News: Historic Rotherham building sold

A historic building on Rotherham's heritage High Street has sold at auction.

Cathedral Court, 22-30 (even) High Street in Rotherham town centre extends over three floors.

The building was one of many that were renovated with retail space below and new housing above when the area was a key part of the £5m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme which was supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Council.

Remembered by many as the former Muntus department store, the ground floor was also previously used as SNAFU rock bar. It is currently home to Rotherham Visitor Centre and the Maker's Emporium which offers low cost retail space for talented artists, crafters and makers to sell their products and raise awareness of their brands. Space for a stand alone "pop up shop" was also created.

Listed as an investment opportunity with Allsop auctioneers, the property, which includes 18 flats, sold for £660,000.

It is not a listed building but is within the Rotherham town centre conservation area.

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Particulars show that the ground floor and basement are subject to a long lease for a term of 999 years from 17th December 2020 at a peppercorn rent.

In 2012 the freehold of the bar was sold by leading business agents Christie & Co. based on a guide price of £275,000. In a separate deal, the first, second and third floors of the historic building went to auction in the same year with local auctioneers Mark Jenkinson giving it a guide price of £120,000.

Rothbiz reported in 2020 that the Maker's Emporium, initially funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between Rotherham Council and The Source Skills Academy, was under review.

Other buildings listed as being for sale in Rotherham town centre include the Old Town Hall, which has a guide price of £1.5m, the Bridge Inn pub at £295,000 for the freehold and the vacant 2-4 High Street, which is available for £125,000.

Images: Allsop

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News: Rotherham's Makers Emporium under review

The operation of the Makers Emporium on Rotherham's historic High Street is being reviewed by Rotherham Council, following declining revenues and an absence of funding.

The Council wants to continue the operation but with a major review of all aspects of the business model and product offer.

Transforming the former Snafu rock bar in Rotherham town centre, the Makers Emporium offers low-cost shared and professionally-managed retail space to a mixture of makers, crafters, artists and designers.

Initially funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between Rotherham Council and The Source Skills Academy, it offers a unique retail offer in the town centre and aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and let them see for themselves what takes to run their own business.

The project also included two "Pop Up Shops" on the High Street (the award-winning Miele Deli is still trading) and the Council's Visitor Centre and Civic Theatre Box Office co-located to the Makers Emporium in May 2018.

Having been influenced by her review of High Street, the store was officially opened by Mary Portas. On a return visit, the retail guru said: "I love this place. It's unique, creative and full of talent and new ideas."

Since opening in 2014, the High Street store has supported over 150 talented local artisans, crafters, designers, makers and independent businesses.

But now, The Source has said it no longer wants to be involved in the project and the Council needs to decide what to do.

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The Source receives an annual management fee of £7,500 from the Council in return for day-to-day management of the Emporium. The box office contributes £8,819 per annum towards the total subsidised rent of £20,000 per annum. Traders pay rent and sales commission, ranging from £10 a month rent and 40% sales commission; to £50 a month rent and 20% sales commission.

A Council paper explains: "In three years of operation (2014/15 to 2016/17) the Makers Emporium averaged income of £25,000 from commission on sales per annum. However, in 2017/18 sales began to fall and commission earned declined to just over £19,000. Commission earned for 2018/2019 was £13,423 and for the period April 2019 to January 2020, commission stands at £8,921.

"Trade has been subject to wider difficulties experienced across the retail sector, including the increased use of internet shopping and the continued attraction of out-of-town retail centres, such as Parkgate. The Makers Emporium also suffers from Rotherham's High Street being peripheral to the main retail centre; and from the loss of Primark in November 2019, a major retail attraction on the High Street."

A number of options have been discussed, including moving to smaller premises, making the two retail staff redundant, and closing the project down completely.

Paul Woodcock, strategic director, Regeneration and Environment at Rotherham Council, has made the decision to continue the operation and have a major review carried out.

The paper states: "This option recognises that after initial success the project is no longer delivering the impact on the town centre that it was expected to achieve and that it has not achieved a position of being financially selfsustaining."

The option will see work with the culture and tourism arm of the Council to "explore options to enhance the retail offer by providing more of an experience and attraction."

