News: Council refines Rotherham shop front grant scheme

Priority areas across the borough have been the target in the latest round of shop front grants from Rotherham Council.

46 businesses successfully secured funding to make improvements to the premises through the initial scheme.

£270,000 was utilised from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and a decision was made in December 2025 to allocate a further £117,643 to the project from the same pot to meet demand.

The scheme has been given a further funding boost. Rothbiz reported in May that £666,655 (£110,000 revenue and £556,655 capital) had been set aside for Shop Unit Grants from the council's Local Growth Fund allocation.

The latest round of funding has two aspects to enhance the exterior of business premises in eligible High Street locations - one for existing businesses and one to help bring empty units back into use.

Existing businesses have been applying for up to £10,000 for their projects, with them funding anything above this level. This can be for things like exterior re-painting, new windows, doors and shop frontage, improved access and new signage.

A council report explained that "some funding is available to bring empty units back into use, with funding available to support projects up to £20,000. The first £10,000 of the project is 100% funded. Anything up to £20,000 after that is 50% match funded, meaning there is a maximum grant of £15,000 available.

"The Scheme will seek to revitalise local high streets across the borough, through bringing empty units back into use and improving the exteriors of existing buildings. Funding to the internal fabric of building can also be supported in certain cases."

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Priority sites are: Rotherham town centre; Parkgate / Rawmarsh (From the bottom of Rawmarsh Hill and not the retail parks); Dinnington; Maltby; Swinton; Thurcroft; Wath; and Dalton.

Rotherham Council said that applications outside of these areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis but priority will be given the areas.

Empty Shops will have priority, then external works, then internal works to the fabric of the building.

Businesses within eligible locations were previously able to apply for up to £25,000 in grant funding to improve the exterior location of their properties.

A council report on the first year of the scheme states: "Over the course of the scheme, 46 businesses successfully secured funding to make improvements to the premises. Improvements included complete paint refresh of exterior of premises, new windows and shop frontages, improved accessibility for premises, new signage, new lighting to improve visibility, especially at night, new awning, new doors, new carpets internally and some internal refreshment.

"All works were carried out by legitimate local suppliers, who worked with the clients to supply quotes, carry out the work and then invoice for payment to be made.

"Feedback from clients that have undertaken the process has been positive with many stating that the projects would not have been undertaken without the grant funding.

"Not only has the exterior work made the premises look better, new doors, windows and shop frontages have helped to make premises warmer and more economical. Businesses that have carried out internal remodelling have reported that it has made them more attractive to customers."

Prestige Printers in Swinton received a grant in the first wave. They said: “We now look like a modern up to date business, a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing place to enter. We believe our customers both new and old will be with us long into the future. An updated business on the High Street, whereas before we had an outdated, uninviting frontage which gave the impression of us not caring about the business or our customers which was simply not true. We are now ready for the modern age and are very pleased with the finished result."

In addition to the grants, Rotherham Council is recruiting three new High Street Business Advisers, who will work directly with traders in Rotherham town centre and the borough’s principal town centres.

Images: Commercial Property Rotherham

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News: Vistry submits plans for 785 more homes in Rotherham greenbelt

A planning application has been submitted for the largest single development yet for so-called "safeguarded land" in Rotherham.

Rothbiz has reported on a number of recently proposed developments in Rotherham 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.

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

Now an application has been submitted for up to 785 dwellings on 26.28 hectares of agricultural land at Oldcotes Road.

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Savills listed the site near 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.

Rotherham Council is no longer able to demonstrate a Five-Year Land Supply given the changes at a national level that have increased housing targets. The target for new house building per annum in Rotherham has increased from circa 560 dpa (Dwellings Per Annum) to 1,111 dpa.

Savills, the agents for Vistry, said in the plans that "speculative planning applications for residential development in sustainable locations represent the only way to realistically meet this clear need for housing.

"The proposed development will make contributions necessary to mitigate impacts on infrastructure that places it above capacity. This would be in addition to payments required via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

"Due to the scale of development, there will be a material increase to the use of local services. There are no services where this effects of this would be severe and mitigation measures are possible. Such increases where they exceed the capacity of existing services will be funded through the Section 106 agreement and through the Community Infrastructure Levy."

With two main access points, one via Heathrush Drive onto Oldcotes Road, and one via Leys Lane, plans show a range of house types and sizes with at least 25% affordable housing. The application also includes details of play areas and open space and a SUDS (Sustainable Drainage System) attenuation basin.

Vistry Group website

Images: Vistry / Google Maps

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News: OnDemand bus service aims to reconnect Rotherham

Residents of parts of Rotherham with limited access to scheduled bus services are being targeted by a new flexible public transport service to connect them to employment, education, healthcare, and retail.

Rothbiz reported last year that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) was looking to launch a pilot project around demand responsive transport as part of its work to address connectivity issues across the region following the Mayor’s decision to take control of the buses.

Using £0.95m from the government's Transport Innovation Fund (TIF), SYMCA has appointed technology partner Via for the pilot that will begin operating from 3 August for 12 months across parts of Doncaster and Rotherham. 

The service introduces a new way of travelling, allowing passengers to book shared bus journeys through the OnDemand app up to one week in advance or by phone, with no fixed routes or timetables. 

Designed to improve connections in areas where traditional services are limited, OnDemand will help people access jobs, education, healthcare and key destinations across the region. Unlike conventional bus routes, OnDemand uses intelligent technology to group passengers travelling in the same direction, offering a flexible, efficient and affordable service. 

