News: Plans revived for historic Rotherham building

A set of plans are back on the table after the future of a historic building in Rotherham town centre was secured.

Rothbiz has reported on the revival of the iconic Empire Theatre, a former cinema on Ship Hill / High Street that has successfully undergone a large restoration project. It is also known as the Essoldo building and was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub.

With SME Holdings Ltd securing planning permission for the change of use of the premises from a night club use to a theatre / music venue use class, a new set of plans has been submitted for another part of the building.

The three storey property known as Essoldo Chambers on High Street has long had an active ground floor as the location for the Italian Pizza Oven in years gone by.

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Improvements were carried out to the Essoldo Chambers building more than a decade ago as part of Rotherham Council's Townscape Heritage Initiative but the upper floors have remained vacant. They could now be brought back into use, if new plans are approved.

The plans from Imran Javed are for the conversion of the first and second floors to create eight flats and echo previously approved plans from 2008. Further plans in 2020 to make alterations and change the use of the ground floor shops were refused.

The latest plans, drawn up by YS Design Services Ltd, show three, 2-bed flats on the first floor and two, 2-bed, and three, 1-bed flats on the second floor.

The building is not a listed building but sits within the town centre conservation area. The latest plans do not include any alterations to the exterior with access already provided from the front, seperate to the commercial units.

The Rotherham town centre masterplan of 2017 confirmed the need for more housing and leisure uses as a way to develop economic vitality, bringing more life, activity and spending back into the town centre and moving away from the traditional retail market.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Historic Rotherham building sold

A historic building on Rotherham's heritage High Street has sold at auction.

Cathedral Court, 22-30 (even) High Street in Rotherham town centre extends over three floors.

The building was one of many that were renovated with retail space below and new housing above when the area was a key part of the £5m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme which was supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Council.

Remembered by many as the former Muntus department store, the ground floor was also previously used as SNAFU rock bar. It is currently home to Rotherham Visitor Centre and the Maker's Emporium which offers low cost retail space for talented artists, crafters and makers to sell their products and raise awareness of their brands. Space for a stand alone "pop up shop" was also created.

Listed as an investment opportunity with Allsop auctioneers, the property, which includes 18 flats, sold for £660,000.

It is not a listed building but is within the Rotherham town centre conservation area.

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Particulars show that the ground floor and basement are subject to a long lease for a term of 999 years from 17th December 2020 at a peppercorn rent.

In 2012 the freehold of the bar was sold by leading business agents Christie & Co. based on a guide price of £275,000. In a separate deal, the first, second and third floors of the historic building went to auction in the same year with local auctioneers Mark Jenkinson giving it a guide price of £120,000.

Rothbiz reported in 2020 that the Maker's Emporium, initially funded by the High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between Rotherham Council and The Source Skills Academy, was under review.

Other buildings listed as being for sale in Rotherham town centre include the Old Town Hall, which has a guide price of £1.5m, the Bridge Inn pub at £295,000 for the freehold and the vacant 2-4 High Street, which is available for £125,000.

Images: Allsop

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News: Heritage buildings lined up for live music venue in Rotherham town centre

A number of historic buildings in Rotherham town centre are being assessed for their suitability as a new live music venue.

Rothbiz reported that despite £4.5m being set aside for a scheme to repurpose the former Guest & Chrimes foundry as an National / International music venue, the council was unable to reach an agreement with the landowner, Rotherham United Football Club.

The project team had carried out work for a year to develop a business case which was submitted to the Government last August. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has given the green light for the money for the Guest & Chrimes project to be moved to another site as potential operators are still interested in the town.

The first alternative option to be looked at was the former cinema known as the Essoldo building.

Bought for £1.9m in 2006, the building on Ship Hill / High Street was built in 1913 as the Empire Theatre. It has since operated as a cinema, snooker hall and nightclub and its facade, windows and other external features were refurbished as part of the council-led Townscape Heritage Initiative.

A public private partnership between the council and building owner has been looked at to progress the project, however, surveys and assessments have been carried out and costs have come in over budget.

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On the Essoldo Building, council minutes show that: "The operator is still interested but not sure if it is the right building and is considering if this is the appropriate location."

