News: Next Rotherham greenbelt site targeted for housing

Plans are being prepared for houses on a greenbelt site in a village in Rotherham.

It is the fourth set of plans since the start of April for "safeguarded land" rather than land specifically allocated for residential use in the borough's local plan from 2018.

Rothbiz has recently reported on plans at Rawmarsh from Taylor Wimpey for 231 dwellings, Barratt David Wilson Homes submitting an outline planning application proposing up to 260 homes on land at Cumwell Lane, Hellaby and plans for 339 more dwellings at Moor Lane South and Lidget Lane in Bramley.

The latest proposals are from land promoters, Richborough, and are for land to the west of St Albans Way, Wickersley to provide up to 136 high-quality homes.

The 4.87 hectare site was designated as safeguarded land - a site that may be needed in the future and taken out of the greenbelt after the end of the plan period in 2028.

Planning consultants are hoping to convince the local planning authority that the land should be used now to address the borough's housing needs.

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The local plan stated that the site could be served from an extension of St Albans Way linking to Sorby Way but added that additional land is required to complete the link. The plan also noted that the landscape should provide a strong boundary to the greenbelt and also identified a risk of surface water flooding.

Consultants LSH are handling the consultation. They say: "The scale of the proposed development is sympathetic to the surroundings of the site and the adjacent settlement of Wickersley. It would help to support and retain the vitality of the settlement."

LSH added that it was a "highly sustainable location near to essential services and facilities to meet the requirements of future residents, such as healthcare and education provision, convenience goods, among others."

Early masterplans show access from St Albans Way, but not Sorby Way. A ponding area is planned in the south-west corner with an overland flow route through the centre of the site.

Plans add that on-site affordable housing would be included, equivalent to 25% or 34 dwellings.

It is anticipated that the planning application is likely to be submitted in June 2025.

The application will be submitted in outline, with the final layout, appearance and design to be finalised by a future Reserved Matters planning application.

Consultation website

Images: LSH / Richborough

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News: Rotherham manufacturer acquired in international deal

Empire Tapes, a British tape manufacturing business supplying customers across the globe with a varied selection of tapes, has been acquired by Ireland's Zeus Group.

As a leading specialist manufacturing and distribution group, Dublin-based Zeus provides a diverse range of sustainable packaging solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses worldwide.

Founded in 1993 and with its base at Manvers in Rotherham, Empire Tapes are manufacturers, rewinders and converters of adhesive tape.

Zeus said that the deal, which is for an undisclosed sum, supports its continued growth trajectory across Europe and further reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. Empire Tapes also enhances Zeus’ industrial adhesive capability.

Empire Tapes brings more than 20 years of expertise in high-performance adhesive technologies, serving industrial clients across the UK and globally. With a strong reputation for agility, technical specialism, and UK-based manufacturing, the acquisition bolsters Zeus’ industrial packaging capabilities and expands its specialist offering in technical adhesives such as double-sided, masking, and barrier tapes.

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The deal was announced alongside a deal to acquire Spanish firm, Rio Tinto Plásticos.

Brian O’Sullivan, Founder and Owner of Zeus Group, said: "These acquisitions reflect Zeus’ ambition to deliver world-class, sustainable packaging solutions by combining technical excellence with local market insight. Empire Tapes and Rio Tinto Plásticos are both highly respected operators in their fields. Their addition to the Zeus family brings new capability, enhanced customer value, and an even stronger platform for future growth across Europe.”

Dean Sherriff, Chairman of Empire Tapes, welcomed the opportunity to accelerate the company's growth and technical development under Zeus’ ownership.

Zeus also said that the strategic additions are set to boost annual revenue by €20m, helping to pass the €500m mark this year. THe group has an ambitious goal of reaching €1 billion in annual revenues.

In 2023, Empire Tapes secured £4m from NatWest to support the business to progress in the sports sector. In 2017, the company diversified into the sports tapes space, focusing on the tape used to wrap boxers’ hands and secure their gloves during training and for competitive fights. It is now a world-leading brand, used by champions.

Empire Tapes website

Images: Empire Pro Tape / Facebook

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News: Rotherham restaurant announces reopening

A popular Rotherham restaurant, closed for over a year, has announced plans to reopen, setting tongues wagging amongst food fans.

A location has yet to be confirmed.

Rothbiz reported on a heart-breaking Valentine's Day for two popular Rotherham venues as they both announced shock closures at the same time in 2024.

The operators of Rancheros Bar and Grill and Roadhouse Bar & Bottles both posted that they had closed their venues in the Stag area "due to circumstances outside of our control."

Roadhouse has since opened in a former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington and now it looks like Rancheros is returning.

