News: Safeguarding lifted on HS2 route through Rotherham

Land in Rotherham outlined for high speed rail is no longer under safeguarding directions, the Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed.

Former owners who sold to the government will be given the opportunity to buy property back, but at the current value.

The announcement comes four and a half years after the scheme to Leeds was scrapped and nine years after property owners first learnt of the plans.

The government announced in 2021 that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg would terminate at East Midlands Parkway and no longer reach Leeds through the communities in the east of Rotherham. A study into how best to take HS2 services to Leeds was announced but never really got underway.

Safeguarding for Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester and West Midlands to Leeds) was set to be ammended in summer 2024 to allow for any safeguarding needed for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Safeguarding is designed to protect land which the government may need to build and operate HS2 from conflicting development that might otherwise take place. Issuing safeguarding directions also triggers statutory blight - starting the process of the government acquiring property in the safeguarded areas.

A latest report to Parliament confirmed that the safeguarding directions for the former HS2 route through Rotherham have finally been lifted.

Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: "I am today formally lifting the safeguarding directions for the former Phase 2b Eastern Leg (between the West Midlands and Leeds), removing the uncertainty that has affected many people along the former route. Safeguarding along the former Phase 2b Western Leg (between Crewe and Manchester) is not being changed as part of this, and an update on future plans for safeguarding on this section will be provided in due course alongside broader plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

"One small area to the south of the existing station in central Leeds, previously required for the new HS2 station, will remain safeguarded to allow for potential enhancements to the existing station, including for onward travel.

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"I have also today closed the Rural Support Zone, Express Purchase, Rent Back, and the Need to Sell property schemes along the former Phase 2b Eastern Leg. Existing applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

"Removing safeguarding along the majority of the former HS2 Phase 2b Eastern Leg means we are now able to initiate a programme to dispose of over 550 properties on the former Eastern Leg that are no longer required. We expect disposals on the open market to begin in 2026. Before then, former owners whose property was acquired under statutory blight will have the opportunity to reacquire their former property at the current market value.

"We will dispose of land and property in a sensible and sensitive way, ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and avoiding disruption to local property markets."

The scrapped route through Rotherham was announced in 2016 and affected areas such as Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

With no station at Meadowhall and just a spur into Sheffield, residents and local politicians believed that the change in route offered "all of the problems but none of the benefits" and had to deal with blight notices and programmes to sell their property to the government before compulsory purchase.

HS2 Ltd website

Images: HS2

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News: Liberty Steel court case adjourned again

A court case that could have led to Liberty's Speciality Steel business going into insolvency has been adjourned again.

A winding-up order was due to be decided this week regarding the company which has operations in Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

An initial hearing in May was adjourned to July, with discussions ongoing to keep the business going - including a potential sale of the business.

Marie Tidball, MP for Stocksbridge confirmed that the case has been adjourned again.

Earlier this year, Liberty pulled a restructuring plan before it could be judged in court as it was apparent that it did not have the backing from creditors.

Liberty signed a new framework agreement in April 2024 with its major creditors that would enable it to consolidate its UK steel businesses "under a new entity with a simpler structure, a strong balance sheet and greater access to third party finance and investment."

In November 2024, Liberty sought approval through the courts for the restructuring which would reduce the company's debts but needs the approval of the majority of creditors.

The UK company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, was hit by the collapse of Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks.

Court documents from February regarding Greensill creditors and Speciality Steel UK Ltd (SSUK) show that the Liberty company has a debt with them of approximately £289m. The debts owed to Greensill creditors in respect of the activities of the GFG Group amount, in broad terms, to some US$4 billion.

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One creditor is Harsco, which operates a large site in Rotherham under its SteelPhalt brand. Court documents show that Harsco issued a winding-up petition against Liberty in 2024 in an effort to recover £4m that it is owed, along with machinery "for which it has not been paid and which it would like back."

The Caseboard website has now added Greensill Capital (UK) Limited (In Administration) to the list of creditors supporting Harsco with its winding-up petition against Liberty.

Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: "I hope all options are on the table to secure our Stocksbridge site, whilst parties reach a conclusion at the next stage of the court case. We cannot see this nationally important asset and its skilled workforce broken up longer term.