The paper adds: "The extent of changes under this option may need to be far reaching and essentially all aspects of the operation are on the table for review and adaptation. It is recognised that as the changes needed to implement this model are not yet known with certainty the costs of implementing these changes are not yet defined.

"The parameters for this model are to work within existing budgets and produce a robust business plan that shows how the Emporium can operate on a more sustainable financial basis."

The Makers Emporium, re-opened on June 15 with social distancing and health and safety measures in line with government guidelines.

Makers Emporium website

Images: Makers Emporium

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News: Makers marks milestone on Rotherham's High Street

No. 26 Makers Emporium is celebrating its five-year milestone this month.

Transforming the former Snafu rock bar in Rotherham town centre, the Makers Emporium offers low-cost shared and professionally-managed retail space to a mixture of makers, crafters, artists and designers.

Funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between Rotherham Council and The Source Skills Academy, it aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and letting them see for themselves what takes to run their own business.

Since opening in 2014, the High Street store has supported over 100 talented local artisans, crafters, designers, makers and independent businesses.

Having been influenced by her review of High Street, the store was officially opened by Mary Portas. On a return visit, the retail guru said: "I love this place. It's unique, creative and full of talent and new ideas."

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Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "The Makers Emporium is a lovely building giving visitors access to a wide selection of unique products and gifts, information on local attractions and the local theatre box office, all under one roof.

"Over the last five years, it has given local makers, crafters, artists and new start businesses a unique opportunity to trade for the first time in a professionally managed retail space, so I'm delighted to see it celebrating its fifth anniversary this month and would encourage everyone to visit and see what's on offer."

The Makers Emporium has also served as an apprenticeship training hub, with seven apprentices from The Source completing their qualifications here before moving into full-time employment within the retail industry.

Daniel Stanbra, director of operations at The Source, said: "The Source has been working with Rotherham Council to support the Makers Emporium so that it can be a centre for retail apprenticeships in the town centre.

"Over the last few years we've seen some very capable and skilled apprentices come through the Makers Emporium's door who have gone on to find employment and progress their career further. We’re really proud to have provided them with a fantastic place to establish their career path."

Makers Emporium website

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News: Council moving out of Rotherham Visitor Centre

Rotherham Council is planning to close the dedicated visitor centre in the town centre, relocating services to the Makers Emporium on the nearby High Street.

The prominent property on Bridgegate faces All Saints' Square in the heart of the town centre. Staff provide advice to local people and those new to the town on places of interest and forthcoming events, as well as providing destination guides. It also sells a range of merchandise and tickets for performances at the Civic Theatre.

In a budget-saving move, the local authority is now planning to relocate the visitor centre and box office to within 26 High Street.

Transforming the former Snafu rock bar in 2014, the Makers Emporium offers low-cost shared and professionally-managed retail space to a mixture of makers, crafters, artists and designers.

£63,400 was set aside in the council's capital budget to facilitate the relocation of visitor centre and the authority has said that it will not affect the services currently offered or staffing levels.

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Damien Wilson, strategic director of Regeneration and Environment at Rotherham Council said the move made perfect sense given the complementary services provided by the two businesses, and will help to secure the long-term future of the Visitor Centre in the town.

He said: "Local authorities are under continuing financial pressures and as the lease on the Bridgegate building was coming to an end, the Council took the opportunity to assess various options for where the Visitor Centre could go.

"The Makers Emporium was perfectly suited to creating a shared retail and information space, and we very much look forward to seeing both businesses benefit from the move in the future."

The vacated site makes up part of the historic White Hart Buildings. Whilst not a listed building, the property is on Rotherham Civic Society's local list which compiles properties of architectural or historic interest.

The society states that: "The former White Hart was closed as a result of the Ministry of Health's Order of August 1926 sanctioning the compulsory acquisition of the property for street improvements. The new public house, with entrances to Upper Millgate and Bridgegate was commissioned by Messrs Mappins Brewery and was designed by James E. Knight, Architect. The building incorporating lock up shops and a suite of offices was described as being late Georgian in design.

"The public house opened on the 12th December 1929 and closed in March 1969 following its acquisition by Barclay's Bank Ltd."

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News: Rotherham College receives funding for entrepreneurs

Rotherham College has launched an initiative to give students an insight into managing a real-life commercial business thanks to funding from UK Steel Enterprise's 40:40 challenge to mark their 40th anniversary.