The next heritage site to be looked at is the Cutlers Arms and Alma Tavern, which are now owned by Rotherham Council.

The Westgate / Sheffield Road area is key for the authority's aim of building more residential properties in the town centre as it acquired all land and properties in the location owned by Satnam Urban Regeneration Ltd. This includes the 200 space Westgate Car Park and the two pubs including the derelict Alma Tavern, which has been under the threat of demolition.

Simon Moss, Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport at Rotherham Council, said: "The Cutlers is a listed building, with the Alma frontage having the same theme. There is still an option to work with both and pull together a similar scheme. This could be a pragmatic solution, bring the music inside and sound proof the venue, it is a scheme that is possible."

More empty properties in town are being looked at by the council and its partners.

One building not yet mentioned as a live music venue is the former bingo hall on Corporation Street (another former cinema) which is also under council ownership. Rothbiz revealed that, when the authority applied to knock down the former Wilkos next door, the site had been earmarked as the potential location for a new theatre.

Images: Google Maps

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News: New uses for Hamby's legacy projects

The changing face of Rotherham's High Street - as Hamby's prepares to move out, it is exciting to see one of the new generation of entrepreneurs preparing to move in.

Hamby's has recently announced the closure of the shoe shop at the top of the High Street but another Rotherham town centre business - Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective - already has designs on taking on the landmark building.

Based in the nearby historic Imperial Buildings, Emily Dawson - the town centre's first female tattoo artist - manages a quirky tattoo studio offering fully custom designs drawn by each artist on the team in their own individual style. The studio also hosts guest artists from up and down the country offering customers an even greater selection of looks to choose from.

The first studio opened in 2013 and a second studio opened in The Old Town Hall in 2018 to enable the business to offer more services and products to an ever increasing customer base.

Emily, the winner of the last ever Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2017, said on Facebook: "Due to us expanding once again, we have secured an amazing new studio in Rotherham. Don't worry though, it is only a few short steps away from our current, main studio in the Imperial Buildings.

"Thank you to all our amazing clients for your continued support! We cannot wait to welcome you all into the spectacular new studio!"

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The changes to Rotherham's historic High Street could not have happened without Chris Hamby (pictured) and it will be sad to see the retailer go. But his legacy will remain.

The former premises of John Mason Jewellers at the top of the High Street was bought and taken over by Hamby's in 2003 and funding was secured from the Heritage Lottery-Funded (HLF) Townscape Heritage Initiative for a new shop front to restore the building to its original appearance.

An even bigger challenge came ten years later when Chris saved the Three Cranes building over the road and created a complex of mixed-used outlets focusing on the listed buildings with financial backing via Rotherham Council.

25 and 27 on the High Street was included on the first Heritage at Risk Register in 1999 and finally taken off in 2015 with the revitalisation complete.

The former Three Cranes Inn, that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town. It became Hamby's Antique Centre but this too is set to close at the end of March.

It has always been envisaged that the saved premises could return to a pub and this looks increasingly likely following the success of the £500,000 revamp of the nearby grade II listed George Wright building which reopened as a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant last year.

The former Three Cranes Inn was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600.

The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre.

Hamby's website
Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective website

Images: RMBC / Heritage England

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News: Rotherham's George Wright building reopens as boutique hotel

A Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building in Rotherham town centre has reopened as as boutique hotel, bar and restaurant following a £500,000 revamp.

Rotherham businessman, Mark Mcgrail, owner of SME Environmental Holdings and 1915 Bar & Bistro has already been recognised by Rotherham Civic Society for the restoration of the 18th century building into a modern and usable venue whilst retaining as much of the building's heritage as possible.

The former office built in a Tudor Revival style is tucked away behind the High Street on The Crofts. It was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. The site also formed lawyer's offices from 1777-1887.

In the 1980's and 90's it was a bar but for the last 20 years the building has been abandoned, burnt by fire and infested with pigeons.

Since the complete renovation and refit undertaken by Mark and his team, the hotel now boasts seven rooms all with en suites including a bridal suite that features a free-standing bath and a panoramic view over Rotherham. Each of the rooms pays homage to Rotherham's intriguing heritage being named after prominent individuals from Rotherham's past including Elizabeth Walker who was an ardent slavery abolitionist and Charles Sydney Gibbs who was tutor to the children of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia.

