mixed use and whilst there is a preference for employment uses, it was identified that support would be given for proposals that are well integrated with adjoining uses, and which support the vitality and viability of the town centre. Feedback has already been sought from Historic England and Rotherham Council.
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Plans show that the 51,074 sq ft hotel would have 138 bedrooms and include a restaurant and bar.
Plans state that: "The proposed hotel use conforms with the mixed-use allocation of the site and would be sustainably located within Rotherham town centre and would help with the regeneration aspirations of the RMBC [Rotherham Council] for Rotherham town centre."
The largest northern range is set to be refurbished so that the hotel main entrance is located directly beneath the water tower. The lobby has been designed to lead to an impressive five storey atrium, with views up to the glass light box which is described as a "feature beacon." The brick water tower and iron tank would be sensitively restored before a crystalline lightbox is installed above which can be fully illuminated.
The northern range would also include a bar and restaurant which has the ability to extend outside onto the public realm during warmer months, whilst hotel kitchens, staff areas, delivery bays and stores lie further to the east.
The new build takes inspiration from the profile of the historic tap mechanism.
Plans, drawn up by CarneySweeney and stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO, explain: "The proposal includes the addition of a large new build element to the south of the northern range with a raised walkway connecting the two elements of the proposed hotel.
"The new build element will be ‘L’ shaped and consist of two wings. The vertical wing being four storeys in height and the horizontal wing would be three storeys. The new build will be clad in a brasslike cladding to reflect the historic industrial use of the Guest & Chrimes site."
Close to the River Don, the majority of the application site area falls within Flood Zone 2, however, part of the site, along the eastern boundary falls within Flood Zone 3.
A number of flood risk mitigation measures are in the plans. They include ensuring that the floor levels in the new building are raised above current levels. Only less vulnerable uses would be located within the retained building where the floor levels cannot be raised. Construction would utilise flood resistant materials and services would be placed as high as practicable to reduce impact of flooding. Flood defences have been discreetly incorporated into the design and surrounding landscape.
The plans only include seven car parking spaces but the applicants add that staff, guests and visitors of the hotel development will be able to utilise the existing Pay & Display public car park on the site.
At present it has not been decided if the hotel will be operated under a brand, or if it will operate independently. A financial viability assessment provided for the developer demonstrates that the plans put forward with just the retention of one building is viable "if a higher quality hotel operator is targeted, and a higher quality development is proposed."
A heritage assessment has also been submitted detailing the status of the building and setting out the reasons for partial demolition. The retention of fire damaged blocks is seen as unviable with the plans concluding that: "Whilst it is evident the proposals will not result in total loss of historic fabric, it is at the RMBC’s discretion as to whether the merits of the scheme outweigh the degree of loss of the listed buildings within the Site. The proposed development that forms this planning application is considered the only viable opportunity available to deliver beneficial use."
"The sensitive refurbishment of the derelict and fire damaged grade II listed northern range will ensure this important building is not only preserved but will become a cherished heritage asset to be enjoyed by current and future generations. The skilfully crafted extension with its tap mechanism concept and brass inspired colour palette informs a unique piece of contemporary architecture conceived from the site’s rich history of industry and manufacturing.
"This application will enable the site to once again become thriving and successful, serving Rotherham and it’s neighbouring areas just as the original Guest & Chrimes complex did many years ago."
Images: Stewart Developments / stephenson hamilton risley STUDIO
30 comments:
Best idea yet for sorting the current eye sore. Let's hope it gets approved and it doesn't drag on for years.
That would be fantastic news, hopefully Historic England don't try and block progress.
A hotel of that size next to a travel lodge which is apparently struggling already
Have you got a better idea?
And you got your information from where that the Travelodge is "apparently struggling".
No evidence that travel lodge is struggling.
You don’t know that, maybe the poster can provide some.
AnonymousJanuary 29, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Please provide the evidence that the travelodge is struggling…. I’m waiting
You will have to wait a long time I fear
Another micky mouse low rise scheme when will we ever see such an eye catching new build in town 3,4,5 storeys is a joke
No one asked you to poke your oar in JEZ
I assume that's a joke?
Ah, we need a 15 storey building, with a bowling alley, domino/hopscotch hall, at least 2 wetherspoons, free parking and still charge less than travelodge per night.
struggling, according to some it's full of asylum seekers. :D
If you read the post you will see the proposal is to have a five storey atrium with both three and four storey wings so a lot higher than expected and about right for this location. All positive. Pointless comments about Asylum seekers yet again. Some people just need to get a life.
Apologies, I didn't realise only Trump supporters were allowed to express an opinion.
A lot higher than expected? The five storey atrium is same as the current water tower, the rest of the current buildings are three storeys, the nearby Riverside House is up to six storeys. Though given its proximity to the river and being opposite the new council built houses on other side of the river, I doubt they could get anything taller approved. Note the asylum seeker comment reads as a joke, like most of the comments on here.
This is stated to be a high quality hotel, Travelodge isn't. It'll be aiming for a different market. That's not a criticism of Travelodge by the way, it's a budget chain and there's nothing wrong with that.
Can't see it being viable Tbh, there's four of the current hotels in the Rotherham area up for sale already but glad the eyesore will get an upgrade.
If it was meant as a joke, it was unfunny and worthy of Bernard Manning.
I assume they've done more than research than you about it. They wouldn't plough millions in if there wasn't no demand.
there is also the unbuilt one at Waverley
I actually agree,even Barnsley builds higher..... Rotherham is like trumpton...town town.
Rumors is the plan is to get concerts and other events at NYS ,that would definitely make hotels viable.Not before time if true.
It would also be nice to see a bit of football there again as well.
When called out, abusers always trot out the same excuse:"It was a joke".
I get the criticism that Rotherham never builds higher, but surely you can't seriously expect them to add several more floors onto a listed building? Pick your battles, this ain't one of them.
It is rather bizarre that Rotherham dose have a problem with building anything multi storey, especially when council supposedly wants more people living in town centre, surely to build upwards gets more accomodation in a smaller area and more revenue from council tax,no brainer tbh,also makes you wonder how the 12 storey Beeversleigh flats near museum were ever built ,maybe council and town had more ambition back in 70s.
As the padre said to his bishop.
Allegedly
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