"My immediate priority now will be securing pensions for Stocksbridge steelworkers, as local workers have faced 10 months without employer pension contributions. I raised the need for urgent reassurances in respect to pension payments in the House of Commons earlier this week.

"I will be writing urgently to Aviva, The Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Pension Regulator, to ensure all Stocksbridge steelworker pensions are secured.

"I will always continue to fight to protect our site and its jobs, as well as its strategic capability."

In parliament, the MP discussed the uncertainty at Liberty which "means that pension contributions have not been paid to the skilled workforce for 10 months, causing significant worry and anxiety for 600 local steelworkers."

Speaking to The Guardian, a Liberty Steel spokesperson said: "Today’s resolutions and adjournment provides additional time to finalise options for SSUK while continuing our broader debt restructuring efforts.

"We remain committed to identifying a solution that preserves electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking in the UK — a critical national capability supporting strategic supply chains.

"SSUK has been engaged in complex debt restructuring since the collapse of Greensill Capital in 2021, which significantly constrained its access to capital.

"Throughout Liberty’s ownership, the shareholder has consistently supported the business, contributing nearly £200m in loss funding and payroll over the past four years — even during periods when significant portions of the business remained non-operational."

Liberty Steel website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber appoints Matthew Trueman as marketing manager

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Matthew Trueman as Marketing Manager, furthering the Chamber’s commitment to clear communication, member engagement, and strong business representation across South Yorkshire.

Matthew joins the Chamber from Whyy? Change, a long-standing Gold member of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, where he progressed from Marketing Intern to Head of Communications. His time there gave him valuable insight into the Chamber network, regularly attending events, contributing news and updates via the Chamber website, and actively engaging with the wider business community.

This first-hand experience has shaped his understanding of what Chamber members truly value, clear communication, relevant support, and opportunities to raise their profile. It also means he’s well-placed to enhance the Chamber’s marketing and communications strategy in a way that feels meaningful and accessible to local businesses.

In his previous role, Matthew led a wide range of successful campaigns that helped raise the visibility of Whyy? Change across South Yorkshire. His work spanned campaign management, SEO, web design, brand development, event promotion, and award-winning submissions skills he now brings to the Chamber.

With experience from both sides of the Chamber, as a member and now Marketing Manager at the Chamber, Matthew brings a well-rounded, practical perspective that will help ensure communications resonate with the Chamber’s 1,100 members and reflect the needs of the local business community across South Yorkshire.

In 2023, Matthew was named South Yorkshire’s Technology & Digital Apprentice of the Year, recognising his outstanding contributions in his role digital sector. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing and a Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), where he also volunteers as the Vice Chair of Education for CIM Yorkshire supporting future marketing professionals and working with Universities.

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In his new role, Matthew will be responsible for delivering and developing the Chamber’s marketing strategy, including social media management, PR, SEO, event promotion, content creation, and digital engagement. Leading the design of marketing materials and coordinating campaigns across teams to achieve Chamber’s business plan and strategic goals.

Speaking about his appointment, Matthew Trueman (pictured, left) said: “Having worked for a Chamber member myself, I’ve seen first-hand how important the Chamber is and the benefits and opportunities the Chamber creates for local businesses. I’m excited to now be on the other side, working directly with members to make their voices heard, share their news stories, and ensure they feel connected to a supportive business community. I’m looking forward to helping more businesses access the full value of their membership.”

Shane Young, Operations Director at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber (pictured, right), added: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to the team. His marketing experience and understanding of the Chamber’s role from a member’s perspective brings real depth to this position. Matthew’s appointment is part of our commitment to strengthening communications, building stronger relationships, and ensuring members are fully informed and engaged with all the Chamber has to offer.”

Matthew joins at a time when the Chamber is focused on increasing its regional visibility and reinforcing its role as the voice of business across Barnsley, Rotherham, and the wider South Yorkshire business community. Earlier this year the organisation appointed Sally Taylor as the new Membership Manager.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Council continues to collaborate with Chantry to help Save The Alma

Rotherham Council says that it is committed to working with the private sector to help keep a project going that would create a live music venue in Rotherham town centre and help save a historic building.