The creative project known as "Flashback Design" is aimed at students aged 16-18 studying courses at the college - from accountancy to fashion design - to get hands-on experience in the running a business.

Collaborating with Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) and The Makers Emporium in Rotherham, the College will teach students how to manage financial records and support them in contributing designs to be printed onto blank products as well as ready-to-wear clothing.

Detailed design briefs were submitted to Art and Design students and the most suitable designs will be transformed into printed products and placed on display at The Makers Emporium in the award-winning Rotherham town centre.

After the academic year finishes, the project will re-start in September, welcoming new students to take part.

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Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise launched the 40:40 challenge earlier this year to mark its 40th anniversary – a pot of £40,000 open to schools and other youth organisations to work with students aged 18 or under. The challenge is part of the overall work UK Steel does in the region, supporting businesses and organisations in steel regions across the UK.

With UK Steel's support, Rotherham College are keen to keep the "Flashback Design" concept sustainable, giving the students the opportunity to increasingly take ownership through additional work experience in product launches, online marketing campaigns, pitching ideas for products and developing their own products to be sold through The Makers Emporium and elsewhere.

Ann Hardy, assistant principal at Rotherham College, said: "This exciting and creative project will provide our students with the opportunity to manage a real-life commercial business.

"It's fantastic to have this backing from UK Steel Enterprise – without the funding we wouldn't be able to provide the equipment and opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to gain valuable experience in producing commercially viable products. Students will see the profits from the sale of the products reinvested in the business so that future students can continue the project’s legacy and keep it going on a rolling basis.

"The College is working closely with Rotherham Youth Enterprise and The Makers Emporium to provide help and support to young entrepreneurs to develop skills in running their own business, which they can then take forward after completing their studies."

Allan Wood, who manages the applications for the 40:40 Challenge at UK Steel Enterprise, added: "This is a great creative initiative to get students thinking about business management and longer term career opportunities with the support from college tutors and local businesses.

"We're delighted to support the project and we're excited to see the funding kick-start a sustainable business for students to learn from and develop, inspiring future entrepreneurs of the region."

Rotherham College website
UK Steel Enterprise website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: RCAT

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News: Makers Emporium celebrates successful first year

As it celebrates its first birthday, No.26 The Makers Emporium on the High Street is proving to be a successful way of bringing unique items to Rotherham town centre.

Transforming the former Snafu rock bar, the Makers Emporium offers low-cost shared and professionally-managed retail space to a mixture of makers, crafters, artists and designers. Funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the Council, The Source Skills Academy and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, it aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and letting them see for themselves what takes to run their own business.

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Rotherham is a Portas Pilot, having secured £100,000 in Government funding to use innovative local ideas to revitalise the town centre. The borough also secured extra funding from British Land and The High Street Renewal Fund.

As well as the 3,000 sq ft quality retail space on Rotherham's High Street, the funding was also used to create two pop-up shops - Miele Delicatessen and La Bella Lingerie.

More than 47 different makers have populated the space in the year since it was opened by retail expert and TV presenter Mary Portas and the then Minister for High Streets, Brandon Lewis MP. The array of unique products on offer include jewellery, home-ware, clothing, accessories, gifts, textiles, and artwork.

Matt Webster, store manager at The Makers Emporium, said: "The first year of The Makers Emporium has been a real success. We're encouraging more people to shop locally and independently which can only be a good thing. The Makers Emporium is the perfect place for great gifts, and offers unique one-off items that you won't find anywhere else."

Over the past year The Makers Emporium has also supported two retail apprentices studying towards a qualification in retail through The Source Skills Academy whilst learning on the job in the store.

Miele Delicatessen also celebrates its first birthday and owners Andrew and Franca Pinkney have been delighted with the response from shoppers. Franca said: "It has been a great first year and would like to thank all our new friends and customers for the loyalty and support they have given to us."

Makers Emporium website

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News: Portas pops back to check on progress in Rotherham

Mary Portas, the leading retail consultant called on by the Government to review the nation's High Street, has been back in Rotherham recently to check on the work being done to revitalise the town centre, work she earlier described as a "beacon many should follow."

Rotherham is a Portas Pilot, having secured £100,000 in Government funding to use innovative local ideas to revitalise the town centre. The borough also secured extra funding from British Land and The High Street Renewal Fund.

