News: Plans passed for luxury apartments in Rotherham town centre

Plans to create 16 luxury apartments in Rotherham town centre have been approved after changes were made to the design.

Rothbiz reported at the start of 2025 on plans to knock down a prominent matchday pub and replace it with a new-build block of flats.

Rotherham Council's conservation specialist had raised concerns about the height of the building and its impact on the adjacent former Post Office building which dates from 1907.

Close to Forge Island and the New York Stadium, the area around Domine Lane, Main Street and Market Street has been successfully regenerated with high quality residential and mixed use developments. The latest plans are for the site of a bar at the back of the old Post Office, once used to store the vehicles for the workers.

At six storeys, the design for "Forge Apartments" is for a "relatively condense apartment scheme" that aims to complement the existing buildings and create 16 luxury apartments, including two duplex apartments and two penthouse apartments.

All of the apartments, bar one of the duplexes have their own private balconies with both penthouse apartments on the fifth floor having roof terrace areas as the fifth floor is set back from the edge of the building

Applicants, SME Environmental Services, saved the vacant building and created the 1915 Bar & Bistro in 2016. Its architects, Just Architecture, have ammended the plans following feedback "to better reflect the prominent nature of the site when viewed from Forge Island and also to step down and be set back from the adjacent unlisted but historic former Head Post Office building."

The building would be constructed in red brickwork similar to that in the adjacent building with the scheme judged to enhance the character and quality of the area.

The amended plans were approved without going before the planning board.

The council's planner concluded: "These changes have ensured that the massing has been pulled away from the building on the corner of Main Street and Market Street. The set back of penthouse has further reduced the visual impact on the adjacent buildings. Therefore, it is now considered that the height and scale and massing is acceptable in terms of impact on the unlisted former Head Post Office building and would not have a detrimental impact on the Conservation Area."

The site is surrounded by residential developments such as The Old Market, Keppel Wharf and Westgate Chambers and the pub has most recently operated as The Forge. Applicants set out how the site has not been viable as a drinking establishment for some time, including when a previous tenant failed to pay rent due to a lack of income.

Viability issues with the apartments scheme means that affordable housing has not been included in the plans, and this has been accepted by the authority.

Images: Google Maps / Just Architecture

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News: Proposed new Rotherham apartment block "too high" says council

Plans to create 16 luxury apartments in Rotherham town centre are at risk of being refused after the council's heritage planner deemed the proposed new building to be too high.

Rothbiz reported at the start of 2025 on plans to knock down a prominent matchday pub and replace it with a new-build block of flats.

Close to Forge Island and the New York Stadium, the area around Domine Lane, Main Street and Market Street has been successfully regenerated with high quality residential and mixed use developments. The latest plans are for a bar at the back of the old Post Office, once used to store the vehicles for the workers.

Currently The Forge (Magoo's bar), the pub operation has been made smaller over the years after consent was granted to create five apartments in the Loading Bay / Post office building. Previously The Exchange, and formerly Yates Wine Lodge, it is where Mark McGrail, owner of SME Environmental Holdings, saved the vacant building and created the 1915 Bar & Bistro in 2016.

At six storeys, the design for "Forge Apartments" from Just Architecture is for a "relatively condense apartment scheme" that aims to complement the existing buildings and create 16 luxury apartments, including two duplex apartments and two penthouse apartments, next to the former Post Office.

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A response to the plans has now been made by Matt Peck, Assistant Development Manager & Conservation, Planning, Regeneration & Transport Service at Rotherham Council.

He states: "The building is historic and architectural interest [sic], and though unlisted, is a building of character within the Rotherham Town Centre Conservation Area.

"Overall, with regards to the scale and massing of the proposed residential block of flats, it appears to be largely within character with the approved and extent scheme to the left on Domine Lane and the building across the road. However, the scale and massing does dominate the former Post Office Building on the corner of Domine Lane and Main Street.

