News: £83m Rotherham regeneration projects can be pushed back to 2028

Multimillion pound regeneration projects in Rotherham will have more time to be completed after the Government granted more flexibilities over how the money can be spent.

Partners in the borough will also find it easier to cancel projects, move funding to different, or even new, projects, and change governance arrangements.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the previous government had entered Rotherham into the Simplification Pathfinder Pilot, a simplified approach to funding delivery, after the National Audit Office (NAO) warned of delays around spending Levelling Up funding pots.

Now the new government has consolidated a number of funding schemes in a bid to accelerate project delivery and improve value for money.

In 2021, Rotherham secured £31.6m from the Town Deal to revamp areas of Rotherham town centre as well as Templeborough, Eastwood and the site of the proposed mainline station at Parkgate. In the same year, £12.6m was secured from the Future High Streets Fund.

From the Levelling Up Fund, Rotherham was successful in securing £19.5m for the town centre and £19.9m for a number of connected projects around the leisure industry. £20m was then secured in 2023 for a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The pots have now been combined into the "Local Regeneration Fund" with single, annual allocations based on streamlined monitoring and reduced reporting frequency.

One of the main flexibilities is that all funding is now due to be spent by the end of March 2028.

The Future High Streets Fund was initially due to be spent by March 2024, with other funds then due to be spent by March 2026. In Rotherham this includes projects that have suffered delays due to rising costs, difficulties securing contractors and legal issues.

The revamp of Rotherham Market, which is using money from the Future High Street Fund, was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025 but this was pushed back to 2027 with total costs now at £40.89m. At Riverside Gardens, another Future High Street Fund project, a contractor has recently started work. Changes have also been made to projects at Rother Valley and Thrybergh Country parks but construction work is underway.

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With the council unable to acquire the properties required to deliver the Dinnington scheme, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was issued earlier this year which meant that the spending on the project was extended from 2026 to 2028.

Many schemes have completed in the borough backed by the funds. This includes Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley, work to transform heritage buildings at Maltby Grammar School, and the acquisition and demolition of burnt out buidings in the town centre.

Another flexibility is that the government no longer requires local authorities to seek approval for any changes. As long as it still meets conditions around value for money and contributes to one or more Government Missions, changes could include amendments to the scope of existing projects, the cancellation of existing projects and the creation of new projects.

An update from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) said: "After listening to feedback from local government, on the need for less bureaucratic micromanagement and more local control, we have now announced the consolidation of MHCLG’s Levelling Up Fund, Town Deals and Simplification Pathfinders Pilot Fund together into a single funding pot. This reform will increase flexibility to adapt schemes to local needs and focus on delivery.

"We are giving local authorities greater ability to make decisions locally about moving funding between projects in their funding portfolio. Local authorities should consider how they can use this increased flexibility to invest more effectively, whether that is pooling funding in the same area, redeploying funding to different priorities or making changes to existing projects to expedite delivery and maximise their impact.  

"It is our expectation that projects already underway will be completed, for the benefit of local residents. In the small number of cases where projects are no longer viable, we expect that councils will use the funding available to invest in the area that originally stood to benefit, so local residents can feel the improvements to their everyday lives that they have been promised. We strongly encourage local authorities to consult with key stakeholders, including MPs in their local areas on any proposed changes and in particular changes to the location or projects and/or intended beneficiaries."

Rothbiz has previously reported on changes made in Rotherham to funded schemes. Aspects have been removed from projects, such as a proposed new bridge over the River Don to the football stadium and the live music venue project has looked at a number of heritage properties in the town centre. A new project to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall in the town centre was added to the mix earlier this year.

Not included in the funds is the Plan for Neighbourhoods that will guide a £20m investment into the town over the next ten years.

Images: RMBC / AHR / Maltby Learning Trust

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News: Work begins on Thrybergh Country Park revamp

Work is underway on a café refurbishment project and outdoor landscaping at a country park in Rotherham.

The café upgrade – set to be completed this winter - will transform the aging building at Thrybergh Country Park into a modern lakeside hub with improved indoor and outdoor seating, better access, and upgraded facilities.

Rothbiz reported last month on local firm O&P Construction had been appointed as the main contractor by Rotherham Council.

The project has been given a budget of £789,873 and is being funded by a £19.9m package of investment secured by the Council from the Government’s Pathfinder funding.

Improvements include a new kitchen, an updated interior, a new outdoor terrace and fully accessible toilets and entrances.

The café will also feature modern design elements that blend with the park’s natural surroundings, while visitors with a sweet tooth are in for a treat, as the new café will serve ice cream.

While the work is underway, a temporary café service will operate at the nearby Tutti Fruitti ice cream parlour, so visitors can still enjoy refreshments during their visit.

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The work at Thrybergh is part of the Council’s wider aim to build a thriving leisure offer and visitor economy in Rotherham.

Cllr Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Safety and Street Scene, said: “Thrybergh Country Park is one of our most loved green spaces, and this investment will help it reach its full potential as a welcoming, accessible destination for residents and visitors alike.

“The café refurbishment is just one example of how we’re forging ahead and enhancing our local attractions to support wellbeing and Rotherham’s growing visitor economy, by creating jobs and encouraging more people to spend time - and money - in our borough.”

In addition to the work at Thrybergh, the £19.9m package is being used to create a new café at Rother Valley Country Park, transform part of Wentworth Woodhouse’s Grade I listed stable block to include a new commercial kitchen, café and events space, while Magna has benefited from exhibition upgrades and an improved visitor experience.

The investment has also led to the creation of Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley Resort and a new incubator space at the former Maltby Grammar School.

A larger project was initially planned for Thrybergh with £2.5m plans for a new café building, but they were scrapped due to rising costs.

