Friday, December 5, 2025

News: How the new Rotherham markets might look when complete

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As progress continues on the construction of the new £40m markets and library development in Rotherham town centre, the architect has given a hint at what it might look like inside.

Lead contractors on behalf of Rotherham Council, Henry Boot Construction, began enabling works on the Drummond Street site in 2023. The redevelopment of the markets is divided into two areas, an outdoor covered market, which is being rebuilt, and an adjacent indoor market, which is being revamped.

The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor. The outdoor market was initially expected to become a flexible space which can be used for exhibitions and events when required. The second floor will host contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

The library is set to include a high-quality children’s area with fun spaces for reading and storytelling, and a dedicated IT area and business development facility. The second floor will contain meeting facilities and a Maker Space for learning and exploring using the latest technology.

Once work is completed on the outdoor market and library, work will commence on the refurbishment of the indoor market.

With nearly 500 tonnes of steel already installed and the basement steelwork complete, the new covered market and library are on track to open in spring 2026, with full redevelopment due in early 2027.

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Niemen Blume Architects were appointed as the architect and lead designer last year to lead the Stage 4 and 5 design process and oversee the redesign of key project elements in partnership with contractor, Henry Boot Construction, and Adept Consulting Engineers.

Scott Lunn, Director and Project Lead at Niemen Architects, said on appointment: “It’s incredibly exciting to be part of the Rotherham Markets and Library project, especially as Rotherham is my hometown. I have fond memories of visiting the Markets as a child, and it’s a privilege to play a key role in the revitalisation of such a prominent and recognised location.”

Niemen explained that one of the key design elements of the project is converting the existing outdoor covered market to become a fully enclosed market hall with flexible trading spaces alongside fixed market stalls.

Inside visitors can expect a comprehensive refurbishment of existing indoor retail spaces and the integration of a new dining level providing a mix of social spaces within the retail environment.

The project, second only in the town centre to Forge Island in terms of investment, also comes with a public realm element with the creation of flexible external public spaces capable of hosting diverse community events and exhibitions.

Niemen Blume Architects website

Images: Niemen Blume

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News: Work Christmas party ideas in Rotherham

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Are you yet to book your Christmas party? The helpful elves at our sister site, Visit Rotherham have some festive inspiration!

All-inclusive gigs in a brewery
There's a phrase about organising something in brewery, and in Rotherham you can! Inside Chantry Brewery's Parkgate site is their own Tap Bar complete with stage and live music set up. December is a busy time with Christmas parties and tribute acts galore. You can also purchase all inclusive tickets which include Chantry's excellent draught beers, mixers and pizza!
Chantry Brewery website

Jingle Bell Ball
A newcomer this year is the Empire in Rotherham town centre - an iconic venue restored just in time for Christmas. Their festive season starts with a day rave on December 6 before soul singer Andy Abrahams joins a motown afternoon on December 13. A Jingle Bell Ball on December 19 ("Mad Friday") is hosted by The Flippants - A local four-piece band playing classic & modern country, rock and upbeat folk.
Empire Rotherham website

Eat, Bump, Groove
The all-inclusive party nights at Magna tick every box. You might be late to the party though (bookings opened in April!) as the popular events start on December 5 with the venue stating that there are only limited tables available for the remaining dates. Held in the Big Hall, the night includes a three course meal with all-inclusive drinks packages. A DJ plays those Christmas classics and dancefloor hits until midnight whilst brave partygoers can try the legendary dodgems and high-roller fairground rides!
Magna website

The Wharncliffe
If you are looking for somewhere central for a Christmas meal, then try The Wharncliffe. With an excellent reputation and decent prices, the restaurant is unique to Rotherham, as everything is cooked and served by students at Rotherham College, under the guidance of its hospitality tutors and experts. Christmas menus are available between December 3 and 18 with lunches served on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and Christmas dinners on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

The Wharncliffe website

Jingle Bingo
In addition to Christmas parties, the AESSEAL New York Stadium, home of Rotherham United, is hosting two nights (December 5 & 19) of laughter, holiday cheer and thrilling bingo games with fantastic festive prizes up for grabs! Whether you're a seasoned player or a first-time dabbler, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends, fun and a little friendly competition.
AESSEAL New York Stadium website

A competitive Christmas
Who is the best driver in your office or factory? Avago Karting on Swinton Bridge Industrial Estate is the ideal venue for your Christmas party if you want to find out! From 8 to 36 drivers, the indoor track delivers adrenaline-fuelled excitement for all skill levels. With dedicated party spaces you can enjoy drinks from the bar and a choice of pie and peas or freshly baked Italian style pizzas.
Avago Karting website

Check out Visit Rotherham's events page for all the things to do this Christmas in Rotherham.

Images: Chantry / Empire Theatre / Magna / Stephen Olmo / UnSplash / Avago karting

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Thursday, December 4, 2025

News: Chocoberry sets date for Rotherham opening

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Chocoberry, one of the UK’s leading handcrafted luxury dessert cafés, has announced that its new dessert café in Rotherham will open later this month.

Rothbiz reported first on work getting underway in July to convert a former Chinese restaurant on Barbot Hall Industrial Estate.

Founded in Leicester in 2018, Chocoberry is known across the UK for its extravagant and unique desserts – from knafeh ‘Dubai Chocolate’ strawberries to tiramisu French toast – and innovative all-day brunch menu.