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The newly refitted venue also hosts an 80-seater restaurant and kitchen which is available for wedding and party bookings and has three bars open to both residents and non-residents including a variety of craft gins, cocktails and more. The hotel also has three separate outdoor courtyards where diners and drinkers can enjoy the beautiful architecture of the building which is almost castle-like.

25 jobs have been created.

Mark Mcgrail, owner of the George Wright Boutique Hotel, Bar and Restaurant, said: "Transforming the George Wright building from a completely rundown space into a boutique bar and hotel has been really challenging but extremely rewarding. The idea was to offer something a bit more upmarket in Rotherham town centre with the hope of boosting the town centre economy whilst offering something different to those both visiting the town and for those who already live here.

"We have tried to retain as much of the heritage of the building as possible so it is great to be recognised for this. It is something that as a team we can be really proud of."

The showcase redevelopment has been designed by Self and White design. Project architect Kevin Unwin said: "This is a brilliant regeneration project which is bringing new life to a wonderful building, creating jobs and providing something unique for the people of Rotherham.

"We have, wherever possible, reinstated a lot of the original brickwork, natural stone and timber which has been left exposed to keep the feel of the building throughout. The internal fit out has also included the refurbishment of things like original fireplaces and front doors."

Heritage Lottery Funding backed by Rotherham Council enabled the fire damaged shell of the building to be repaired in 2013, when it was bought by Chris Hamby as part of his High Street regeneration project in Rotherham.

Mark, who took on the property from Chris, added: "This is all about celebrating Rotherham's history and its people but also helping to create a strong future too. There have been over 250,000 expressions of interest and requests for more information online and so we are very confident that people really want this kind of high-quality establishment in Rotherham."

George Wright Boutique Hotel, Bar and Restaurant Facebook page

Images: George Wright

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News: Seal of approval for Rotherham's regenerated High Street

The heritage-led regeneration of Rotherham High Street has been permanently recognised with a new plaque.

Last November, Rotherham was successful in the best town centre category in the Great British High Streets Awards, a Government-backed competition to find and celebrate the nation's best high streets.

The competition is run by the Future High Street Forum, which brings together leaders across retail, property and business to advise the Government on the challenges facing high streets and helps to develop practical policies to enable town centres to adapt and change. It was established to help accelerate the programme of local mentoring established in response to the Portas review.

Rotherham came out on top due to its "incredible support for start-up businesses and local retailers" and for the success of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which has seen the transformation of key properties and making sure the heritage of buildings was preserved to keep their integrity, while at the same time bringing them up to 21st century standards.

Secretary of State for the Department of Local Government and Communities Sajid Javid (pictured, left) officially unveiled the plaque on a visit to the borough last week. He said: "Last year's Great British High Street competition was a massive success. There were a record number of entries with hundreds of thousands of votes cast.

"Rotherham's award winning entry stood out for its many independent shops and the restoration of its historic centre. I'm sure it will continue to really thrive."

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Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council (pictured, centre), added: "It was great to win the award last year, which recognised the hard work carried out by the retailers and business owners who believed in the high street and made their own investment alongside a number of partners. This restoration plays a crucial part in our ambitious plans to regenerate not just Rotherham town centre but across the borough as well. It is a credit to all those involved to see the High Street looking as good as it does now."

Rotherham town centre was named as a Portas Pilot by the Government in 2012 and compiled a pot of £350,000 to support the Council and its town team partners in realising its vision to create a vibrant and thriving town centre with a different retail offer by fostering new, independent businesses. As well as supporting new independent retailers, funding was set aside to support existing town centre retailers to help them undertake significant business development projects.

The THI scheme targeted listed buildings on the High Street and has seen 13 key properties renovated thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and the property owners. The restoration also saw funding from the Government, Historic England and the Arts Council. Some of the most prominent are part of the complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings like The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street created by local businessman, Chris Hamby.

