News: What's the use? Still no viable scheme announced for listed building

Rotherham Council has set aside £701,390 to secure an art deco former cinema in the town centre until a new use can be found.

Vandals have previously caused "significant damage" to the fabric of the former Regal Cinema and Mecca Bingo on Corporation Street. The empty Grade II Listed building was acquired in 2022 and has been added to the Council’s own Heritage at Risk Register.

Rothbiz reported last year that a contract, worth £451,694, was awarded to Blackpool-based F Parkinson Ltd for the internal clearance, external roofing and refurbishment.

Planning approval has recently been secured for the latest part of the scheme that aims to ensure that the building remains safe, secure and compliant whilst a review of future use is undertaken. Intervention is necessary to secure the building whilst it vacant and help it to be safely and securely mothballed.

The latest works are described as relatively minor and involve replacing double timber doors on the side elevation facing the car park to the north, with double steel security doors. The existing cast iron rainwater goods on the building have also failed and it is proposed to replace them with cast aluminium rainwater goods painted in an off-white colour.

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A planner's report states: "The building is currently vacant and has been since the 2020 pandemic. The premises have been broken into in the past with metal theft and vandalism having occurred. The owner of the premises Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) have confirmed that they intend to mothball and secure the building until a viable scheme for its re-use can be found.

"With regards to the replacement timber doors, these are not of special interest and look to have been inserted at a later date to provide a fire escape for the building. Whilst the replacement steel doors will look defensive, it is acknowledged that they are necessary to stop break ins of the building whilst it is being mothballed. It is considered that the replacement doors would lead to less than substantial harm to the listed building. As such, public benefit needs to be provided to outweigh the identified harm.

"It is accepted that the building is vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins due to its vacant state. Significant damage has already occurred to the building fabric from vandalism, and this is only likely to continue unless the building is fully secured.

"It is considered that there is clear public benefit in providing security to the building whilst it is vulnerable to break ins by being vacant and the use of steel security doors is a reasonable and expedient measure to protect the building. As such, it is considered that there is clear public benefit to justify the proposal in security terms."

In addition to new paintwork, the council's plans for the building also include using a vinyl treatment on the metal shutters of the existing windows and doors to create the illusion of the original windows and entrances. Where original cinematic posters would have been displayed interchangeable advertising will again be displayed.

Rotherham Council's capital programme 2025/26 to 2029/30 has £701,390 assigned to the Mecca Bingo project.

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the building had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status. This meant that earlier proposals from Sunshine Homes Ltd to erect a new residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units was withdrawn. The plans would have involved knocking down the building as converting the existing property was found to be not a viable proposal.

When a new theatre was included in Rotherham's place-based investment strategy, it was given an investment figure of c.£28m. Rotherham Council has previously used regeneration funding to carry out market testing and an options appraisal for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre as the current Civic Theatre building has challenges in terms of capacity, opportunity for growth and its general condition. A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2022 to determine a suitable location for a new venue and a site was subsequently acquired by the Council.

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News: Late night licence bid for new Rotherham venue

The restoration of a former theatre and cinema in Rotherham town centre has reached another milestone with operators hoping to host events until 4am.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on the former cinema known as the Essoldo building on Ship Hill / High Street that was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub.

A new community interest company (CIC) has been created centred around using the restored building as a multi-purpose community arts venue, pointing out that Rotherham has a lack of venues and no dedicated live music venue.

With Branch Developments Ltd and Mark McGrail of SME Environmental Services highlighting the progress of the works on social media, a 2025 opening is a real prospect.

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SME Environmental Holdings Limited has now applied for a premises licence for The Empire Theatre.

The application indicates that the two floors could be used for performances of live music, plays, dance or any entertainment of a similar description. The licence would also cover an indoor sporting event or an exhibition of a film.

As part of the licence, the provision of late night refreshment and the sale by retail of alcohol, is also included.

If approved, opening hours would be 12:00 to 04:30 with licenced activities, including the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises only, taking place until 4am.

It is thought that the new Empire will have a capacity of 800 - 400 on each floor.

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This cinema building was designed by architects Chadwick and Watson, opening in 1913 under the name of the Empire Theatre. By 1929 it had become part of the ABC cinema chain and subsequently became part of the Essoldo chain in 1954. It became the Classic Cinema in 1972 and subsequently a Cannon Cinema in 1988 before closing in 1990 to become a nightclub and snooker club.