"My view is that the height of the building should be reduced by two stories to the west elevation. However, it could step upon the northern elevation to be more in line with the approved building to left. This would bring the height and scale and massing away from the remaining historic former Post Office."

A decision on the planning application has yet to be made. Applicants, SME Holdings, are being asked to reduce the height of the building and also to provide more justification for the loss of the building.

A viability assessment already shows how current build costs would exceed a total gross development value.

Historic England, the government's statutory adviser on the historic environment, has also responded to the application and has decided to not offer advice in this case. Rotherham Council planners subsequently asked Historic England if they assessed the impact of the height of the proposed building on views of the Grade I Minster nearby.

Historic England concluded: "As part of our review of this case we did consider the setting of the Minster and considered that based on the information received we had no concerns relating to the height of the proposal."

Images: Google Maps / Just Architecture

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News: New openings in Rotherham town centre

Something for your mind, body, soul and stomach! New openings in Rotherham town centre.

A new pilates studio is one of the first tenants to open in a converted Victorian mill in town.

Opening this week in Bridge Court, Opus Pilates has created a boutique studio which it describes as a "beautifully designed, high-end space where you can focus on strength, mobility, and well-being."

Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on balance, posture, strength and flexibility. The new Rotherham studio offers expert-led classes including Reformer, Mat Pilates and Barre.

Directors of the business are Shannon Cant and Tyler Williams.

A post on social media about the opening states: "More than just a Pilates studio - Opus is your new go-to for movement, mindfulness and modern wellness. From expertly-led classes and genuine connection to wellness shots, cold towels and post-workout drinks - it’s all in the details. Come for the Pilates, stay for the experience."

Rothbiz reported in 2022 that the former mill building had gone up for sale.

Situated close to Rotherham Central Station, the interesting property on Greasbrough Road was called Bridge Mill and has now been renovated and converted into five units - all of which are listed as being let.

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Across town on Grove Road, offices that were planned to be converted into flats have instead been repurposed as art space for ROAR (Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance).

The non profit is dedicated to supporting creative practices and promoting the arts in Rotherham. Studio space is being offered to artists, makers, and creative professionals.

In the Old Town Hall, final preparations are being made for the opening of a new entertainment venue.

Rothbiz reported last month on PokiLee's PokiWorld securing planning permission to enable an expansion into a next door unit.

The Pokémon-themed shop and café is set to open the Evolution Arcade soon.

On the High Street, plans are in place (plaice?) to open a new fish and chip shop in a former barbershop.

At 21 High Street, in the middle of a row of restored heritage buildings, plans were submitted last year to add another storey and create three flats above the former Cutthroats barbers.

With Cutthroats moving to nearby Doncaster Gate, a planning application has recently been submitted regarding an extraction system at 21 High Street which explains: "The new proposed use is to be a Chip Shop and as such an extract duct is required to extract heat from the new fryers.

"This proposal will allow the ground floor of the building to be used and will help to bolster the town centre while hopefully bringing more custom to the high street."

The application is from SME Holdings Ltd and Mark McGrail, the businessman that spearheaded the restoration of the nearby George Wright building, creating a boutique hotel in the Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building.

SME Holdings Ltd is also involved with plans for a new spa and a golf-themed bar complete with a simulator setup.

Rothbiz reported in March on the plans helping to bring Rotherham back to life, including The Bunka and The Bath House on Snail Hill.

At Forge Island, the town centre's new landmark leisure destination, Sygnature Dish, a new steak and seafood restaurant is "set to open in late June 2025."

Opus Pilates website
ROAR website
PokiWorld website
The Bunka website
The Bath House website
Sygnature Dish website

Images: Opus Pilates / Google Maps

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News: New flats plan would see Rotherham pub pulled down

It could be last orders at a prominent matchday pub in Rotherham town centre if plans for a new six storey block of flats are approved.