O&P Construction website

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News: Contractor appointed to Rotherham country park revamp

A local firm is set to get to work on a café refurbishment project and outdoor landscaping at a country park in Rotherham.

Securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund (LUF), £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

A £2.5m improvement plan for Thrybergh Country Park moved a step closer in 2023 after Rotherham Council's plans for a new café building were approved but in July 2024, the council's cabinet approved a new way forward which meant that there was a "reduced scope" for the Thrybergh scheme where a brand new café building was scrapped and replaced by a refurbished café and outside space.

Following market testing, the project required "revised budgets as a result of the impact of inflation and the volatile national and international construction market."

The new scheme has been given a budget of £789,873 and approved plans, drawn up by the council's design and projects team, showed a refurbishment and alteration of the existing café building, and revised level access arrangements with the creation of a new ramped entrance and landing.

The development also includes increasing the size of an existing outdoor seating/terrace area, with associated hard and soft landscaping works. Fixed external canopies to accommodate covered seating for visitors of the café and country park could also be added.

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A new entrance would be to the lakeside with booth seating inside to make more efficient use of space. The new café design provides up to 60 covers internally, whilst the outdoor terrace will provide space for up to 100 covers externally.

Wath-based O&P Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the project were physical works are programmed to commence in "late July 2025 and complete by December 2025."

A limited café offer will be maintained from the adjacent building throughout the delivery of the works.

O&P began back in 1971 and now turn over £20m of projects a year. It is currently working on a £3m school extension construction project at Waverley.

The work at the café accompanies £325,000 of improvements to the paths around the popular country park.

Thrybergh Reservoir was initially excavated in 1880 and still occupies the land to the present date. It came under the management of Rotherham Council in 1980 and was then developed into a Country Park and Nature Reserve by 1983.

O&P Construction website

Images: RMBC

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News: Revised plans for Rotherham country park café

An updated planning application has been submitted for a café refurbishment project and outdoor landscaping at a country park in Rotherham.

Securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund (LUF), £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

A £2.5m improvement plan for Thrybergh Country Park moved a step closer last year after plans for a new café building were approved but in July this year, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved a new way forward which meant that there is a "reduced scope" for the Thrybergh scheme where a brand new café building has been scrapped and replaced by a refurbished café and outside space.

Following market testing, the project required "revised budgets as a result of the impact of inflation and the volatile national and international construction market."

The new scheme has been given a budget of £789,873 and new plans, drawn up by the council's design and projects team, are for the refurbishment and alteration of the existing café building, and revised level access arrangements with the creation of a new ramped entrance and landing.

The development also includes increasing the size of an existing outdoor seating/terrace area, with associated hard and soft landscaping works. Fixed external canopies to accommodate covered seating for visitors of the café and country park could also be added.

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The application explains: "The proposed development seeks to improve the existing lakeside café and outdoor terrace/seating provision. The existing café is well established in the country park, and has been operating since 1995, and offers an ancillary function to users of the park.

"However, the existing café is outdated and limited in terms of its size and offering. It currently provides seating for up to 50 people, yet primarily serves takeaway food due to the existing seating being contained primarily in the conservatory, which provides a hot and unpleasant environment in the summer and is cold in the winter. The existing café building also provides a limited external seating area, which fails to fully take advantage of the attractive lakeside setting that the site occupies.

"The proposed alterations to the existing café would look to address the thermal envelope issues with the conservatory. By instating a new insulated flat roof to meet current regulations and replace/alter the existing glazing arrangement to create a habitable space and prevent the current heat gain/loss experienced with the existing conservatory glazing."

A new entrance would be to the lakeside with booth seating inside to make more efficient use of space. The new café design provides up to 60 covers internally, whilst the outdoor terrace will provide space for up to 100 covers externally.

As the development aims to improve the attractiveness of the country park as a destination for outdoor recreation, it is not considered to be inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

Plans conclude: "The upgraded café will significantly enhance the ancillary facilities supporting the overall function of the country park and will positively align with the key objective set out within the LPA's [Rotherham Council's] Cultural Strategy (2019- 2016) of improving facilities at the Country Park.

"The proposed development will also enhance the attractiveness of the country park as a destination for outdoor recreation and will clearly support the LPA's stated goal "enable everyone to get active, get creative and get outdoors, more often.""

Work on an £8,854,198 project at Rother Valley Country Park recently got underway.

Images: Google Maps /RMBC

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News: Housing plans for Rotherham garden centre site recommended for approval

A planning application for the residential redevelopment of a former Rotherham garden centre is being recommended for approval.

Rothbiz reported in 2020 that Fosters Garden Centre would close. The Foster family had been in business in Thrybergh for over a hundred years, growing to include a garden centre, antiques centre, machinery department, coffee shop and a cycle retail outlet.

The site was allocated for housing in the local plan (with the capacity for the capacity of 40 dwellings) and the plans from Avant Homes incorporates the erection of 25 dwellings with the conversion of the former agricultural buildings and listed building into an additional seven dwellings in a town house arrangement.

Including a mix of sizes and housing types, the plans were updated to provide a stronger road frontage.

Considered brownfield in nature, the garden centre was based around the cartshed, granary and stable of Chestnut Tree Farm which dates from 1816. These Grade II Listed buildings would be retained and sympathetically converted. A modern extension will be demolished and the converted buildings would have no private gardens with a central shared courtyard.

Other buildings, including the petrol station would be demolished and a new point of access will be developed directly off Doncaster Road. There would be an access road running through the site to the western corner allowing access into the allocated housing site (H26) to the southwest.

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Planning officers are recommending that the planning board at Rotherham Council approve the plans, subject to a number of conditions. This includes £68,000 to fund sustainable transport, new bus shelters and healthcare services.

