News: Public funding approved for South Yorkshire Airport City project

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard and Council Leaders have taken a historic decision to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, approving a £160m (£159.52m) funding package.

The decision was made at a meeting of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board (SYMCA). All five board members voted unanimously in favour of the funding, including Rotherham Council leader, Chris Read, paving the way for the airport’s reopening.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire one of the largest UK city regions without an international aviation presence.

Since it closed, the Mayors of South Yorkshire and Doncaster, along with local authority partners and central government have worked at pace to explore the opportunity to return aviation to the region through a reopened airport with a viable future.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “We’re reopening DSA. Today, we’ve made a historic decision; to invest in the plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and to create a sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub at Gateway East.

“I’ve always said I wanted to reopen DSA, but we needed to know exactly what the plan looked like. That’s why we’ve taken the time and done the work. No plan of this size or scale is ever easy, or without risks, but today we’ve taken a bold step forward, backed by data, expertise, and a shared vision for the type of South Yorkshire we want to build, because DSA is a unique opportunity.

“The plan we have backed today is about more than holiday flights or passenger numbers, it’s a long-term commitment to drive jobs, growth and opportunities in sustainable aviation, advanced manufacturing, freight, and even the defence sector, here in South Yorkshire.”

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The majority of the funding required, £121.62m, has been earmarked from Gainshare funding allocated to City of Doncaster Council’s Place Investment Plan. Gainshare funding refers to the money committed to South Yorkshire through the Devolution Deal agreed by the MCA, South Yorkshire local authorities and government.

Significant passenger operations are not likely to commence until summer 2028 but with potential for limited passenger activity and cargo from winter 2027.

On voting to approve the use of funding, Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "Clearly this is a huge asset for the South Yorkshire economy, with enormous potential for driving forward jobs and opportunities for people in our region. And that benefit will be felt far beyond Doncaster. So am satisfied on that basis, and on the basis of the conversations that we've had over recent weeks and months that this is an appropriate use of public money and a wise thing for us to do to take forward the South Yorkshire economy."

On the politics of the decision, Read added: "We live in a time where there is minute by minute commentary on the decisions that we take and the way that we hold ourselves in public office. and Ros [Mayor of City of Doncaster Council Ros Jones] has shown exemplarary leadership through that period of time.

"Because none of this is easy. It was not in awy way inevitable that we would be here today making this decision. We can only do that because of the leadership that Ros and Doncaster Council have provided.

"Because of the way that the South Yorkshire Mayor has been able to look at all the feasible ways that this could proceed, and to weight those risks. And because of the way the officers at the MCA have then taken their responsibility so seriously to weigh those risks, to look at the pros and cons, to work with us as politicians and to look at credible, serious ways that we can facilitate economic growth in South Yorkshire."

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “The decision to re-open Doncaster airport today is a milestone moment for South Yorkshire and we welcome the decision reached today.

"Today marks the end of an extensive consultation period, which clearly laid out the strong business case for re-opening. I hope that with funding now secured and consultations completed, this marks the beginning of an exciting new phase which will ultimately see flights return to the skies in South Yorkshire.

"My hope is that the re-opening of Doncaster airport will act as a catalyst towards boosting growth across the region, helping to connect the truly unique and innovative work being delivered throughout South Yorkshire, as well as helping our business community to explore new opportunities within international markets. At the same time, the decision is likely to create many new jobs within the regional economy as well as helping to drive inward investment into South Yorkshire."

SYMCA website

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News: Defence Growth Deal for South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire is set for a boost through the launch of a £250m fund for Defence Growth Deals which will improve collaboration, foster innovation and create jobs in areas with untapped potential.

The Defence Industrial Strategy sets out how gonvernment spending on defence can benefit local economies, from highly skilled engineering positions to apprenticeships for young people starting their careers.

Initial analysis indicates there could be an additional demand of up to 50,000 defence jobs by 2034/35 with increases in defence spending. Defence Growth Deals will play an important role in capitalising on that skilled employment potential for communities across the UK.

South Yorkshire is one of five deals that will be backed by a total of £250m of defence spending over the next five years, underpinned by this Government’s historic increase in defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027 and the ambition to hit 3% in the next Parliament.

They will forge long-term partnerships between national, devolved and local government, uniting businesses and research institutions to harness local expertise and resources in defence and the dual-use sectors. They will support the UK Armed Forces and deliver benefits for working people through the government’s Plan for Change.

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Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: "The Defence Industrial Strategy will make defence an engine for growth across the UK, backing British jobs, British industry and British innovators.

"Defence Growth Deals offer a new partnership with UK Defence to build on industrial and innovation strengths that regions already hold. Together we aim to drive an increase in defence skills, SMEs and jobs across all four nations.

"We want to make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a defence firm and will put Britain at the leading edge of innovation."

The new fund builds on the success of the Plan for Barrow. The deals, created in partnership with industry, local government and other regional organisations, will see investment in that area’s sub-sector specialisms, harnessing their ingenuity and mass, while also launching specific interventions that help support that defence ecosystem and the places themselves, delivering long-term and sustainable regional growth across the UK.

South Yorkshire is identified as a key hub for the development and engineering of high integrity, precision materials for the defence sector, including at MOD-owned Sheffield Forgemasters.

The region is also home to the University of Sheffield’s world-leading Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) which has multimillion pound facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. A growing defence cluster is being bolstered by BAE Systems new artillery factory in Sheffield.

The strategy set out that in South Yorkshire, "we will further leverage the region’s strengths in the research, development and engineering of high-grade components and materials critical to the next generation of maritime, land and air capabilities."

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: "South Yorkshire has always been at the forefront of our country's security. We supplied munitions in both world wars, we are the home of the Vulcan and we are helping to build the submarines of tomorrow at Forgemasters in Sheffield. Now, the government has asked us to do even more to keep this country safe as we face up to the challenges of an evermore uncertain future.

"The Defence Growth Deal we've just been awarded isn't just a critical part of the UK's new Defence Industrial Strategy, it's a vote of confidence in the work we do here in South Yorkshire, from quantum computing to material science. That deal will offer very real opportunities for companies across Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield and Doncaster. It will mean more secure, well-paid jobs and it will power the growth that will make us all better off."

Images: BAE Systems / Forgemaster

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News: Grants of up to £25,000 to help breathe new life into Rotherham high streets

Businesses on high streets across the borough have the opportunity to benefit from a makeover thanks to a £270,000 Rotherham Council investment.