Fares will start from £3 per journey, with concessions and discounts available, and the service will run Monday to Saturday between 5am and 6pm.  Importantly, the new service has been designed to complement not replace the existing public transport network, helping more people connect to buses, trams and trains across South Yorkshire.  

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South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The People’s Network will put people first, making sure everyone in South Yorkshire can get where they need to go, when they need to get there. OnDemand in Doncaster and Rotherham brings that idea to life, with a flexible, modern service built around our everyday lives, not fixed routes or timetables. 

“Whether it’s getting to work, visiting loved ones, making an appointment or accessing education, communities in Doncaster and Rotherham will have more choice and greater control over how to travel. OnDemand is another important step towards building a public transport system that truly works for everyone – the People’s Network.” 

The Rotherham areas included in the OnDemand area are Waverley, Ulley, Morthern, Thurcroft, Brookhouse, Dinnington, Firbeck, Letwell, Todwick, Woodsetts, Thorpe Salvin and Harthill.

Users can travel within the designated operating zone. but for those travelling beyond the zone, OnDemand can connect passengers to designated interchange hubs (Dinnington, Rotherham Hospital, Rotherham town centre, Crystal Peaks) for onward travel using buses, trams or rail services.

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said:  “It’s great to see this pilot becoming a reality. We know that as bus services have reduced in recent decades, the impact of that has been particularly felt in more rural areas. The way that public transport operates had got to change. That’s why we wanted to prioritise this opportunity for communities to the south of our borough, complementing and enhancing existing public transport, but also offering a flexibility that traditional bus services just can’t provide. 

“So if you’re at home in Todwick or Brookhouse, for example, and you need to get to the Tanyard, Rotherham Hospital or Meadowhall and back, this service provides a new convenient way to do that. I hope that people will give it a go, and their experiences will certainly help us to shape the future of public transport in the borough.” 

OnDemand South Yorkshire website

Images: Via

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News: Further delays for Dinnington regeneration project as tender fails

More delays have been experienced at a long awaited £12m regeneration scheme in a Rotherham town after the council failed to appoint a contractor to carry out the work.

Led by Rotherham Council, the revamp of Dinnington market, originally approved in 2024, includes clearing derelict buildings, creating a new town square, and developing purpose-built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

The council bid for funding for the project in 2022 and eventually secured £11m in Government funding. It aims to improve the outdoor market, pedestrian routes, and public spaces - creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

After delays were caused by a lengthy compulsory purchase order (CPO) process, the Government confirmed that the spending on the project can be extended from 2026 to 2028.

An update on the project from the Council reads: "The project has experienced some challenges during the recent tender process, which has unfortunately led to delays in progress. The Council has been working to address these issues and get the project back on track.

"As part of this process, the scheme is currently being re-tendered to ensure the right contractors are appointed to deliver the project."

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Demolition is underway on site and Rothbiz reported earlier this month on the updated plans for the scheme gaining approval.

The next steps involve site hoardings being installed around the site with the demolition of the indoor market expected to begin on site in early autumn, this is dependent on Northern Power Grid diversion works having been completed in advance. This will be delivered separately from the main construction contract.

The main works contract will be re-tendered, followed by the appointment of a contractor to deliver the wider redevelopment scheme.

The £12m redevelopment of the high street will include a new public square with a flexible pack-away market, purpose-built commercial units creating new opportunities for local businesses, and improved pedestrian links between transport hubs and the high street.

The scheme has been designed to include an outdoor market presence in an improved location and environment, one with demountable stalls which is designed to limit the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and provide dedicated welfare and storage facilities.

Images: RMBC / AHR

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News: Updated Dinnington regeneration plans approved

Updated plans for the long awaited multimillion pound regeneration scheme in a Rotherham town have been approved.

Rothbiz reported in March on the submission of updated plans for Dinnington at the sime time as work on site began with the demolition of burnt-out buildings.

Led by Rotherham Council, the revamp of Dinnington market, originally approved in 2024, includes clearing derelict buildings, creating a new town square, and developing purpose-built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

The project, backed by £11m in Government funding, aims to improve the outdoor market, pedestrian routes, and public spaces - creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Some £2.2m in capital funding was spent on the £12m scheme in the 2025/26 financial year, council accounts show.

In the original plans, commercial units, the indoor market, a burnt-out building, the Dinnington Colliery Band building, and the fixed outdoor market stalls were proposed for demolition.

The latest plans are for the demolition of the existing retail units at 46-56 Laughton Road and the proposed replacement being a two storey building consisting of six retail units.

After detailed surveys revealed the buildings were in a worse condition than anticipated, the Council now intends to fully demolish and rebuild the buildings rather than refurbish them to deliver a safer, higher‑quality and future‑proofed space for businesses that will also better meet the needs of the community.

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The design matches the architectural style of the adjoining previously approved scheme and will considerably improve the character of the area. The planned scheme will now provide two, two storey pitched roof buildings fronting Laughton Road on either side of a new public square where the market will take place, surrounded by commercial units.

The latest additions see 4,300 sq ft of ageing commercial space replaced by new build commercial space totalling 4,900 sq ft. 