The application has seen 17 letters of objection received, along with one in support. Comments relate to traffic, the proximity of new dwellings to neighbouring properties and the impact on the listed building. Residents are also concerned about the access created to a larger site allocated for housing.

Planners say that it "is welcomed that the proposals include the retention and conversion of the existing buildings on site.

"The existing plot consists of a large area of hardstanding and has a number of unattractive and increasingly derelict buildings on the site. The amended proposals for the residential re-development of this site would represent a significant visual improvement for the immediate site and to the setting of the Grade II Listed former Barn."

The planning report adds that: "In terms of traffic impact, the Highways Officer considers that the effect of the proposed development on the adjacent road network is not severe and as such, no mitigation is required."

Regarding any future development, the plans confirm that "the potential impact of development on the adjoining site is not material to this application."

The planning board is due to meet to discuss the plans on October 10.

Images: Avant

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News: Wheels in motion for new bus lanes in Rotherham

Consultants have been appointed to work up a business case for a number of bus lanes across Rotherham.

Pell Frischmann is working with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to manage the design and business case development work for seven bus lane schemes in Sheffield and Rotherham. The aim is to optimise public transport and reliability in these areas.

Upon re-election in May, Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, set out his vision to connect people across South Yorkshire to opportunities through an integrated public transport network that puts people at its centre. The mayor described the current bus system as broken, having "lost 40% of bus miles in the last decade."

The latest scheme will see Pell Frischmann implementing bus lane improvements in Rotherham on the following corridors:

- A631 Bawtry Road
- A630 Doncaster Road and Whinney Hill
- A629 New Wortley Road Bus Gate
- College Road Bus Gate
- A631 / A618 Whiston Crossroads

Various scheme options have been developed as part of the preliminary design and include the implementation of new bus lanes in areas with heavy traffic congestion to improve bus journey times and reliability. Existing bus lanes could also be extended to reduce the number of buses idling in traffic congestion before entering the bus lane.

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The widening of the existing carriageway in specific locations is also being considered so that buses will have priority alongside existing general traffic.

The enhancement of bus gate signals would mean that buses will be allowed to continue their routes prior to the movement of general traffic and the improvement of signage, road marking, and lining would ensure compliance from other road users.

If everything stacks up, construction is set to begin in May 2026, followed by the opening in November 2026.

Pell Frischmann Consultants Ltd secured a £252,342.03 contract for the Bus Lane Review Implementation Project at the start of 2024.

Adam Lechmere, Pell Frischmann’s Highways & Transport Technical Director, said: "This project will provide new bus priority measures along several key corridors in Sheffield and Rotherham in order to reduce journey times and improve service reliability. Pell Frischmann has recently developed preliminary design options and produced a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for submission to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMC). The next stage of the project will see us progressing the scheme through detailed design and preparation of an Outline Business Case for funding approval."

Rothbiz reported in 2022 that The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) investment had been secured meaning that £570m would bring significant improvements to South Yorkshire’s transport system, enabling people to make public transport and walking and cycling their first choice for travel.

Pell Frischmann website
SYMCA website

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News: Rising costs sees Rotherham country park regeneration schemes scaled back

Proposed regeneration schemes at two country parks in Rotherham have had to be scaled back with Thrybergh impacted most. Government funding has been reallocated so that the projects can go ahead.

Securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund (LUF), £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

A £2.5m improvement plan for Thrybergh Country Park moved a step closer last year after plans for a new café building were approved by the council.

At Rother Valley Country Park, planning permission has been secured for a £5.5m upgrade - the centrepiece being a new waterfront café.

Contractors were also lined up to carry out the work but a new council report states that, following market testing, both projects required "revised budgets as a result of the impact of inflation and the volatile national and international construction market."

Rotherham Council's cabinet are being asked to approve the new way forward which means that there is a "reduced scope" for the Thrybergh scheme where a new café building has been scrapped and replaced by a refurbished café and outside space.

At Rother Valley, plans for a new build waterfront café and new car park would go ahead, with some aspects, such as a landscaped events space taken out.

The council report states: "This option delivers most closely to the original intentions of the LUF scheme in that it will achieve improvements at both sites, creating impact for residents and delivering the greatest economic benefits and supporting the financial recovery of Rother Valley Country Park. However, this is at a reduced scope to that set out to Cabinet in August 2023 and it comes at an additional cost."

There has been an overall increase in the programme budget of £2.310m.

With Pathfinder status, Rotherham is able to make changes to its government-funded regeneration programmes and now plans to not continue with using Town Deal money for its Parkgate-Eastwood Bridge scheme that has faced complexities around Network Rail infrastructure and private land issues. Money for the bridge is expected to be moved to the country park schemes if approved by cabinet.

At Rother Valley, contractors, Kier are set to proceed with construction of the new facilities in September 2024 with completion in October 2025. The tender with I&G Ltd for Thrybergh will not proceed and a new procurement exercise will be required.

The report adds: "Supporting the financial recovery of Rother Valley County Park is seen as a priority for the Leisure & Culture Service with the new build café and events space seen as a critical step in achieving that goal.

"The alterations to the café at Thrybergh Country Park will enhance the current offer with planned improvements to the kitchen facilities enabling an upgrade to the menu along with an increase in the number of outdoor covers and improved access between the indoor and outdoor dining experience."

Images: RMBC / Kier ? I&G

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News: Contractor confirmed for country park café

I&G has been appointed to develop a new, purpose built, environmentally friendly visitor centre and café at Thrybergh Country Park in Rotherham.

Securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

However, refinement of the proposals has been necessary due to "cost constraints, inflation and market challenges."

As reported by Rothbiz last month, Illingworth and Gregory Ltd (I&G) have been awarded the second stage of a two-stage design and build contract for the delivery of works at Thrybergh.