A post on social media from Rancheros Rodízio Bar & Grill reads: "The skewers are getting ready, the grill is heating up, and we can't wait to serve you that all-you-can-eat Brazilian flavour you’ve been missing. Rancheros is re-opening. Prepare your stomachs for this July!"

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The announcement comes a week after operators at another Rotherham favourite, The Big Smoke announced that they were closing with immediate effect, saying that its overheads and supplier costs had soared.

When asked if Rancheros would be taking on the Moorgate site, a quick reply came: "nope, we aren't" and instead operators said that they were "going home."

Rancheros brought Brazilian and Latin cuisines to the borough, converting an empty retail unit into a restaurant and bar at Stag Roundabout. Opening when Covid-19 restrictions were still in place, the venue became a hit with TripAdvisor reviewers who made it the number one ranked restaurant in the town.

The restaurant was from Doncaster-based restaurant entrepreneur, Masud Rana, owner of La Boca and La Rustica in Doncaster town centre, and the La Fiesta tapas restaurant in Armthorpe. Whilst the Rotherham branch underwent a revamp in 2022, the Doncaster branch of Rancheros closed in 2023, within a year of opening.

A new company, Rancheros Rodizio Ltd, with a new director, was incorporated last week with Companies House, with the same Wickersley Road address.

The reasons for the closures in Rotherham were not made public but notices of peaceable re-entry by the landlord were on display at the premises.

Leases often allow for landlords to take back possession of a property by physically entering it and changing the locks without court proceedings - if they think they have the right to do so - usually a breach of the lease by the tenant.

In 2023, The Bampton Property Group, secured planning permission for a scheme that involved a refurbishment of the 1960's building, including a new pitched roof, demolition of first floor to the public house, and the replacement of first floor windows to the front elevation.

Images: Rancheros / facebook

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News: £1.5 billion confirmed for South Yorkshire transport ambitions

One of the first investment announcements from the Government's Spending Review is £15.6 billion of funding for local transport projects in England’s city regions – including £1.5 billion for South Yorkshire.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves described next week's spending review as being "targeted squarely on the renewal of Britain" with more funding heading outside of London.

A review of the Treasury Green Book is set to start a step change in how government approaches and evaluates the case for investing in the regions.

Reeves said: "Connectivity is an absolutely critical factor in unlocking the potential of towns and cities outside of London. One of the areas in which previous governments have promised most, but delivered least. And that will now change.

"Stronger transport links within cities and the towns around them create opportunity by connecting labour markets and making it easier for firms to buy and sell goods and services in different places, to different people.

"We will be making the biggest ever investment by a British government in transport links within our city regions, and their surrounding towns. £15.6 billion in transport funding settlements, to be delivered by our regional mayors."

Previous transport projects in South Yorkshire have utilised the Government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) with over £50m in Rotherham schemes outlined in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's (SYMCA's) last allocation of £570m.

In 2023, the government provided an indicative allocation of £1.455 billion for South Yorkshire for "CRSTS2" when Rishi Sunak announced Network North as a replacement for HS2.

Now £1.5 billion has been confirmed for South Yorkshire. £530m is set to be used to renew the Supertram network, providing a fleet of new, replacement vehicles, modernising tram stops, as well maintenance to improve reliability. £350m will be set aside to reform South Yorkshire’s buses, with franchised buses operating in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham by 2027 and across the whole of South Yorkshire by 2029.

The latest settlement is for 2027-28 to 2031-32 with around £12m brought forward and made available in 2026-27. Funding allocations for the final year of the CRSTS programme (2026-27) will be confirmed in due course.

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Reeves added that investment in South Yorkshire would support "Mayor Oliver Coppard so that, in addition to the reopening of Doncaster Airport, he can renew the existing, and now publicly controlled, Supertram network, with track replacements, overhead line maintenance, and rolling stock renewal with a full fleet of new vehicles by 2032, a bigger and better integrated transport network, linking jobs and homes in Sheffield and Rotherham."

Rothbiz has previously reported on the rising costs of the Supertram renewal which hit £596m in 2023.

Rothbiz also reported in 2022 that ambitious plans for transforming bus services in the region were not been backed by any Government funding. A funding gap was estimated to be between £430 - £474m.

South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: "This £1.5bn investment into our transport system will be game-changing for communities across South Yorkshire.

“I know that big numbers like these can often feel disconnected from our daily lives. But put simply, that investment will help us make our vision of a bigger, better integrated transport network under public control, a reality. It will mean new and better buses, new electric vehicles, integrated ticketing and better information. It will mean new trams and better tram stops and lays the foundation for extending the tram network. It will mean our young people will be able to get to jobs and opportunities. That we can all access services, see friends and family, or go for a day, or a night out, without worrying how to get home.