A report from planners approving the scheme without going to the planning board reads: "The level of intervention required to refurbish the buildings was deemed extensive and costly, leading to the conclusion that demolition and replacement would provide a more viable and beneficial outcome

"As a result, the development evolved into a proposal for a purpose-built replacement that closely aligns with the approved masterplan while improving quality, safety, and functionality. The new scheme maintains the existing footprint, scale, servicing arrangements, and public realm strategy, ensuring consistency within the wider regeneration project while introducing modern retail units that meet current building regulations.

"The design incorporates enhanced accessibility, stronger security measures, improved environmental performance, and upgraded materials to create a cohesive and sustainable high street environment. This approach ensures the development not only integrates with the surrounding context but also delivers long-term benefits for the town centre, businesses, and the local community."

In February, Rotherham Council said that a tender process to appoint a main contractor would begin "shortly", with an expectation that work would begin on site in the summer.

Images: RMBC

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News: Environmental permit application withdrawn for Rotherham site

The Environment Agency has confirmed that a permit regarding glass recycling at a site in Rotherham has been withdrawn.

Operators were previously served with a statutory abatement order following complaints from nearby residents.

Universal Glass Ltd has been operating from Rotherham Road in Dinnington. Rothbiz reported on a permit application for non-hazardous waste recycling which stated that the throughput of the site was proposed to be less than 75,000 tonnes a year, targeting "wastes consisting predominantly of glass, with smaller fractions of packaging materials."

The application is now listed as withdrawn and the local MP, Jake Richards has said that the firm has closed the site and the operation "will be moved to another location."

The MP said: "I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this campaign, your strength of feeling and demand for action has been heard and we have collectively ensured that this issue has been resolved for local residents.

"For the past 15 months, residents around the area have been contacting me to report a foul and toxic smell coming from the Glass recycling plant. Residents spoke about the impact on their day-to-day lives; not being able to open windows, avoiding going outside, and worrying about the effect on their health. Many described the smell as being particularly bad over weekends, and the strength of feeling was clear: people were frustrated and wanted action.

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"Residents were also worried that the company had applied for an Environmental Permit, which would enable them to continue operating and further enhance the risk to residents’ safety and quality of life."

The permit would have allowed for HGVs to deliver waste which would be crushed and screened outside with a second screening inside. Once treated, the materials would then be considered a specified, saleable product, and would no longer constitute a waste. Different products would be separately stockpiled and bagged before being loaded to HGVs for onward delivery.

Permitted work would have been carried out 8:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and 8:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Lifco acquires Rotherham firm

Lifco, a Swedish industrial conglomerate, has seen through a deal for a Rotherham-based niche manufacturer of secondary glazing.

Glass Umbrella Ltd is based at Dinnington in Rotherham and trades as Granada Secondary Glazing. Its 74-person team leads the UK in precision secondary glazing.

Granada Glazing has been in business for over 45 years and is the largest manufacturer of secondary glazing products in the UK. Since 1980, the company has made over a million frames, averaging roughly 100 frames a day and around 25,000 every year. It supplies a broad range of high-quality, bespoke products to the trade and commercial sectors, as well as directly to consumers through its Clearview subsidiary.

With net sales of approximately £11m in 2025, the Rotherham firm is expected to be consolidated into a Lifco division in the second quarter of 2026.

Lifco, a SEK 23.8bn (£1.88 billion) turnover industrial group, recognised Granada’s long operating history, differentiated market position and resilient business model. The acquisition provides Granada with a long-term ownership structure that supports its management team and growth strategy, while preserving the business’s operational independence, culture and brand.

The transaction further reflects Lifco’s strategy of acquiring niche, market-leading businesses with strong cash generation and opportunities for sustainable, long-term growth.

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Malcolm White, former owner of Granada, said: “Granada holds a very special place for me – it is a talented team doing genuinely exciting work, and over the years they have demonstrated real professionalism and delivered outstanding results.

"At 70, however, I felt I owed it to that team to ensure the business had the long-term stability and support it deserves – something I felt I could no longer provide alone. I therefore appointed Debrett's to help identify the right partner: someone who would share my belief in what Granada is building.

"I am delighted with Lifco. They understand the long-term vision, and I have every confidence they will back the team to continue their success – without losing the qualities that have made Granada what it is today.”

Debrett’s has advised the shareholde on the deal. Mark Selby, partner at Debrett’s, said: “Granada is a high-quality, market-leading business with a strong culture of innovation and product differentiation. We are delighted to have supported the shareholder in finding the right partner in Lifco, which shares their long-term vision and provides an excellent platform for the next stage of growth.”

Lorna Mendelsöhn, Acquisition Director at Lifco, added: “This transaction is reflective of Lifco’s long‑term acquisition strategy and focus on niche market leaders. We were impressed by the quality of the business and well executed deal process, and we look forward to providing a long‑term home for the business and its team.”

The Debrett’s advisory team comprised Mark Selby, Seb Rowlands, Harveer Gill and Will Mason.

Other advisers included Tom Durrant and Jessica Hopkinson of Squire Patton Boggs, legal advice to the shareholder.

BDO LLP and Walker Morris LLP, tax and legal advice to the buyer respectively.

Granada Secondary Glazing website

Images: Granada Secondary Glazing

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News: Council confirms support for Rotherham's high street businesses

A new team of advisers will be deployed on Rotherham’s high streets in a bid to give local businesses more hands on support and help town centres thrive.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to approve the recruitment of three new High Street Business Advisers, who will work directly with traders in Rotherham town centre and the borough’s principal town centres – Wath, Swinton, Dinnington and Maltby.