As part of its commitment to breathe new life into Rotherham’s high streets and create thriving neighbourhoods, the Council has launched the Shop Unit Business Grant Project, funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

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

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

Businesses are being encouraged to act quickly, with grants awarded on a first come, first served basis until the full allocation is spent.

Applications are open until October 30 2025, with all projects set to be completed by the end of December 2025.

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Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy said: “We’re committed to forging ahead and breathing new life into our high streets across the borough.

“This funding represents an opportunity to support the local businesses at the heart of our communities. By investing in the look and feel of shops located in our town centres, we’re helping to create more vibrant, welcoming spaces for residents, shoppers and visitors alike. I’d encourage all eligible businesses to apply early and make the most of this support.”

Businesses interested should contact Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) for more information via businessgrants@rotherham.gov.ukl

The cabinet at Rotherham Council approved plans in March for the £3.28m of UKSPF for 2025/26, a transitional year allocation.

£945,256 is for business support with £60,000 set aside for enhancing the operation of the outdoor market during the current redevelopment. Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture is set to receive further funding with £275,000 for the extension of the successful traineeship programme. £200,000 has been allocated for marketing to support the communications and reach of the festival year.

Rothbiz reported in January on proposals put forward for Rotherham Council's latest budget which included £50,000 for free parking. One hour’s free parking has recently been introduced in council-run car parks in Rotherham town centre.

The investment across Rotherham’s high streets will be complemented by the introduction of a new ‘Street Safe Team’ focused on increasing safety in town and village centres, as well as a new team dedicated to roadside cleansing, with a focus on popular routes and key gateways.

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News: More South Yorkshire businesses set for energy efficiency boost

A project that has supported businesses across the region to cut emissions, reduce costs, and boost efficiency has been expanded thanks to an additional £1.6m investment.

The Low Carbon Project provides dedicated support and a source of funding to help local businesses reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions but has previously seen a slow take up in Rotherham.

Businesses benefit from fully funded support, including on-site energy surveys and access to capital grants for improvements such as low-energy lighting, insulation, and efficient heating systems.

In the first phase, the project supported 223 businesses with £3.2m in funding. The second phase will run until March 2026 and aims to support a further 144 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham.

Sheffield City Council is leading the initiative, with the support of South Yorkshire’s other local authorities who are helping to deliver this support across the entire region.

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Erodatools, a second-generation precision engineering company based in Penistone, were supported by the Low Carbon Grant to install 240 solar panels on the roof of the factory it has owned for 52 years.

The new 102kwp photovoltaic system will generate more than 72,000 kwh green energy a year which will cut their annual electricity bills by an estimated £17,000 and reduce their carbon emissions by 14.07 tonnes a year.

The project is part-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Rotherham businesses should contact Rotherham Investment and Development Office for assistance.

Last year Rotherham Council reallocated £43,032 from the Low Carbon project to a project which aims to improve business productivity and digital innovation through the provision of capital or revenue grants. A council paper confirmed that: "The Low Carbon project continues to have difficulties in committing grants, whereas the Productivity project has a strong pipeline of applications that can complete quickly."

Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "We know many business owners want to reduce energy costs and do their bit for the planet, but it can be difficult to plan how to do this effectively, and to find the money to pay for carbon-saving measures.

"That is where this brilliant scheme can help. Specialist advisors will help businesses identify where they can make changes that save budgets and tackle the climate crisis. Low carbon grants give businesses the financial support they need to make changes that will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions."

Low Carbon Project website
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News: Rotherham tech startups offered support to validate innovative ideas

South Yorkshire tech startups are being offered support to validate their innovative ideas through a new incentive programme launched to boost the region’s tech startups.

The support comes from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority funded TECH SY project, which is offering either financial grants or support from a specialist consultancy to promising startups in South Yorkshire as part of the wider aim to help scale up our tech ecosystem.

The Idea Validation Grant provides up to £2,500 of direct financial support, OR up to £5,000 worth of idea validation support. This new programme aims to provide financial assistance and mentoring to help companies validate business ideas, ensuring their feasibility and potential for success, before they embark on significant product development.

Businesses will be able to use the funding for activities such as market research and prototyping. Alternatively, recipients can receive mentoring via a partnership with experienced founders from Trove Ventures, as well as access to a network of industry experts across the region.

Since its launch last year, TECH SY have been analysing data on the startup ecosystem in the region and working with industry leaders and stakeholders to develop pilot programmes that help grow the local digital economy. The programme aims to kickstart the next evolution of tech startups in South Yorkshire by empowering entrepreneurs with funding and support to validate their business concepts.

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Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “My job is good growth; building not just a bigger economy, but a better economy, with our businesses at the cutting edge of innovation.”

“I’m delighted we can trial the IVG initiative; grants providing an opportunity to give our backing at an early stage to those innovators, innovations and ideas that show real promise.”

“We’re making a down payment on an exciting future, driving innovation and expanding our economy in South Yorkshire, which I couldn’t be more proud to support.”

Tracey Johnson, Project Director of TECH SY, said: “We hosted the South Yorkshire Tech Summit back in March, where insights from our report showed that access to finance was a barrier to our region’s startups. TECH SY is here to utilise a test-and-learn approach to supporting our region's ecosystem, and this grant and support programme is another way to find out what initiatives work best to stimulate more founders to start their ideas.”

“We’re working with Trove to provide mentorship with founders. They’re two experienced, exited founders who can provide incredible value to those who choose to take up their support, and we’re delighted to work with them to gain their insight into what a founder in the region needs.”

Chris Dalrymple, Co-founder of Trove Ventures, said: “We’re honoured to be supporting the next wave of South Yorkshire tech founders through the Idea Validation Grant programme. At Trove, we’ve built, scaled, and exited startups - now we’re excited to use that experience to help others turn good ideas into great businesses. This is a brilliant initiative for the region’s ecosystem, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

The Idea Validation Programme is open until December 19 2025 but may close earlier if all funding is allocated.

TECH SY website

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News: Rotherham's new market and library to benefit from solar panel push

Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company, has awarded mayoral authorities a share of £10m in grant funding to roll out clean energy projects at the centre of communities, with a major Rotherham regeneration project set to benefit.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is set to establish the Mayoral Renewables Fund Grant Scheme following a request for £572,025.