Close to Forge Island and the New York Stadium, the area around Domine Lane, Main Street and Market Street has been successfully regenerated with high quaity residential and mixed use developments. Now a bar at the back of the old Post Office, once used to store the vehicles for the workers, could be flattened and replaced by a new-build block of flats.

The Post Office building has itself been converted into residential use.

Currently The Forge (Magoo's bar), the pub operation has been made smaller over the years after consent was granted to create five apartments in the Loading Bay / Post office building. Previously The Exchange, and formerly Yates Wine Lodge, it is where Mark McGrail, owner of SME Environmental Holdings, saved the vacant building and created the 1915 Bar & Bistro in 2016.

The latest application from McGrail and SME, states that the leisure operations have "struggled to survive" and a proposed apartment building is being put forward, so that "a more cohesive community living environment will be created in this area of the town."

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At six storeys, the design for "Forge Apartments" from Just Architecture is for a "relatively condense apartment scheme" that aims to complement the existing buildings and create 16 luxury apartments, including two duplex apartments and two penthouse apartments.

Facing brickwork is proposed to be used, punched through with tall windows for the apartments in order to maximise the natural daylight and maximise views. Apartments will have a balcony / terrace area.

The development can be considered as sustainable in transport terms due to the town centre location so no parking is proposed. A scheme of sound insulation including glazing and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is also proposed.

A viability assessment shows how current build costs would exceed a total gross development value so no affordable housing provision is included.

The plans conclude: "The proposed building will nestle neatly into the corner of Market Street and Domine Lane surrounded by buildings of a similar size, scale and use class. With the introduction of this new building the existing public house will be removed for the betterment of the area. A noisy bar will be demolished in favour of a luxury apartment facility which is more in keeping with the buildings that create this residential corner of the town.

"With some careful design decisions the building has been changed to make interesting interior spaces creating city centre living areas which will be attractive to young professionals many of which now have an increased focus on working from home.

"The adaptation of the existing building, which has struggled to survive over its recent iterations will help to form a more cohesive community in keeping with the councils recent vision and Master Plan for the town centre. Adjacent and surrounding areas are all earmarked for residential development and this proposal would sit well with these proposed future developments and the adjacent approved scheme."

Images: Google Maps / Just Architecture

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News: Spotlight on efforts to turn former Rotherham cinema into a live music and community arts venue

A "maltreated" former theatre in Rotherham town centre could be about to take centre stage again as a community arts and dedicated live music venue.

Rothbiz reported last year on the former cinema known as the Essoldo building and Essoldo Chambers where letting documents showed that the proposal for "The New Empire Building" is to create "a music venue/bar/food court/co-working development with units of varying sizes."

The building on Ship Hill / High Street was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub.

With Mark McGrail of SME Environmental Services and Branch Developments Ltd already working on the interior of the building, uncovering period features and layers of its past, a new community interest company (CIC) has been formed for when the work is complete, hopefully later this year.

A CIC is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. Expertise has been brought in with Chris Hamby (who led a heritage regeneration project on Rotherham's High Street) and David Plumtree (owner of Scunthorpe's top independent music and food venue, Cafe Indie). They join McGrail who has helped to regenerate the former Post Office and the George Wright building in Rotherham town centre.

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On the former Empire Theatre, the CIC said: "We plan to develop the building into a multi-purpose community arts venue catering for the people of Rotherham and South Yorkshire. Rotherham has a lack of venues and no dedicated live music venue. There are limited spaces where large groups of people can come together - for leisure, cultural and social purposes.

"Bringing the space into modern use will enhance the local offer, improve the artistic infrastructure of the town and offer new generations the opportunity to experience and participate in the arts."

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.

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.

The CIC added: "People from all over Rotherham have a memory of, and connection to, this building. Built in the early 1900s, the Rotherham Empire is of architectural importance - housing the first cantilever beams (designed by a local architect) that created the impressive 'Gods' - the building's uppermost balcony.

