News: Council left £466,000 out of pocket by town centre developer

Cash-strapped Rotherham Council says that it has exhausted all the avenues in a bid to recover a £466,000, decade-old debt from a company it selected as a development partner for a high profile town centre regeneration scheme.

The Westgate Demonstrator Project was part of the much-vaunted Rotherham Renaissance programme that introduced apartments to the riverside in the Old Market and Keppel Wharf buildings and included the restoration of the Victorian, Grade II listed, Imperial Building.

Now council documents show that the developer, Iliad, never paid a premium to the authority after the work was completed in 2013. The debt remains unpaid despite the developments being sold on behalf of client and original developer, Iliad, in a deal worth close to £4m in 2019.

The debt relates to the invoice for the lease premium and is listed as £466,360.22. The council is proposing to write it off having been unable to get it paid.

In a bid to kickstart housing and mixed use regeneration, and reduce the risks for a reluctant private sector, Rotherham Council sought a developer in 2005 to bring forward projects on authority-owned sites. Sale documents showed that all the completed blocks were held long leasehold on new 160 year leases from September 2006 from the Council at a peppercorn rent.

The multimillion pound schemes resulted in 61 new apartments and around 20,000 sq ft of ground floor retail space but the economic downturn following 2008 meant that a proposed Iliad scheme for the site of the former All Saints Building was scrapped.

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Council papers state: "The Council proposes to write off a debtor balance in relation to IIiad (Rotherham) Ltd, to the value of £466,360.22, dating back from 27.03.2013. The debt stems from an old regeneration scheme where RMBC entered into a Development Agreement with the developer Iliad to deliver the Westgate Demonstrator Project.

"Under the terms of the Development Agreement just prior to commencement of construction on site Iliad and the Council would enter into a long term lease. As the buildings were completed Iliad would then pay to the Council a Lease Premium. However, IIiad got into significant financial difficulty and were unable to meet the lease premium and ultimately fell into liquidation.

"The invoice/debt relates to the invoice for the lease premium. The Council has pursued this debt through a variety of channels over a significant period of time, however, it is now believed that all avenues have been exhausted and the debt should be written off."

The Council added that it has used normal debt collection routes and hired a legal firm to lodge its case, only to be told that "the Council is unlikely to ever see any return from this process."

According to Companies House, Iliad (Rotherham) Ltd continues to trade and there are no listings in the London Gazette regarding its liquidation.

Iliad Group continues to develop properties in its native Liverpool, most recently a 120-apartment project called "The Eight" in 2021, and the restoration of a Georgian Terrace, also in The Ropeworks area of the city in 2024.

The Council said that it will continue to monitor the case and added that there would be "no impact on the Council’s reported financial position" as provision had already been made in its accounts in preparation for the debt being written off.

Iliad website

Images: GVA

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News: Rotherham mixed-use schemes sold

High profile mixed-use retail and residential developments in the heart of Rotherham town centre have been acquired in a multimillion pound deal.

GVA's Leeds office has completed the sale of "Rotherham Central" on behalf of client and original developer, Iliad, in a deal worth close to £4m.

Purchased by Modernistiq Developments, the sale comprised 61 private-rented apartments and 23 retail units, distributed across three buildings, including the Victorian Imperial Buildings shopping arcade.

Rothbiz reported in 2017 that a portfolio containing part of the developments in had gone on the market.

The Westgate Demonstrator Project saw developments like the Old Market and Keppel Wharf brought new apartments to the riverside. The scheme, part of the much-vaunted Rotherham Renaissance programme, also included the restoration of the Victorian, Grade II listed, Imperial Building.

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A design competition was launched in 2005 by Rotherham Council to find a preferred partner to take forward a masterplan for the Westgate area. Liverpool developer, Iliad and Glenn Howells Architects were selected to deliver this "Demonstrator Project", a key town centre regeneration scheme comprising five sites in council ownership.

Income is derived from residential, retail, car parking and ground rent totalling £470,000 per annum.

Alex Sweetman at GVA, said: "We are delighted to conclude the sale of Rotherham Central as the scheme will play a pivotal role in the revitalisation of the town centre.

"The town is experiencing a healthy demand for high quality, PRS housing and with limited stock on the market, Rotherham Central presented a fantastic opportunity for potential purchasers.

"The deal was a fantastic start to the year for us and we anticipate a busy few months ahead."

Eversheds acted on behalf of Iliad, while Shoosmiths James Bielby of Bielby Associates represented Modernistiq Developments.

Modernistiq is already looking at its investments and recently submitted a planning application to convert the vacant commercial unit at Keppel Wharf into 13 residential properties.

GVA website

Images: GVA

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News: Council to discuss town centre plans

Rotherham Council is to discuss the way forward for Rotherham town centre next week and has explained the need for another masterplan.

Rothbiz revealed last month that a new masterplan is being put together to focus on the likely delivery options for each of the key regeneration sites in the town centre and surrounding areas and to identify potential funding.

The proposal is being put forward for consideration by the Council's joint Cabinet and Commissioners' Decision Making Meeting next week.

If accepted, the masterplan would build on the work of the Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Results of the recent public consultation on the draft SPD will also be considered at the same meeting.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "The Masterplan would be an important tool in marketing the wider town centre to potential investors and encouraging further regeneration. Although the SPD is a useful document and identifies specific sites for development, it isn’t designed to consider the full range of development issues within those sites such as viability and deliverability of proposals. Neither does it focus in detail on how each of the key sites could be delivered.

"The Masterplan would identify funding and likely delivery options for these sites, and have a much broader brief than the SPD, including the development of the broad vision and an implementation plan to turn the vision and plans into reality."

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If agreed, the Masterplan would cover a larger area than the SPD, identifying key development sites in the town centre and surrounding areas.