The government’s clean energy superpower mission will protect billpayers, create jobs and bring greater energy security through delivering clean power by 2030. Great British Energy will accelerate this by developing, investing and building clean energy projects across the UK.

Great British Energy is already cutting energy bills for public services, with solar panels already installed on 11 schools as part of plans to roll out the panels on around 200 schools and 200 hospitals in England.

Seven new projects in Doncaster and Rotherham have been identified for solar panels.

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Last month Rotherham Council took the decision to utilise £350,000 of its own capital decarbonisation budget to maximise the solar photovoltaics (PV) on the town centre markets and library rooftops.

Construction is well underway on the £40.89m project which is due to be completed in 2027.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “The Rotherham Outdoor Market scheme is a brilliant example of how innovation can power local adaptation and resilience. By reducing emissions and energy costs, we’re supporting the stallholders who are the beating heart of the market - helping them grow in the face of rising energy prices and making the market more attractive for both traders and shoppers."

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.

"This is what Great British Energy is all about - taking back control to deliver lower bills for good."

The Rotherham town centre development will include a refurbished indoor market and a modern and accessible central library, along with a new community hub and extensive public realm and improved links to the town centre and college. The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor.

The outdoor market will become a flexible space which can be used for exhibitions and events when required. The second floor will incorporate contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

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News: Codename Canaveral - £2m for Rotherham investment zone project

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have agreed to measures to speed up delivery in the South Yorkshire Investment Zone (IZ).

A £2m investment is in the pipeline for a "huge scale-up and reshoring" project in Rotherham.

In 2023, the region was confirmed as the UK's first investment zone, using success in advanced manufacturing to help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy.

Primarily focused on connecting Sheffield to Rotherham (where the research assets such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are already located), it is expected to create 8,000 new jobs and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

Rothbiz highlighted the Rotherham sites that have been given IZ status where funding can be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions. £160m over ten years was confirmed in the 2023 Autumn Statement.

A recent SYMCA board paper showed that there has been a change from a ten-year funding programme to two annual funding pots, which has necessitated more of a focus on single year projects.

Projects so far has seen match funding drawn in at a ratio of 9:1 with £71m private investment for £8m IZ investment.

Featured projects include £3m towards £34.8m scheme to establish a flexible fund to encourage and accelerate development in the (IZ), and £375k for FerretWorks - an AMRC project to help mature and de-risk the formation of disruptive technology businesses.

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Earlier this year, Rothbiz revealed that an unnamed manufacturer was preparing to invest in a £21.3m expansion project in Rotherham, backed by a £2m grant via SYMCA.

Papers show that the project is known internally as "Canveral" with phase 1 in line for "£2m for a huge scale-up and reshoring of blade manufacturing."

SYMCA papers state: "The Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham is a cutting-edge supplier of high-value superalloy turbine blade castings for large civil jet engines. The investment is for tooling and precision machine tools to help to satisfy demand by uplifting blade output above the existing factory capacity."

An advisory group meets to provide guidance on investment with funding based on criteria including: strategic fit, value for money, match funding, deliverability, productivity growth, affordability, and innovation.

The SYMCA board has recently agreed to tailor their assurance procedure so smaller projects are not subjected to the same assurance process and timeline as multi-million pound schemes. It relates to funding for projects under £500k which SYMCA says would "speed up delivery whilst also having the right level of assurance."

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on SYMCA's support for support the Ultimate Battery Company's move to Rotherham with £5.2m in loans and grants. Due to issues encountered by the projects, the company has since ceased trading without the repayment of loans to the authority.

There is a £17m IZ budget for 2025-26 with all projects needed to be assured before acquiring approval.

South Yorkshire Investment Zone website

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News: Why are new cycle lanes being created across Rotherham?

If Rotherham Council wants to use government money to make multimillion pound investments in strategic transport routes in the borough, they will need to include cycle lanes, the authority has confirmed.

With Rotherham Council set to spend a further £24m on active travel schemes, the issue was raised in a recent full council meeting.

Consultation is currently being carried out on a £16.3m scheme that includes bike lanes, bus lanes and a built up roundabout at Eastwood, on the edge of Rotherham town centre. A similar £8m cycle lane and roundabout scheme is proposed for Stag Roundabout and Wickersley / Broom Road.

The schemes follow on from the the £6.4m Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor schemes and the £3.6m Broom Road Cycleways scheme.

Sheffield Road Cycleways project has delivered over 2km of new cycle routes on the A6178 Sheffield Road and Westgate between the town centre and the borough boundary at Tinsley. Rothbiz reported how Rotherham Council was forced to explain the new road layout on Sheffield Road, which has introduced a single carriagway with cycle lanes that are not mandatory and instead indicate to drivers the distance they should leave when passing cyclists.

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The majority of funding is coming from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) through the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), a government funding stream. The funding requirements dictate that designs must promote decarbonisation by providing improved options for public transport, walking and cycling although Rotherham Council has earmarked funding for ideas proposed by the community for addressing isues in the neighbourhoods.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, told the meeting: "Any decision on funding is ultimately a decision for the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Department for Transport.

"If we only delivered the neighbourhood streets element of the scheme then potentially that would not be meeting the government's requirements for the funding. I should be clear that that requirement was set by the previous government and that requirement is to deliver a strategic route to enable people to walk, to cycle more and to help improve the speed and reliability of buses, to help people get about the borough.

"It is most likely, therefore, that if we to only do the scheme without the cycle lanes then it wouldn't be meeting that requirement"

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News: Investment to continue in Rotherham

Millions of pounds of investment has been made in Rotherham via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and there's more to come.

Nearly £190m of investment has been completed in South Yorkshire over the last two years supporting capital projects and Investment Zone activity supporting business expansion, new housebuilding, improvements to transport infrastructure and flood prevention.

WIth government money and powers diverted to South Yorkshire, SYMCA does not deliver all investments. The majority of projects are delivered by local authority partners, with some delivered directly by the private sector and other local and regional partners. Looking ahead, an Integrated Settlement is set to provide an opportunity for greater funding flexibility against the delivery of a set of outcomes agreed with Government.

SYMCA's Capital Investment Programme was recently dicussed at the authority's board.

For Rotherham, 16 schemes have been completed in the last two years with a total value of £78.1m.

Transport projects feature prominantly and include £40.1m towards the Parkway widening scheme and £13.2m for the new link road at Parkgate.