The Chocoberry menu also includes indulgent desserts such as various cakes and cheesecakes, kanafeh, cookie dough, crepes, waffles, macarons, churros, sundaes, hot drinks, milkshakes and mocktails.

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Quality is at the centre of Chocoberry’s offer. The brand only ever uses the finest ingredients, including premium Belgian chocolate and small-batch, speciality roasted coffee. Meanwhile, its baked goods use its own-developed recipes and are baked in-house at the Chocoberry Bakery, creating a truly unique customer experience.

Operators say that the new café in Rotherham will offer a "relaxing and highly aesthetic environment for customers to relax with friends or family. Its menu can also be ordered for takeaway or via local delivery partners, offering the perfect afternoon or evening indulgence."

The national brand, which is one of Deliveroo’s most ordered, will begin serving its extravagant desserts to customers on Friday December 19, with plans for a celebratory opening party with special offers and giveaways.

Ameer Nurmahomed, UK General Manager at Chocoberry, said: “When our doors open later this month, dessert lovers are in for a real treat. Our combination of delicious baked goods, speciality coffee, and extravagant and viral desserts will create a new go-to destination for unique dessert experiences and is unlike anything already in Rotherham. We look forward to introducing consumers to the brand and playing our part within the local community.”

At Rother Court on Mangham Road, the new location has most recently been home to Lin Palace. It was previously Lihoma and Papa Luigi's.

Chocoberry website

Images: Chocoberry

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News: The Food Warehouse confirmed for Parkgate

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Owners of Parkgate Shopping have confirmed that The Food Warehouse will be opening at the popular Rotherham retail destination.

Long term tenants have also committed to new leases.

Rothbiz reported last month that following TUI's relocation, The Food Warehouse was eyeing up the former TUI unit next to Morrisons.

The Food Warehouse is part of the Iceland Foods Group and is revolutionising the way that people shop in stores. It takes the same product lines as Iceland and extends them in a warehouse space, giving customers the ability to buy in bulk and take advantage of the savings.

The 12,500 sq ft store is a newly reconfigured store space that will be worked on over the coming months ahead of the store’s opening in 2026.

The news is paired with a series of recommitments from favourites including Asda Living, Boots and River Island, highlighting the confidence big retail brands have in the park.

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Mark Kanaris-Sotiriou, Senior Operations Manager at Parkgate, said: “We are so excited to be able to share the news that The Food Warehouse has signed to open up at Parkgate in 2026. Parkgate has become a true one-stop shop for our customers, offering a wide range of restaurants, big-name national and international brands, fitness facilities, and the convenience of getting everything in one place. The Parkgate experience has only been improved by the recent opening of the link road and the free-to-use park and ride on our doorstep. We’re looking forward to seeing our shoppers exploring the new store when it opens and we hope to confirm timings and share other exciting updates soon.”

mydentist is also joining the line-up, taking the former Superdrug unit. mydentist, the UK’s leading provider of affordable dental care, will be opening a brand-new facility at Parkgate and has been recognised as a CoStar Awards Quarterly Deals winner for top leasing deal in Yorkshire & Humberside.

Kanaris-Sotiriou, added: “It’s an incredibly exciting time here at Parkgate, as we prepare to welcome our very first dentist to the shopping park, further cementing our reputation as the go-to destination for our customers’ needs. Whether it’s fashion, groceries, fitness, or now dental care, Parkgate truly offers something for everyone. We’re also thrilled to be welcoming Iceland’s The Food Warehouse which we’re confident will be a favourite amongst our shoppers, giving them the chance to stock up on all their favourite products for less.”

The Food Warehouse website
mydentist website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Iceland / Parkgate Shopping

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Wednesday, December 3, 2025

News: Up to 800 houses planned for Rotherham greenbelt site

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Another planning application is being prepared for new housing on greenbelt land in Rotherham - this time in Dinnington and the largest single development yet for so-called "safeguarded land."

Rothbiz has reported on a number of proposed developments in Rotherham this year that are for sites in the local plan that were designated as "safeguarded land" rather than sites designated for housing. The 2018 plan set out that they 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.

Now Vistry Group, the company that builds more UK homes than anyone else, has engaged with agents to begin planning enquiries with Rotherham Council on a large parcel of farm land near Dinnington.

Savills listed a 26.71 hectare site at Oldcotes Road, Throapham for sale as development land. Historically in arable use, it is next to a smaller residential development site to the west which is owned by Harron Homes and is under development.

Early stage plans from Vistry East Yorkshire have been drafted to explore the prospects of residential development at the site for up to 800 dwellings.

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Plans, drawn up by agents, Savills, state: "The proposed development is for up to 800 dwellings across a mix of sizes and tenures in accordance with affordable housing and the most up-to-date housing mix information.

"The Site can be accessed via Oldcotes Road and Leys Lane, with the indicative proposals having a access from both roads.

"The Site is wholly in Flood Zone 1. There is an area in the centre of the Site which is at high risk of surface water flooding, albeit no development is proposed within this area."

Plans add that detailed drainage designs are being prepared, with indicative proposals showing an attenuation basin on the eastern side of the centre of the site.

Funding could also be provided to improve Lodge Lane and Leys Lane crossroads.

The local plan designated Dinnington East as a Broad Location of Growth and agents argue that the housing requirement for the borough has not been met. This site, SLS13 in the local plan, was identified for 759 dwellings in the longer term.

A public consultation and an outline planning application are expected.

Vistry website

Images: Savills

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