It would also focus on transport issues in more detail, including car parking, and identify the key issues and challenges that are likely to affect the town centre including:

- National retail and leisure trends
- Future role and purpose of Rotherham in an increasingly competitive market
- The impact of the Westgate Demonstrator residential development and the Council's ambition to further grow town centre living, with a target of 2,000 new units set out in the Economic Growth Plan
- The impact of the new Tesco superstore and the possible re-alignment of the Town’s retail offer
- The vacant former Tesco building and the future development of the Forge Island site
- Cultural and leisure activities such as the introduction of a central library, art gallery, town centre cinema, hotel and new theatre
- The night time economy
- Accessibility, traffic, transport and connectivity issues (public transport, walking and cycling, taxis and car parking)

The new plan is set to become an important tool in marketing the wider town centre to potential investors and encouraging further regeneration and improvement.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RMBC

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News: £3m for Rotherham Interchange refurb

£3m from the reserves of South Yorkshire's transport budget is set to be used to support the cost of refurbishing the car park at Rotherham Interchange which is "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The town's bus station also includes a retail development covering 55,000 sq ft and consisting of 18 units. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park on the site has since developed widespread defects and the existing tight spaces and drab appearance mean that occupancy levels only average approximately one third of its 678 capacity.

Rothbiz reported in February that typical defects include extensive corrosion to imbedded steel reinforcement. As a consequence there has been spalling (breaking into fragments) in the columns, beams, up-stands, curbs and structural topping to the decks. Additionally a remedial waterproof deck failed and steel tie-bars were corroding.

A vehicle fire in May caused damage to the building, closing the car park and some of the stands.

The latest budget put before the Sheffield city region transport committee shows that £4.3m in reserves is available to projects to be re-earmarked and £3m is set to be used to support costs of refurbishing the Rotherham car park.

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The car park requires £4m worth of repairs and plans have been approved for the detailed design of the renovation and re-cladding of the four-storey car park. However, the start date of the refurbishment was delayed following a decision to further investigate alternative development options on the site.

Talks have been ongoing since the operators, the SYPTE, Rotherham Council and owners Norseman Holdings met in 2013 to discuss potential alternative development options for the site. The SYPTE is set to decide on whether they wish to redevelop the site as an Interchange or continue a programme of repairs.

A spokesperson for the SYPTE said: "We are currently undertaking a detailed investigation of the fire damage, required to determine the structural repairs necessary to re-open the car park. Cleaning and repair work made necessary after the fire is also ongoing at the Interchange.

"SYPTE with RMBC is considering refurbishment and redevelopment options to ensure any proposals compliment the future of the town centre as a whole. The £3m reserves will support delivery of the option that is agreed."

The interchange site is a key site in the emerging masterplan for the town centre. In resposnse to the consultation on the plans the SYPTE said: "SYPTE welcome the opportunity to redevelop this site in partnership with RMBC and this document for reinforcing the need of the interchange to maintain its use as a transport hub and that any additional uses, such as retail, be ancillary to its main use.

"Work is currently ongoing on various possibilities for the future of the Interchange and SYPTE welcomes the importance this document places on getting this redevelopment right. The interchange is key component to a successful town centre and in many cases the first place people travelling into the town will see.

"SYPTE understand there are a number of complexities when developing this site, including the current structural issues in the car park."

The recently published draft capital strategy from Rotherham Council included an ambition to invest in "Improvements to the Transport Interchange, to address current condition and public safety issues. The aim is to create a new, brighter, safer environment and address some of the issues around CSE in and around the existing Interchange."

Only 15% of school pupils responding to the Borough Wide Lifestyle Survey said they feel safe at the bus station

A cinema and new interchange scheme proposal was developed however the funding to deliver the scheme could not be sourced.

A proposal was also considered to totally reconfigure the layout of the bus station, from a drive through operation to a Drive in Reverse Out (DIRO) interchange.

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE / Aedas

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News: Next stage in Rotherham town centre masterplan

Key development sites in Rotherham town centre and adjoining areas have been identified and a new masterplan is being put together to focus on the likely delivery options for each of the key sites and identify potential funding.

Rothbiz reported first on the refresh of the town centre masterplan in March which identified eight "key moves" to continue the regeneration of the award-winning town centre. The consultation has recently been completed and once finalised, this Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will provide additional guidance to a number of Local Plan policies which can be taken into account when determining planning applications.

A follow-up piece of work is now being commissioned by Rotherham Council that will build on the work of consultants, Arup, and become an important tool in marketing the wider town centre to potential investors and encouraging further regeneration and improvement. It is also set to cover transport issues in more detail, including the preparation of a car parking strategy for the town.

It is set to provide "bold and deliverable solutions for leisure, retail, recreation and town centre living" and explains that "a step change in the retail offer of the town is required to revive the sector and ensure that it meets modern needs and requirements."

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Rotherham Council is putting together a £17m pot for regeneration in the town centre and the masterplan should identify the capital projects that will be brought forward.

The key development sites are detailed here.

A brief for the new masterplan states: "The proposed Masterplan represents an important opportunity for Rotherham. It will allow the Council and other key land owners to explore possibilities to enhance and support growth in this key area of the town and to set out its expectations for the content and timing of development proposals.

"The production of a Masterplan has the potential to kick-start the wider regeneration of the town. It is envisaged that underutilised sites which face connectivity issues will be transformed and contribute to a new and vibrant town centre.

"The Masterplan will support the delivery of schemes within the Rotherham town centre by providing greater certainty to existing businesses and potential investors, allowing development to take place in a co-ordinated fashion. It will provide detail on the options for delivery and implementation for key parts of the town centre. This will include soft market testing, viability assessments, cost estimates and implementation plans and funding options."

Images: RMBC / ARUP

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News: Rotherham's key town centre regeneration sites

A masterplan to guide the future regeneration of Rotherham town centre is set to focus on seven key sites. The plan will "set out a coherent set of land use and design parameters" for the sites and will then be used to promote the wider town centre to potential investors and encourage further regeneration and improvement.

Forge Island
Previously the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the 1.57 hectare site is currently home to an empty supermarket and a car park following the relocation of Tesco across town in 2014. It was identified as a suitable site for development of a town centre leisure hub as detailed in the earlier plan which placed bringing a cinema and leisure development to Forge Island as the first "key move." Market analysis has suggested that there is an appetite amongst cinema operators to locate within Rotherham as part of a wider leisure scheme, including family pub/restaurant, gym and hotel (cgi above).