“I’ve been clear that we’ve been ignored for too long, and that South Yorkshire has not received its fair share of funding from successive governments. Today’s announcement by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves of a £1.5bn investment into our transport system shows the government is listening, and backing, South Yorkshire.”

Absent from the announcement was Rotherham Gateway Station, described earlier this year as the number one project in SYMCA's submission to the spending review.

The new mainline station proposed for Parkgate is a Department for Transport (DfT) retained scheme, held back for further review or development before funding is released, so a business case for the project has been prepared in line with government guidance, including the requirements of the Treasury’s Green Book.

CRSTS (now renamed as Transport for City Regions) was identified for much of the next stage of the project - the development of a full business case which is expected to cost £11.35m.

Images: Supertram

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News: New openings in Rotherham town centre

Something for your mind, body, soul and stomach! New openings in Rotherham town centre.

A new pilates studio is one of the first tenants to open in a converted Victorian mill in town.

Opening this week in Bridge Court, Opus Pilates has created a boutique studio which it describes as a "beautifully designed, high-end space where you can focus on strength, mobility, and well-being."

Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on balance, posture, strength and flexibility. The new Rotherham studio offers expert-led classes including Reformer, Mat Pilates and Barre.

Directors of the business are Shannon Cant and Tyler Williams.

A post on social media about the opening states: "More than just a Pilates studio - Opus is your new go-to for movement, mindfulness and modern wellness. From expertly-led classes and genuine connection to wellness shots, cold towels and post-workout drinks - it’s all in the details. Come for the Pilates, stay for the experience."

Rothbiz reported in 2022 that the former mill building had gone up for sale.

Situated close to Rotherham Central Station, the interesting property on Greasbrough Road was called Bridge Mill and has now been renovated and converted into five units - all of which are listed as being let.

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Across town on Grove Road, offices that were planned to be converted into flats have instead been repurposed as art space for ROAR (Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance).

The non profit is dedicated to supporting creative practices and promoting the arts in Rotherham. Studio space is being offered to artists, makers, and creative professionals.

In the Old Town Hall, final preparations are being made for the opening of a new entertainment venue.

Rothbiz reported last month on PokiLee's PokiWorld securing planning permission to enable an expansion into a next door unit.

The Pokémon-themed shop and café is set to open the Evolution Arcade soon.

On the High Street, plans are in place (plaice?) to open a new fish and chip shop in a former barbershop.

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

With Cutthroats moving to nearby Doncaster Gate, a planning application has recently been submitted regarding an extraction system at 21 High Street which explains: "The new proposed use is to be a Chip Shop and as such an extract duct is required to extract heat from the new fryers.

"This proposal will allow the ground floor of the building to be used and will help to bolster the town centre while hopefully bringing more custom to the high street."

The application is from SME Holdings Ltd and Mark McGrail, the businessman that spearheaded the restoration of the nearby George Wright building, creating a boutique hotel in the Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building.

SME Holdings Ltd is also involved with plans for a new spa and a golf-themed bar complete with a simulator setup.

Rothbiz reported in March on the plans helping to bring Rotherham back to life, including The Bunka and The Bath House on Snail Hill.

At Forge Island, the town centre's new landmark leisure destination, Sygnature Dish, a new steak and seafood restaurant is "set to open in late June 2025."

Opus Pilates website
ROAR website
PokiWorld website
The Bunka website
The Bath House website
Sygnature Dish website

Images: Opus Pilates / Google Maps

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News: ICA Group makes acquisition

Align Building Control, a highly renowned inspection company operating across a wide variety of construction sectors, has been sold to the Rotherham-based ICA Group.

Trading since 2012 and based in Heald Green, Greater Manchester, Align’s team of surveyors have established an impressive reputation for their vast knowledge of building regulations and relevant legislation.

The company works across the residential, commercial, healthcare, arts, hospitality, leisure, energy and industrial sectors, and is well known for its collaborative and proactive approach with clients, developers, architects and contractors.

Align now joins Cook Brown in the Building Control Services division of ICA Group, which was rebranded from Hickton Group in January 2025.

Wentworth-based ICA Group is a leading multi-disciplinary provider of site inspection and consultancy services, and has acquired Align to strengthen its shared expertise and expand its presence across England and Wales.

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Michael Clemence, Director and sole shareholder of Align, said: “Really pleased to be joining ICA Group. All of us at Align Building Control look forward to a very exciting future.”

Paul Liptrott, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, advised on the transaction and described an unusual element which needed to be overcome in the search for the ideal buyer. He said: “A lot of interested parties had to ‘park’ the exploration of the deal whilst the industry underwent some changes. They all came back to explore the opportunity simultaneously, and effectively made up for lost time in a short period. This is a rare thing to experience in the sale of a business.”

Ultimately, Paul was delighted that a suitable buyer was found for Align, offering a collaboration that will greatly benefit both companies.