The real seal of approval is that the two schemes have helped the High Street to be 100% let for the first time in years.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RMBC

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News: Historic Rotherham building hits the market

A prominent corner building at the foot of Rotherham town centre's regenerated High Street has gone up for sale.

38-40 College Street comprises a three storey, self contained building with a Portland Stone façade and is being advertised with Sheffield advisors, Commercial Property Partners.

Totaling nearly 11,000 sq ft, the building is currently home to Eastwood Domestics in the 2,500 sq ft High Street unit and the vacant 4,000 sq ft former Dorothy Perkins and Burton unit. The second floor has its own entrance and was the home of Central Snooker Club, a club with an 80 year history.

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Described as a "prominent town centre retail investment" the freehold of the property has not been given a guide price.

The building is on Rotherham Civic Society's local list which compiles properties of architectural or historic interest. The society states that: "No.2 High Street had been purchased by Montague Burton Ltd in 1926 with a view to expanding its presence in Rotherham. Following discussions with the Rotherham Corporation it became apparent that, due to the highway authority's plans to ease the College Street / High Street corner, Nos. 4 & 6 would need to be acquired in order to provide a site of sufficient size for Burton's new premises.

"In December 1929 the company's proposals for the new store were approved and the old property was demolished. The new building, designed by Harry Wilson, Architect, of Roundhay in Leeds was completed in 1931."

A number of uses have been recorded since then including Hart's wallpaper shop, Peter Lord's shoe shop and a ballroom / dance hall above.

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Rotherham High Street has seen the restoration of 13 key properties thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Rotherham Council and the property owners.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area that radiates from Rotherham Minster. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

New independent retailers have ensured that the High Street is 100% let for the first time in years.

The council was denied the chance to continue the heritage-led regeneration when it was knocked back for further finance from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

CPP website

Images: CPP

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News: Rotherham loses out in lottery bid

Award-winning Rotherham town centre has been denied the chance to undertake further heritage-led regeneration after a bid for funding was rejected.

The impressive regeneration of listed buildings on the High Street has seen 13 key properties renovated thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Rotherham Council and the property owners. Some of the most prominent are part of the complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings like The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street created by local businessman, Chris Hamby.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) also kick-started work at 22 – 30 High Street - now home to the Makers Emporium, 20 High Street - now home to Patchwork Pig, Essoldo Chambers, and the former Mason's Jewellers. Improvements to Rotherham Minster and its grounds, including the impressive floodlighting, have also been carried out in addition to associated public realm improvements to High Street.

Now minutes from a recent meeting of the Heritage Lottery Fund show that a bid from Rotherham Council to build on the momentum in Rotherham town centre using funding from the Townscape Heritage programme has been rejected.

HLF's Townscape Heritage programme provides grants ranging from £100,000 to £2m to regenerate towns and cities by improving their built historic environment. Funding instead is set to go to Worksop, Hartlepool, Burnley, Armagh, Rothesay, St Austell, Merthyr Tydfil, Coventry and Cleethorpes.

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The former Three Cranes Inn (pictured), that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600.

The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

It was included on the first Heritage at Risk Register in 1999, and has been ever since. Until last year.

An application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for another phase of heritage regeneration in Rotherham town centre was rejected last year.

Rotherham Council put forward a bid worth £1.9m for a project based on John Platt's house which is now part of Westgate Chambers.

The £1.9m bid included a development grant of £39,300 (90% of eligible development costs) for a second phase of works to properties in the town centre conservation area. The project would have informed people about the history and heritage of the architect's house, and explored opportunities for artists to display work depicting the architectural and historical heritage of the buildings.

Images: RMBC

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News: National recognition for Rotherham town centre

Rotherham has been successful in the best town centre category in the Great British High Streets Awards, a Government-backed competition to find and celebrate the nation's best high streets.

The competition is run by the Future High Street Forum, which brings together leaders across retail, property and business to advise the Government on the challenges facing high streets and helps to develop practical policies to enable town centres to adapt and change. It was established to help accelerate the programme of local mentoring established in response to the Portas review.

The forum created the awards to "recognise the real strides that some high streets are making, and the incredible diversity and services they provide to their local community."