Completed regeneration projects in the borough include the second phase of Century Business Centre, which used £4.6m via SYMCA, and £2m being used in the town centre to progress projects such as Forge Island.

Brownfield housing projects in Rotherham have also secured millions of pounds to address viability.

Direct grants to support businesses expanding in Rotherham include the £1.5m that enabled SBD Apparel to move on to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in the Investment Zone.

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Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "Funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Capital Programme has enabled us to take forward key strategic projects in Rotherham, such as flood defence works in the town centre and across the borough, the Century 2 business centre, and Olive Lane development at Waverley, as well as future projects which will drive further growth across the borough.”

Projects currently in delivery and development supported by capital investment from SYMCA include Rotherham Gateway Station and the tram-train stop at Magna, more active travel schemes, flood alleviation schemes and the markets and library redevelopment.

Another Investment Zone project is expected to see £2m used to support the Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham - a cutting-edge supplier of high-value superalloy turbine blade castings for large civil jet engines.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “My job is growth, across all four corners of South Yorkshire.

“That means investing our money in plans and projects that unlock the potential of Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield. Working with our local councils, I’ve been able to fund nearly £190m of capital investment – money to build things, make things happen, and bring some iconic buildings and sites back to life.

"We’ve made real progress, but we’re not done yet. Our capital investments are laying the foundations for a wealthier, healthier, happier, and safer South Yorkshire. And as major developments come forward, they’ll unlock even more potential, bringing longterm benefits for generations to come.

"People often ask me: what’s devolution for? It’s about making decisions here, for here. It’s about restoring pride, prosperity and purpose to our communities. It’s about making sure people can stay near and go far, and ultimately it’s about making a positive difference to people’s lives."

Images: SYMCA

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News: South Yorkshire shunted into sidelines as MML electrification paused again

Sheffield is set to remain the largest city in the UK without electrified railways after the Government announced a pause of the electrification of the Midland Mainline (MML) in the North and Midlands.

The key route connects London St Pancras and Sheffield via the East Midlands. Working north, Network Rail had previously envisaged reaching Sheffield at the end of 2020 but work was paused at Kettering and effectively cancelled when plans were announced for new bi-mode intercity trains that are able to run on both electrified and non-electrified lines.

Work reportedly continued on the plans but DfT documents relating to the recent spending review show that the off-and-on project has been paused again.

The previous government's Network North document proposed an extension of the electrification of the MML from Sheffield to Doncaster and Leeds (potentially through Rotherham and its planned new station). Electrification to Sheffield was included in the proposition set out in Lord Blunkett's Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail.

Progress on the MML is in contrast to the upgrade of the East Coast Mainline (ECML) that links Doncaster and London which completed in 2020 and paved the way for the introduction of new trains, such as LNER’s Azuma and Hull Trains’ Paragon fleets.

Government documents confirm: "The next phase of electrification [phase 3 to Sheffield] of the Midland Main Line has been paused. Due to rising costs and the substantial electrification that has already been delivered, we are prioritising our funding on other schemes over the Spending Review period. We will continue to keep the potential for full electrification of the route under review as part of our plans to decarbonise our railways and as funding becomes available in future."

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combimned Authority says that it means that Sheffield will be relying instead on older, more polluting diesel trains that are slower, less reliable, and worse for the environment.

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South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “There’s frustration in the region. After decades of national underinvestment in our transport network, we’re having to wait longer for vital rail improvements that would create jobs, opportunities and economic growth. It feels like one step forward and two steps back.

“We were told HS2 would come to Sheffield. That was cancelled. Now electrification of Midland Main Line is being paused. All we’re asking for is a fair deal.

“I’ve raised my concerns directly with the government, and I’ll keep doing so. South Yorkshire deserves a modern, reliable, and sustainable transport network - and I won’t stop fighting for it.”

The region previously missed out when HS2 to Sheffield was one of the first legs to be cancelled which would have reduced the journey time from Sheffield to London from 120 minutes to 87 minutes, with additional seating capacity on brand new electric trains through electrification of MML.

In the wake of the scaling back of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) Rothbiz has previously highlighted some alternative routes and the options most likely to serve Rotherham being an upgrade of the Erewash Valley line and the "Old Road" between Clay Cross Junction and Masborough Junction. An upgrade and electrification of the route north of Sheffield to Leeds has also been looked at, as has a new high speed line between broadly Rotherham and Leeds, known as the "M18 Short Alignment" that would connect to the northern leg of the previous HS2 Eastern leg into Leeds.

The 2025 Spending Review set departmental budgets for day‑to‑day spending until 2028‑29, and until 2029‑30 for capital investment. Whilst committing £92 billion to the DfT, and agreeing more than 50 road and rail upgrades, very little will impact South Yorkshire directly.

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News: Rotherham Gateway Station funding welcomed

The board at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has approved £11.35m to support the multimillion pound regeneration project around a new Rotherham Gateway Station.

As reported by Rothbiz earlier this month, the gainshare funding will enable the detailed design of the project and move it towards procurement.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “I’ve repeatedly said that significant investment is needed in our rail network - because if we want people to stay near and go far, we need better public transport.

“The £11.35 million investment into Rotherham Gateway Station is a vital step in delivering that future. It’s about more than just a new station - it’s about creating a gateway to opportunity, growth, and innovation.

“The new station will sit at the heart of a transformational regeneration project, supporting high-tech industries, new homes, and green public spaces. It will improve journey times and connectivity not just within South Yorkshire, but to key centres across the North, Midlands, and beyond.

“We do need more government support to complete our vision. That’s why Rotherham Gateway was included in Lord Blunkett’s Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail because it will help connect our people to the opportunities they deserve if we get it right - better jobs, better education, and a better quality of life. It’s one of the ways we’re building a world-class transport network in South Yorkshire that works for everyone.”

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The masterplan for the project was published last week setting out an employment-led phased approach with a new integrated station on the mainline and a tram-train stop on land at Forge Way, Parkgate that aims to transform the regional and national connectivity of Rotherham, catalysing a new Innovation Campus around the station.

The 20-year programme of transformation, includes more than 355,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing and commercial space, around 250 new homes, and up to 132,000 sq ft of green spaces and public realm.

The business case for the Station and wider masterplan area highlights the potential to create 1,200 new jobs, underlining the significant economic impact the development is expected to bring to the region.