As reported by Rothbiz, the investment was agreed as part of the council budget in March and forms part of a wider push to strengthen Rotherham’s high streets. A £304,000 figure was included in the council's budget for Supporting the High Street.

Each of the five locations will also benefit from a £25,000 activity fund, designed to back local promotions, events and campaigns to bring more people through the doors of independent shops and services.

Under the plans, the advisers will act as a familiar face for traders, working with them on a range of issues from street safety and cleanliness to promotion, footfall and access to grants.

Rather than focusing on a single issue, the advisers will have oversight of what is happening in each area, coordinating activity around events, crime prevention and wider business support.

The advisers will also play a key role in delivering the popular Shopfront Grants scheme, which has secured a further year of funding for 2026/27 through the Local Growth Fund, worth around £600,000. The oversubscribed scheme has already helped businesses improve the appearance of their premises.

In addition, the team will work with ward councillors, residents and traders to decide how the £25,000 activity budgets in each area are spent, ensuring local priorities shape the projects on the ground. This could include marketing campaigns, seasonal events or joint promotions aimed at increasing footfall.

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A council paper explains that various indicators will be used to measure the impact and success of the activities, and will include the number of businesses supported, the amount of vacant building floorspace brought back into use, and the take up of business support and grants by Rotherham businesses.



Recruitment to the new adviser posts is expected to begin shortly, with the team due to be in place to start work with traders later this year.

Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “Our high streets are the heart of our communities, and this new team of High Street Business Advisers is about giving traders the direct, practical support they’ve told us they need.

“The advisers will be a visible, familiar presence, helping businesses tackle everyday issues, make the most of funding opportunities and work together to attract more people into our town and township centres. Alongside the £25,000 activity fund in each location, this investment will help strengthen Rotherham’s high streets, part of our wider commitment to ensuring our places are thriving, safe and clean.”

RiDO website

Images: Savills

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News: Firm applies for environmental permit at Rotherham site following complaints

The Environment Agency is due to decide whether to grant a permit regarding glass recycling at a site in Rotherham.

The process takes place after operators where served with a statutory abatement order following complaints from nearby residents.

Universal Glass Ltd operates from Rotherham Road in Dinnington. The permit application for non-hazardous waste recycling states that the site includes nine buildings, only two of which would be used for the storage and processing of waste. The others are used as an office, site maintenance and weighbridge etc.

Aplicants say that the throughput of the site is proposed to be less than 75,000 tonnes a year, targeting "wastes consisting predominantly of glass, with smaller fractions of packaging materials."

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Delivered by HGVs, waste would be crushed and screened outside with a second screening inside. Once treated, the materials will be considered a specified, saleable product, and would no longer constitute a waste. Different products would be separately stockpiled and bagged before being loaded to HGVs for onward delivery.

Permitted work would be carried out 8:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and 8:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays.

Consultants for Universal Glass, MPG say that: "All activities will be conducted in accordance with Environment Agency Guidance.

"There are no emissions arising from the proposed activities. However, the storage, handling and treatment of waste hasthe potential to generate dust and noise emissions" adding that with high concrete block walls, no adverse impact is predicted. Installing hoods on feed hoppers, misting systems or water sprays could also minimise dust.

Responding to the consultation for the permit, Jake Richards, MP for the area, is raising the concerns of constituents. The Rother Valley MP said: "Over the past 14 months, residents living near the site have repeatedly contacted me as their local Member of Parliament to raise concerns about a persistent and often very strong odour affecting the surrounding area.

"It has also been reported to me that Environmental Health officers have attended the area and have experienced the odour themselves. In addition, residents have submitted more than 100 impact statements describing the severity of the issue and the effect it has had on their daily lives. The volume of reports clearly demonstrates the level of concern within the community.

"There remains a lack of confidence locally that the issues will be adequately addressed without further scrutiny."

Respondents also raise issues regarding dust and glass particles from the operations, with some reporting breathing difficulties.

Rotherham councillors have previously discussed motions of no confidence in the Environment Agency on issues such as flooding in Catcliffe and Treeton and Droppingwell Tip in Kimberworth.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham Council hails "visible difference" made by Street Safe team

Over 1,620 hours of high-profile patrols in Rotherham town centre are part of Rotherham Council's investment aimed at reducing both actual, and perceived crime and Anti-social Behaviour (ASB), and increasing feelings of safety.

Recruited thanks to a £570,000 investment in last year’s budget - the Street Safe Team has been patrolling Rotherham’s town centres daily, providing reassurance to residents, tackling antisocial behaviour, and supporting partner organisations.

The team aims to improve feelings of safety and security in the town centres of Rotherham, Wath, Swinton, Dinnington and Maltby. The team provide a visible, uniformed Council presence, with a particular focus on hot spot areas.

The team has provided dedicated resources utilising their ability to deploy various powers to bolster enforcement and alongside existing uniformed presence, provide a welcoming and reassuring presence in the town centres. By being a highly visible presence, the team has acted as the "eyes and ears" of the Council and are identifying and reporting issues where they are unable to intervene directly.

With Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in place, the council say that the Street Safe Team has increased its capacity for both preventative and responsive interventions such as building and coordinating local intelligence, dealing with street drinking, anti-social behaviour, as well as enforcement for issues such as littering and wider environmental issues (commercial waste etc). The team will be undertaking parking enforcement once training is complete.