The new £2.5m facility will be built using modern methods of construction, with structurally insulated panels (SIPs) being manufactured offsite and erected in position, allowing a quicker, more efficient and more environmentally friendly process than a traditional build. The building will be in keeping with the natural environment of the country park, using timber from sustainable sources and natural materials which will blend into the greenery and water of its surroundings.

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The development, being delivered on behalf of Rotherham Council, will include a new café, visitor centre and educational facility for the local community to enjoy, alongside a new external teaching space and amphitheatre with stunning views across the reservoir.

Christopher Carline, I&G Managing Director, said: “Creating the building in this way using modern methods of construction will have a positive impact on the long term performance of the building in terms of its energy efficiency and carbon impact.

“Thrybergh Country Park is a beautiful spot, which attracts many visitors throughout the year, and we hope the new café and visitor centre will allow more people to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, as well as creating more opportunities for ecological education.”

Detailed design work is currently being developed, with work likely to begin on site early next year, and the buildings are expected to be completed by early autumn 2024.

I&G is a West Yorkshire-based construction company that has been operating across the North of England since 1972. The family company became part of the Sewell group in 2017 and is known for being experts at complex construction works in difficult environments, such as hospital wards, food production facilities and educational laboratories.

I&G website

Images: RMBC / I&G

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News: Council lines up contractors for £8m country park cafés

Contractors are close to being appointed for the multimillion pound upgrades at two of Rotherham's country parks, only rising costs have led to a little less levelling up as the schemes are scaled back.

Securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

However, refinement of the proposals has been necessary due to "cost constraints, inflation and market challenges."

At Rother Valley Country Park, planning permission has been secured for a £5.5m upgrade - the centrepiece being a new waterfront café.

The new café will have a seating capacity of 134 offering beautiful views over the lake. The seating area is also dual aspect - the café space looks over the new play area to the rear, creating a safer place for parents to watch while their children play.

At Rother Valley, Kier Construction Ltd is being lined up for the second stage of a two-stage design and build contract for the delivery of works.

An update from the council now shows that other aspects of the scheme have been dropped, including a light touch refurbishment of existing café, education centre, mill building and water wheel that would have improved facilities and developed the courtyard area. Further funding would also need to be found to improve and extend the existing play areas and improve car parking.

Rothbiz revealed the ambitions of a masterplan for Rother Valley which could potentially include hosting bigger events, new play areas, zip slides and toboggan runs.

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At Thrybergh Country Park, planning permission has been secured for the demolition of the existing lakeside café and the erection of a replacement café building and seating terrace (cgi, above).

Replacing an existing building that is considered to be outdated and no longer fit for purpose, the new space will be able to accommodate 80 covers inside and 40 outside.

The Sewell Group and Illingworth and Gregory Ltd are set to be awarded the second stage of a two-stage design and build contract for the delivery of works at Thrybergh.

The £2.5m project had also included a new car park to provide an additional 152 spaces but an update from the council shows that this is no longer in the plans.

A report to Rotherham Council's cabinet explains that new cafés were top of the list during consultation. On the changes, the report adds: "During the development of the project scope and design, the volatile national and international construction market and the impact of inflation has increased the estimated costs of materials, construction, fees and the availability of contractors.

"The design has been prudent in ensuring adequate value engineering whilst meeting the aims of the Levelling Up Fund, public feedback and the Council’s objectives for the leisure economy."

Rothbiz reported last week that the council was set to use just over £1m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support the delivery of capital schemes in the LUF programme as shortfalls have been identified at Gulliver's Valley, Wentworth Woodhouse and Maltby Learning Trust.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council said that "economic headwinds were against us" but added: "We want to deliver as much of it as possible. We are using some of our UKSPF money to top up some of our schemes that are coming through because right across they are all facing similar challenges. We are moving this as quickly and as sensibly as we can but we have to do that in a way that it is a proper product, not something that is bodged together."

RMBC website

Images: AHR

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News: Developer plants the seed for housing on Rotherham garden centre site

Avant Homes has announced proposals for the residential redevelopment of a Rotherham garden centre that closed three years ago.

Early plans explain how a Grade II listed building would be incorporated into the scheme for 40 new homes, and how a connected site has the potential for 351 further dwellings.

Rothbiz reported in 2020 that Fosters Garden Centre would close. The Foster family had been in business in Thrybergh for over a hundred years, growing to include a garden centre, antiques centre, machinery department, coffee shop and a cycle retail outlet.

With the site remaining vacant, Avant Homes is in the process of preparing a full planning application for the construction of up to 40 dwellings, including the conversion of the existing buildings to produce up to seven dwellings at Doncaster Road. 2, 3 and 4 bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached homes are mentioned.

Considered brownfield in nature, the site comprises buildings from the former garden centre, a large area of hard standing and a former petrol filling station.

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The garden centre was based around the cartshed, granary and stable of Chestnut Tree Farm which dates from 1816. These Grade II Listed buildings would be retained and sympathetically converted. Other buildings, including the petrol station would be demolished and a new point of access will be developed directly off Doncaster Road.

It is expected that up to 30 high quality energy efficient new homes will be included in the plans, 25% of which will be affordable homes of a variety of tenures to meet identified local housing needs.

Avant said in its consultation documents: "Our aim is to create a development which is designed to be sympathetic to the existing locality and the Listed Buildings whilst enhancing the existing character of the surroundings through creating contextual design features and using high quality materials.

"The site offers the opportunity to deliver a design-led residential development on vacant brownfield land that is in a highly sustainable location of Rotherham."

The community consultation also hints at the future for the wider area where a large field to the north of St Gerard's Catholic Primary School was designated for residential use in the borough's local plan. Known as site H26, the 41 acre site has the capicity for 351 dwellings.

The documents add: "As part of our planning application, we will produce a masterplan to show how our development will not prejudice the development of H26 and how the two sites can be integrated together to form a sustainable and interconnected scheme."