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “Back in 2022 we set out proposals to return mainline intercity trains to Rotherham for the first time since the mid-1980s. It’s great now to be able to progress those plans further, confirming additional funding to move to the next stage of development and for site acquisitions. We’re also setting out proposals for opportunities for more jobs and homes in the area around the proposed station, including connectivity into the town centre and access to the tram-train network.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity for our economy and our community, which would put Rotherham residents with half an hour’s travel of the centre of Leeds and an hour from Birmingham, expanding the work and leisure opportunities for Rotherham people as well as access to our borough. We’re determined to forge ahead with securing the infrastructure our borough needs to create new opportunities for years to come.”

The project has also got the backing of the local business sector.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "This station would act as a catalyst to transform the borough through wider urban regeneration opportunities, creating a new landscape that will be attractive to new industries and delivering transformational social and economic benefits."

Lisa Pogson, Chair of the Rotherham Business Growth Board, added: "The proposed new station offers the opportunity to re-establish fast, direct rail services to business and leisure destinations lost in the 1980s. By integrating Rotherham Gateway into future northern rail timetables as they are developed, the project will also minimise disruption for existing passengers while delivering new, faster connections to key destinations."

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News: Rotherham Gateway Station masterplan published

Rotherham Council has published the masterplan for the proposed new multimillion pound mainline station in the borough showing how a transport improvement scheme can act as the catalyst for a much wider regeneration project supporting thousands of new jobs.

Ideas for a much simpler "parkway" style station have been superseded by plans for a new integrated station on the mainline and a tram-train stop on land at Forge Way, Parkgate that aims to transform the regional and national connectivity of Rotherham, catalysing a new Innovation Campus around the station.

The employment-led masterplan focuses on the opportunity the location offers to further develop the advanced manufacturing cluster within South Yorkshire as part of the UK’s first Investment Zone. Rothbiz has previously reported on estimates that a station surrounded by business, retail, community and housing offerings which could generate 1,800 new jobs.

A phased approach starts with the Station Quarter, on land which is currently Northfields Business Park, which features a station building with a potential business centre, a 150 space car park and bridges over the two lines. Phase 2 (years 5 - 15) involves the creation of an innovation campus on plots of land nearby, one currently owned by NetworK Rail and vacant, the other used by Stobart to support biomass energy production.

The campus of around 180,000 sq ft of commercial space "will renew the existing industrial character, turning its focus towards high-quality employment in the advanced manufacturing sector or commercial use." Buildings for F&B or retail use could also be included to extend the experience of the Station Quarter.

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Phase 3 (years 15 - 20) includes the potential to replace the original car park with a multi-storey car park to the north of the mainline. Masterplanners also add that successful regeneration could prompt the redevelopment of industrial space on Mangham Road / Greasbrough Road, which is currently dominated by MAG's car auction site, into the Northwest Quarter.

Phase 4 (year 20 and beyond) introduces the idea of new housing in the area. To the east of the Station Quarter, the masterplan encourages residential use and the development of a Living Quarter on the land which is currently the large Trade Centre UK car showroom. Residential blocks and townhouses, shown with green courtyards, total 205 flats and 37 houses.

Connections are also discussed in the proposals, including active travel links between the Station Quarter and the town centre. With routes for pedestrians and cyclists on Effingham Street and Rotherham Road, this could also open up sites for development such as around Bailey House and Erskine Road.

Station opening has been pencilled in for "late 2030" creating additional rail services and faster journey times to the adjacent centres of Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds whilst adding direct and quicker connections to key markets in the North West, the Midlands and the North East, as well as ports and airports.

The masterplan shows that consultants estimate annual footfall at the station to be 0.609 million (access) and 0.584 million (egress).

The conclusion outlines the need for "substantial public sector led intervention" for a £100m+ project. Today, the board at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will be asked to set aside £11.35m to enable the detailed design of the project and move it towards procurement.

The SYMCA paper has the total costs of the project, based on estimates from Network Rail, at £133m, and could be as much as £166m for a four-platform station.

Rotherham Council is also utlising £10m from the Towns Fund to acquire land needed for the station. It is asking its cabinet to approve a further £2m for the acquisition of further land and property to facilitate the delivery of the station masterplan.

The masterplan concludes: "The ambitious Masterplan is purposefully designed to support Rotherham’s economic future, improving opportunities for all residents. A strong employment offer will precede the introduction of other uses in the long-term, including housing.

"Landing a station in Rotherham will bring forward better connectivity to the surrounding areas, activate the town centre, enhance mobility and generate value and placemaking through supported residential developments.

"A high quality public realm and creation of a greater premium on the quality of public spaces used by people has proven to benefit the built environment and uplift values.

"Early spending in infrastructure, local amenities and public spaces creates better places."

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News: Rotherham Council gives update on £16m sustainable transport corridor scheme

Rotherham Council has provided an update on an active travel scheme that will see £16.3m spent on bike lanes, bus lanes and a built up roundabout at Eastwood, on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last year that consultation had begun on "Rotherham East network improvements" in the area along the A630 Fitzwilliam Road, at St. Ann Roundabout and the neighbourhoods of Eastwood and Herringthorpe.

The biggest change proposed is for St Anns roundabout, where the council is proposing to bring the crossings up to ground level and fill in the subways to make the space feel more welcoming.

Two options were put out to consultation - maintaining the layout but with new pathways and cycleways added to link the town centre and Eastwood replacing the subways, and a more substantial change involving closing St Ann's Road to motor traffic at its junction with St Leonard's Road and installing a bus gate at the junction.

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An update from Rotherham Council states: "We had previously proposed two options for St Ann’s Roundabout, whilst replacing the subways with signalised crossings was popular for both options, there was a clear preference for maintaining all arms of the roundabout open.

"Respondents also highlighted that increased greenery and street lighting in the area would be beneficial. We’re also exploring the opportunity to provide allotments for the local college’s lunch time gardening club.

"Consideration is also being given to improving access and egress into Eastwood Village from St Ann’s Roundabout.

"Designs are still not finalised, and we are exploring how to include as much community feedback as possible whilst still ensuring the design is compliant with best practice guidance."

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is providing £16,348,500 through the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS). SYMCA's Active Travel Implementation Plan sets out how, by 2040, a fully connected network of walking and cycling routes will link the region, transforming communities and ensure that people have the means and the confidence to leave their cars at home, and choose to travel on foot or by bicycle.

For Fitzwilliam Road between St Ann’s Roundabout and Mushroom Roundabout the plan is to provide bus priority and separate cycleways.