In 2012, the Council's cabinet confirmed Forge Island as the preferred site for a town centre cinema and theatre development and developers and operators where sought. Rotherham town centre has been without a cinema for 25 years.

The Council included an option to buy the site for £1.5m when Tesco vacated and moved across town to the a £40m store on the site of former council buildings on Drummond Street. It also owns land and property over the river and is in discussions with the Government regarding the future of the site of the Magistrates' Court, since the Ministry of Justice ruled that it would close by the end of the year.

Sheffield Road
Previously Westgate Station, the 1.43 hectare site is currently home to the Royal Mail sorting office, BT's telephone exchange and land used for car parking.

The site has a long planning history with owners, Satnam Urban Regeneration, putting forward plans for a food store to rival those being put forward for Tesco. A long running legal battle with the Council came to an end in 2009 and nothing much has happened since apart from the rebirth of pubs as real ale favourites.

The Local Plan earmarked it for a mix of uses, predominately housing, but not retail. The site is allocated an indicative number of 143 homes to be delivered between 2021 and 2026. However, Royal Mail currently has no plans to close or relocate the sorting office and asked for a policy that states that "the re-provision / relocation of Royal Mail's operations will be required prior to redevelopment."

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Guest and Chrimes
Previously the site of a famous foundry employing thousands of workers, it is now home to Rotherham United's £20m New York Stadium and Rotherham Council's £60m offices.

The success of the Millers, on and off the pitch, has not led to further regeneration around the stadium ever since English Heritage strongly objected to plans to demolish the Grade II listed buildings that sit between the two modern buildings.

Feasibility work was carried out on a potential 100-bed riverside hotel surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. Offices and a call centre have also been mooted.

Like land at Main Street (see below) it is put forward in the Local Plan for a mix of uses, with the area "considered to be suitable for B1 office and hotel uses given its gateway location and proximity to Rotherham town centre and public transport interchanges. It is also considered suitable for assembly and leisure uses given its location, existing uses and proximity to Rotherham town centre."

Main Street
Most recently used as a nightclub and car parking relating to the Council offices, the 0.8 hectare site is a high profile site fronting the busy Centenary Way. Allocated for a mix of uses (see above) it is currently up for sale, advertised with the potential for retail, leisure and road side uses (subject to the necessary planning consent).

The 22,000 sq ft, 2,000 capacity Liquid nightclub was put up for sale by Luminar before its administration in 2012. Under ownership by Ron Hull Jr Ltd, it was demolished last year.

A £5m road scheme at New York Junction has completed and was designed to open up land for redevelopment, not least the adjacent Main Street site.

Interchange and Corporation Street
The town's bus station also includes a retail development covering 55,000 sq ft, consisting of 18 units and 750 parking spaces. Opened in 1971, the car park has since developed widespread defects and is "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

Talks have been ongoing since the operators, the SYPTE, Rotherham Council and owners Norseman Holdings met in 2013 to discuss potential alternative development options for the site. The SYPTE is set to decide on whether they wish to redevelop the site as an Interchange or continue a programme of repairs.

The recently published draft capital strategy from Rotherham Council included an ambition to invest in "Improvements to the Transport Interchange, to address current condition and public safety issues. The aim is to create a new, brighter, safer environment and address some of the issues around CSE in and around the existing Interchange."

Corporation Street has seen a reduced footfall since the relocation of Tesco across town from Forge Island and has been in gradual decline as a retail destination. It is blighted by a number of burn-out buildings.

Drummond Street and Markets
The markets continue to welcome over four million customers per year but the outdoor markets area is underutilised and has significant issues in terms of its access and permeability into the indoor markets area. A redeveloped markets complex was identified in the borough's growth plan.

Over the road and adjacent to the new £40m Tesco, Drummond Street Car Park is also earmarked for redevelopment.

Doncaster Gate
The council-owned site was controversially cleared, demolishing a former Victorian hospital. Led by the RNN Group, a £12m Higher Education (HE) campus is planned here and proposals to secure funding, and the land from the Council, are well advanced. It could accommodate a 44,000 sq ft campus - enough space to eventually house 1,000 students. The aim is to be open for the 2017/18 academic year.

There is significant land still available to locate other complementary developments. Interest in using the site, where any development will not affect the adjacent medical facilities, has also come from providers of specialist housing provision.

Images: RMBC/Arup/Rotherham United/Google Maps

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News: First look at new vision for Rotherham town centre

Eight "key moves" have been identified to continue the regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

A masterplan has been refreshed by consultants, ARUP, setting the strategy for investment in key central sites that allows the Council to examine progress made, and prepare a new Supplementary Planning Document which will underpin future development for the town centre.

The first key move is the development of a leisure hub on Forge Island, the former home of a Tesco supermarket that is currently being used as a temporary car park. Details of the proposals, anchored by a multiplex cinema, are detailed on Rothbiz here.

The second key move is to continue with the encouragement of further residential development in the town centre to add "around the clock vitality and vibrancy." Sites where further residential development could take place include Westgate Chambers, the Law Courts and Police Station, alongside leisure uses on Forge Island, and along the river on Westgate and Sheffield Road.

The masterplan states that residential development "will support the goals of the Masterplan, fulfilling the vision of re-populating the Town Centre to create a more vibrant, sustainable and family-friendly core for Rotherham."

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Another key move is to support "Making and Trading" in the town centre with the indoor market being retained and the remainder of the site being redeveloped. Influenced by Rotherham's history and ideas such as the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, a redeveloped market site could include opportunities for small scale manufacturing and space for entrepreneurs. The plans state: "The suitability of the Markets for this purpose is also reinforced by the fact that it would also be capable of providing a space in which products manufactured on site could be sold."

The redevelopment of the Transport Interchange is also considered a key move. Issues over safety, fear of crime and CSE are often raised regarding the bus station and the car park above is "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The future of other key sites are also highlighted in the masterplan. These include the former Guest & Chrimes foundry adjacent to Rotherham United's New York Stadium where a mixed-used scheme to support the "making and trading" vision could see flexible workspaces and live/work space.