"Throughout its life it has been a theatre, a cinema and a leisure venue that different generations have engaged with, attended cultural events at, even met their spouses at or formed core memories in the space.

"Over the years it has fallen into disrepair and the building has been maltreated by previous owners. But recently, it has taken on by a loving owner keen to restore the Rotherham Empire to its former glory and have the building belong to the people of Rotherham.

"By unearthing the original features and working through a process of respectful, restoration we will celebrate the buildings heritage, re-engaging the community in the space and telling an important part of the story of Rotherham Town Centre. This will encourage the local community to explore and celebrate its history and feel more pride in their town and its resources."

A community open day, where visitors can also lend a hand with the clean up, is taking place on Saturday February 15, starting at 12.

Rotherham Empire on Facebook

Images: Google Maps / Branch Developments

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News: More residential for Rotherham town centre

Further properties in Rotherham town centre could be converted into housing under newly submitted plans, including at the heart of the heritage high street.

At 21 High Street, in the middle of a row of restored heritage buildings, plans have been submitted to add another storey and create three flats above Cutthroats barbers.

The application, from local firm, SME Holdings Ltd, explains: "The current ceiling heights are generous and the loft space above is also of a generous nature. Our proposal is to remove the existing metal flat roof and replace it with a more traditional pitched roof. At this time we will also increase the height of the building by adding approximately 1.2m of masonry to the South, East and West elevation.

"The appearance of the property will be altered in an attempt to make better use of the current space on offer. By increasing the roof height slightly and by the installation of a more traditional pitched roof we can remove the unsightly metal flat roof and metal side cladding to the West side and return the property to a more traditional aesthetic that will be more in keeping with the street scene."



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One major change is the proposal to remove the flat timber cladding used as advertising in the past to the upper façade of the building so that windows can be added.

Applicants say that the retension of the timber side fluted piers and the addition of a traditional pitched roof will enhance the character of the building, which is in the town's conservation area.

At 16A Bridgegate, plans have been submitted for a change of use to the upper floor from office to studio apartments and construction of extension to rear at second floor.

The objective of the application from Mr Khalid is to change the use of the existing office into two studio apartments.

Plans are further advanced for the corner of Corporation Street and Upper Millgate, where an application has recently been approved.

Starting life as a restaurant before becoming a nightclub - known to many as Crestas, Precint or Diamonds - applicant, AKM Holding LTD, has secured planning permission for a change of use to use the space as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) with nine bedrooms.

With conditions around noise, planners conclude: "Having regard to the above the conversion of the upper floors of this building would be an acceptable form of development, which subject to conditions will ensure that future occupants are not adversely affected by existing town centre uses."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Contracts awarded for Rotherham town centre regen projects

Private sector contractors have been appointed to progress Rotherham Council-led regeneration schemes in Rotherham town centre.

On Corporation Street, where the authority has acquired the former Wilko's retail unit, Bowmer & Kirkland has been appointed to do the demolition work.

The construction and development group is in town having been awarded the £33.9m construction contract via Muse and the council for the nearby Forge Island development – bringing a state-of-the-art cinema, 69 room hotel, and six restaurants providing food from around the world to the town centre.

With work underway, a council report shows that transport bosses have indicated that they will not support the closure of Corporation Street for a prolonged period, meaning the only workable access is from the Forge Island side.

The report also shows that Bowmer & Kirkland has raised concerns over the demolition of 4 Corporation Street "stating that there is a real danger of both delays to the programme and a risk to health and safety if another contractor is brought into the scheme to work in the same space at the same time as the main works are progressing.

"Bowmer & Kirkland have a wealth of experience in completing demolition and refurbishment schemes and would be looking to commence the works as soon as possible to minimise the impact to the HV /substation installation and the works around the entrance. Logistically, they would be able to incorporate the demolition whilst carrying out works on site B [part of the Forge Island site], this would take a large amount of planning in terms of access and egress, however if they had control over both sites this would be manageable."