The consultation runs until June 26 before a planning application is submitted.

Avant Homes website

Images: Google Maps / Avant

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News: Rotherham country park upgrade approved

A £2.5m improvement plan for Thrybergh Country Park in Rotherham has moved a step closer after plans for a new café building were approved by the council.

Securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

At Thrybergh Country Park immediate upgrades include a new café and public realm improvements. AHR Architects and ELG Planning have drawn up detailed plans for the council which involve the demolition of the existing lakeside café and the erection of a replacement café building and seating terrace. Landscaping improvements and the formalisation of the car parking arrangements are also included.

With an enlarged footprint to accommodate the increased visitor numbers the park is already seeing, the new café is set to benefit from a new welcoming entrance with views through to the waterfront. The indoor seating area will also take advantage of the views with further covered outdoor seating also proposed. Replacing an existing building that is considered to be outdated and no longer fit for purpose, the new space will be able to accommodate 80 covers inside and 40 outside.

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Design aspects include asymmetrical multi pitch roof on multiple planes with the building "sitting comfortably within the landscape" using charred timber, gabion stone cages on the walls and cedar wood shingles.

Approved without going before the planning board, planners state: "It is acknowledged that the new building has an increased footprint when compared to the existing, however it will provide the increased number of visitors that the park have been attracting with a more useable space together with toilet facilities. Whilst the park is receiving increased visitors the park will not give rise to undue disturbance, noise or significant traffic issues.

"Furthermore, the building provides staff facilities and customer toilets which are not currently provided. Therefore, it is considered that the proposed building would constitute an appropriate facility for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation."

The report adds that very special circumstances have been shown that overcome the inappropriateness of creating a new car park within the Green Belt.

Thrybergh Reservoir was initially excavated in 1880 and still occupies the land to the present date. Thrybergh Reservoir came under the management of Rotherham Council in 1980 and was then developed into a Country Park and Nature Reserve by 1983.

Images: AHR

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News: Rother Valley masterplan includes zip slides, toboggan runs and new play areas

Plans have been submitted for the first phase of a regeneration project at Rother Valley Country Park, where the idea is to create a new "Village Centre" with new waterfront buildings, a cycle hub and improved car parking.

Exciting new activities have been included in further phases of a masterplan for the well-used site in Rotherham - from hosting bigger events to zip slides and toboggan runs.

Rothbiz reported in 2021 that two of the three bids from Rotherham were successful in securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund. £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

Following on from plans for a revamp at Thrybergh Country Park, a planning application has now been submitted for a scheme at Rother Valley.

Operated by Rotherham Council, the park opened in 1983 following the restoration of an opencast mining site.

The plans have been drawn up by AHR Architects and ELG Planning Consultants and include the erection of a waterfront café building with function space to the first floor, the relocation of existing car parking to create a multi-use public open space, the creation of a new play area, the demolition of existing Rangers' bungalow and relocation of Rangers' compound and cycle hub, along with landscaping improvements and other associated infrastructure.

Replacing land currently used to store boats, the new café is designed to expand and enhance the offering at the park, with the view to encourage more visitors, or those already visiting to stay longer. The changes will also start to develop new car parking away from the lake.

Boat storage would move to south of the activity centre where the "beach" will also be extended. South of the existing courtyard, the bungalow is shown to be demolished in order to relocate the Cycle Hub and associated storage to this area.

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The new café will have a seating capacity of 134 offering beautiful views over the lake. The seating area is also dual aspect - the café space looks over the new play area to the rear, creating a safer place for parents to watch while their children play.

The plans state: "The centre of the site then becomes the beating heart, from which each activity on the site can be easily accessed. The proposed lakeside café will provide 180 degree views across the water, with dual aspect elevation allowing each facade to be equally activated. The circular route around the reservoir will not be disrupted through the construction of a new building, but the associated lanscaping will enhance this route, creating new space which emphasises the natural beauty of the country park setting."

The much smaller existing café in the courtyard is set to remain but will focus on "grab and go" takeaway options.

Consultants Oobe, have also looked at further phases at the park, creating a masterplan focused on car parking and enhancing activities.

More car parking spaces in phase 2 would increase parking capacity, enhancing the park’s ability to deliver bigger events and for the Southern lawn to become permanently car-free. The nature reserve would be restored and re-imagined and new and improved play facilities throughout the park would bring a renewed focus on delivery of activity-based education.

Phase 3 would include a new footbridge to car parking created in an area known as "Battlefield" which would "help to create an exciting sense of arrival for the park." Cycle routes and pedestrian routes around the park would also be improved.

Phase 3 also creates the opportunity to introduce "new commercial activities such as mini-golf, as well as the exciting prospect of a water taxi on the main lake to take people between activities and tie the broad variety of activities together."

The fourth and final phase would explore the potential for future commercial activity on site. Plans state: "There is the potential to add exciting attractions such as toboggan runs, zip slides and tree-top walks to create an attraction. These attractions will compliment Gulliver’s Valley, Waleswood campsite and the redevelopment of the Chesterfield canal link to make Rother Valley a significant visitor attraction within the local economy, enticing users of all ages and abilities from all over."

When the Levelling Up bid was submitted, the project cost for Rother Valley was £5.5m and, whilst the funding covers phase 1 and is secured, the costs and sources of funding for the later phases currently remain unknown.

Rother Valley Country Park website

Images: AHR / Oobe

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News: Plans progress for £8m park upgrades

Plans continue to progress for £8m of improvements at two country parks in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last year that two of the three bids from Rotherham were successful in securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund. £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

At Thrybergh Country Park immediate upgrades include a new café and public realm improvements. AHR Architects and ELG Planning have drawn up detailed plans for the council which involve the demolition of the existing lakeside café and the erection of a replacement café building and seating terrace. Landscaping improvements and the formalisation of the car parking arrangements are also included.

