News: Demolition plans in to save the Alma

A planning application has been submitted as part of efforts to save what remains of a fire-damaged historic pub building in Rotherham.

Rothbiz revealed last year that feasibility issues have arisen with converting the former Alma Tavern into a live music 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."

Funding was moved away from the project to progress plans for a community hub for health provision in the former Boots building in the town centre, but Rotherham Council, the owners of the Alma, said that it was still committed to finding a sustainable plan for the pub that was wrecked by fire in 2012.

A new planning application from Rotherham Council explains that a recent structural report "identified a need to support the original facades in order to retain them for a future reinstatement scheme."

The planning authority is being asked if the remaining structures to the rear can be removed so that scaffolding can be erected to support the frontage. The application also includes repair works to the front elevation and original gable walls to secure and preserve the historic facades.

Permission is required as it is located in the town centre's conservation area.

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A 2021 application, from the then owners, to demolish the building and retain the front facade to the first storey window height was refused as it didn't provide any supporting information. The council's application includes a structural report and a heritage statement.

Rotherham Council said last year that it was working with Chantry Brewery, the tenants and operators of the Cutlers, who wished to take on the Alma.

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.

Rotherham Council said in the application that "due to the unsafe condition of the building ... we are looking to undertake the partial demolition of the building in advance of any viability assessment and redevelopment scheme in order to protect the historic assets of the building and ensure public safety to the immediate areas surrounding the building."

The public house closed in 2005/6 and although not listed, it is on the South Yorkshire Local Heritage List. 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.

The plans state: "The timber roof and floor structures throughout the property are unsafe due to wood decay from wet and dry rot, and the previous fire damage sustained. This in turn compromises the restraint offered to the masonry walls and leaves the walls vulnerable to further collapse if left unsupported.

"Whilst a redevelopment scheme for the site remains a focus for the Council, the main priority is in ensuring the safety to the public realm and adjacent properties, whilst retaining the Edwardian facades to make sure this is not in the detriment to the character of the town centre conservation area.

"With the above in mind our intention is to demolish and remove the remaining structures to the rear of the building, including all brick extensions, timber roof and floor structures. We would then look to implement retaining scaffolds to the full front façade and gables of the original building, making isolated repairs to the lintels and masonry of these facades to ensure they are fully supported and maintained before any redevelopment can take place."

Satnam, the site's previous owner, had hoped to demolish both pubs to build a large retail store on the riverside site. In 2005, Rotherham Council refused the plans with one reason for refusal being that the pubs "make a contribution to the streetscene and add to the character of the setting of the listed building."

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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

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News: Food court and music venue plan for former Rotherham cinema

The spotlight is on a former cinema in Rotherham town centre which could be converted into a music venue and food court under a proposed multimillion pound regeneration scheme.

Rothbiz revealed last year that a number of historic buildings were being assessed for their suitability by proponents after a scheme to repurpose the former Guest & Chrimes foundry as an National / International music venue fell flat, despite £4.5m of government funding being on the table, when the council was unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club.

With the Cutlers Arms and Alma Tavern under Rotherham Council ownership, the option to redevelop the site further had been looked at.

However, new documents show that the frontrunner for the project is the former cinema known as the Essoldo building and Essoldo Chambers.

Bought for £1.9m in 2006, the building on Ship Hill / High Street was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub and its facade, windows and other external features were refurbished as part of the council-led Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The nightclub last sold for £500,000 in 2015.

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A public private partnership between the council and building owner was looked at to progress the project, however, surveys and assessments showed that costs came in over budget.

Now with "pathfinder status" from the government and more freedom and flexibility over how Town Deal and other regeneration cash is spent, the council is now searching for leisure operators for the building.

Early plans show how the 14,950 sq ft building could be converted.

Letting documents explain that the project is supported by RiDO (the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council) where the proposal for "The New Empire Building" is to create "a music venue/bar/food court/co-working development with units of varying sizes."

A large food vendor / food court area is shown on the ground floor, alongside a large bar area that would also extend into the basement.

Two units are shown, a larger one on the first floor and a smaller one on the ground floor by the main entrance.

Part of the building is currently operating as The Amber Lounge, a contemporary cocktail / champagne bar. It went by many names as a nightclub including New York, New York, Beach, Blu Bambu, Synergy, Pop and Hub.

Expressions of interest are sought from occupiers for part or all of the units available. The Freehold may possibly be available.