The site had been earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

A figure for the contract has not been disclosed.

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Meanwhile, at the delayed pocket park on the High Street, local firm, SME Environmental Services Ltd has been appointed to carry out works including some remaining site clearance, along with blocking up access between the adjacent building, and the installation of vehicle barriers to the adjacent car park. The contract value is £49,880.

The plans for the former Primark store have been scaled back as the council wrestles with delays and rising costs.

Along Sheffield Road and Westgate, where Rotherham Council has purchased further properties and plots of land for housing, Esh Construction Ltd has been awarded a contract for enabling works.

A council report on the £483,842.47 contract states: "As part of Rotherham’s continued diversification of and investment in the town centre this scheme contributes to the delivery of a new residential quarter in the town centre. This contract will facilitate the progression of the Riverside Residential Quarter through the development of an engineering design solution and delivery strategy for a new riverside walk and realignment and infrastructure works to Water Lane."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Residential plans for more historic Rotherham buildings

Two more heritage buildings in Rotherham town centre could be converted into housing, if recently submitted plans are approved.

Separate proposals are coming forward for a former townhouse and a part of the old Post Office.

On Domine Lane, consent is being sought to create five apartments in the Loading Bay / Post office building. Previously The Exchange, and formerly Yates Wine Lodge, is where Mark Mcgrail, owner of SME Environmental Holdings, saved the vacant building and created the 1915 Bar & Bistro in 2016.

Last year, the COVID-19 virus caused the current operators to call time on the popular food hall which was created within the 1915 Bar.

The latest plans for the building, which is not listed but is within the conservation area, are from SME and involve alterations including the erection of dividing partition walls to create three, 1 bed loft style apartments and two 2 bed live/work apartments. A commercial unit is set to be created to the existing courtyard fronting Domine Lane.

The Post Office building which backs onto the Loading Bay was originally constructed in 1907 and has already been converted into apartments by the same team at the upper levels. Artists' workshops can be found at the basement level.

Most alterations will be internal but some changes to the exterior, such as new roof lights and glazing, are proposed.

Connected to the Main Street conversion, a laundrette and cycle store is also proposed which is thought could also house a small coffee/meeting area.

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The plans, drawn up by Just Architecture, state: "With some careful design decisions the building has been changed to make interesting interior spaces creating city centre living areas which will be attractive to young professionals many of which now have an increased focus on working from home.

"The inclusion of a relatively small commercial extension will help to provide a number of opportunities for local business with the benefit of immediate footfall and the customer base from this new community area that is being developed.

"The adaptation of the existing building, which has struggled to survive over its recent iterations, will help to form a more cohesive community in keeping with the council's recent vision and Master Plan for the town centre."

The town centre masterplan made clear that retail is not the answer as the focus shifts to other town centre uses such as leisure and housing.

On Bridgegate, plans have been submitted to convert empty retail premises into six flats.

The former Walmsley furniture store, which was most recently a Poundstretcher, was bought prior to going to auction with Pugh Auctions at the end of 2020 with a guide price of £110,000.

The proposal from applicant Wasim Parvencz involves converting the first floor and second floor to six flats. A new entrance door to the flats is planned to be on the left side of the building altering the shop front. The ground floor looks set to remain as one large unit.

The building is Grade II listed having been built in the mid 18th century as a townhouse.

Also proposed is the replacement of all existing single glazed windows to the first and second floor to be replaced with double glazed sashes units matching the design of the existing windows.

Images: Google Maps / Pugh Auctions

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News: New uses for historic High Street buildings

A pair of vacant buildings on Rotherham's historic High Street could be brought back to life, if recently submitted, separate, planning applications are approved.

At the foot of the High Street, owners of the former bank, have submitted an application for the rest of the building having previously secured planning permission relating to the ground floor.

