News: Delayed Rotherham library set to open in 2027
A scheduled opening of the multimillion pound new library in Rotherham town centre in 2026 has been shelved, the leader of the council confirms.
With the first phase of the regeneration project now open, the cost of completing a long-awaited revamp of the markets in Rotherham town centre has risen to £46.84m.
The redevelopment of the Drummond Street site also includes a modern central library, a new community hub, improved public spaces, and links to the town centre and college.
The New Market Hall opened for business in July and council reports from earlier in the year had the library down as the next part of the scheme to complete - in "Autumn 2026."
Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council gave an update on the construction of the library. He told a recent full council meeting: "That work is ongoing and we expect it to open in the first quarter of next year. It will be a great asset."
Henry Boot (HBC) began works at the end of 2023 and have since made progress on the construction which had a total contract price of £36m. Construction costs were reported as £41.735m earlier this year.
The authority had hoped for a new library in December 2025, then autumn 2026, but the completion of the whole project was pushed back to 2027.
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The library is designed to be a welcoming cultural, leisure, and learning hub at the heart of the town centre.
In addition to books and resources, the modern facility is set to incorporate several key features including community hubs with a family-friendly café, alongside flexible, multi-purpose event and exhibition spaces. For learning and engagement, the design includes dedicated meeting rooms to support educational programmes, workshops, and diverse community activities.
Rothbiz reported in April on the Council's cabinet approving further funding, including using various council pots to fill a funding gap following an increase in the total budget of the redevelopment from £40.894m to £46.844m. The request for another £5.95m was a year after the council secured a further £6.5m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to cover previous budget increases.
The council report highlighted a number of challenges including the increase in demolition costs, inflationary increases linked to delays with extended periods of clarifications and amendments, and "an overestimation of project readiness" when the contract was awarded.
A wide ranging review of how council-led projects are managed is being led by the Council's chief executive.
Consultants at Wakefield-based Solace in Business have also been appointed on a £120,000 contract to carry out an independent investigation into the Libraries and Markets project.
Traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the revamp of the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When work began, outdoor market traders moved on to the street market temporarily with space in the new market hall earmarked for their return next year.
Images: Tom Austen
With the first phase of the regeneration project now open, the cost of completing a long-awaited revamp of the markets in Rotherham town centre has risen to £46.84m.
The redevelopment of the Drummond Street site also includes a modern central library, a new community hub, improved public spaces, and links to the town centre and college.
The New Market Hall opened for business in July and council reports from earlier in the year had the library down as the next part of the scheme to complete - in "Autumn 2026."
Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council gave an update on the construction of the library. He told a recent full council meeting: "That work is ongoing and we expect it to open in the first quarter of next year. It will be a great asset."
Henry Boot (HBC) began works at the end of 2023 and have since made progress on the construction which had a total contract price of £36m. Construction costs were reported as £41.735m earlier this year.
The authority had hoped for a new library in December 2025, then autumn 2026, but the completion of the whole project was pushed back to 2027.
Advertisement
The library is designed to be a welcoming cultural, leisure, and learning hub at the heart of the town centre.
In addition to books and resources, the modern facility is set to incorporate several key features including community hubs with a family-friendly café, alongside flexible, multi-purpose event and exhibition spaces. For learning and engagement, the design includes dedicated meeting rooms to support educational programmes, workshops, and diverse community activities.
Rothbiz reported in April on the Council's cabinet approving further funding, including using various council pots to fill a funding gap following an increase in the total budget of the redevelopment from £40.894m to £46.844m. The request for another £5.95m was a year after the council secured a further £6.5m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to cover previous budget increases.
The council report highlighted a number of challenges including the increase in demolition costs, inflationary increases linked to delays with extended periods of clarifications and amendments, and "an overestimation of project readiness" when the contract was awarded.
A wide ranging review of how council-led projects are managed is being led by the Council's chief executive.
Consultants at Wakefield-based Solace in Business have also been appointed on a £120,000 contract to carry out an independent investigation into the Libraries and Markets project.
Traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the revamp of the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When work began, outdoor market traders moved on to the street market temporarily with space in the new market hall earmarked for their return next year.
Images: Tom Austen
5 comments:
Used to. Love a relaxing quiet beer in the old library backing 80s, I see this isnt going to incorporate a bar, even though it as a event space, still suppose we have to keep the minority happy.
It's not about the minority in this case. Look at the fiscal responsibility of the council on yet anothet project? Will there be any accountability for the mistakes? Rather than just saying we will learn from it - and lie again. You think they could run a bar if they can't run a project? Plenty of bars nearby that need your money to survive, rather than another council white elephant.
If you're someone who wants to drink in a Library I think you'll find you're the minority.
The whole thing has been a disaster so far, in particular for the market traders. Footfall is as bad if not worse than in the old market as people are either too frail or bone idle to to walk up the hill or too scared to use a lift. Some stalls have closed already and more have handed their notice in.
Surprised the Library was open early enough for him
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