A bus lane in the Rotherham-bound direction would make bus services faster and more reliable and the bus lane at Mushroom roundabout would be extended to Chesterton Road. Painted cycle lanes are set to be replaced with dedicated cycle tracks to separate cyclists from motor traffic and improve safety and new designated parking spaces are also included.

£4.6m of the funding will support community-driven solutions aimed at improving transport infrastructure and accessibility in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Feedback has so far related to keeping Grosvenor Road open to traffic and businesses identified a need for customers and delivery vehicles to safely access and park.

More focus groups are planned and consultation remains open until August 1 2025.

Consultation website

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News: New park & ride opens in Rotherham

A new 289-space free-to-use Park and Ride for Rotherham Parkgate Tram Train passengers has been opened next to Parkgate Shopping Park, and includes 14 EV chargers, cycle racks, disabled access spaces, and parking for solo motorcycles, as part of a scheme to help improve walking, cycling and transport connections across South Yorkshire.

The £12.9m project has been led by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), working with Rotherham Council, Parkgate development site owners Stadium and contractor Tilbury Douglas. It is one of several projects funded by SYMCA through the UK Government’s £166 million Transforming Cities Fund settlement for South Yorkshire.

It follows the completion of a new link road in December as part of the same project, to make it easier for people to reach the shopping park and reduce traffic congestion on the A633 and A6123. It’s the latest in a series of transport investments in Rotherham, which includes the new electric buses introduced on service 22x funded through SYMCA’s Zero Emission Bus bid.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: "South Yorkshire deserves nothing less than a world-class public transport network so our communities can access the jobs and opportunities they deserve; and that we can all stay near and go far.

“We’re investing serious money into South Yorkshire’s tram system, through projects like the new Rotherham Parkgate Park and Ride. We’ve put £12.9m into this project, alongside over £100m going into the renewal and development of our Supertram network to build a bigger and more connected system that puts people first.

“We won’t get there in one big step, it’s about steady and consistent progress so that we have a network that drives growth and opportunity for the whole of our region.”

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Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, added: "The new Park and Ride is a real win for Rotherham – it’s about making everyday journeys easier, greener and more accessible for local people. Whether you're hopping on the Tram Train, cycling to the shops, or charging an EV, this investment helps us cut congestion, reduce emissions, and build a better-connected future for our town.

“By improving the travel options in the area, we not only make it easier for people to travel between Parkgate and the town centre – but also help to minimise air pollution and reduce reliance on cars.”

The project has received £11.5m of funding through the Transforming Cities Fund. The investment at Parkgate will ease pressure on the existing entrance and allow traffic to flow more freely in the Parkgate and Rawmarsh areas of Rotherham, reducing journey times for buses in the area.

Rothbiz reported last year how the completion date was pushed back as costs increased.

Mark Kanaris, Senior Operations Manager for Parkgate Shopping Park, said: “As one of the UK’s largest shopping parks, Parkgate attracts visitors from across South Yorkshire and beyond. Being a major employer in Rotherham, we share SYMCA’s ambition to improve journey times, ease congestion and make Parkgate even more accessible for everyone and we’re proud to have supported them in delivering this important infrastructure project.

“This investment will have a daily impact, benefitting the hundreds of people who work here and the thousands of visitors who enjoy our big name stores and restaurants each week. We’d like to congratulate everyone who has been involved in making this such a success.”

The land previously used as a park & ride car park at Parkgate Shopping has already been earmarked for development with plans approved for a 20,000 sq ft food store.

The Parkgate scheme is one of several infrastructure projects to be delivered over the next few years by SYMCA and its partners, including a new Tram Train station at Magna in Templeborough.

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News: £11.35m coming down the track for Rotherham Gateway Station

Further funding could be signed off later this month for Rotherham Gateway Station - the multimillion pound regeneration project to get the borough back on the mainline.

The board at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is being asked to set aside £11.35m to enable the detailed design of the project and move it towards procurement.

The total costs of the project, based on estimates from Network Rail, is £133m, and could be as much as £166m for a four-platform station.

The project involves a new integrated station on the mainline and a tram-train stop on land at Forge Way, Parkgate and aims to transform the regional and national connectivity of Rotherham, catalysing a new Innovation Campus around the station.

SYMCA's own website describes Rotherham Gateway has having "the potential to offer the most significant growth and regeneration opportunity across the North of England."

Rotherham Council is leading on the project and so far £1m has been utilised from SYMCA's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) to produce an outline business case with £10m secured by the council through the Town Deal to prepare the Station Masterplan and acquire land necessary to facilitate delivery.

The new mainline station proposed for Parkgate is a Department for Transport (DfT) retained scheme, held back for further review or development before funding is released, so a business case for the project has been prepared in line with government guidance, including the requirements of the Treasury’s Green Book which has recently been updated to support place-based business cases.

The next stage involves the detailed design of the mainline station, the new tram-train stop and the station ‘floormat’ elements, and to ready the project for procurement. A SYMCA paper explains that this is the equivalent of a ‘Decision to Design’ within the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline.

The paper adds: "This is estimated to cost around £11.35m - funding for this work would use an allocation provisionally included within the MCA’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement programme. By accessing the devolved funding for the next stage of design work the applicant aims to ensure the project can progress at pace and ensure that the significant benefits that will be delivered as a result of the Rotherham Gateway Station project can be realised at the earliest opportunity."

Station opening has been pencilled in for "late 2030" creating additional rail services and faster journey times to the adjacent centres of Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds whilst adding direct and quicker connections to key markets in the North West, the Midlands and the North East, as well as ports and airports.

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The next stage of development work also includes the preparation of a full business case for the government.

The SYMCA report adds: "To the north of the town centre, plans have been developed to establish an exemplar development of high technology industry fit for the future economy that builds on the industrial legacy and supports a thriving local economy, creating employment opportunities for new and existing residents. This provides the opportunity to further develop the advanced manufacturing cluster within South Yorkshire as part of the UK’s first Investment Zone.

"At the heart of these plans is the proposal to radically enhance the connectivity of this site, not only within the borough and South Yorkshire, but to and from other centres of advanced manufacturing, international gateways and London with the development of a new Rotherham Gateway Station."

In addition to the specific facilities associated with the station project, it is envisaged that the whole area will support more than 355,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing and commercial space and around 250 homes (in addition to the 2,500 planned on the adjacent Bassingthorpe Farm strategic site). There will also be around 100,000 sq ft allocated for green spaces and 32,000 sq ft of public realm.