Rothbiz reported last year that permission had been granted to allow for part of the ground floor of the Grade II listed building, most recently the Royal Bank of Scotland, to change from financial and professional services (A2) so that it can be used as a café or restaurant (A3). Consent was also granted for internal alterations, as were plans to demolish redundant outbuildings in the rear yard.

Now, applicants, Zayan Developments, want to change of use of the first and second floors so it can operate as a hotel.

The plans, show that the scheme would provide 24 hotel bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms within the existing plan form, with only minor internal alterations needed. No external alterations are required and the hotel entrance would utilise the existing secondary access to the building on the High Street elevation, with only a small entrance lobby, stair well and lift at ground floor level.

The plans, drawn up by JR Planning Consultants, state: "Plans to bring the ground floor back into beneficial use are well-underway and permission has recently been granted for change of use of the ground floor to a café/restaurant. This application is phase II of the scheme and will ensure that the upper floors of the building are also brought back into beneficial use.

"This scheme would be highly beneficial for the town centre as it would return the vacant upper floors to a beneficial use that would enhance the vitality of the town centre and would complement other town centre businesses."

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Further up the High Street, SME Holdings, has submitted plans for a building which forms part of the historic Three Cranes and George Wright block of buildings that came close to being lost forever.

29-29a High Street is known by many as an Italian restaurant (which burnt down) but was most recently, The Craft Corner and The Bear’s Den. It is a former Georgian Town House.

The Grade II listed building has recently been converted to a number of one bedroomed apartments/living accommodation and the latest plans are to convert, what is thought to be a coachman’s or gardeners house, to become a two bedroomed, two storey dwelling with external courtyard amenity space.

With restoration and features such as a new timber door and new timber sash windows, this fire-damaged and vacant building is set to "be brought back from the edge" as Just Architecture put it in the application.

Images: Avison Young / SME

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News: New bar and restaurant planned for Old Post Office

Fresh from renovating the George Wright Building, an inspired Rotherham businessman is looking to put his unique stamp on the town centre again with a new regeneration project.

Mark Mcgrail, owner of SME Environmental Holdings, led a £500,000 revamp of the George Wright Building - a Grade II listed "hidden gem" - which reopened as as boutique hotel, bar and restaurant earlier this year. It followed on from the completion of the 1915 Bar & Bistro on Domine Lane.

Now plans have been submitted by SME for the conversion of the Old Post Office building on Main Street / Market Street for commercial and residential use.

Sitting alongside 1915 and Westgate Chambers - which has had its own redevelopment plans approved - the Old Post Office has most recently been used as offices for the likes of Rotherham Rise, Direct Learning and Ant Marketing. It has around 6,600 sq ft of floorspace over four flours.

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The plans, drawn up by Self and White Design, are for a change of use to enable a restaurant, bar and kitchen to be created on the ground floor and cellar, with residential apartments on the first and second floors.

Proposals show that space could be created for 84 covers in the restaurant areas with the kitchen in the cellar.

Six residential units could be created on the first and second floors - a mix of studios, one and two bedroomed apartments - with separate access from the bar and restaurant.

The plans state: "The site is in a key location within Rotherham town centre with the potential to be a key component in the rejuvenation of Rotherham. It will bring vibrant leisure facilities and high quality residential accommodation right in the heart of Rotherham.

An end user for the bar and restaurant is not named in the plans but a potential Bierhalle, a Bavarian themed establishment, has already been announced for Rotherham.

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Whilst not a listed building, the attractive Victorian property is on Rotherham Civic Society's local list which compiles properties of architectural or historic interest. The society state that it was completed and opened in March 1907 having been designed by Mr W. Pott, ARIBA, of His Majesty's Office of Works.

The building features decorative carvings on the exterior including the Royal Arms and the arms of the Borough of Rotherham.

All architectural features are to be retained as part of the planned conversion with the outward appearance of the building expected to change very little.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Sneak peek at Rotherham's newest bar

Tom Austen, editor of Rothbiz, recently took the opportunity to take a look at the renovation work inside a Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building in Rotherham town centre that is being brought back to life as a boutique hotel. The fact the bars were open for the first time was purely coincidental.