Drummond Street Car Park adjacent to the new £40m Tesco is anticipated to be redeveloped to support the nearby reconfigured Markets by providing space for retail and making and trading.

An Education Quarter, which includes the revamped campus for Rotherham College and proposals for a University Campus on Doncaster Gate, is seen as "vital to the future success of the town centre."

The remaining key moves in the masterplan cover public realm and access improvements - pedestrian "Gold Routes" through the town, improved gateways to create a strong sense of arrival and identity, and a "Green Network" to connect to surrounding greenspace.

Making best use of the river and opening up the riverside continues to be key to the vision for Rotherham town centre.

The draft plan is set to lead to consultation on a draft Supplementary Planning Document that would give weight in determining future planning decisions.

The vision for Rotherham town centre:

Self-confident yet outward looking, Rotherham will build on its heritage as a market town and industrial powerhouse, becoming a bustling hub for living, learning, working, making and trading.

Attracted by quality design and a strong sense of place, new Town Centre residents and visitors will benefit from an excellent cultural and leisure offer and an active night time economy. The Town Centre will become a truly family friendly destination with a vibrant community that will sustain the success of the town's independent retailers and market traders.

Nurtured by a strong higher education campus, Rotherham’s entrepreneurial spirit will engender business start-ups. Located in the Town Centre, they will create new jobs and opportunities for the town's residents as they succeed and grow. With continual momentum and focus, the Town Centre will reclaim its place as the heart of the Borough.

Images: ARUP /RMBC

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News: Renaissance for town centre masterplan

Consultants are being brought in by Rotherham Council as it revisits the masterplan for the town centre, previously developed under the ambitious Rotherham Renaissance initiative.

Recognising the need to regenerate the town centre, in the autumn of 2001 the Council and partners launched an urban renaissance programme.

As part of this, a broad 25 year vision for the town centre and adjoining areas was identified by the community, businesses and the Council. As part of Yorkshire Forward's Renaissance Towns initiative, ten goals for Rotherham town centre were identified and in 2005 a masterplan produced – the Strategic Development Framework. In 2008 the masterplan was updated and approved by the Council as an Interim Planning Statement.

A number of retail and leisure studies have been carried out since to assist in planning and regeneration decision making.

Commissioners at the Council have stated that the existing Renaissance Plan will be reviewed and a refresh commissioned to further inform the Economic Growth Plan that is set to be approved at a full Council meeting later this month.

Since the 2005 masterplan was published, the Rotherham Renaissance initiative, that was forecast to attract £2 billion of investment, saw a number of high profile projects completed including the new housing developments as part of the Westgate Demonstrator project, the new £12m railway station, the £14m flood alleviation scheme, the new £60m civic offices and £20m stadium on the Guest and Chrimes site and £40m Tesco across town. Despite the government pulling the plug on a planned large scale redevelopment, Rotherham College has invested around £18m in the last four years improving campus facilities.

Following the economic downturn and reductions in government funding, the private sector has significantly reigned in developments in areas like Rotherham. Without access to government or European finance, the Council has also decided to sell off assets such as Westgate Chamber and the former hospital site on Doncaster Gate.

Projects that are taking place include the heritage-led regeneration of the High Street and a pot of funding is being used to provide financial support for new and expanding retailers with a focus on creating a different and vibrant retail offer by supporting independent traders. Rotherham is a "Portas Pilot" using government and private sector funding to support retail which has helped to reduce vacancy rates, boost footfall and increase shopper satisfaction.

A report by the Commissioners on the progress made over the last six months states: "The existing Renaissance Plan is currently being reviewed and the Council is currently seeking consultants to provide a review and update of the Rotherham Renaissance Plan produced in 2005, leading to a clear articulation of our vision for the town centre and the role it will play in driving forward economic growth within the Borough.

"The review of the plan will provide an opportunity to examine progress made in the development of Rotherham town centre. It will underpin the Council's future vision for the town centre, identifying new threats and opportunities, strengths and weaknesses.

"Upon appointment of the selected consultants, the project is intended to commence in September 2015, with a draft final report expected to be submitted during November for the Council's consideration and approval."

The Council is also revisiting how it can support large scale regeneration by developing a capital finance strategy to assess projects that require significant financial investment, with a town centre cinema expected to be put forward.

Other potential future projects already being discussed for the town centre include a public sector office hub on Forge Island; a potential £12m University Campus with Rotherham College; a redeveloped markets complex; a potential redevelopment of the bus station; and potential retail developments on the current car park on Drummond Street and the site out of the outdoor market.

Further development is hoped on the edge of the town centre on the large area of land at New York, which includes Riverside House, New York Stadium, the former Guest & Chrimes foundry, a former nightclub and vacant land used for parking.

The vision in the latest draft of the Local Plan "is to create an attractive, vibrant and re-populated town centre, which is well connected to rejuvenated, high quality and distinctive sustainable neighbourhoods, has the best in architecture and design and capitalises upon public spaces and a new riverside, making Rotherham a more vibrant place to work, visit, live and invest in."

Rotherham Town Centre website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham town centre masterplan under review

The town centre masterplan for Rotherham is to be reviewed following the adoption of the Rotherham Growth Plan, the strategic economic plan for the borough that has recently been out for consultation.

As part of Rotherham's Renaissance programme, a broad 25 year vision for the town centre and adjoining areas was identified by the community, businesses and the Council. Ten goals for Rotherham town centre were identified and in 2005 a masterplan produced – the Strategic Development Framework. In 2008 the masterplan was updated and approved by the Council as an Interim Planning Statement.

A number of retail and leisure studies have been carried out to assist in planning and regeneration decision making.

The final draft of the Sites and Policies document was published in October as the council finalises its local plan. The principal town centre in planning terms, amendments were proposed to extend the town centre boundary north to include the new 10,000 sq m Tesco and car park at Walker Place, and existing car park at Drummond Street, to better define the area where retail development is concentrated.