21 finalists across the competition's seven categories had the chance to impress an expert judging panel and battle it out in the public vote to be crowned Britain's best.

Rotherham was named in the "Town Centre" category alongside Altrincham and Tamworth. Public votes contributed to 50% of the selection of the category winners, with the other 50% coming via the judging panel, made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

Rotherham was visited by Judge Alana Renner, deputy communications director at The Post Office, on November 5.

Bernadette Rushton, retail investment manager at Rotherham Council, said: "Despite what the name suggests, the competition isn't about saying we have the best High Street in the country or that we don't still have challenges to face, it's about recognising the work that has gone into regenerating the town.

"There has been a huge investment in the town centre from a number of partners, not least the retailers and building owners themselves and we hope to be able to show the judges just what fantastic businesses, old and new, we have here and just how far the town and High Street have come in recent years."

Organisers said that: "due to its incredible support for start-up businesses and local retailers, Rotherham has been recognised as a very worthy winner."

As a Portas pilot, Rotherham has used a package of funding to provide business and financial support to independent retailers and the use of pop-up shops and the Makers Emporium.

Charlotte Scothern, owner of Patchwork Pig, said: "It was such a boost for all the businesses that are trading here to see us shortlisted from 230 applications! The High Street and wider town has changed dramatically in recent years; the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) has undoubtedly transformed some of our most impressive buildings. Many of my customers can’t believe the changes when they visit."

The impressive heritage-led regeneration of listed buildings on the High Street has seen 13 key properties have been renovated thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and the property owners. Some of the most prominent are part of the complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings like The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street created by local businessman, Chris Hamby.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Advisory Cabinet Member for Housing and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "We are delighted that the efforts to regenerate the town have been recognised in this national competition - having seen the other entries this is a huge honour. A number of partners have come together to make a real difference to the town centre and their hard work and belief in the High Street is paying off.

"A combination of restoring the town's historic core, creating high quality public spaces and supporting independent retailers to help differentiate our offer has been a winning formula.

"The response from shoppers and residents has been fantastic, our success in this competition is thanks to their support and the fact that so many people voted for the town is a huge boost to everyone working and running a business in the town centre."

Rotherham's win means a share of a prize pot worth £80,000, alongside expert training and tailor-made tips from Google’s training taskforce – the Digital Garage on Tour – for 100 of their shops, bars and restaurants.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Regenerated Rotherham buildings no longer on risk register

Important historic buildings on Rotherham's High Street, that were for years considered at risk and close to being lost forever, have been removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

Produced by the organisation formerly known as English Heritage, the register highlights the work of its programme that protects and manages the historic environment, so the number of "at risk" historic places and sites across England is reduced. The list provides an annual snapshot of the health of England's historic environment.

25 and 27 on the High Street in Rotherham town centre is known as the Three Cranes building. The former Three Cranes Inn, that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600.

The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

It was included on the first Heritage at Risk Register in 1999, and has been ever since. Until now.

In April this year, the restoration of the buildings was revealed. Local businessman, Chris Hamby (pictured) is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings. The plan is backed by loans and grants from Rotherham Council and Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The empty buildings are now back in use and the regeneration initiative has helped Rotherham make it to the final of the Great British High Street competition.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area that radiates from Rotherham Minster. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre. It is made up of £4.7m investment from the HLF, Rotherham Council and the property owners.

The case study on the buildings being taken off the register states: "25 and 27 High Street Rotherham were included on the first Heritage at Risk Register in 1999. The Heritage Lottery Fund and Rotherham Council supported a comprehensive programme of repair and restoration. The building is now in use as Hambys Antique Centre and has been removed from the Register.

"Rotherham Town Centre Conservation Area remains at risk. However, with further regeneration projects still to complete, its outlook is certainly brighter."

Rotherham town centre conservation area remains on the at register but is considered to be "improving." The nearby conservation area on Doncaster Road adjacent to Clifton Park is also on the register and is said to be "deteriorating significantly."

An application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for another phase of heritage regeneration in Rotherham town centre was rejected in January.

Rotherham Council put forward a bid worth £1.9m for a project based on John Platt's house which is now part of Westgate Chambers.