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News: Heritage buildings lined up for live music venue in Rotherham town centre

A number of historic buildings in Rotherham town centre are being assessed for their suitability as a new live music venue.

Rothbiz reported that despite £4.5m being set aside for a scheme to repurpose the former Guest & Chrimes foundry as an National / International music venue, the council was unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club.

The project team had carried out work for a year to develop a business case which was submitted to the Government last August. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has given the green light for the money for the Guest & Chrimes project to be moved to another site as potential operators are still interested in the town.

The first alternative option to be looked at was the former cinema known as the Essoldo building.

Bought for £1.9m in 2006, the building on Ship Hill / High Street was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub and its facade, windows and other external features were refurbished as part of the council-led Townscape Heritage Initiative.

A public private partnership between the council and building owner has been looked at to progress the project, however, surveys and assessments have been carried out and costs have come in over budget.

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On the Essoldo Building, council minutes show that: "The operator is still interested but not sure if it is the right building and is considering if this is the appropriate location."

The next heritage site to be looked at is the Cutlers Arms and Alma Tavern, which are now owned by Rotherham Council.

The Westgate / Sheffield Road area is key for the authority's aim of building more residential properties in the town centre as it acquired all land and properties in the location owned by Satnam Urban Regeneration Ltd. This includes the 200 space Westgate Car Park and the two pubs including the derelict Alma Tavern, which has been under the threat of demolition.

Simon Moss, Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport at Rotherham Council, said: "The Cutlers is a listed building, with the Alma frontage having the same theme. There is still an option to work with both and pull together a similar scheme. This could be a pragmatic solution, bring the music inside and sound proof the venue, it is a scheme that is possible."

More empty properties in town are being looked at by the council and its partners.

One building not yet mentioned as a live music venue is the former bingo hall on Corporation Street (another former cinema) which is also under council ownership. Rothbiz revealed that, when the authority applied to knock down the former Wilkos next door, the site had been earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

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News: Rotherham pub joins in with chorus to save our venues

A popular Rotherham pub and live music venue is trying to remain positive but is warning that it faces closure due to the implications caused by Coronavirus.

The Cutler's Arms, one of Rotherham town centre's historic pubs, has joined a national campaign to prevent the closure of hundreds of independent music venues.

The venue is operated by Rotherham's own award-winning Chantry Brewery and is popular with real ale fans and fans of live music.

The pub has been open for five years and survived a fire last year that staff said could have destroyed the Grade 2 listed building. It will be exempt from paying business rates in 2020/21 but is now also joining a national initiative launched by Music Venue Trust in response to the continued economic threat to over 500 Grassroots music venues throughout the UK.

The charity trust has already raised over £182,000 thanks to significant donations from Amazon Music, SJM, a number of high-profile artists and music fans throughout the UK. It has now re-named its fund to the #saveourvenues fund and will form part of a wider initiative that will see artists raising money for individual venues with whom they have a personal connection.

Music fans are encouraged to show their support by engaging with the #saveourvenues shows and donating to their local venue's crowd funding pages but can also choose to donate directly to the main #saveourvenues fund via the campaign website.

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Mark Davyd, CEO, Music Venue Trust, said: "We have received some magnificent support so far from music companies, but we need a lot more to step up and help save this essential part of the music eco-system. We cannot stress enough how critical it is that the music industry supports the #saveourvenues campaign as without them over 500 of the UK’s Grassroots Music Venues could go out of business, never to return, in the coming months."

The Cutler's Arms said on its fundraising page: "Our venue faces closure due to the implications caused by coronavirus. We still face ongoing bills and we've promised all of our staff 100% pay for as long as we can, this will all help us to ensure we can survive this hardship and keep all our staff in jobs. We are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we come back with a bang whenever that may be. We're trying to remain positive and hope that with all your support we can make the comeback we dream of.

"Your donations will be used to ensure that the Cutlers' will be back bigger and better than ever! We can't wait to see our Cutlers' family again..

"If we hit our target [£15,000], and we can prevent the closure of our venue, everything above the amount we need will be donated to the Music Venue Trust GMV Crisis Fund to protect other venues just like ours, right across the country.

The Cutler's Arms crowdfunder page is here.

Music venues trust website

Images: Cutler's Arms / Facebook

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News: Rotherham pub to reopen after fire

The Cutler's Arms, one of Rotherham town centre's historic pubs, is planning to reopen this Friday after suffering a fire that staff say could have destroyed the building.