The last part of the building in operation was The Amber Lounge, a contemporary cocktail / champagne bar. It went by many names as a nightclub including New York, New York, Beach, Blu Bambu, Synergy, Pop and Hub.

Restoration work has included uncovering the first cantilever beams (designed by a local architect) that created the impressive "Gods" - the building's uppermost balcony.

Having looked at the same building, Rotherham Council has switched its focus to the Alma Tavern, which the authority owns, as a potential live music venue, backed by £4.5m of government funding. Feasability issues have arisen but the Council says that it is committed to working with Chantry Brewery on the project.

Also in the town centre, work is underway on a £450,000 contract to secure an art deco former cinema on Corporation Street until a new use can be found. Rotherham Council acquired the former Regal Cinema and Mecca Bingo, a listed building, in 2022. A viable scheme for its re-use has yet to be confirmed.

Rotherham Empire on Facebook

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News: Council identifies site for new theatre in Rotherham town centre

Another large empty retail store in the town centre could be demolished by Rotherham Council after the site was earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

Regeneration plans are coming together for the Corporation Street area of town where the Council wants to see the Leisure & Cultural Quarter extended from the Forge Island scheme where work recently got underway.

Muse Developments, with Bowmer & Kirkland as contractor and funded by the council, is bringing a state-of-the-art cinema, 69 room hotel, and six restaurants to Forge Island.

Under the Council's ownership, the Riverside Precinct and Chantry Buildings have already been demolished to make way for an open space between Forge Island and Minster Gardens. Now the large plot next door is in the sights of the wrecking ball.

A planning application has been submitted to determine whether prior approval is required for the method of demolition and restoration of the site relating to the demolition of the former Wilkinson's Store.

The 20,423 sq ft property was vacated by the value general merchandise retailer at the start of 2022.

The plans are from Rotherham Council, a hint that the authority has bought the property. They state: "The demolition of the former Wilkinson's store will provide the Council with the opportunity to enhance its Cultural & Leisure Quarter, building on from Forge Island this site in the longer term has been identified as the preferred option for a new theatre in the town centre.

"The demolition [of] 4 Corporation Street and remediation of the site is viewed as enabling works for this future redevelopment. In the short term it would also allow the site to be used as a compound for the main construction works in this locality coming forward in 23/24."

Rothbiz has previously reported on the council's considerations for a new theatre and arts space in Rotherham town centre.

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In recent weeks Rothbiz has discussed the plans for the area including a revamp of the former NatWest bank into 16 new residential properties and 12,300 sq ft of commercial space.

Riverside Gardens is also planned for the area - a new area of public realm.

Rothbiz also revealed last month that Rotherham Council had bought the former Mecca Bingo, "that will contribute to the further regeneration of the Leisure & Cultural Quarter." The Grade II listed building sits alongside the former Wilkos.

With 25,833 sq ft of space over three floors, the art deco building includes a main floor with a stage and tiered seating, currently set up as a bingo hall having previously been a cinema. The upper floor includes a bar and lounge.

The council is also aiming to acquire the burnt out buildings on the opposite side of Corporation Street and has drafted up plans for further residential and commercial space here.

To connect the development sites in the area, it is also expected that investment will be made in infrastructure and making it more pedestrian friendly.

On the plans for NatWest, Riverside Gardens and the burnt out buildings, Tim O'Connell, Head of RiDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, told councillors last week: "They are all looking to be done by 2025 for these so there's quite a bit of activity to happen at the same time. So, to be fair, there will be disruption in that area of town, but disruption to try and deliver positive change that I think is much needed."

On historic buildings in the area, O'Connell added: "We've acquired also, the former Regal cinema at the bottom of Corporation Street, there's development happening around there. I think for the Chapel on the Bridge and investment that may happen around the Minster, I think there's potential.

"Leisure and culture at the moment is very much focused on eating and drinking but I think leisure and culture is broader than that and I think Chapel on the Bridge has an important role and I would hope, and I would expect, that through the next phase of proposals that we would want to bring forward for the town centre, that the setting for the Chapel on the Bridge, or how we might integrate that more effectively into the town centre, would be part of that."