Another bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund is expected to be submitted to enable further restoration work to be carried out around the High Street.

Rotherham town centre website
Historic England website

Images: Historic England

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News: Recognition for Rotherham's regeneration

Rotherham has been named as one of the top three town centres in the Great British High Streets Awards, a Government-backed competition to find and celebrate the nation's best high streets.

The competition is run by the Future High Street Forum, which brings together leaders across retail, property and business to advise the Government on the challenges facing high streets and helps to develop practical policies to enable town centres to adapt and change. It was established to help accelerate the programme of local mentoring established in response to the Portas review.

The forum created the awards to "recognise the real strides that some high streets are making, and the incredible diversity and services they provide to their local community."

21 finalists across the competition's seven categories now have the chance to impress an expert judging panel and battle it out in the public vote to be crowned Britain's best.

Rotherham has been named in the "Town Centre" category alongside Altrincham and Tamworth.

Winners in each category will get a share of a prize pot worth £80,000, which includes expert training and tailor-made tips from Google's training taskforce for one hundred of their shops, bars and restaurants.

The regeneration of Rotherham's high street began before, and has been extended by, the Portas Pilot initiative. This includes the business and financial support to independent retailers and the use of pop-up shops and the Makers Emporium. It missed out last time but this year the entry will have included the impressive heritage-led regeneration of listed buildings.

13 key properties have been renovated thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and the property owners. Some of the most prominent are part of the complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings like The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street created by local businessman, Chris Hamby.

Backing the work going on in Rotherham town centre, Mary Portas, said: "I remember so vividly turning up to your town [in 2011] because it was the poster town for how bad things had got. And look what you've achieved. At the heart of that achievement is a real coming together, of the funds, the council understanding the needs of that town, understanding that it is a beautiful historic town - why would people not want to be there?

"Understanding that people want something different so you've created the Makers Emporium and also independent shops so it's not just the chain shops, although we also need those.

"And I remember when Chris Hamby said to me: "I want to invest in this town, it means so much to me. I want to buy that shop but I can't as the bank won't loan me [money]" - so the Council did.

"I think you are just a wonderful example of the power of great vision and people coming together who love their town. Your High Street is the heartbeat, it's a place where commuters meet. And if anyone is thinking of investing, please give more to these people because you have become the poster for me that I brag about how good towns can be."

High Streets Minister Marcus Jones said: "We had a record amount of high-quality entries to this year's competition – testament to the pride local people have and brilliant work being done to boost Britain's high streets.

"The local high street is the life and soul of many towns, villages and cities across the country and these awards are a great opportunity to not only celebrate those that are the best of the best, but also to help others learn their valuable tips for success.

"If you cherish the hard work going on in your local high street, then show your support and get voting."

Between now and November you can cast your vote for Rotherham at the Great British High Street webpage.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RMBC

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News: Heritage celebrated on Rotherham High Street

Finishing touches have been made to the ambitious heritage-led regeneration initiative in Rotherham town centre.

Officials from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) have been given a guided tour of the town's High Street, which is celebrating the restoration of 13 key properties thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the HLF, Rotherham Council and the property owners.

The guests, which also include representatives from Historic England (formerly known as English Heritage), the Department of Communities and Local Government and Rotherham Civic Society, saw the exteriors and interiors of the renovated buildings on the High Street as well as new keystones, depicting the history of the street and its properties, that are set within new street paving.

The tour included a visit inside No 26 - The Makers Emporium (pictured, below), which showcases a variety of products crafted by local makers, artists and designers, as well as the former Three Cranes Inn. This dates back to the 15th century and houses Hamby's Antiques on the lower floors and heritage showrooms on the upper floors.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area that radiates from Rotherham Minster. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets (pictured, above) focusing on listed buildings. The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

An additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street. An additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan and the council's cabinet approved further funding, in the form of an additional £300,000 loan and £190,000 grant, to enable the works to be finished.

Hamby's shoe shop has moved back from 19 High Street into the former John Mason Jewellers building at the top of the High Street that was restored in a previous round of the heritage initiative. Independent fashion retailers, Yella Brick Road and Things That Boys Like have joined forces to expand into the vacated unit at 19 High Street whilst Craft Corner & The Bears Den is set to relocate across from the Riverside Precinct into the new unit in the Georgian town house.