Rothbiz revealed last month that feasibility issues have arisen with converting the former Alma Tavern into a venue.

With £4.5m of the government's Town Deal funding set aside for a music venue project, the Westgate site is the third building looked at by the authority.

The building is not a listed building (unlike The Cutler's Arms next door, saved and reopened by Chantry Brewery) but is in severe disrepair following a fire and years of abandonment. Councillors were told that an updated cost plan for the project demonstrated "a cost significantly in excess of the funding available."

The issue was recently discussed as the council's cabinet agreed to approve the reallocation of funding from the music venue project to progress plans for a community hub for health provision in the former Boots building in the town centre. The funding would cover estimated costs of £1.7m.

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Simon Moss, Assistant Director, Planning, Regeneration and Transport at Rotherham Council, explained to councillors: "We think a music venue would be beneficial but it has been problematic. We've looked at a number of buildings since the funding came forward a few years ago and there are challenges with bringing back old buildings into use.

"It has been through a few iterations and has been challenging but we still believe it is a valuable thing to push for in the town centre.

"We are looking at The Alma, which is next to The Cutler's, and there is already a music operation there - relatively small, but successful. We are planning to build some housing around that site, so dealing with that issue is something that we think is worthwhile as well, trying to work with the current operator to protect the continuation of music at that venue.

"The proposal is to downsize some of the proposals at that site. When we've worked through the design process, we don't think it is affordable, so we are looking at still keeping some funding allocated to that project but more around remediating the site, protecting what's there, but actually looking at what we can do to bring forward a music venue through other delivery means."

It is expected that support from the private sector is required if the project is to be realised. The initial ideas involved an L-shaped new building on land behind, and to the side of The Alma, creating a venue with a capacity of 500 - 600 and the main entrance in the vacant pub,

Moss added: "There are challenges that the public sector faces in delivering end-to-end regeneration solutions - we need that confidence and consideration of risk with funds. And the private sector, of course, can sometimes play a different type of role in bringing things forward."

In 2023 Rotherham Council acquired all land and properties owned by Satnam Urban Regeneration Ltd in the Sheffield Road area which included the 200 space Westgate Car Park and the two pubs.

Lorna Vertigan, head of regeneration at RiDO, said: "It's a complex building [The Alma}. It's not in a good condition and what we are trying to bring is also quite a complex build in terms of its power supply and its M&E [mechanical and electrical] requirements etc. and we were just finding that costs at each stage of development were going up and up and up and it just felt like it had come to a point really where "the public sector can't do this on their own" they need private interventions and that is something that we are going to need more and more over time. The nature of the provision also leans it more towards the private sector.

"It is really important to point out that we are still really committed to it [a live music venue] and really do want to support something. They are our buildings so if nothing else, we have got a duty to do something in there. In the next phase, we will still have money allocated to it and we are looking at what remedial works we can bring forward to help the private sector and what a private sector "acquisition / disposal / I don't know yet." might look like.

"We are certainly not turning our back on it but I think we have to draw a line at some point."

The 1907 rebuilding of The Cutler's was part of a general rebuilding in Westgate to provide a broader highway into the town to relieve traffic congestion. The Alma was rebuilt in 1909 and is noteworthy for the use of architectural lettering and the reference to Bentleys Rotherham Ales on the facade.

Chantry Brewery was established in Parkgate in 2012 and reopened The Cutler's in 2014 following a restoration, inside and out. Live music has been a constant at the venue with a temporary outdoor marquee almost always at the rear.

Vertigan described Chantry as "a great asset to the town centre" and added: "We have worked really closely with Chantry Brewery over this last six months to a year or so and I think that one of the primary drivers is, I think, to make sure that they are sustainable in the long term.

"It is a successful and very popular venue so we are thinking of them more as the operator. The original plans that we looked at for The Alma surrounded the back and incorporated both properties. We are still talking to them about what they might like to do.

"I know it is a bit of a dream for them to have The Alma as well and we still want to really help support them."