Images: Google Maps / Christie & Co.

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News: Rotherham Council buys bingo hall in bid to boost regeneration

In an effort to support the regeneration of the town centre, Rotherham Council has the key of the door, purchasing a former bingo hall that has been unlucky for some.

Last year Mecca Bingo confirmed that its venue on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre was closing permanently. Redevelopment plans were withdrawn after the former cinema was granted listed status.

The authority's purchase is part of its desire to extend the Leisure & Cultural Quarter alongside the new Forge Island development nearby.

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the former Regal Cinema had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status. This meant that earlier proposals from Sunshine Homes Ltd to erect a residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units was withdrawn. The plans would have involved knocking down the art deco building as converting the existing property was found to be not a viable proposal.

In October 2021 the building was due to go under the hammer with a guide price of £390,000 but the lot was withdrawn before going to auction.

Cabinet papers confirm that the council has purchased the vacant former Mecca Bingo building in the town centre "as part of the Council’s Regeneration Programme. The property will contribute to the further regeneration of the Leisure & Cultural Quarter."

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Corporation Street has been a target for investment after Rotherham was named on a list of successful "town deals" which should see £31.6m from the Government used to revamp areas of Rotherham town centre as well as Templeborough and Eastwood.

Investment plans explain: "The Leisure and Cultural Quarter continues across the river to include Corporation Street, a cluster of underused buildings which will provide leisure and residential uses on a smaller scale catering for independent providers and contributing to a 24-hour presence in the town centre.

"Corporation Street occupies a prime position linking the town centre to the Forge Island development, which currently acts as a barrier between the town and its riverside. It is comprised of tired, derelict and underutilised buildings.

"This is an ambitious transformation which will require a phased approach and working in partnership with private sector owners to bring the buildings back into use and provide high quality design reflective of the Conservation Area status. New uses will see residential and ground floor leisure uses complementary to the Forge Island development and new public realm."

Rothbiz has previously reported on the council's considerations for a new theatre and arts space in Rotherham town centre.

In September, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved the use of its £1m Strategic Acquisitions Fund, approved by Council in March 2021 for the Capital Programme and spend within the Towns Fund, and for officers to negotiate the acquisition by agreement of property interests at various sites.

The sites were not disclosed but council minutes show: "The properties identified as Site 1a and 1b in Appendix 1 were required for the continued development of an improved leisure offer in the town centre. Site 2 was a building which had lacked a secure future for many years. Sites 3 and 4 had previously been identified for acquisition and would continue development at the Riverside Residential Quarter and Leisure & Culture Quarter."

No sum for purchasing the bingo hall property, which recently suffered a suspected arson, has been disclosed.

With 25,833 sq ft of space over three floors, the building has been advertised for lease by Christie & Co. It includes a main floor with a stage and tiered seating, currently set up as a bingo hall. The upper floor includes a bar and lounge.

Opened in 1934, the cinema was built for, and constructed by, Thomas Wade & Son Ltd of Wath upon Dearne, under the name of Thomas Wade Cinemas Ltd. It was designed by Blackmore & Sykes of Hull.

The cinema was initially leased to the cinema entrepreneur Lou Morris, and had 1,850 seats, including 728 on the balcony, and multiple foyers. There was also a stage and three dressing rooms for live variety performances, a Conacher organ with an illuminated console mounted on a lift, and a cafe/restaurant that was open to non-patrons.

After undergoing a number of sales and name changes, the cinema closed in September 1983 and remained empty until May 1989 when it reopened as Ritz bingo. From 2004 it was operated by Mecca until its closure last year.

Images: Christie & Co.

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News: Rotherham bingo hall demolition plans recalled

Redevelopment plans that involve demolishing a historic Rotherham property and replacing it with flats have been withdrawn following the building being granted listed status.

Last year Mecca Bingo confirmed that its venue on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre was closing permanently. Shortly afterwards, Sunshine Homes Ltd submitted plans to erect a residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units. The plans would involve knocking down the art deco building as converting the exisiting property was found to be not a viable proposal.

The planning application has now been withdrawn.

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the former Regal Cinema had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status.

Any new application would need listed building consent to carry out works that would "affect the character of the building as a building of special interest." For example, making alterations to the 1930's cinema, let alone demolishing it.