The George Wright building is an early 19th century former office built in a Tudor Revival style. It is tucked away behind the High Street on The Crofts and was saved from being lost forever by Chris Hamby who has pioneered the heritage-led regeneration project to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings.

With the initial focus on the restoration of the Three Cranes building and the retail units which are fully let, work is almost complete on the conversion of the George Wright building.

This project is being pioneered by another local businessman who sees the potential of the town and the importance of recognising its heritage - Mark McGrail, who found success with Parkgate-based SME Environmental Services and in 2016 completed the 1915 Bar & Bistro, across the town centre.

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The hotel includes two bars. Proud tradespeople mixed with elected members fresh from signing in a new mayor at a "soft opening" event as the staff continued preparations to fully open later in the Spring. Bar staff were putting the finishing touches to the gin and cocktail menus.

With seven bedrooms, the site also has a function room and a number of weddings are already booked in. A grill restaurant with open kitchen is also planned.

Outside, open terraces can be found at the front and back of the property - the hotel can be reached from the Town Hall side and from an alleyway leading up from the High Street. A botanical type garden adds to the "hidden gem" feeling.

Tom Austen said: "When Chris [Hamby] showed me around the properties three years ago, the Three Cranes and Georgion town house were lovingly restored but the George Wright building was still in a sorry state. The roof had been replaced but inside it still had no floor and most areas were out of bounds.

"To go in last week and see it as it is now was seriously impressive. I can remember the bistro at The Crofts but I mostly remember the buildings as dilapidated eyesores.

"The George Wright Boutique Hotel and Bar is something that Rotherham can be proud of and just shows you what can be done with our heritage assets and don't sell ourselves short."

The building was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. The site also formed lawyer's offices from 1777-1887.

The original stone built two-storey, Grade II listed building was constructed in 1850. It includes a two and three storey annex to the north that had been subjected to fire.

George Wright Boutique Hotel Bar & Restaurant Facebook page

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Boutique hotel conversion for historic Rotherham building

A Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building in Rotherham town centre is set to be brought back to life as a boutique hotel under new plans revealed this week.

The George Wright building is an early 19th century former office built in a Tudor Revival style. It is tucked away behind the High Street on The Crofts and was saved from being lost forever by Chris Hamby who has pioneered the heritage-led regeneration project to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings.

With the initial focus on the restoration of the Three Cranes building and the retail units which are fully let, plans have now been submitted and work is already underway to continue the conversion of the George Wright building.

This project is being pioneered by another local businessman who sees the potential of the town and the importance of recognising its heritage - Mark McGrail, who found success with Parkgate-based SME Environmental Services and last year completed the 1915 Bar & Bistro in the town centre.

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The latest plans for the George Wright building, drawn up by White Design Ltd, are for an internal fitout, external landscaping works and refurbishment, including some new windows and doors and change of use class to become a restaurant, bar and boutique hotel.

The building was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. The site also formed lawyer's offices from 1777-1887.

Mark McGrail, explains: "It's being lovingly restored, keeping its listed features, converted to a boutique hotel. Each room is being restored and dedicated to a person of Rotherham's past and future. The facility will have a gin tasting bar, open terrace front and back, with a botanical type garden to the rear. And there is a gallery restaurant with open kitchen."

With seven rooms, the intention is to create a high quality establishment – "a hidden gem", set away from the main thoroughfare of the High Street.

Mark added: "It has two wedding apartments which open up opposite the Minster with the view, specifically for the church, and there is access to and from the High Street. We are looking to post two cannon at the front entrance with space for a horse drawn carriage to be able to enter in and out."

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The original stone built two-storey, Grade II listed building was constructed in 1850. It includes a two and three storey annex to the north that had been subjected to fire, leaving the roof and upper floors missing. The regeneration scheme enabled the shell of the building to be repaired and restored in 2013 but the interior has remained vacant.