Chantry Brewery website

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: Local links on show as RHS comes to Wentworth Woodhouse

The prestigious RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show opens this week in Rotherham and there are plenty of local links for the thousands of visitors to seek out.

Taking place between July 16 - 20 2025 in the grounds of the Grade-I listed mansion in Rotherham, the show is part of changes made by the RHS to its world-class shows that celebrate the best of UK horticulture, design and talent, which sees them taken to new locations around the country.

Local lad, Lee Bestall, will be showcasing his skills as a garden designer with "Hazelwood Barn."

Lee, who grew up in Aston and is a previous Winner of Grand Designs "Garden Designer of The Year," thanked his team on the eve of the show. He said: "As a designer, you come up with this idea but it's how you execute it and make it into a garden - I'm honoured to work with a group of people who want to work behind the scenes to make my dream come true.

"I feel this garden is a part of me, and when you put a part of you out there to be judged and criticized by judges and members of the public, it's a real difficult thing to do."

The hard work has paid off with Hazelwood Barn – Reimagined by Bestall & Co, earning a gold medal from the RHS judges. The success follows on from three medals at the world famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Built almost entirely from reclaimed and recycled materials, Lee said that it was "not cobbled together like some sort of rustic scrapyard" but instead showcases how how a small space can be transformed into a sustainable and beautiful garden that doesn’t cost the earth, by using some basic design principles, reclaimed materials and some locally made products.

A father-and-son team from Rotherham-based CGM Landscapes (Yorkshire) Ltd. have reached an exciting milestone after being selected to construct the Garden Whispers show garden for the RHS show.

This prestigious opportunity sees CGM Landscapes appointed as the UK contractor for the internationally acclaimed design duo, Hyeyoung Choi and Yungil Choi from Korea. Known for their poetic and artistic approach to landscape architecture, the Chois picked Thorpe Hesley-based CGM to bring their vision to life on Yorkshire soil — marking the company’s debut at an RHS event.

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The Garden Whispers design — sponsored by Hyundai Engineering & Construction — combines natural shapes with modern garden design. Featuring elegant white sculptural poles, curved concrete platforms, and beautifully arranged planting, the garden invites visitors into a tranquil space of movement, stillness, and reflection. After the show, the garden will be relocated to a housing development in Seoul, Korea.

Lee and Lewis Nuttall, the father-and-son duo behind CGM Landscapes, have worked alongside a Korean team to construct the garden on the South Terrace of Wentworth Woodhouse. “To be chosen to build such an ambitious and beautiful garden at a show of this calibre—and right here in our home region—is a real honour,” said Lewis Nuttall.

The company added that the collaboration places CGM Landscapes firmly on the international stage, shining a spotlight on local craftsmanship at one of the most anticipated new RHS shows in the UK calendar.

Garden Whispers has been awarded a silver-gilt medal by RHS judges.

The Greenfingers Charity will also be making its debut at the show where it will present the deeply meaningful "Together Garden" before relocating it to become a permanent fixture at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, also in Rotherham.

Visitors will be invited to see the garden in full bloom, experiencing its immersive, serene planting and thoughtful layout, all designed to inspire reflection, connection and comfort. After the show it will be reimagined as a permanent garden outside one of the hospice’s bereavement bedrooms and a peaceful space for families to make memories and find moments of solace.

Together Garden was created by Phil Hirst and Joanne Charlton to a unique design brief: to create a space not for children, but specifically for bereaved parents and loved ones.

The garden has also been awarded a silver-gilt medal by RHS judges.

Also on display will be the new centuries-old walled garden at the Grade-I listed mansion that has been transformed into a sensory rose garden in memory of Margeret Vickers - a remarkable Rotherham woman whose passion was gardening.

The rose garden features over 170 David Austin roses, 50% of which were donated by the company as part of its Planting Partnership scheme.

Sheffield’s heritage blacksmiths Ridgeway Forge restored the garden’s rusting railings and. Grantham-based Heritage Masonry Contracts Ltd repaired the walls and other brickwork. The rest of the work was tackled by the Trust’s gardeners and volunteers.

Wentworth Woodhouse website
CGM Landscapes (Yorkshire) Ltd website
Bluebell Wood website

Images: RHS

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