Since the 2005 masterplan was published, the Rotherham Renaissance initiative, that was forecast to attract £2 billion of investment, saw a number of high profile projects completed including the new housing developments as part of the Westgate Demonstrator project, the new £12m railway station, the £14m flood alleviation scheme, the new £60m civic offices and £20m stadium on the Guest and Chrimes site and £40m Tesco across town. Despite the government pulling the plug on a planned large scale redevelopment, Rotherham College has invested around £18m in the last four years improving campus facilities.

Following the economic downturn and reductions in government funding, the private sector has significantly reigned in developments in areas like Rotherham where investment often doesn't add up to profit. Without access to government and European funding, the council has not been able to have as big as an influence in kickstarting or part-financing projects and instead has decided to sell off assets such as Westgate Chambers and the site of the former Doncaster Gate hospital.

One project given significant financial backing from the council is the heritage-led regeneration of listed buildings on the High Street where the work of local businessman, Chris Hamby is set to be revealed soon. £5m loans were also made available by the council for RCAT and Rotherham United.

Securing government money, and money from British Land, the council has continued its financial support for new and expanding retailers with a focus on creating a different and vibrant retail offer by supporting independent traders. Rotherham is a "Portas Pilot" using government and private sector funding to support retail which has helped to reduce vacancy rates, boost footfall and increase shopper satisfaction.

Potential future projects already being discussed for the town centre include a long-running hope for a town centre cinema; a public sector office hub on Forge Island; a potential University Campus as part of the Rotherham College site; a redeveloped markets complex; a potential redevelopment of the bus station; and potential retail developments on the current car park on Drummond Street and the site out of the outdoor market.

On the edge of the town centre, the large area of land at New York, which includes Riverside House, New York Stadium, the former Guest & Chrimes foundry, a former nightclub and vacant land used for parking, is being put forward for a mix of uses with the area "considered to be suitable for B1 office and hotel uses given its gateway location and proximity to Rotherham town centre and public transport interchanges. It is also considered suitable for assembly and leisure uses [which includes cinemas] given its location, existing uses and proximity to Rotherham town centre."

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RMBC

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News: Forge Island deal moves forward

The cabinet at Rotherham Council has agreed to progress a deal to buy Forge Island from Tesco, an important site for the continued regeneration of the town centre.

The council has an option to buy the site for £1.5m when Tesco vacate and move across town to the site of former council buildings on Drummond Street. The new £40m Tesco Extra store has been given an opening date of November 13. The council received £7m from developers TCN for the site of the former civic buildings and library when investors signed up Tesco to a long lease.

In 2012, the council's cabinet confirmed Forge Island as the preferred site for a town centre cinema and theatre development and developers and operators where sought, but in the short term, the council is set to operate the prominent site as a car park.

Notice has already been given of the council's intent to amend traffic orders and introduce an off street car park on Forge Island, regulated by themselves, to serve as a "Free" and "Pay and Display" car park.

The plan includes a maximum of 70 spaces which will be free for up to an hour with the rest of the spaces available for two hours costing £1, four hours costing £2 and ten hours at £3.

Operating between 8am and 6pm, the planned car park will eventually result in free short stay car parking for shoppers at both ends of the town centre. The current Tesco store has around 300 parking spaces which are free to use for two hours and planners ensured that the new Tesco Extra, which is set to have 540 spaces, will provide free parking for two hours on the site for customers and non-customers.

Cabinet members discussed the options for the strategic acquisition of the site, the short term use as a car park to support nearby retailers and approval was sought to progress options for development.

The cabinet report, which has not been made public, also discussed negotiations towards redevelopment of Forge Island which may include third party involvement in the acquisition.

The recently approved strategy of the borough's local plan states that: "Forge Island is identified as part of the town centre which does not live up to its potential and is not at the heart of the town centre." It was always one of the goals of the Rotherham Renaissance initiative to see a redeveloped Forge Island act as a focal point for new cultural, entertainment and arts facilities, improved public spaces and a brighter environment.

The recent scrutiny review by borough councillors into how the council can support the local economy said that "The Council's option for purchase of Forge Island for leisure development such as a cinema/theatre should be a considered as a priority as it would enliven the night time economy and help draw in other private sector investment."

Remediation work is likely to be needed on the site which suffered significant flooding in 2007. The Development agreement which set the price at £1.5m also allows for overage to be paid to Tesco in the event of any "superprofits" being generated if the site was sold on as an investment. However this is likely to be limited given the state of the site and likely remediation costs.

At the nearby Westgate Chambers, the council has decided to sell off the asset it bought in 2006 as a strategic acquisition. Offers were due in earlier this month with the 0.33 hectare site advertised as a regeneration/development opportunity on a "predominately residential basis with an active commercial ground floor."

Images: Tom Austen

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News: NatWest to close Rotherham branch

NatWest, part of the taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, has announced that it will close its Corporation Street branch in Rotherham town centre, a site once key to the council's riverside regeneration aspirations.

NatWest said that it was a difficult decision but the number of people using the branch has dropped by 12% since 2011 as customers use alternative ways of banking such as by telephone, in Post Offices, by app and online.

The branch is set to close on September 26, with the alternative branch on Effingham Street remaining open, and set to benefit from a significant investment in its refurbishment in 2014. The bank is also making arrangements with the local Post Office.

As part of major redevelopment, Corporation Street was constructed in 1913. NatWest occupies a stone building in an Edwardian Classical style and joins the former Lloyd's bank next door within the town's conservation area that radiates from Rotherham Minster.

In 2008, with the Rotherham Renaissance regeneration programme in full swing, negotiations were concluded and NatWest had recommended to its board that the Corporation Street building should be sold to Rotherham Council. It would have been added to its portfolio of strategic acquisitions in the area, that also includes the Lloyd's bank.

The site was earmarked in outline plans from Liverpool developer, Iliad, as part of the "Westgate Demonstrator Project" which led to the multimillion pound investment in new buildings at Old Market and Keppel Wharf, and the redevelopment of the Imperial Buildings.