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review, Portas was back in the borough earlier this year to see the success of heritage-led regeneration on the High Street, the support of entrepreneurial retailers in Pop-Up shops and the newly opened, Makers' Emporium.

Transforming the former Snafu rock bar, the Makers' Emporium offers low-cost shared and professionally-managed retail space to a mixture of makers, crafters, artists and designers. Funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the Council, The Source Skills Academy and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, it aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and letting them see for themselves what takes to run their own business.

Since opening in April, the Makers' Emporium has exceeded its expected sales figures for its first six months of trading.

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Mary visited again last week with a film crew to speak to one of the makers, Paris Cheetham, owner of Panache Par Paris, about the success of the store. Paris set up in business in 2013 and hand makes paper products and gifts, selling them at craft fairs in the region and in boutique shops such as the Makers' Emporium.

Paris said: "I'm really proud to display my hand made paper products and gifts here at The Makers' Emporium. This is the first time that I have had a physical space devoted totally to my products, and the reaction from customers has been incredibly positive. The Makers' Emporium has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to sell my products in a first class location on Rotherham High Street, helping me to grow my business and get closer to my dream of owning my own retail unit."

Whilst browsing the unique products lovingly crafted by local makers, artists and designers and purchasing gifts for her family and friends, Mary said: "I love this place. It's unique, creative and full of talent and new ideas. Why would you not want to shop here?"

Tim Watmough, manager at the Makers' Emporium, added: "We currently have 34 creative individuals selling their products through us and that number has been consistent throughout the first six months here, showing that there is real need for a retail space such as this.

"I'd like to thank all our customers, staff and makers for their dedication, loyalty and effort. It's great to see all the hard work has paid off and that we're able to offer ever more people the opportunity to both start, and expand, their businesses."

Makers' Emporium website
The Source website

Images: The Source

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News: La Bella Lingerie opens on Rotherham High Street

La Bella Lingerie, the latest retailer to open on Rotherham's rejuvenated High Street, shows just how important it is to get the right support.

Established by Karen Carr, a former teacher for over 20 years, the independent lingerie boutique offers a wide range of brands of tasteful lingerie, including bras, underwear, briefs and loungewear in all sizes.

To fulfil her long-term dream, Karen has taken advantage of a "Pop-up Shop" initiative, one of a number from the Council that has attracted a range of independent, niche businesses into Rotherham town centre.

Pop-up Shops have become increasingly popular across the country as a means of offering retail space to new start businesses looking to try out their markets, gain valuable experience to shape their business model and to make a sound decision regarding their long term viability before potentially investing significantly in set-up costs and committing to a long term lease agreement.

The scheme is being funded by central Government as part of a grant received by Rotherham Council and follows the announcement in 2012 that Rotherham was successful in becoming a "Portas Pilot" town.

Karen Carr, owner of La Bella Lingerie, said: "The Pop-up Shop concept has given me a fantastic opportunity to showcase my dream business.

"Right from the start of the process, Rotherham Council's Town Centre team recognised my enthusiasm for this project, helping me along the way with support and advice.

"The opportunity was so good, that I gave up my career as a teacher to pursue my dream of running my own shop.

"I'm fully trained in bra fitting and the shop will carry a wide range of sizes, right up to K cup. We will also have post-operation bras available and sportswear.

"We offer a "wishlist" service, making whatever you want, and also gift vouchers which are perfect for Christmas! It really is all about you at La Bella Lingerie."

Cabinet Member for Business Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Dominic Beck, added: "La Bella Lingerie certainly does represent a beautiful new start for this determined entrepreneur.

"It's a great example of the fact that not only does Rotherham town centre continue to grow and diversify, but also that people are willing to start their dream businesses with us."

The Council's Town Centre Team first offered a prime retail unit in the refurbished Imperial Buildings on flexible and attractive lease terms to help businesses get up and running. Opened in 2013, Vintage Dolls, offering vintage clothing and furniture, is still going strong after being initially offered a three month licence for the unit. Rental discounts, help with fitting out and free business support & retail training form part of the package available.

Back on the High Street, the Makers' Emporium operates as a shared retail space model which enables new retailers "test trading" space, for up to a year. Funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the Council, The Source and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Makers' Emporium focuses on providing locally designed and hand crafted items with an array of items available to suit all tastes and budgets.