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Historic England has now updated the official list to include the Rotherham building.

The architectural interest is described as: "a good example of a medium-scale 1930s cinema built by a successful regional architectural practice who specialised in cinema designs" as well as having "a distinguished and well-executed Art Deco-influenced exterior that retains its character despite some later alteration."

Interest is also found inside. The listing adds: "the interior's first-floor foyer and the strikingly decorated main auditorium are notable principal spaces that retain much of their original Art Deco decoration, whilst other key surviving features include stairs, doors with leaded lights, dressing rooms beneath the stage, and part of the original ceiling decoration in the former first-floor restaurant."

The listing also refrerences the building being "unusually carefully engineered due to its position above the former course of the River Don, utilising an advanced piled concrete raft foundation that is embedded into the rock strata beneath the riverbed."

Opened in 1934, the cinema was built for, and constructed by, Thomas Wade & Son Ltd of Wath upon Dearne, under the name of Thomas Wade Cinemas Ltd. It was designed by Blackmore & Sykes of Hull.

The cinema was initially leased to the cinema entrepreneur Lou Morris, and had 1,850 seats, including 728 on the balcony, and multiple foyers. There was also a stage and three dressing rooms for live variety performances, a Conacher organ with an illuminated console mounted on a lift, and a cafe/restaurant that was open to non-patrons.

After undergoing a number of sales and name changes, the cinema closed in September 1983 and remained empty until May 1989 when it reopened as Ritz bingo. From 2004 it was operated by Mecca until its closure last year.

The building was due to go under the hammer in October 2021 but the lot was withdrawn before going to auction. With a guide price of £390,000, the freehold of the 25,833 sq ft building was described as having "potential for commercial / institutional / religious use and residential development subject to planning."

The property did sell at auction in 2019 for £575,000.

The building is currently being marketed by Christie & Co.

Images: Christie & Co

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News: Rotherham bingo hall up for auction

A prominent building in Rotherham town centre is set to go under the hammer, again.

Rothbiz reported in May that Mecca Bingo had confirmed that its venue on Corporation Street was closing permanently.

The Rank Group, which owns Mecca, has seen venues closed during the Covid pandemic and posted much reduced revenues.

The building, which was previously a cinema was due to go up for auction twice in 2018 with a guide price of £875,000 - £925,000 and then £800,000 but the lots were withdrawn twice.

The property did sell at auction in 2019 for £575,000.

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Now Network Auctions is advertising the lot for sale at its online auction on October 21. Now with a guide price of £390,000, the freehold of the 25,833 sq ft building is described as a having "potential for commercial / institutional / religious use and residential development subject to planning."

Indeed, Rothbiz reported in June that an application had been submitted to knock the building down and in its place, erect a residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units.

The art deco building, which originally opened in December 1934 as the Regal Cinema, is not listed and planning documents from Sunshine Homes Ltd explained that: "The initial intention was to explore options for a residential conversion of the existing building, however having assessed these options in detail it was clear that a conversion was simply not a viable proposal. As such it was concluded that the only real option was for a new build approach."

The site is adjacent to the Forge Island regeneration scheme anchored by a cinema and hotel. Residential use has been proposed on surrounding land in the later stages of the scheme.

Rotherham Council is targeting Corporation Street in its regeneration plans.

Images: Network Auctions

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News: Regeneration plans involve wrecking ball for bingo hall

Just a month after operators confirmed the closure of a popular Rotherham bingo hall, redevelopment plans have been unveiled for the prominent site.

Rothbiz reported in May that Mecca Bingo had confirmed that its venue on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre was closing permanently.

The Rank Group, which owns Mecca, has seen venues closed during the Covid pandemic as a result of lockdowns, tiering closures and curfews, with revenues halved and losses incurred.

The property sold at auction in 2019 for £575,000 and with Mecca's lease due to expire this year, plans have now been submitted that would see the 26,000 sq ft property knocked down.

Applicants, Sunshine Homes Ltd, want to erect a residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units.

The art deco building, which originally opened in December 1934 as the Regal Cinema, is not listed and planning documents explain that: "The initial intention was to explore options for a residential conversion of the existing building, however having assessed these options in detail it was clear that a conversion was simply not a viable proposal. As such it was concluded that the only real option was for a new build approach."