To accompany the physical regeneration, the council had earmarked £3.5m from regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, to carry out a significant scheme of environmental works and public realm improvements.

A 50 space undercroft car park and a feature known as the "deck of cards," stepping down to the river were planned for area. The aspiration was to close the stretch of Market Street from the Natwest building through to Tesco Bridge and create a cascading area of public realm at the upper Market Street level down to the weirside, opening up other council-owned development sites along the river.

By 2009, and the onset of the banking crisis, NatWest reneged on a proposed move into the commercial unit in the Old Market building and the council's acquisition was off.

Now, five years later, and with Yorkshire Forward abolished and its geographic programme pots of money gone, NatWest is moving out, just as the borough waits to see if plans come forward for a 25,000 sq ft cinema complex on the nearby Forge Island site.

NatWest website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Apartment block plan for fire hit site

Early stage discussions are taking place between developers and Rotherham Council regarding a high quality mixed use development on the site of two large burnt out buildings on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre.

Outline plans have been drawn up for a six storey building that would incorporate retail units on the ground floor with four floors of apartments topped by two penthouses with terracing and roof gardens set to be owned and occupied by the developers.

The "unique and high architectural quality" building would replace the former Envy nightclub building, which suffered a malicious fire in 2007, and Muskaan restaurant, which was closed after a fire in 2011. Left empty ever since, and whilst not structurally unsafe, the buildings are widely acknowledged to be an eyesore.

Plans show that the owner of the former nightclub site is looking to purchase the adjacent former restaurant site to enable a larger development of 48 two bedroom apartments to come forward, a prospect which makes more financial sense than a development on a single plot.

The council are offering support regarding the proposed retail uses on the ground floor and funding is being investigated to support the much needed housing element.

The plans, drawn up by architect Mark Morley, state the client intends to use high quality materials throughout such as crisp white render, stepped out windows and glazed balustrades. This is echoed by the fact that the client himself (along with his business partner and co-funder) intend to take residence in the two penthouses.

The plans state: "The removal of two fire damaged properties on this key node point within the central Minster Gardens [area] is all important and that in itself will drastically improve the perception of the town centre.

"The developer aims to purchase the adjacent site and create a bespoke, beautiful architecture building that will further enhance the overall regeneration of the area and introduce social and economic benefits through the retail units.

"Perhaps more important will be the introduction of a new sustainable city centre living community which will ultimately benefit the immediate area."

A full planning application is expected to follow.

Images: Mark Morley

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News: Redeveloped Rotherham station up for the Rail Station of the Year Award

The redeveloped rail station in Rotherham town centre has been presented with a national award for measures taken to provide a safe environment for both passengers and staff in addition to being shortlisted for the Rail Station of the Year Award at the National Transport Awards.

Operated by Northern Rail, in partnership with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), the station has been accredited by the Secure Station Scheme which is run jointly by the Department for Transport and the British Transport Police (BTP).

The Secure Stations Scheme covers all rail and underground networks patrolled by the BTP. To achieve Secure Station status, Northern Rail and SYPTE demonstrated how they have provided enhanced employee training, recruitment and risk assessments at the stations, as well as introducing measures to address crime and reduce the opportunity for criminal activity.

It is the first time that Rotherham Central Station has been accredited by the two-year scheme. Barnsley and Meadowhall stations have also been re-accredited following initial Secure Station recognition in 2007.

Richard Allan, area director for Northern Rail, said: "This Secure Stations Scheme recognises how important reducing crime and improving customer experience on our services is to us and our partners. Our employees are dedicated to their customers and this recognition stands testament to that."

The extensive redevelopment of Rotherham Central has led to SYPTE, together with project partners Network Rail, Northern Rail, and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, being shortlisted for the Rail Station of the Year Award at the National Transport Awards.

Work began on the £8.5m redevelopment in 2010 and contractors, Galliford Try were initially set to complete the development by Christmas 2010. The station opened in 2012.

International architectural firm, Aedas, produced plans to replace the old building with a modern, lightweight entrance structure with a new passenger waiting lounge, ticket office and retail area.

Extensive improvements to the platforms, access, car parking and CCTV also took place along with an impressive public realm scheme between the station and the River Don.

The number of customers using Rotherham Central Station has increased since the works were completed, with patronage increasing above the level of that at other stations in South Yorkshire.

The SYPTE is also shortlisted for Integrated Transport Authority of the Year at the awards in October. David Young, deputy interim director general at SYPTE, said: "It has so far been a year of huge progress for SYPTE across the whole county of South Yorkshire and I am delighted that this hard work has been recognised at the National Transport Awards."

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE

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News: Rotherham's regeneration recognised by English Heritage

Rotherham has been highlighted by English Heritage for the way in which heritage-led regeneration can help revitalise town centres despite a backdrop of testing economic times.

English Heritage works to protect and promote England's historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood. It has published a report this week on how the changing face of retail and shopping is impacting on historic town centres.

Undertaken for English Heritage by Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, in conjunction with Strutt & Parker and in partnership with the Historic Towns Forum, the report has identified a series of places across England where innovative approaches have achieved successful outcomes.

In the section on smaller-scale development in historic areas, Rotherham is used as a case study where the local authority and other partners have intervened to reinvigorate historic shopping streets.

A key part of the wide-ranging Rotherham Renaissance programme, the historic character of the town's compact centre was used as a positive asset in promoting the town.

Projects include the successful restoration of the Imperial Buildings. The Edwardian, Grade II listed building at the top of the High Street has had extensive repairs and improvements made, as well as the introduction of living space above the ground-floor retail units. It is now a vibrant part of the retail offer with all but two units occupied by mainly niche, independent businesses.

The impressive floodlighting of The Rotherham Minster and associated public realm works is also mentioned. As is the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. Supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Council, the aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Work is continuing by local businessman, Chris Hamby to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street.

It is one of a number of initiatives that has led footfall being up by 6% in one year and the town being one of 27 areas to be named as a "Portas Pilot" securing a further £100,000 of government funding to support the high street. £268,000 was recently awarded to Rotherham as part of the government's High Street Renewal Award.