The Grade 2 listed buildings on Westgate is one of the few surviving Edwardian buildings in the town centre. There was a previous Cutler's Arms on the site before the current building, the first appearing in a directory of 1825.

Operated by Rotherham's own award-winning Chantry Brewery, the Cutler's has been open for five years and is popular with real ale fans and fans of live music.

A small fire in the cellar meant that the venue had to close over last weekend but staff have worked tirelessly to get the pub back open for this weekend.

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A post on the pub's Facebook page reads: "Five years since we opened and the unimaginable happened... We had a small fire that caused considerable damage BUT fate was on our side, we could have lost the Cutlers forever if the cellar wasn't over a 100 years old, there wasn't any timber for the fire to spread up, it was caught early and luckily the fire had burnt a water pipe so it acted like a sprinkler... Frank our resident Cutlers ghost was definitely helping us out!

"But now we need YOU more than ever, to support us, all the fantastic bands, our staff and Rotherhams only brewery to recover from this devastation. We have slogged and grafted to re-open as soon as possible, we've rinsed, washed, scrubbed, mopped and thrown so much away but we're still here, still positive and we still have that Cutlers fire in our belly that us Yorkshire folk have."

The 1907 rebuilding was part of a general rebuilding in Westgate to provide a broader highway into the town to relieve traffic congestion. The Cutler's sits alongside the derelict Alma Tavern which remains unused having suffered fire damage over the years.

Good news for the Cutler's came in the form of a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor which honours hospitality businesses that deliver consistently great service across the world.

In addition, the Rotherham venue made it in to the final 30 in Welcome to Yorkshire's search for Yorkshire's Favourite Pub 2019.

Cutler's Arms website

Images: Cutler's Arms / Facebook

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News: Rotherham pub is welcomed with open arms

The Cutler's Arms, one of Rotherham town centre's historic pubs, has been given a new lease of life, thanks to the directors of Rotherham's Chantry Brewery.

Chantry Brewery opened in 2012 after significant investment in the latest brewing technology installed at its Parkgate facility. The first beers were officially launched at the New York Beer Festival at Rotherham United's New York Stadium and award-winning ales include New York Pale, Iron & Steel Bitter, Diamond Black Stout and Mighty Millers, brewed to celebrate the football team's promotion last season.

Directors, Sean Page and Mick Warburton, have set up a new company to take on operating a real ale pub which follows on from their acquisition of an empty pub, also on Westgate, last year which they gave a new lease of life as The New York Tavern. The pub has recently been named as the Winter pub of the season by the Rotherham branch of CAMRA.

The openings come as the latest CGA-CAMRA Pub Tracker, which covers the period of April - December 2013, shows that the number of net pub closures in the UK has risen from 26 to 28 per week.

The Grade 2 listed Cutlers Arms on Westgate is one of the few surviving Edwardian buildings in the town centre. There was a previous Cutler's Arms on the site before the current building, the first appearing in a directory of 1825. The pub was rebuilt in 1866, when it became a Stones tied house. The 1907 rebuilding was part of a general rebuilding in Westgate to provide a broader highway into the town to relieve traffic congestion.

The building, which was recently listed as an asset of community value, has been restored inside and out. The new owners have kept the very traditional public house model - with the bar serving beers, by means of hand pumps, in three rooms. Traditional furniture, in keeping with the age and traditional nature of the premises, has been sourced, and elements such as a stained glass window and etched glass windows damaged after the pub closed last year have been replaced to their original specification.

Sean Page, director of Chantry Brewery, said: "We are providing an offer that is significantly different to that currently available in the Town Centre and that would be a destination venue for real ale enthusiasts from outside Rotherham.

"The five core beers at the Cutlers will be sourced from our Chantry Brewery and will be typically be supplemented by a further five guest beers. We only use the finest ingredients available, including Yorkshire Malt to produce our range of premium beers."

Bernadette Rushton of the Council's Town Centre Retail Investment Team, added: "We, and colleagues in other departments, have been happy to advise and support Sean and his fellow directors in bringing this project forward. It is great news that Chantry Brewery have decided to reinvigorate the Cutlers Arms, not only in terms of increasing the options for the town centre's night-time economy, but also by bringing a historic empty unit back into use on Westgate; one of the main routes for visitors into the town centre retail area."

Chantry Brewery website

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