Around 200 parking spaces have been included and it is not assumed that the new station will require any local highway mitigation over and above the access. Rotherham Council is already considering a scheme to improve the network in the area as part of the Bassingthorpe Farm residential development.

As for the remaining funding, the report notes that sources are being explored, including CRSTS2 (now renamed as Transport for City Regions) "but as yet none is confirmed and so the funding of this next phase including the acquisition of land will be entirely at risk."

Mainliine station costs are estimated at £72,322,000 (upped to £94,300,000 with risk and inflation) with the tram-train stop estimated at £27,714,000 (£39,604,000). Building a four platform station would cost an estimated £94,145,000 (or £127,859,000 with risk and inflation).

Plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail and a 10-year Infrastructure Strategy are expected from the government soon.

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News: Rotherham markets revamp costs rise again, reach £40m

The cost of completing a long-awaited revamp of the markets in Rotherham town centre has risen again and is now at £40.89m, nearly double original estimates.

Rotherham Council is asking South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) for a further £6.5m on top of the £3.9m already approved.

The "significant presence of RAAC and of asbestos" in the building, which opened in 1971, is being blamed.

The redevelopment of the Drummond Street site also includes a modern central library, a new community hub, improved public spaces, and links to the town centre and college. The renovations will build upon the existing mix of shops and services with the addition of a new food hub and dining area on the first floor. The outdoor market will become a flexible space which can be used for exhibitions and events when required. The second floor will host contemporary office spaces for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.

With £4m already spent on the project before a spade hit the ground, Henry Boot began a £2.1m enabling works contract at the end of 2023 and have since made progress on the construction which has a total contract price of £36m.

Second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of town centre investment, the revamp was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025 but this was pushed back to 2027. When government funding was originally confirmed, the estimated cost of the project was £22m.

Having secured government money (£8.9m) from the Future High Streets Fund in 2020 for the project, a funding gap of £9.8m was identified in 2022, largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs.

Now another funding gap has come to light.

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Papers to the SYMCA board state that costs have risen as further investigative works were carried out through the design development process and prior to the council entering into contract with Henry Boot.

The paper adds: "Further allowances for utility services needed to be made, as well as allowances to deal with the significant presence of RAAC and of asbestos within the structure of the building. This brings the revised total project costs to £40.9m. RMBC [Rotherham Council] have increased their contribution but the additional £6.5m requested from the MCA (bringing the total to £9.9m), is to be used to address the viability gap for the overall scheme."

Rotherham Council's plans involve keeping the indoor market building and refurbishing and reconfiguring the space alongside repairs to the roof.

RAAC is reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, a lightweight form of concrete used in schools, colleges and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s. It has been recognised that the in-service performance is poor with cracking, excessive displacements and durability all being raised as concerns.

Without the additional funding, which is set to come from SYMCA's gainshare pot, the market would be made safe and not redeveloped. This was discounted in favour of redevelopment with the report adding: "There is a clear justification of the preferred option as being the only one likely to meet the strategic aims of the project and the alternatives likely to cause the footfall to fall further leading to the eventual closure of the market hall."

Gainshare funding refers to the money committed to South Yorkshire through the Devolution Deal agreed by the MCA, South Yorkshire local authorities and government.

A breakdown of the secured funding shows that £8,909,226 is coming from the government's Future High Street Fund, £13,865,012 from Rotherham Council's Town Investment Fund and £8,219,311 from Rotherham Council’s Capital Programme.

When asked last year about the rising costs of the redevelopment, Cllr. Chris Read said it would be "bizarre" to scrap the scheme and take away the opportunity to follow the likes of Barnsley, Sheffield and Doncaster and create a bustling hub in the town centre.

SYMCA's board is due to discuss the plans later this month.

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News: Rotherham waits on mainline station funding

The government is yet to confirm funding for Rotherham Gateway Station with the borough waiting on costed plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail and a 10-year Infrastructure Strategy.

The project involves a new integrated station on the mainline and a tram-train stop on land at Forge Way, Parkgate and aims to transform the regional and national connectivity of Rotherham, catalysing a new Innovation Campus around the station.

The scheme was described earlier this year as the number one project in the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's (SYMCA's) submission to the spending review.

A number of other large transport projects were mentioned by chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Spending Review documents this week. In her speech she confirmed that an infrastructure strategy is being finalised and added that "in the coming weeks I will set out this government’s plans to take forward our ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail."

The previous Government's £96 billion Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands scaled back ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail, with Rotherham and Sheffield both missed off plans.

In 2023, as it axed HS2 reaching the North, the then government's "Network North" plan included a new mainline station for Rotherham that would be added to the route between Sheffield and Leeds, giving the town its first direct service to London since the 1980s.

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The new mainline station proposed for Parkgate is a Department for Transport (DfT) retained scheme, held back for further review or development before funding is released, so a business case for the project has been prepared in line with government guidance, including the requirements of the Treasury’s Green Book which has been updated to support place-based business cases.

The Government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) (now renamed as Transport for City Regions) was identified for much of the next stage of the project - the development of a full business case which is expected to cost £11.35m.

Last week, £1.5 billion was confirmed for South Yorkshire but only buses and trams have been mentioned so far, despite SYMCA describing Rotherham Gateway has having "the potential to offer the most significant growth and regeneration opportunity across the North of England."

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Responding to the Spending Review, South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "We’ve not seen the whole picture today. Next week, we’ll hear about the government’s plans for infrastructure, and I’ll be looking for a response to the proposals we put forward through the White Rose Agreement’s Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail, and support for some of our key industrial strengths, including our steel and hydrogen sectors."

Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail is a phased plan to fix Yorkshire’s broken railways, published by Lord Blunkett last month. For Rotherham the plans reiterate the need for a new mainline station given that the borough is currently poorly connected to the rail network, with the town centre served via a loop off the main line, and only having two stopping trains an hour.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: "A successful local and regional economy is built upon its transport infrastructure. Returning Rotherham to the main line will vastly improve connectivity to centres such as Leeds, London, Manchester and Birmingham whilst at the same time reducing journey times.

"The plan rightly identified that a rail journey must be at least 20% faster compared with a car journey to make in attractive alternative. At present it takes almost the same amount of time to travel between Rotherham and Barnsley via train, as it does to travel between Doncaster and Peterborough. Clearly this needs to change.