Baroness Andrews, chair of English Heritage said: "The challenges are not to be underestimated, but English Heritage believes that local authorities that have made the historic environment central to their retail "offer" can go a long way to creating an attractive and viable high street.

"At a time when people are increasingly looking for more to their shopping trips, these success stories show how investing in historic buildings and careful and imaginative use of street patterns in our historic towns and cities, creates successful "destinations", places which attract people because they make shopping a much more pleasant and enjoyable experience."

Rotherham town centre website
English Heritage website

Images: RiDO / RMBC

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News: Work starts on new £40m Tesco

Work has commenced on the new £40m Tesco Extra store in Rotherham town centre with an estimated date for the store to open for trading of January 2015.


Developed by TCN UK, the 110,000 sq ft superstore, which also includes 540 parking spaces and a petrol filling station, is being built on a five-acre site that has been home to a number of council buildings.

TCN had hoped to complete the project in December 2013.

With Crinoline House already demolished, contractors ISG will start on site with the demolition of current Norfolk House, the Library & Arts Centre, the Civic Centre and the existing Centenary Way flyover, taking place this summer. Major service diversions will also take place including a main sewer upgrade up Nottingham Street and a main sewer upgrade on the former Crinoline House site.

There will be extensive upgrades and improvement work to the road and traffic network, including a new road junction created between Drummond Street and Centenary Way, and new hard and soft landscaping improvement works to Effingham Square, Drummond Street and Nottingham Street.

The works are programmed to ensure that vehicle and pedestrian access across the existing road network is maintained as far as reasonably practicable throughout the course of the works, however there will be changes to the footpath layout and road layout to enable the works to be completed and these will be communicated to the local community throughout the course of the works.

The store is expected to come out of the ground when foundation work commences in January 2014 with a completion date pencilled in for the end of 2014.

The development is set to create 450 jobs (200 full time and 250 part time). 200 of these are additional to the current store on Forge Island and all staff at the current store would be guaranteed a job at the new site.

Earlier this year, private property investor fund Osprey Income and Growth 2 LP purchased the development with the backing of £16.9m of equity from private investors and £23.75m of debt from HSBC Bank.

With regard to the Forge Island site that Tesco plans to vacate, the council said that it is "currently undertaking investigative work to fully assess the options for redeveloping the site to accommodate a mixed use leisure development, before entering into further discussions with commercial partners."

A formal ground breaking ceremony for the new Tesco took place this week.

TCN website

Images: TCN UK

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News: Tesco land deal unlocks forward funding

Rotherham Borough Council has agreed the £7.3m sale of its former town centre civic site with developers, TCN UK, enabling the £41m required for a new Tesco development to be secured.

Planning permission for a new 110,000 sq ft Tesco Extra superstore was granted last year which also include 540 parking spaces and a petrol filling station.

Work on the five-acre site, that has been home to a number of council buildings, is expected to start in the Spring.

Following the land deal, real estate investment specialists, Osprey Equity Partners finalised its Osprey Income and Growth 2 LP fund, having raised £16.9m of equity from private investors and £23.75m of debt from HSBC Bank. It will forward fund the £41m food superstore which has been pre-let to Tesco on a 30 year unbroken lease.

Coun Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment and Development Services for Rotherham Borough Council, said: "We are obviously delighted to see such a major player re-investing in our town. Tesco have been in Rotherham for many years but the new store will give the residents of Rotherham a much wider town centre shopping offer and experience as well as having a positive impact on the town centre in its own right.

"We also want this development to be a catalyst for further investment and improvement. Our commitment to helping everyone from major retailers to independent shopkeepers to thrive in Rotherham continues and the council, along with other organisations, has been working hard to do that. We have improved the infrastructure around the town centre with various developments like the Minster Gardens and the new railway station and there is also on-going support for traders."

Stephen Holme, Director of TCN UK added: "We are pleased to have been able to work with Rotherham Borough Council to help realise Rotherham's Renaissance ambitions for the Town Centre. Following this land purchase we intend to quickly progress matters that will allow us to make a start on site later this spring."

The development is set to create 450 jobs (200 full time and 250 part time). 200 of these are additional to the current store on Forge Island and all staff at the current store would be guaranteed a job at the new site.

The new development also meets the need for a larger food store in Rotherham town centre with Tesco increasing its floorspace from 2,911 sq m at Forge Island to 6,273 sq m at the new store.

Karl Battersby, the council's Strategic Director for Environment and Development Services, added: "This sale enables the next major development to take place and will allow the authority to consider the future use of Forge Island, once the existing Tesco store finally closes after the completion of the new one."

The council has an option to purchase the Forge Island site for £1.5m. It has been identified as a preferred location for a cinema and theatre development.

TCN website

Images: TCN / Smith Smalley

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News: Council eyes cinema for Forge Island

Developers are showing an interested in a cinema-led development in Rotherham town centre as the council considers regeneration plans for when Tesco moves across town.

Plans were rubber-stamped earlier this month for a new 110,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store on the site of former council buildings on Drummond Street. The retailer expects to open in March 2014 and close its current, outdated store on Forge Island.

The delivery of a cinema has long been a key regeneration objective for the town centre and Forge Island has been identified by the council as the preferred location for a cinema and possible new theatre development. The council has an option to buy the site for £1.5m when Tesco vacate.

The site is close to the new rail station and bus station and is large enough to include an area for car parking. There are also adjacent riverside sites and developments with the potential for ancillary uses such as restaurants. The site would first need improved protection from flooding and further site investigation works are planned.

Council officers have already held informal discussions with three interested developers who have plans for potential regeneration projects anchored by a cinema with restaurants, retail, residential, other leisure uses and car parking. However, a cinema operator is likely to ask for a reverse premium as an inducement to anchor the site and make it a financial success.
Another way forward is similar to that seen recently in Worksop where the council gifted land to a developer and the independently-operated Savoy cinema opened earlier this year.

The council's cabinet are meeting next week to discuss the issue and confirm Forge Island as the preferred site for a town centre cinema and theatre development. A further report to members is expected as work progresses.