Operated by the council, the 60 acre country park is set around a beautiful reservoir. When the Levelling Up bid was submitted, the project cost for Thrybergh was £2.5m. A Country Park Masterplan is also in development and the Levelling Up funds would pay for Phase 1A.

The plans state: "The proposed development aims to unlock the potential of this beautiful and tranquil country park with the creation [of] a new destination waterside café.

"The existing café is considered to be outdated and no longer fit for purpose. It has capacity for up to 50 covers, yet currently serves mostly takeaways as a result of the seating being entirely contained in the conservatory, which provides a hot and unpleasant environment in the summer and is cold in the winter. The existing building also lacks the ability to provide uninterrupted views across the reservoir, which the proposals seek to correct.

"The centre of the site then becomes the beating heart, from which each activity on the site can be easily accessed. The proposed lakeside café will provide 180 degree views across the water, with dual aspect elevation allowing each facade to be equally activated. The circular route around the reservoir will not be disrupted through the construction of a new building, but the associated lanscaping will enhance this route, creating new space which emphasises the natural beauty of the country park setting."

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With an enlarged footprint to accommodate the increased visitor numbers the park is already seeing, the café is also set to benefit from a new welcoming entrance with views through to the waterfront. The indoor seating area will also take advantage of the views with further covered outdoor seating also proposed. The new space will be able to accommodate 80 covers inside and 40 outside.

Design aspects include asymmetrical multi pitch roof on multiple planes with the building "sitting comfortably within the landscape" using charred timber, gabion stone cages on the walls and cedar wood shingles.

As the new building is a replacement that aims to improve the attractiveness of the country park as a destination for outdoor recreation, the development is not considered to be inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

Across the borough, at Rother Valley Country Park, the idea is to create a new "Village Centre" with new waterfront buildings, a cycle hub and improved car parking.

Proposed improvements at the park include a new eatery and meeting place with views extending over the lake, as well as improvements to the public realm, new events spaces, improved parking and a new play area.

Rotherham’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “The Council aims to grow Rotherham’s leisure industry and our local economy by making the most of our assets."

Images: AHR Architecture

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News: £8m for levelling up Rotherham country parks

Plans are progressing for £8m of improvements at two country parks in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last year that two of the three bids from Rotherham were successful in securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund. £19.9m was awarded for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

At Rother Valley Country Park, the idea is to create a new "Village Centre" with new waterfront buildings, a cycle hub and improved car parking.

Operated by Rotherham Council, the park opened in 1983 following the restoration of an opencast mining site.

Draft plans submitted to the Council, drawn up by AHR Architects, show a "New Waterfront Building featuring a cafe and play area with increased seating capacity and first floor events space with views across the lake" for land currently used to store boats. The car park between the new building and the existing activity centre is set to be turned into a landscaped waterside area.

Boat storage would move to south of the activity centre where the "beach" will also be extended.

South of the existing courtyard, the bungalow is shown to be demolished in order to relocate the Cycle Hub and associated storage to this area.

Improvements are also planned for the parking to the north of the village and there is a planned relocation of parking away from the centre of the site to the area on Pithouse Lane currently earmarked for coach parking.

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The disused play area, which was privately operated but has not repoened since the COVID-19 pandemic, looks unlikely to reopen and plans show that it is set to be utilised for a Ranger's Storage Compound.

When the Levelling Up bid was submitted, the project cost for Rother Valley was £5.5m.

At Thrybergh Country Park immediate upgrades include a new café and public realm improvements. AHR Architects have also drawn up plans for the site showing the cafe, waterside landscaping, wider accress roads and a new entrance kiosk.

Also operated by the council, Thrybergh is a 60 acre country park set around a beautiful reservoir.

When the Levelling Up bid was submitted, the project cost for Thrybergh was £2.5m. Looking ahead, long-term proposals for the Thrybergh Country Park Masterplan are also in development.

Rotherham’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “Our parks and green spaces are one of the great things about our borough, and we want to ensure that this funding makes our country parks even better for the people that use them.

"We want to help local people get the full economic benefits too, so it's important to me that there will be chances for people to access training and gain new skills to improve their career opportunities as part of our investment plans.”

Images: Google Maps

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News: Pub plans recommended for approval

Resubmitted plans for a micro pub at a popular Rotherham retail village are being recommended for approval - but only for a trial period to assess the impact of the proposals.

The plans are for Deer Park Tap at Deer Park Farm, a family run business based at Thrybergh that has evolved into a destination now offering bespoke furniture, antiques, a cafe and a farm shop.

Having earlier been refused planning permission by Rotherham Council, plans have been updated to deal with noise concerns raised by nearby residents.

Work to create the Deer Park Tap was completed last year and an alcohol licence was in place, but the planning application was refused. The council even authorised enforcement action to secure the cessation of the use of part of the building as a public house (sui generis), and the removal of the associated external seating area.

The updated plans are due to be discussed at the council's planning board this week and planning officers are recommending that they are passed.

A report to the planning board explains: "The proposals include additional screening noise mitigation measures to be undertaken to the outdoor seating area that is proposed at the southern end of the building, and the removal of a seating area that was proposed (and refused) at the front of the building under the previous proposal.

"Indoor toilet facilities will be provided inside the building to avoid patrons using toilet facilities outside of the building. In addition, the three separate front doors of the former 3 retail units within Building B would be reduced to a single door at the southern end of the eastern elevation of the building (the previously refused scheme included a central door for the bar and the retention of a door for the southern retail unit that was to be retained under that proposal)."

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The Noise Impact Assessment concludes that; “with the provision of mitigation measures as proposed, noise associated with the external seating area is considered to be negligible at the nearest noise sensitive receptors.”