The site is within the town centre conservation area and plans have evolved as council officers discussed the impact on the setting of Rotherham Minster and the Chapel of our Lady, and in particular the protection of the historically significant view that exists in places between the two.

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A mix of one and two-bed apartments are proposed in a five storey building designed to step up towards the river with a courtyard enclosed on three sides.

No affordable housing is included in the plans due to the property being vacant. No parking is provided within the development given the town centre location

The plans, drawn up by Den Architecture, conclude: "The proposals make effective use of brownfield land and will make a significant contribution to meeting key regeneration objectives" and "create less than substantial harm on nearby Heritage Assets."

The heritage assessment accompanying the plans states that: "The building holds a degree of local historical interest in illustrating the 1930s development of the City with the laying out of Corporation Street. The design of the building is relatively simply presented and, at the time of construction, largely derivative of prevailing architectural treatment for cinema buildings.

"Interest is largely contained within the principal elevation onto Corporation Street with the other elevations of a functional character and in generally poor aesthetic condition, particularly to the west facing River elevation. Later alterations to the main façade have also diminished architectural interest to some degree."

It adds that "demolition will give rise to a degree of harm to the historic environment" but goes on to say that: "the design respects and enhances the historical context and views whilst providing much needed high quality city centre accommodation."

The site is adjacent to the Forge Island regeneration scheme anchored by a cinema and hotel. Residential use has been proposed on surrounding land in the later stages of the scheme.

Images: Den Architecture

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News: Rotherham bingo hall's number is up

There will be no full houses at a Rotherham bingo hall anytime soon after operators announced that it will not be re-opening.

Mecca Bingo has confirmed that its venue on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre is closing permanently.

It is thought that the lease on 26,000 sq ft property was due to expire this year.

The Rank Group, which owns Mecca, has seen venues closed during the Covid pandemic as a result of lockdowns, tiering closures and curfew, with revenues halved and losses incurred. Mecca's like-for-like revenue comparison for between the six months ended 31 December 2020 and the same period in the previous year was down 56%.

Just last month, John O'Reilly, CEO of Rank, said: "Our business has inevitably been heavily impacted by the pandemic but, with the strong support and dedication of our colleagues, we are now very much looking forward to reopening our casino and bingo venues, welcoming back our customers and providing the great entertainment and omni-channel service in a COVID safe environment we know they enjoy."

However, a statement on the Mecca website this week , said: "It's with a very heavy heart we have to announce that Mecca Bingo Rotherham will be closing permanently.

"We want to take the opportunity to thank you, our wonderful customers, and our team for the MECCA-tastic years! Thank you for your loyalty and all the great memories we've made together.

"Our closest club Sheffield Flat Street opens from 17th May, and we hope to welcome you all there to keep making great memories and to bring you the usual Mecca fun."

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The building, which was previously a cinema was due to go up for auction twice in 2018 with a guide price of £875,000 - £925,000 and then £800,000 but the lots were withdrawn twice.

UPDATE - The property did sell at auction in 2019 for £575,000.

The substantial building, currently set out as a bingo hall, includes a reception area, gaming hall and ancillary and office accommodation over lower ground, ground, first and mezzanine floors.

Auction documents showed that the property is entirely let to Mecca Bingo Limited until 2021 at a current rent of £125,950 per annum. The tenant had an option to extend the lease.

The property previously sold in 2014, when it went for £880,000, also at auction.

Recommended reading: Rotherham Gaming Café Success Stories Making Waves The building, which auctioneers said "may lend itself to a variety of uses and redevelopment subject to obtaining all the necessary consents," is situated alongside the key regeneration site in the town centre - Forge Island.

Originally opened in December 1934 as the Regal Cinema the building was commissioned by Thomas Wade Cinemas Ltd of Wath-upon-Dearne, and designed by Messrs Blackmore and Sykes, Architects, of Hull. It had seating for 1,825, and was fully equipped for stage performances with three dressing rooms, and a theatre organ.

The site became the Odeon in 1946 and the café was turned into a Victor Sylvester ballroom in the 1960s. The cinema was taken over by Rank in 1975 and renamed La Scala. It showed its last film in 1983. It opened up for bingo as the Ritz, but was then taken over by Mecca Bingo.

Mecca website

Images: Google Maps

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