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A report to the council's cabinet sets out that, since going live in November 2025, the team has delivered:

· 1,620 hours of high-profile patrols in Rotherham town centre · 112 hours of patrols across other town centres · 12 Community Protection Warnings · 9 Fixed Penalty Notices relating to PSPO breaches · 17 environmental waste cases raised · 17 intelligence reports, leading directly to arrests in four cases

The team has also provided vital support to vulnerable people, with six referrals for vulnerable adults and four emergency first-aid interventions, including one that uncovered a domestic violence incident.

The authority has also invested in created a Roadside Cleansing team, working with other teams to form a coordinated effort to improve the look, feel and safety of Rotherham’s public spaces.

Cllr. Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces, said: “Residents have told us that clean streets and safe neighbourhoods are their top priorities, and these teams are delivering exactly that. You can already see and feel the difference their work is making across our communities.

Cllr. Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Safety, added: “This isn’t something the Council is doing alone – it’s all of us together looking after our neighbourhoods, reporting issues, supporting one another and taking pride in where we live.

“With continued investment and the dedication of these new teams, we’re building on this positive progress and creating the cleaner, safer Rotherham that residents expect and deserve.”

A refreshed communications and perception-management plan has been developed focusing on "rebalancing the narrative" around town centre safety, promoting positive developments and encouraging public reporting and the use of support services.

Images: RMBC

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News: Updated plans submitted for £12m Rotherham regeneration scheme

A new planning application has been submitted for a multimillion pound regeneration scheme in a Rotherham town where demolition recently got underway.

The revamp of Dinnington market, approved in 2024, includes clearing derelict buildings, creating a new town square, and developing purpose-built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

The project, backed by £11m in Government funding, aims to improve the outdoor market, pedestrian routes, and public spaces - creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Revised plans are now being prepared for units on Laughton Road.

The Council now intends to fully demolish and rebuild the buildings rather than refurbish them to "deliver a safer, higher‑quality and future‑proofed space for businesses that will also better meet the needs of the community."

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The scheme has also been designed to include an outdoor market presence in an improved location and environment, one with demountable stalls which is designed to limit the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and provide dedicated welfare and storage facilities.

In the original plans, commercial units, the indoor market, a burnt-out building, the Dinnington Colliery Band building, and the fixed outdoor market stalls were proposed for demolition.

New plans are for the demolition of the existing retail units at 46-56 Laughton Road and the proposed replacement being a two storey building consisting of six retail units.

The design mirrors the existing approved scheme and will now provide two, two storey pitched roof buildings fronting Laughton Road on either side of a new public square where the market will take place, surrounded by commercial units.

If approved, it would mean that 4,300 sq ft of ageing commercial space would be replaced by new build commercial space totalling 4,900 sq ft. This has the potential to take employment numbers from 8 to 12 full time equivalent jobs in this area of the scheme.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "As part of the plans, we've now revised some of our original plans. So rather than refurbishing the existing buildings on Laughton Road, we are now actually going to be demolishing these. We've done some further survey works and realised they are in a worse condition than we thought. So rather than trying to refurbish them, we are now going to demolish and replace them with some brnad new, purpose built buildings to support the wider regeneration of Dinnington High Street."

Last month, appointed contractors, Ron Hull Demolition, demolished the former florists and dance studio on Laughton Road, which were destroyed by fire.

The Government has confirmed that the spending on the project can be extended from 2026 to 2028. A tender process to appoint a main contractor will begin shortly, with work expected to begin on site in the summer.

There are proposals to temporarily relocate the market while redevelopment works take place.

Rotherham Council website

Images: RMBC

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News: Dinnington regen plans updated as demolition set to begin

A multimillion pound regeneration scheme in a Rotherham town needs updating but work on site is set to begin later this month with the demolition of burnt-out buildings.

The revamp of Dinnington market, approved in 2024, includes clearing derelict buildings, creating a new town square, and developing purpose-built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

The project, backed by £11m in Government funding, aims to improve the outdoor market, pedestrian routes, and public spaces - creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Revised plans are now being prepared for units on Laughton Road.

After detailed surveys revealed the buildings were in a worse condition than anticipated, the Council now intends to fully demolish and rebuild the buildings rather than refurbish them to deliver a safer, higher‑quality and future‑proofed space for businesses that will also better meet the needs of the community.

The scheme has also been designed to include an outdoor market presence in an improved location and environment, one with demountable stalls which is designed to limit the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and provide dedicated welfare and storage facilities.

The new building plans will be submitted for planning approval this month. A tender process to appoint a main contractor will begin shortly, with work expected to begin on site in the summer.

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Rotherham Council, who acquired the required properties last year, recently appointed local firm, Ron Hull Demolition, to carry out work on site. The demolition, which will start on February 23, will include the removal of the former florists and dance studio on Laughton Road, which were destroyed by fire.

Demolition work is expected to be completed by March.

The £12m redevelopment of the high street will include a new public square with a flexible pack-away market, purpose-built commercial units creating new opportunities for local businesses, and improved pedestrian links between transport hubs and the high street. Interest from businesses in the scheme is high.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the first steps being taken in this exciting new chapter for Dinnington.

“The demolition marks a significant milestone, clearing away buildings that have long been seen as eyesores and signalling the start of real, visible progress.