The Pop-up Shop initiative aims to bridge the gap for retailers between the shared retail space and a permanent fixed term lease on their own premises.

La Bella Lingerie Facebook page
Rotherham Town Centre website

Images: La Bella Lingerie

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News: Portas highlights Rotherham town centre turnaround

Mary Portas has followed up the 2011 review into the nation's high streets by publishing a think piece on why they still matter, and again the retail guru has referenced the work taking place in Rotherham as a "beacon many should follow."

With many of the original recommendations, such as a national markets day and the Future High Street Forum, taken on board by the government, some, like wholesale changes to business rates and planning, have just been just tinkered with. The latest essay highlights the successes of towns which have followed her guidance.

Rotherham is a Portas Pilot, having secured £100,000 in government funding to use innovative local ideas to revitalise the town centre. The borough also secured extra funding from British Land and The High Street Renewal Fund.

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review, Mary Portas was back in the borough earlier this year. After seeing the success of heritage-led regeneration on the High Street, the support of entrepreneurial retailers in Pop-Up shops and the newly opened, Makers Emporium, Portas described the turnaround as fantastic and was bursting with pride at was has been achieved.

In the latest essay, entitled, "Why our High Streets Still Matter", Rotherham is used as a case study of how a local council has taken a very active role in the regeneration of a once desolate town centre.

The report picks out key statistics such as the 86 new businesses that have opened in the last three years and the reduction in vacant units on key shopping streets from over 20% to 14%, as well as the improvements in shopper satisfaction.

Also picked out for praise are a number of encouraging projects such as the popular Whistle Stop Sweet Shop & Temperance Bar, that has expanded with the backing of the council through the Portas Pilot funding.

Chris Hamby's ambitious plans to bring listed buildings on the High Street back to life is also praised, as is the way his vision was backed with an affordable loan by the council when the banks wouldn't.

The Makers Emporium, home to 30 local artisans and crafters, is also highlighted for the way in which a number of groups have come together to create an innovative retail space. It is described as an example of a very clever way to differentiate the High Street offer and become a destination.

In the report, Mary Portas, said: "The turnaround achieved in Rotherham is one of the best case studies I know.

"Collaboration at its finest; an inspired and talented Town Team, an enlightened and committed Local Authority, a busy and ambitious local college and a very supportive British Land.

"The results they've started to see are impressive to say the least. If you have an interest in High Streets, go and visit Rotherham and get the story first hand."

Rotherham town centre website
Portas Agency website

Images: RMBC

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News: Portas positive post Rotherham return

Mary Portas, the leading retail consultant called on by the Government to review the nation's High Street, has taken to Facebook to discuss her recent return visit to Rotherham. Here's the post in full:

It's great Up North!

I took a trip to Rotherham yesterday and it’s hard to say just how excited I was with what I saw. Rotherham was one of the original Portas Pilot towns and when I visited in September 2011, as part of the fact finding for the Portas review, it's fair to say that things were not great.

The Local Data Company was regularly giving them top spot for the number of vacant retail properties (unfairly as it turned out), the Guardian were knocking them and using Rotherham as a reason why, in their view, we should give up on the High Street. It was all too easy for everybody to be critical and to use Rotherham as the poster child for boarded up Britain.

When I first met them, the Town Team were already ahead of the game. They had a huge task but you could just tell that they were going to give it a massive go. They also had a huge advantage – that the Local Authority was one of the sadly all too rare "enlightened" ones who already had High Street regeneration at the top of their strategic priorities list.

The government chose them as a Pilot town and then they also gained extra funding from British Land and The High Street Renewal Fund and yesterday Brandon Lewis, the Minister with responsibility for the High Street and I made a visit to see how they are getting on.

It's just fantastic! The High Street is transformed, new shops are open, ones that have been there for a while are revitalised, it looks and feels like a High Street again. Tumbleweed has been replaced by people. Footfall has grown (in 2011/12 by 8%!) and the vacancy rate is now one of the better ones for a comparable town at 14%. That's down from 29% (according to LDC) and a 4% decrease since 2010.