The overall plan that enabled the buildings to be removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register was backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works. A further £630,000 was made available by the Council to continue the restoration.

McGrail's first major revamp created the 1915 Bar and saved the vacant 8,000 sq ft property that was previously The Exchange and formerly Yates Wine Lodge from demolition. It also created space for Sorting Office, a new creative collective of artist studios.

Images: White Design Ltd / Hamby's

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News: New Rotherham bar marks positive future and recognises past

Passionate Rotherham businessman, Mark McGrail, talks about how his new bar and bistro venture in the town centre comes at a time when Rotherham is on the cusp of something great.

Rothbiz revealed in September that work was underway on a new bar on Domine Lane where the former public house was sold after an auction with Allsops earlier this year.

The vacant 8,000 sq ft property was previously The Exchange and formerly Yates Wine Lodge. It was given a guide price of £80,000+.

The new owner is Mark McGrail, a successful local businessman who owns SME Environmental Services, the Parkgate firm that provides services from environmental recovery to sensitive reclamation. Mark says that if he hadn't bought the building, another company had plans to demolish it. He is now in the process of restoring the building to its former glory and also hopes to buy other historical properties in the borough.

However, it is not all about preservation – Mark believes Rotherham is on the cusp of something great. The new bar looks out on Forge Island where a new leisure hub is being planned. Rotherham Council is currently in talks to purchase the site with several investors already showing an interest in development opportunities, with demolition of the former Tesco building expected to take place in December.

Born in Rotherham, and leaving school at 13, Mark's first job was helping to dismantle the old Sheffield infirmary. Now having built up a successful business he says he wants to give something back to Rotherham with his dream to restore buildings which have a focal point to Rotherham's great past.

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The name 1915 is a nod to Rotherham's General Post Office which occupied the site and the building next door at that time. The new bar was once an extension to the main Post Office. Mark is passionate about the building and its refurbishment, even down to exposing the English stitch bricks to restore the wall to its natural state. Skylights, which house half of the building and were previously covered in sticky black plastic, have been meticulously removed to reveal a light and airy space inside. The original stained glass windows which adorn the internal walls and eaves have also been uncovered and lovingly restored.

Mark McGrail, owner of the 1915 bar (pictured, seated), said: "Rotherham was once such a powerful town, but it's forgotten where it's from. Speak to people who live outside of Rotherham and they appreciate the history of the place, the buildings and its landmark. This building is central to a lot of what went on at the time it was built. It is critical that it is saved and used for decades to come.

"At the end of the day, I'm a businessman and I wouldn't be investing if I didn't believe it could make money. And Rotherham has a lot of potential with the future development of Forge Island and the Council’s plans to rejuvenate Rotherham."

Mark wants to be a key part of those plans, and part of that means offering opportunities to young people in the borough. As such, he is renovating the underground rooms of the old offices – on average, the basement is 24 feet below street level, which required a large amount of building work when it was originally built, and none less so today.

Four rooms, each fronted by glass, with access via an underground corridor to the front of the building, will be offered to young entrepreneurs aged 18-24 years old as retail incubation space.

Damien Wilson, strategic director for regeneration and environmental services at Rotherham Council (pictured, right), said: "Mark first approached our RiDO team when he was looking for an opportunity to invest and we are pleased we've been able to give him the practical support he wanted. A lot is happening in Rotherham – it is a unique town with much to offer and we are confident that businesses who choose to invest here will succeed and flourish in the coming years."

Set to open in December, the new bar and bistro will feature an indoor mezzanine. Whilst there will be a bistro-style menu featuring chunky burgers and a selection of steaks, an outdoor kitchen will enable street food to be cooked on the forecourt. The bar will also offer a selection of draft and bottled beers and lagers, wines and cocktails and will feature a gin-bar and real-ale bar.

1915 bar website

Images: RMBC / 1915 bar

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