Environmental health at the council agree that the measures are likely to reduce the noise levels that were identified as being a problem previously.

The proposal would introduce a public house use that would be open throughout the day every day from 12:00 until 21:00 seven days a week.

The Council said that it has received 160 individual representations in support of the application and four representations objecting to the application which are immediate neighbours to the site.

Officers are proposing that the scheme is granted planning permission with a number of conditions - notably that the permission is only for 12 month period to allow further assessment of the suitability of the site for the proposed use.

The report adds: "There is uncertainty as to whether or not the noise from people talking will cause an adverse impact on nearby residential properties, and it is recommended that permission is granted for a temporary 12 month period to allow further assessment of the suitability of the site prior to recommending permanent permission." It would also give time to assess the noise impact from the use of this car park.

Deer Park Retail Village website

Images: Deer Park Tap / Facebook

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News: Rotherham micro pub plans back in

Operators are hoping for more to cheer with a second round of plans for a micro pub at a popular Rotherham retail village.

Having earlier been refused planning permission by Rotherham Council, plans have been updated to deal with noise concerns raised by nearby residents.

Rothbiz reported last year on plans at Deer Park Farm, a family run business based at Thrybergh that has evolved into a destination now offering bespoke furniture, antiques and a farm shop.

The application involved rearranging the current buildings in order to create a retail unit in a current storage building to be occupied by an antiques emporium. A separate building would then see the three current retail units changed into one drinking establishment and one retail unit (a flower studio). A third building containing the tea rooms would remain unchanged.

Work to create the Deer Park Tap was completed last year and an alcohol licence was in place, but the planning application was refused.

The decision was made without going before the Council's planning board and officers concluded: "The Council considers that the proposed public house and associated outside seating area (use class Sui Generis) would be in conflict with the residential properties on Arran Hill and Church View by introducing a use which would lead to unacceptable levels of noise nuisance and general disturbance to local residents during the daytime and evening in this residential location."

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The council even authorised enforcement action to secure the cessation of the use of part the building as a public house (sui generis), and the removal of the associated external seating area.

Now new plans show that outdoor seating will be removed entirely from the south-eastern elevation of the development and new outdoor seating would be located to the west of the proposed development utilising the screening provided by another building on the site.

Solid timber fences will be installed around the outdoor seating in order to provide additional screening for the residential dwellings to the south on Arran Hill and west on Church View.

In addition, new toilets would be provided internally to avoid customers using externally located toilets. The adjoining retail unit (florist) would become part of the proposed bar forming a new entrance to the bar located at the western (partially screened) end of the building.

A noise report concludes that, given the ambient noise from the nearby main road and "with the provision of mitigation measures as proposed, noise associated with the external seating area is considered to be negligible."

Deer Park Retail Village website

Images: Deer Park Tap / Facebook

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News: Rotherham micro pub plans turned down

Operators have been refused planning permission for a micro pub at a popular Rotherham retail village.

Rothbiz reported in August on plans at Deer Park Farm, a family run business based at Thrybergh that has evolved into a destination now offering bespoke furniture, antiques and a farm shop.

The application involved rearranging the current buildings in order to create a retail unit in a current storage building to be occupied by an antiques emporium. A separate building would then see the three current retail units changed into one drinking establishment and one retail unit (a flower studio). A third building containing the tea rooms is set to remain unchanged.

Work to create the Deer Park Tap was completed last year.

An application to vary the premises licence for the property was approved by Rotherham Council's Licensing Sub-Committee in September. It enables the sale of alcohol (for consumption on and off the premises) between 10am and 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 11am and 8:30pm on Sundays.

However, the connected planning application, relating to the use of the buildings, has now been refused.

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The decision was made without going before the planning board and officers concluded: "The Council considers that the proposed public house and associated outside seating area (use class Sui Generis) would be in conflict with the residential properties on Arran Hill and Church View by introducing a use which would lead to unacceptable levels of noise nuisance and general disturbance to local residents during the daytime and evening in this residential location, and as such the proposal is considered to be contrary to ... [the] Local Plan."

Hannah Kent from the council's Environmental Health department, added: "I note that we have received complaints of noise, odour and rats being seen on the site in relation to the current usage, and there are numerous objections from neighbours concerned with a loss of amenity in relation to noise, odour, light and the location being so close with a direct line of site into their homes. I concur with their concerns and recognise that the proposal has the potential to significantly impact the amenity of the nearby residents."

A noise assessment submitted by the applicants concluded that the "noise associated with the development is considered to be negligible" due in part to the nearby road noise but Environmental Health disagreed, adding that numerous residents had already made complaints of noise from patrons and that "a raised human voice is clearly discernible in comparison to vehicle noise and as such is more intrusive."

Deer Park Retail Village website

Images: Deer Park Farm / Facebook

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News: £40m for levelling up in Rotherham and what it'll be spent on

Two of the three bids from Rotherham have been successful in securing money from the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

The competitive fund will invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets. The Government has committed £4 billion for England over the next four years (up to 2024-25).

Successful bids in the first round of the Levelling Up Fund were announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the 2021 Spending Review and they included bids around Rotherham town centre and the local visitor economy.

The town centre bid has been allocated £19.5m and focuses on two key areas, the Riverside Residential Quarter (an £18.7m project) and the Leisure and Culture Quarter (a £19.5m project).

The Riverside masterplan focuses on the creation of a new mixed-use community, bringing footfall and activity 24 hours a day. This includes a major drive to repopulate this area and to address longstanding vacant buildings. The first phase of the residential project is being delivered bringing 171 new homes into the town centre.