Let's just pause for a moment and think about that. 86 new businesses opened their doors in the last 3 years. 86 entrepreneurs who believe in Rotherham and who are having a go. That's the spirit that will sort out our most important community spaces and give them a future.

And what do local people think? Well, bear in mind this is all in the shadow of Meadowhall, but people are not only coming back but they like it. For example 35% of shoppers said that the main reason for visiting is that Rotherham had a good range of shops they liked compared to only 2% who said this in 2009.

Even better, 92% of shoppers are satisfied or very satisfied with the independent shopping offer (compared to 42% in 2009).

One of the most impressive shiny new things on the High Street is "The Makers Emporium." I love it. 3000 sq feet of flexible space at affordable rents that local craftspeople can use to both make their beautiful stuff and also to sell it. It's fabulously presented and I liked just about everything in there - my colleague's wife will be enjoying some of them as Birthday presents as he went a bit mad! Just two of the businesses are here – this fella makes clever coat hangers and so on from reclaimed cutlery. This business produces the cutest kids shoes and clothes.

How has all of this been achieved? Sheer grit and determination by heroes like Bernadette Rushton and Paul Woodcock amongst others but here's a list of what makes them a successful Pilot in my view – happy to take feedback on this btw.

• They saw it coming and started planning.
• Not being intimidated by something like Meadowhall – instead deciding to create an altogether more human alternative.
• Recognising that you have to change things and it will still take a while for perceptions even then – in other words it’s a long game.
• Rotherham are clever at raising money including match funding and spending it wisely.
• Their local authority are hugely supportive (for example using their ability to raise prudential funding at reasonable rates to support local businesses when the banks won't or can't help)
• Linking with The Source – the local training initiative to make sure there's a solid retail Learning and Development bedrock to this
• Thinking beyond retail - their plan also involves residential
• Be creative with retail – the Makers Emporium is gold!
• Integrating with the rest of the town centre
• Did I mention sheer Yorkshire grit and determination?

There's a way to go for Rotherham but as I said to the many journalists there yesterday, I am bursting with pride on what's been achieved so far. Viva Rotherham.

Martin Kimber, chief executive of Rotherham Council said: "Rotherham has made a real impression on Mary. She was full of praise the first time she visited us and we’re seen as a real beacon of success for the Portas Pilot."

Mary Portas website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham sets example for retail revival

"You give us the money and we'll make it work." That was the message from the Labour leader of Rotherham Council to the Tory minister for high streets, town centres and markets, as they opened the newest retail outlet on Rotherham's revitalised High Street, alongside leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas.

The evidence is there for all to see. Firstly, the government has stumped over £350,000 to support the council and its town team partners in realising its vision to create a vibrant and thriving town centre with a different retail offer by fostering new, independent businesses.

And secondly, Roger Stone is right, the funding has been used wisely, with the opening of over 80 shops and an overall increase of 13% in pedestrian foot flow in the past three years.

Granted, in those three years, some national and independent retailers have closed their Rotherham stores. Ethel Austin, Internacionale, and Co-op Travel have found the climate tough and closed stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, not just Rotherham.

Helping to go a long way to fill the voids in the South Yorkshire town that has been identified as having the highest amount of retail competition in the UK, are independent retailers supported by the council's Business Vitality Grants Scheme, which since 2009 has supported over 20 businesses to get started, offering help towards rent and fit-out costs for retailers that have potential to widen the appeal and drive footfall for the benefit of all businesses.

Pop-up shops have also been successful with the council offering a prime retail unit in the refurbished Imperial Buildings on flexible and attractive lease terms to help businesses get up and running. After an initial trial, Vintage Dolls has this month celebrated its first birthday.

The most recent addition to Rotherham's retail mix is the Makers Emporium, a project offering 3,000 sq ft of retail space on a temporary basis to more than 30 local entrepreneurs and designers to launch their products and test the market.

Physical regeneration is also taking place on the High Street with local retailer Chris Hamby progressing the next stage of the heritage-led project to bring historic buildings back into use.

Miele Delicatessen, a new Italian deli has also opened in the refurbished former Muntus department store on the High Street, selling a range of authentic food and quality coffee.

High Streets Minister Brandon Lewis and retail expert Mary Portas visited Rotherham to see first hand the progress being made and to officially open the Makers Emporium.

Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who has the responsibility for improving high streets and town centres, said: "Rotherham is a prime example of how a struggling town centre can be turned around into a success story, and in the last three years 86 new businesses have opened their doors in the high street.

"The town has grabbed the opportunities offered to it and is a great example of how our high streets can become shopping destinations that serve the whole community. It's an example to other town centres around the country."

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street, Mary Portas met with some of the independent retailers, the town team and Chris Hamby. She said: "I'm bursting with pride at everything that's been achieved in Rotherham.

"The town team have done an extraordinary job increasing footfall and reducing vacancy rates but most of all producing a place people want to shop in and feel at home in. They have huge competition from some of the UK's biggest shopping malls right on the doorstep but they are bearing out the national statistics that people prefer high streets."

Joining independent retailers like colourful gift shop, Patchwork Pig, and specialists in all things manly, Things That Boys Like, the former Snafu rock bar has been transformed into a light and airy retail space selling locally-designed and hand-crafted products.

Funded by the Government's High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the council, The Source and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Makers Emporium aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and see what it takes to run their own business.

Makers include Our Tiny Bees, Badger & Kingdom, Oddle Doddle Jewellery, Poco Nido, Seraphina Pearl Designs and Panache par Paris.

Terry Cooper of Tea Wear Recycled Cutlery, who works with metal and wood to create unique items of jewellery and homewares, sold Mary Portas a set of coat hooks fashioned from recycled ornate spoons. He summed up the new project: "When everywhere looks the same and you could be stood on any High Street in the UK, what we need is something unique. This place is, and it just lifts everything."

Makers Emporium website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen / Miele Delicatessen / Twitter

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News: Maker's Emporium set for official opening

Retail guru Mary Portas and Brandon Lewis MP, the Government's minister for high streets, town centres and markets, are set to visit Rotherham this week to take a look at the ongoing transformation of the High Street.

Portas last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street. Suitably impressed by the support for new, independent retailers; high levels of customer service; and the vitality of the markets, Rotherham became a "Portas Pilot" and secured funding to help adapt its high streets to changing consumer behaviour.

£100,000 from the Government has been matched with £130,000 from British Land, the owners of the nearby retail park at Parkgate to test the "Town Team" approach and pilot ideas and recommendations set out in the Mary Portas Review. This was followed up with £268,000 awarded as part of the government's High Street Renewal Award.

The additional funding boosted the already successful business vitality grants scheme that provides financial support to encourage new independent niche retail businesses to open up in the town centre. Over 85 new businesses have opened in the town centre since 2010.

The £100,000 business development grant fund has already supported the renovation of Café Rendezvous, the expansion of the Whistle Stop Sweet Shop to include a new temperance bar, and the renovation of Stems florists.

Around £12,000 has gone into mystery shopper reviews, improvement grants and World Host customer service training involving over 170 businesses, highlighting examples of "platinum service" and providing training opportunities to improve customer service standards.

£2,500 has been used on training almost 60 traders in visual merchandising, gift wrapping, media and marketing to ensure that Rotherham retailers offer an experience which attracts shoppers and helps retailers collectively spread the Shop Local message.

£15,000 has been used for Rotherham's successful pop up shop scheme, the first of which has given new business Vintage Dolls the chance to test its business ideas on flexible terms, with a queue of retailers now awaiting the next pop up opportunities.

£25,000 has also been spent on the town's high profile Shop Local campaign, finding innovative ways to promote the quality, differentiated shopping offer, alongside advertising discounts and other incentives in over 100 shops and restaurants participating in the Shop Local loyalty card scheme.

This week, Mary Portas and Brandon Lewis will officially open the Makers' Emporium on High Street, the latest initiative to help differentiate the retail offer in Rotherham town centre.

Transforming the former Snafu rock bar and opening to the public last week, the Makers' Emporium offers low-cost shared and professionally-managed retail space to a mixture of makers, crafters, artists and designers. The project focuses on providing locally-designed and hand-crafted items with an array of pieces available to suit all tastes and budgets.

Initial products for sale include handmade bags and clothing, quality skincare products made from local honey, home-ware, recycled metal art, gifts, and hand-crafted fine silver jewellery.

Funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the Council, The Source and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Makers' Emporium aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and see what it takes to run their own business.

Maker's Emporium website
Rotherham Town Centre website

Images: RMBC

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