"We encourage the Chancellor to prioritise investment in South Yorkshire’s rail infrastructure, which in turn will bring about significant benefits for the local and regional economy.”

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News: £1.5 billion confirmed for South Yorkshire transport ambitions

One of the first investment announcements from the Government's Spending Review is £15.6 billion of funding for local transport projects in England’s city regions – including £1.5 billion for South Yorkshire.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves described next week's spending review as being "targeted squarely on the renewal of Britain" with more funding heading outside of London.

A review of the Treasury Green Book is set to start a step change in how government approaches and evaluates the case for investing in the regions.

Reeves said: "Connectivity is an absolutely critical factor in unlocking the potential of towns and cities outside of London. One of the areas in which previous governments have promised most, but delivered least. And that will now change.

"Stronger transport links within cities and the towns around them create opportunity by connecting labour markets and making it easier for firms to buy and sell goods and services in different places, to different people.

"We will be making the biggest ever investment by a British government in transport links within our city regions, and their surrounding towns. £15.6 billion in transport funding settlements, to be delivered by our regional mayors."

Previous transport projects in South Yorkshire have utilised the Government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) with over £50m in Rotherham schemes outlined in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's (SYMCA's) last allocation of £570m.

In 2023, the government provided an indicative allocation of £1.455 billion for South Yorkshire for "CRSTS2" when Rishi Sunak announced Network North as a replacement for HS2.

Now £1.5 billion has been confirmed for South Yorkshire. £530m is set to be used to renew the Supertram network, providing a fleet of new, replacement vehicles, modernising tram stops, as well maintenance to improve reliability. £350m will be set aside to reform South Yorkshire’s buses, with franchised buses operating in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham by 2027 and across the whole of South Yorkshire by 2029.

The latest settlement is for 2027-28 to 2031-32 with around £12m brought forward and made available in 2026-27. Funding allocations for the final year of the CRSTS programme (2026-27) will be confirmed in due course.

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Reeves added that investment in South Yorkshire would support "Mayor Oliver Coppard so that, in addition to the reopening of Doncaster Airport, he can renew the existing, and now publicly controlled, Supertram network, with track replacements, overhead line maintenance, and rolling stock renewal with a full fleet of new vehicles by 2032, a bigger and better integrated transport network, linking jobs and homes in Sheffield and Rotherham."

Rothbiz has previously reported on the rising costs of the Supertram renewal which hit £596m in 2023.

Rothbiz also reported in 2022 that ambitious plans for transforming bus services in the region were not been backed by any Government funding. A funding gap was estimated to be between £430 - £474m.

South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: "This £1.5bn investment into our transport system will be game-changing for communities across South Yorkshire.

“I know that big numbers like these can often feel disconnected from our daily lives. But put simply, that investment will help us make our vision of a bigger, better integrated transport network under public control, a reality. It will mean new and better buses, new electric vehicles, integrated ticketing and better information. It will mean new trams and better tram stops and lays the foundation for extending the tram network. It will mean our young people will be able to get to jobs and opportunities. That we can all access services, see friends and family, or go for a day, or a night out, without worrying how to get home.

“I’ve been clear that we’ve been ignored for too long, and that South Yorkshire has not received its fair share of funding from successive governments. Today’s announcement by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves of a £1.5bn investment into our transport system shows the government is listening, and backing, South Yorkshire.”

Absent from the announcement was Rotherham Gateway Station, described earlier this year as the number one project in SYMCA's submission to the spending review.

The new mainline station proposed for Parkgate is a Department for Transport (DfT) retained scheme, held back for further review or development before funding is released, so a business case for the project has been prepared in line with government guidance, including the requirements of the Treasury’s Green Book.

CRSTS (now renamed as Transport for City Regions) was identified for much of the next stage of the project - the development of a full business case which is expected to cost £11.35m.

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News: Development fund supports millions of sq ft in floorspace and thousands of jobs in South Yorkshire

A publicly owned property fund is set to invest a further £34.8m to develop more business and create more jobs in the South Yorkshire Investment Zone.

The South Yorkshire JESSICA fund dates back to 2012 and has previously supported job-creating commercial property schemes through grants and loans. It has been used to kickstart Rotherham developments on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and at Beighton Link.

To continue the financial support, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has agreed to contribute £3m towards a total scheme cost of £34.8m to establish a flexible fund to encourage and accelerate development in the Investment Zone (IZ).

Primarily focused on connecting Sheffield to Rotherham (where the research assets such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are already located), the zone is expected to create 8,000 new jobs and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

IZ status provides South Yorkshire with up to £160m over ten years which can be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses.

A Sheffield Council paper explains: "In order to facilitate the growth of indigenous businesses and encourage inward investment the region needs to have a rolling supply of readily available, high quality and affordable commercial property. However the region still faces a number of market failures that means that the costs associated with speculative development often exceed the value to the developer. As a result, public funding in the form of subsidised loans, rental loans (guarantees) and first loss loans (grants) are required to stimulate development and facilitate economic growth."

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A SYMCA paper adds: "Several developments have been identified within or immediately adjacent to the Spatial Core and Opportunity sites and these will be progressed in the first instance to bring forward speculative commercial floorspace for office or light manufacturing activity.

"The flexible fund will look to allow the SY JESSICA to provide finance through several routes to stimulate development including commercial loans, sub-market loans (including first loss), rental guarantees and, in cases of last resort, grant."

Around £22m is currently uncommitted. However there is a current pipeline of investments consisting of a eight developments seeking £25m in total (of which over £5m is in the form of grants).

Papers show that three potential sites have so far been identified for funding. "First Loss Loans" (grants) could support the construction of three developments - Norfolk Street in Sheffield City Centre, Dorehouse in Sheffield and at Junction 36 in Barnsley.

The fund was initially capitalised with £23m of external funding which was used for commercial loans. Since 2015 the fund has been successful in securing an additional £0.5m from the government, a £15m loan via the precursor of the Mayoral Combined Authority, which has since been repaid with interest, and two additional grants from the authority that have been used in the form of loans and grants with a value of £15m. In addition, the fund has established a relationship with the South Yorkshire Pension Authority which has seen several joint investments in the region.

Since the start of the fund, 25 investments have been made (23 complete and repaid), totalling £76m. It means that nearly two million sq ft of floorspace has been built, accommodating 7,000 jobs.

Images: Harworth Group

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