“Our decision to demolish the remaining buildings rather than refurbish them means that residents, businesses and visitors to Dinnington can expect a brand-new development to be proud of. We want to make sure the regeneration of the high street is as cost-effective as possible and rebuilding the units now will mean we avoid costly refurbishment work in the future.

“This is just the beginning of a transformation that will bring lasting benefits to the town and its community. It’s all part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring places are thriving, safe and clean.”

The Government has confirmed that the spending on the project can be extended from 2026 to 2028.

Images: Google Maps / RMBC / AHR

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News: Council sets aside £700k to support businesses on Rotherham's high streets

High street businesses across Rotherham are in line for much-needed support with local and regional business support agencies setting aside resources to target "High Street Heroes."

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has recently launched High Street Heroes, a fully funded programme designed especially for South Yorkshire's independent retailers and high street businesses.

Delivered by Novus Marketing Solutions, the programme is designed to help real businesses build confidence, attract customers, and feel more in control of their online presence. Supporting shop owners, market traders, cafés, restaurants, hospitality venues, and service providers that have a physical presence, it includes practical workshops, 1-to-1 consultations, events and resources.

A spokesperson for the scheme said: "Running a high street business today comes with constant pressure. From managing stock and serving customers to dealing with rising costs and trying to keep up online, it can often feel like there is never enough time to step back and focus on growth.

"High Street Heroes has been created to give independent high street businesses access to support that is clear, friendly, and designed to fit around real working days. Everything is explained in plain English, with a focus on ideas that can be used straight away rather than theory or jargon.

"High streets are at the heart of local communities. When independent businesses feel supported and confident, it benefits not just the shops themselves but the towns and people around them.

"High Street Heroes is about backing those businesses with the right kind of support at the right time, helping South Yorkshire’s high streets move forward together."

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Rotherham Council is looking to further support high streets in the town centre, Swinton, Wath, Maltby and Dinnington.

Rothbiz reported last year that the authority's Shop Unit Business Grant Project was oversubscribed but it looks like further funding has been found.

With an initial £270,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a decision was made in December 2025 to allocate a further £117,643 to the project from the same pot to meet demand.

And following the capital investment, a £304,000 figure is included in the council's budget for 2025/26 to introduce three new Business Support Officers to engage with businesses in the town centre areas, helping them to flourish.

A council report states: "The purpose of the proposed £304,000 investment is to introduce 3 new Business Support Officers to engage with businesses in these areas to ensure that resources are focused on tackling the issues that matter most and so that successes can be effectively communicated.

"As well as providing a visible presence, and becoming known, in the various locations they will provide initial business advice, help to co-ordinate local promotions, signpost to other services (e.g. grant opportunities) and co-ordinate with other Council departments. They will also have access to a small budget in each of the five locations to support local activities e.g. promotional campaigns or local events."

The aim is to allow for greater engagement with ward members, businesses and residents with the officers working across the five main town centre locations, but also be available to provide support to business in other high street locations across the borough.

Further investment for certain high streets is also on its way through the Pride in Place long term funding allocated by the government - £20m over the next ten years for building Pride in Place in the Rotherham Central area and £20m over the next ten years for building Pride in Place in Maltby East.

High Street Heroes website
On the High Streets website
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News: IntelliAM expands into the building products sector

Rotherham-based IntelliAM AI plc, the software company transforming productivity in the manufacturing industry through artificial intelligence and machine learning, has officially expanded into the building products sector, securing new contracts with two other Yorkshire companies – Elland-based Marshalls and Castleford-based H+H.

The Dinnington company has also announced deals with Tarmac and global building supplies company Knauf, at sites in the UK and Japan.

IntelliAM is powering a new global industrial revolution through its AI solutions which unlock greater productivity, quality, performance, efficiency, and safety, while also reducing waste and increasing throughput.

The industrial AI specialist has secured new contracts worth £250,000 in total, with confirmed orders covering 15 manufacturing sites.

The announcement marks a significant shift for IntelliAM, which until now has been primarily known for its stronghold in the FMCG and food & beverage industries.

The announcement follows several months of consultancy-led collaborations with major building product manufacturers.

Manufacturers in the building services sector are facing increasing performance pressures and challenges with maintaining critical assets, as well as resource shortages.

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As companies move to a fully connected IntelliAM solution they are able to strengthen reliability, reduce engineering downtime, and improve maintenance efficiency across mechanically intensive, highly abrasive production environments.

The expansion into the fast-growing building products sector further reinforces IntelliAM’s diversification strategy and comes just weeks after the company announced a major extension of its contract with Hovis, one of the UK’s most recognised bakery brands.

Tom Clayton, CEO of Dinnington-based IntelliAM AI, said: “Manufacturers across the building products sector are dealing with unique pressures ranging from abrasive production environments to growing challenges in staffing, resourcing, and maintaining critical assets.

“Our technology gives these teams the ability to stay connected 24/7, access engineering insights instantly, and make more proactive, data-driven decisions that enhance reliability and reduce downtime.

“What’s particularly exciting is that companies like Yorkshire’s Marshalls and H+H, as well as Knauf, and Tarmac, initially came to us for consultancy support and are now choosing to fully connect their factories through IntelliAM’s predictive AI.

“It’s a strong validation of the value we bring, and we expect this vertical to continue its rapid growth through the end of the year.”

Aquis-listed IntelliAM, founded in 2023 and built on the strong technical foundations of Sheffield-based 53 Degrees North, works across a range of sectors and has developed a firm footing in the international FMCG sector servicing a quarter of the world's top 100 FMCGs and half of the top 12 food and beverage manufacturers including Müller, Mars, ADM, Weetabix, and Diageo.