“ICA Group had acquired a business marketed by KBS Corporate previously within this space and explored this opportunity as a way to build upon their existing operations,” added Paul.

“The acquisition allows Mike to work towards his retirement whilst helping to integrate the business within ICA Group.

“Anyone who meets Mike would find themselves fond of him and I personally believe ICA Group offered a great prospect for his exit plans. Obviously this is what we work towards, and this outcome is great to see.

“ICA Group is well established in the industry and this is a win for all involved.”

ICA Group website

Images: ICA Group

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News: Two year delay confirmed for Rotherham regeneration project

A much-needed £12m regeneration project will not be completed until 2028, Rotherham Council papers confirm.

Backed by £11m in Government funding, the 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 high street and pave the way for a new attractive town square, with purpose built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

With the council unable to acquire the properties required to deliver the scheme, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was issued earlier this year which revealed that the authority was talking to the Government about extending the spending on the project from 2026 to 2028.

Now a new update confirms that, in February 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, confirmed the extension of the project’s delivery window from March 2026 to March 2028 "to reflect potential CPO timescales."

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The delay means that Rotherham Council has had to find another £200,000 to support the development and delivery of the project.

A council report explained: "Whilst this extension secures project funding, it is likely that the extended programme length will require additional contingency funds to make allowance for potential cost increases due to factors such as contractor availability and materials inflation, as experienced in delivery of previous capital regeneration projects that have been subject to delay."

The allocation, from the council's Feasibility Fund, follows on from £1m in council funding being allocated to the project in July 2024.

The funding deadline for the grant has been extended by the Government to March 2027, with the additional £1m Council capital allocation then supporting subsequent works to complete the project to the end of its extended delivery window in March 2028.

A CPO is considered as a last resort and the Government grants powers to enable acquiring authorities to compulsorily purchase land to carry out a function which Parliament has decided is in the public interest. They can be long and costly with compensation for landowners to be decided relating to land value, disturbance and loss.

An inquiry for the Dinnington order is scheduled to open on July 1 2025.

Legal papers show that those against the order include the Nixon family (regarding Dinnington Market), Roy Mugglestone, Yvonne Mugglestone and William Carrol (regarding the indoor market) and Cobani Property Limited (regarding 50 Laughton Road).

Images: RMBC / AHR / Google Maps

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News: Former Nuclear AMRC staff move over to AMRC

A new team made up of former staff at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) has been created at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Multimillion pound Rotherham facilities have been retained.

Rothbiz reported last year on Nuclear AMRC staff being told of proposed redundancies with only core research & development activities to be retained by the organisation, also part of the University of Sheffield.

With state of the art facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the £25m Nuclear AMRC is a joint initiative with industry, The University of Sheffield and The University of Manchester's Dalton Nuclear Institute, and is designed to help build and enhance the UK's civil nuclear new build industry.

Based at the AMRC's cluster of research and innovation centres in Rotherham and Sheffield, the new group enhances the AMRC's existing nuclear sector capability and supports its nationally important role in de-risking investment in new technologies that can accelerate and drive manufacturing innovation into the sector.

The group of talented engineers and researchers bring decades of experience with them and build on the research and innovation of the former Nuclear AMRC at its Rotherham facility, which was retained by the University along with more than £35m of production-scale manufacturing equipment to ensure R&D project delivery for the sector continues.

42 members of staff formally transferred into the AMRC to create the new nuclear manufacturing group, following a consultation. The Nuclear AMRC employed over 100 staff.

The team has already had good success in securing new work of scale in recent months in support of the nuclear sector, and is building on existing and ongoing collaborations with the likes of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Sandvik, Cavendish, Nuclear Transport Solutions, EPRI and Deep Isolation.

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The new group is the eighth at the AMRC, which is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult national network or research centres. It adds to the University of Sheffield and AMRC's existing and expanding portfolio of nuclear-related activity, which includes the AMRC's partnership and project work with Rolls-Royce SMR to manufacture and test prototype modules to be assembled into small modular reactors.

Ben Morgan, interim chief executive officer at the AMRC, said: "Nuclear energy is a vital component of the pathway to net zero and effectively harnessed, it can bring high value growth across many parts of the UK. This group will significantly bolster our offering to the sector and help industry to deliver through research and innovation.

"The AMRC and the wider University has a strong track record of providing R&D inputs into the nuclear energy sector on a range of capabilities from new build, to waste, to decommissioning.

"We have been working with Rolls-Royce SMR to de-risk its manufacturing approach which could have a significant UK economic impact as this world-leading technology comes on stream, hopefully in the coming months.

"Our priority looking ahead will be to ensure that the investment in these technologies delivers significant economic benefit for the UK, and in particular regions across the UK."

AMRC website

Images: Google Maps

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