£11m from the Levelling Up Fund will provide a new pedestrian bridge across the river between the new residential development and Guest & Chrimes and New York Stadium, the route of this bridge will culminate in new public realm at the end of Water Lane close to where new housing is being built on the site of the former Sheffield Road swimming baths. A Riverside Walk will also be developed to open up the River to the new residents and people walking into the town.

A land assembly strategy would also see the Council taking ownership of further sites within the town centre to continue its regeneration.

£8.5m from the Levelling Up Fund will contribute to this by supporting enabling works such as the completion of flood defences in the form of the Canal Barrier, and continuing the River Walk, creating a key pedestrian gateway to the development.

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The Government has also awarded £19.9m for a number of connected projects which aim to build a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being. It brings together a package in two parts which will kickstart the leisure and visitor economy, drive inclusive growth and new job creation at the heart of communities across the borough.

To the north, Grade I Listed Wentworth Woodhouse would transform its Riding School and Stables to create new hospitality and visitor centres. £4.6m is required from the Government where the total project costs are £5.1m.

Also in the northern part of the borough, a £2.5m project would see Thrybergh Country Park benefit from a new destination waterside café and improved parking.

Close to the town centre at Templebrough, Magna would create a suite of new exhibitions, which will focus on science, nature and natural materials. The charity would need £1.9m for the £2.1m project.

In the south of the borough, Rother Valley Country Park would see a new ‘Village Centre’ created with a café, there will be new outdoor play and an educational centre. £5.5m is required here.

A second part of the bid is a skills package that will underpin the development of the major attractions through the creation of a new Skills Village (£1m required for the £1.6m project) at Gulliver's Valley Resort focusing on training, development, and accreditation within the hospitality and leisure sector.

Bridging the gap between school and employment, Maltby Academy Trust would invest £4.5m of Government funding in the £6.3m redevelopment of the former Maltby Grammar School to create an incubator space for training, apprenticeships, and start up support in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Over 300 bids were submitted with over 100 successful in the first round. Absent from the first list is the third Rotherham bid which focussed on levelling up Wath and Dinnington.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Objections to new Rotherham venues

Two new venues in Rotherham have both come up against opposition as they pursue alcohol licences.

Rothbiz has reported recently on plans for FIKA Coffee Lounge at Wickersley and a micropub to open alongside existing deli and tearooms at Deer Park Farm in Thrybergh.

At Wickersley, applicant, Rebecca Guest, has applied to the Council for a licence for the sale by retail of alcohol and the playing of music for a new venture in an empty unit on The Tanyard. The plan is to open a restaurant / café open from 8am to 11pm with alcohol on sale between 11am and 11pm.

The area of Wickersley village has been designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone and applicants "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

Wickersley Parish Council are objecting with concerns that granting the licence would mean that the premises could be used principally as a drinking establishment which could add to the cumulative impact of premises already in the area - eg. noise, disturbance, litter, crime and disorder.

The applicant has explained the operating model which is unlikely to cause nuisance to local residents at a coffee lounge selling breakfasts, brunch, lunches and afternoon teas. It is only intended to open in the evenings for private bookings and special events.

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A representation from the parish council reads: "We have a remaining concern that, should the premises change hands at a future date, the suggested licence conditions would not prevent the premises being used as a mixed use cafe and bar so long as the primary use remained a cafe/restaurant. We have seen this happening at other venues within Wickersley.

"We would therefore like to see the suggested condition 1 being amended to read "The premises shall operate primarily as a coffee shop/restaurant with alcohol served only with a substantial food provision or buffet." The Parish Council considers this would allow Fika Coffee Lounge to operate as intended and allay our concerns about its future use."

A report shows that the Council's Licensing Service are of the view that "such a condition would be unenforceable in the absence of a clear definition of terms such as "substantial" and "buffet.""

The licence, and 23 attached conditions, was due to be discussed this week but the agenda for the Licensing Sub-Committee was withdrawn.

At Thrybergh, the plan is to rearrange the current building in order to create a new bar operating 10-9pm Monday to Saturday and 12-9pm on Sundays. External decking areas would also be used and a condition is included so that the licence holder shall ensure that consumption of alcohol does not take place within the customer car parks and is contained to the inside and seating areas.

A number of objections have been received from residents of nearby Arran Hill which overlooks the site.

The application was due before the Licensing Sub-Committee this week.

Deer Park Retail Village website

Images: Carter Towler

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News: Microbar plan for Rotherham retail complex

A Rotherham retail village created in a former farm is applying to operate a micropub alongside its existing deli and teamrooms.

Deer Park Farm is family run business based at Thrybergh and has evolved into a destination now offering bespoke furniture, antiques and a farm shop, having previously been used as a garage and car hire business.

The latest plans are to rearrange the current buildings in order to create a retail unit in a current storage building to be occupied by an antiques emporium. A separate building would then see the three current retail units changed into one drinking establishment and one retail unit (a flower studio). A third building containing the tea rooms is set to remain unchanged.

The plans, drawn up by DLP consultants, state: "Deer Park Farm is an important commercial use in the nearby area with the loss of Fosters Garden Centre having an impact on the diversity of commercial activity in the area. As a result, the change of use will support the local economy and help create wider development opportunities due to acting as a local employment hub."

Fosters, just over Doncaster Road, announced that it was closing in 2020.

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Plans show that there will be a few outdoor seats and the hours of operation will be 10-9pm Monday to Saturday and 12-9pm on Sundays.

Applicants also want to extend the car park.

A number of objections have been received from residents of nearby Arran Hill but the plans state: "The existing residential properties are of a sufficient distance from the application site so as not to be affected by the proposed change of use and will ensure an adequate living environment is maintained for these residents. In addition, the scale of the existing built form on the site will remain the same. As such the proposed development does not pose any potential overbearing impact on neighbouring properties nor is it deemed to be harmful to the immediate locality."

Deer Park Retail Village website

Images: Deer Park Retail Village

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