IntelliAM website

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News: Street Safe team aims to make Rotherham feel safe and welcoming

A dedicated team designed to make Rotherham’s high streets safer and more welcoming have hit the ground in the town centre, with the first new recruits now in post.

Rothbiz reported in January on key investment in the budget for 2025/26 - £570,000 to launch a new "Street Safe Team" focused on increasing safety in town and village centres.

The new team will provide extra eyes and ears on the ground, tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting residents, businesses and visitors.

Their role includes engaging with the public, reporting issues quickly and working closely with South Yorkshire Police and other partners to keep Rotherham safe.

The uniformed team, which will be made up of a full complement of 10 staff in the new year, will focus on hotspot areas in the town centre before being rolled out in Dinnington, Wath, Maltby and Swinton in the next few weeks. They’ll have powers to enforce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle anti-social issues such as street drinking and substance misuse, as well as nuisance parking.

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Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “We’re acting on what our communities have told us - that feeling safe and visible support matters - as part of the changes we’re making to support our local high streets.

“We want Rotherham to feel safe and welcoming for everyone. Our new team are there to lend a hand, point people in the right direction and to take action against the minority who can put other people off. They’ve already supported the police with an arrest in the town centre, and they’re providing valuable evidence and feedback.

“But this initiative isn’t just about enforcement. It’s about restoring pride and trust in our public spaces - giving residents and visitors a familiar presence that’s welcoming, approachable and ready to help. So when you see them, do say hello!”

Paul Murphy, Community Protection Manager and lead of the new team, said: “We’re pleased that we're on the ground and already making a difference. The Street Safe team is all about giving people confidence that our high streets are safe, welcoming places to visit and enjoy. The team is approachable, proactive and ready to tackle issues head-on, while working closely with partners to keep things moving in the right direction.

"Having the team in place is a big step forward for Rotherham, and we’re excited about the positive impact the team will have for residents, businesses and visitors. We're looking forward to meeting everyone over the coming weeks."

Rotherham Council is currently running a consultation on local safety matters in Rotherham town centre.

Earlier consultations had respondents ranking feeling safe low for the town centre with the report adding: "Safety is one of the biggest concerns. Crime, antisocial behaviour, and intimidation make people feel unsafe, especially at night. CCTV and lighting are valued but seen as not enough."

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News: Rotherham high streets grants scheme oversubscribed

Demand has been "incredible" for Rotherham Council's grants scheme that aims to help breathe new life into the borough's high streets.

The council is looking at extending the scheme if money can be found.

Rothbiz reported in August on the launch of the opportunity for local businesses to benefit from a makeover thanks to a £270,000 investment from the authority.

The Shop Unit Business Grant Project is funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The grant aims to help high street businesses in the town centre, Dinnington, Maltby, Swinton and Wath-Upon-Dearne enhance their premises by funding improvements that will contribute to their overall look, feel and vibrancy.

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Eligible businesses have been applying for grants of up to £25,000 to improve the look and feel of their shop units. Improvements have included new shopfronts, signage, flooring, lighting and other refurbishments that will enhance the attractiveness of local high streets.

Applications closed in October, with all projects set to be completed by the end of December 2025. Grants have been awarded on a first come, first served basis until the full allocation is spent.

Providing an update to the council, Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "This was a £270,000 scheme to help support our small businesses, shops and our local high streets across the borough. And I'm pleased to say that the scheme has been oversubscribed actually - the level of demand has been incredible to be fair, and I think that it has shown that there is a need and a demand for this sort of intervention and support for our small business community.

"We are actively looking now to find additional funding that will be able to support as many of the applications as possible that we have received and I am hopeful that we are going to be able to progress that over the next few weeks.

"I have given the steer to the service that the majority of the money can't just go into the town centre solely, there does need to be a fair spread across all eligible areas. It was designed from the outset to support high streets across the borough."

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News: Up to 800 houses planned for Rotherham greenbelt site

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 consultation website

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News: Swim school going to great lengths to make new Rotherham location a success

A local company is looking to make a splash having secured planning permission to expand into another Rotherham location.

Rothbiz reported in September on Super Swimmers identifying Unit 4 Phoenix Riverside at Templeborough to help address the substantial waiting lists in the area for the type of swimming lessons they offer.

Rotherham Council has now approved change of use plans for the 5,740 sq ft commercial unit so that a swimming pool and associated facilities can be installed.

Planners were satisfied that the leisure use would not have a significant detrimental impact on parking in the area, given that surrounding businesses, such as the nearby pub, would let users park in their car parks, and that larger, busier swim lessons and parties would only take place after 5pm and on weekends.

Super Swimmers was established in 2009 and initially the swim school operated through hire of public and private pools for children’s lessons. it now operates from two of its own locations - Dinnington in Rotherham, and Rossington Hall in Doncaster.

The new unit will provide teaching classes for children aged three and older along with one-on-one teaching lessons for individual children who may benefit from additional support. They also plan to introduce the parent and baby sessions and hire to local baby lesson providers, all of which will be available to the local area.

Children’s parties will also be made available which have proved very popular in the two sister venues. They also plan to work with the local schools and community groups to offer bespoke teaching packages to enhance the offer available at the unit.