The last cinema in Rotherham town centre, The Empire (pictured), closed in 1990.

Images: Tom Austen / Rotherham Archives

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News: College celebrates campus completion

Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) is celebrating the completion of the new Wentworth Building in Rotherham town centre.

The £8m build forms part of the college's long term plan to develop the Town Centre Campus. It provides a new focal point entrance for the campus development and houses high specification classrooms and facilities including IT rooms and Higher Education teaching and learning facilities.

Designed by Bond Bryan, additional elements make the building unique in making it environmentally friendly and cost effective.

From planning stages, the building followed the BREEAM rating framework - the world's leading environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. As a result the building contains a series of environmentally friendly initiatives.

Gill Alton, principal and chief executive at RCAT said: "Looking after our environment is vitally important and we wanted our students to share the "green" experience and provide them with alternative, more environmentally friendly facilities.

"Opening up opportunities to businesses will help not only help with our relationship with the business community, it will also cement a brighter future for our students."

The heating and ventilation is controlled by a computer which allows the building to automatically cool itself using vents in the roof and all domestic hot water is heated by the solar water heating system.

The building is designed to utilise as much natural resource as possible and also has a "brown roof" to help attract new wildlife and blend in with the surroundings.

Students will be kept aware of energy efficiency. Solar PV cells power some of the power sockets within the building and as a result are marked green so students can charge their phones with "free" electricity.

RCAT website

Images: rotherham.ac.uk

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News: New strategy for Rotherham town centre

An overarching strategy is to be developed that will support and encourage the long-term sustainable regeneration and growth of Rotherham town centre.

The town centre has seen significant progress and investment on projects such as the All Saints' Quarter, the redevelopment of the railway station and the new civic offices. However, a report to the council's Improving Places Select Commission stated that "the recent recession and major cuts in the availability of public sector grant funding mean that the strategic plan, as set out by the 25 year Renaissance programme, has to be revisited and delivered in different way."

The cuts made by the coalition government and their closure of Yorkshire Forward reduced the funding allocated to projects in the town centre by millions of pounds. Funding was stopped for the planned acquisition of properties on the High Street, public realm improvements at Minster Gardens, the development of the Wierside site, and the demolition of Lloyds Bank on Corporation Street.

The report also stated that the winding up of Yorkshire Forward and the transfer of their remaining remit and assets to central government is also making it difficult to get decisions to be made quickly, which will impact on delivery of activity. An example of this is the former Lloyds Bank building which needs to be disposed of if the adjacent Weirside site is to be brought to the market for development.

The Planning and Regeneration team at the council are set to work in conjunction with all partners and stakeholders to produce an overarching strategy for the town centre that will focus on five main themes: Safe & Welcoming Environment; Transport & Accessibility; Retail and Investment; Physical Regeneration / Development; Marketing & Promotion.

Regeneration projects in the town centre continue to take place including the £8m redevelopment of RCAT's town centre campus and the new £17.3m Community Stadium for Rotherham United. The development of public realm at Minster Gardens has taken place using funding from a variety of other sources.

A varied events programme and the Town Centre Vitality Grant Scheme is helping to breathe new life in to the town centre. 14 new retailers have opened with financial support from the grants scheme.

Rotherham Town Centre website

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News: Planners back Rotherham United Community Stadium application

Members of the planning board at Rotherham Council have been recommended to approve the outline application submitted by Rotherham United for a community stadium on the edge of the town centre.

The club submitted its formal outline planning application for the new 12,000 all-seater stadium in July and is confident of a favourable decision at the meeting of the planning board on November 25.

Details of the planning application can be found here.

In the report to the board, Senior Planner and case officer, Sandra Siner has recommended that the application be referred to the Secretary of State for confirmation and if they decide not to intervene then planning permission be granted subject to a number of conditions.

Planning consultants, Signet Planning worked on the outline plans that show how the stadium will be located at the Guest and Chrimes and Gloystarne site.

Also assessed are plans for design and access and environmental assessments looking at the impacts on flooding, noise, transport, ecology and listed buildings.

The report concludes that the benefits of a stadium development outweigh any negatives and states that the site is appropriate for a stadium despite it being allocated as business use in the borough's development plan. It also states that the site is sequentially preferable to other sites in the borough, including Millmoor.

Other benefits are highlighted including employment opportunities, a positive impact on the town centre with increased visitors and trade, bringing a brownfield site back into use, improved public realm and landscaping, bringing forward a flood protection scheme, protecting the biodiversity of the site and creating space for community use.

The site is also considered to be in an accessible sustainable location, close to the town centre and its railway station and bus interchange.

Access is one of the biggest issues with the South Yorkshire Police raising concerns over what they describe as "an island site". The report outlines how another access point in addition to Don Street is required but the applicant discounted a bridge over the River Don to Sheffield Road / Westgate as not being economically viable.

A condition of approval has been agreed by the club that would see a second vehicular / pedestrian access road to Main Street created adjacent to the railway line at the North West of the site.

An Events Management Plan will also need to be put in place to ensure there are no access problems on match days.

In the interests of road safety and concerns over the build up of traffic at peak times at Main Street roundabout, a condition is also included that would restrict the use of the 500 space car park so that it cannot be utilised by the general public, unless attending a football match, at any time.

The Rotherham Civic Society and English Heritage did not object to the stadium development but raised the issue of its impact on the listed building on the site. The planner's report concluded that the development would have a negligible impact on the listed Guest and Chrimes building and bring significant benefits, including immediate benefits to the protection of the listed building, especially against the threat of flooding.

A condition is included to require details be submitted on how the proposed development links into the listed building, and how the proposal will help preserve and enhance the building until it can ultimately be brought back into use.

Separate planning applications are expected regarding the listed building as well as for raising the land levels for flood protection and any additional community and other uses on the site.

Detailed plans and a reserved matters application will now be submitted, and with construction estimated to take 12 - 14 months, the club hopes that the new stadium will be built for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Rotherham United website
Planner's report

Images: Rotherham United / Signet Planning

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