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Ryan Plant, director of Super Swimmers, said: "We are so excited to have been granted permission for the development of the unit in Phoenix Riverside. We are working with a local contractor to build the pool and are working closely with the planning network to ensure we are as sustainable as possible."

The current operations now employs around 50 team members including teachers and water-based assistants, with more to come with the third location. Ryan added: "We spend time training and mentoring all of our younger team members and assist with any relevant training qualifications to not only support their role at the business but also help them in their future careers."

The plan is for Super Swimmers of Rotherham to be open at Templeborough in early 2026.

Ryan and fellow director, Rachel Turner added: "We are so excited to be taking this next step on the Super Swimmers journey particularly in the current climate. Our business has suffered like many others, but we hope to take the business to the next stage with the opening of our third site and the support of the local community. It has been a dream of ours since we started to be a provider of swimming lessons across numerous communities and we feel now is the right time to make the next step."

The plans were approved without going before the council's planning board. Planners balanced up the potential loss of a business unit with the fact that the proposal will generate employment and works to create the pool are reversible so the unit could revert back to a standard employment facility.

Super Swimmers website

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News: IntelliAM lands major multi-site AI deal with Hovis

Rotherham tech firm IntelliAM has announced a major expansion of its commercial partnership with iconic bakery brand, Hovis Limited.

With offices in Dinnington, IntelliAM uses AI models to proactively increase operating efficiency of the existing assets of the company's manufacturing clients.

The expanded contract – which represents a ninefold increase on the original agreement – will see full deployment of the IntelliAM platform across multiple manufacturing sites. It will also include integration of IntelliAM smart sensor interfaces across production lines, alongside ongoing consultancy services to drive measurable gains in reliability, productivity, and asset availability.

The anticipated productivity improvements are expected to deliver full return on investment within the first year, accelerating Hovis's journey towards AI-powered, proactive manufacturing excellence.

In September 2024, IntelliAM secured an initial contract with Hovis to deliver reliability consultancy services across three key sites. The project successfully delivered gap analyses, criticality assessments, and tailored maintenance strategies that enabled targeted, data-driven improvements to production reliability.

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Chris Bradley, Chief Operations Officer of Hovis Limited, said: "We are pleased to be making this next step investment in IntelliAM's services and AI platform, following a detailed analysis of the outcomes from our initial engagement."

Tom Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of IntelliAM, added: "This expanded contract represents a significant milestone for IntelliAM, validating the commercial value of our AI-driven solutions. We are proud to be deepening our relationship with Hovis and to be helping them lead the way in transforming UK manufacturing productivity.

“IntelliAM exists to transform productivity in the manufacturing industry. We are committed to powering a new industrial revolution through artificial intelligence and machine learning – helping manufacturers tap into billions of machine data points to enable intelligent asset management and deliver transformational change.”

The news follows IntelliAM’s Connected Performance Summit, co-hosted with SKF recently at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield, which explored how connected technologies and AI-driven maintenance are transforming modern manufacturing. The event brought together over 150 senior decision-makers from leading food and drink brands, including Hovis, Mars, PepsiCo, and Diageo.

Aquis-listed IntelliAM, founded in 2023 and built on the strong technical foundations of Dinnington-based 53 Degrees North, works with a quarter of the world's top 100 FMCGs and half of the top 12 food and beverage manufacturers.

The company was named 'Manufacturing Tech Company of the Year' at the 2025 Business Tech Awards.

IntelliAM website

Images: Hovis

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News: Shell deal for innovative Rotherham firm

Innovative Rotherham firm, Tan Delta Systems, has secured a new contract with Shell, the multinational oil and gas company.

Based at Dinnington, Tan Delta provides equipment monitoring technologies and solutions that use real time oil analysis to enable material reductions in maintenance costs, improve reliability and reduce carbon footprint.

Shell Marine Products Singapore is part of the firm's growing customer base of blue-chip multinationals and equipment operators.

The new order, worth approximately £120,000, relates to systems that are expected to be deployed on a range of vessels to monitor various critical pieces of equipment such as auxiliary engines, propulsion engines and other support systems. It targets deployment on thousands of vessels in the coming years.

Tan Delta real time oil sensor solutions use sensing technology to analyse oil in working equipment in real time at a molecular level, enabling accurate tracking of oil condition to end of life, and detection of unexpected issues such as contamination or other internal and unseen equipment issues which may lead to bigger problems and or failures in the future.

In its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025, Tan Delta bosses warned that the adoption of its solutions by customers is taking considerably longer than expected resulting in disappointing financial results.



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The report noted that there was 216 distributors, 17 active trials and visible forward sales opportunities worth approximately £64m but with revenue at £0.5m for the six months (down from £0.7m in the same period the previous year), the company posted a loss before tax of £0.8m.

Chris Greenwood, Tan Delta CEO said: "We have been building a long-term relationship with the SHELL for several years to explore how they and their customers can benefit from Tan Delta real time oil condition monitoring technologies and products. As a new disruptive technology and concept, it has taken some time to introduce this to a generally conservative industrial and commercial market, but as we recently advised in our Annual Report, whilst the sales cycle remains long, I expect the growth in user references to help with market confidence. This order, whilst small in the context of the overall commercial marine market segment, is a good example of this."

Other recent deals include Fuchs SE, one of the world's largest lubricant distributors and a distributor agreement with Core Arabia in Saudi Arabia.

Tan Delta website

Images: Shell Marine

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