Rotherham-based graphics print, production and management company, Rainforest Graphics has also been on hand to create new signage and artwork on key properties.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, advisory cabinet member for Rotherham Council, described the changes to the town centre over the past seven years as "incredible."

"This has been partnership working at its very best," she added. "The work around the Minster and the High Street has been a catalyst for investment and activity across the whole town. The High Street is looking wonderful and my congratulations go to everyone who has been involved in these excellent schemes that have resulted in this wonderful regeneration of the town's historic core."

A spokesperson for the Rotherham District Civic Society, added: "We in Rotherham are the beneficiaries of all this work. Our High Street looks, once again, as it should. The Rotherham District Civic Society would like to thank Chris Hamby and his construction team for their hard work and belief in the future of the town."

An application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for another phase of the Rotherham Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative was rejected in January.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council put forward a project worth £1.9m including a development grant of £39,300 (90% of eligible development costs) for a second phase of works to properties in the town centre conservation area. The project would seek to inform people about the history and heritage of architect John Platt's house (now part of Westgate Chambers), and explore opportunities for artists to display work depicting the architectural and historical heritage of the buildings.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen / Makers Emporium

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News: Rotherham retailers relocate as restoration is revealed

A number of independent retailers are moving into new premises as the wraps come off two historic buildings at the centre of the heritage-led regeneration of the town's High Street.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings and this week the scaffolding came down to reveal the hard work put in to rescue Rotherham's oldest surviving non-religious building, the Three Cranes, and the prominent Georgian town house at 29-29a High Street.

The former Three Cranes Inn, that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600. The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. It is on English Heritage's "at risk register" and has been in a state of disrepair for many years.

Now housing Hamby's own antique centre, the restoration will allow for rooms above to be used as a heritage centre given the historic nature of the building. Conscientious owner Chris has also highlighted the historic fabric of the building by leaving certain features on show. This includes remnants of an earlier wing that consisted of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

The Georgian town house was just a shell of a building containing the remains of a burnt-out Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door has been installed with the upper floors being converted into flats. An independent retailer is set to move across town to take the impressively restored unit.

Hamby's shoe shop is set to move back from 19 High Street into the former John Mason Jewellers building at the top of the High Street that was restored in a previous round of the heritage initiative. Independent fashion retailers, Yella Brick Road and Things That Boys Like are joining forces to expand into the vacated unit at 19 High Street whilst the Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective takes on their vacated unit in the Imperial Buildings.

The project has been backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The work is part of the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

An additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan and the council's cabinet approved further funding, in the form of an additional £300,000 loan and £190,000 grant, to enable the works to be finished.

Rotherham is a "Portas Pilot" using government and private sector funding to support retail which has helped to reduce vacancy rates, boost footfall and increase shopper satisfaction. A focus has been on creating a different and vibrant retail offer by supporting independent traders.

Like Yella Brick Road and Hamby's, Wray's Butchers has secured a grant from the council and is currently fitting out new premises on Effingham Street in what was the former Ilkeston Co-Op Travel shop. The family business has been trading in Rotherham for over 50 years, most recently on Upper Millgate.

Chris Taylor, owner of Wrays Butchers, said: "We are very proud to be in Rotherham town centre. The supermarkets wiped out many independent butchers but our customers have been extremely loyal and we have worked hard to keep our prices very low without losing our product quality.

"The new location will mean that the company can continue as it always has but the extra space will mean there will be opportunities to offer new products and even better deals.

"The investment in the new shop has been significant and the company is very grateful for the Town Centre Business Development Grant we were allocated from the Council."

Co- director of Wrays Butchers, Deborah Taylor, added: "The support and encouragement we have received from the Retail Investment Team at the Council has been brilliant. They are as passionate as we are about making this work and helping Rotherham town centre become a vibrant and enjoyable place to shop."

Hamby's website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: More council cash needed for High Street renovation

The ambitious regeneration of Rotherham's High Street needs more council funding to enable the work being carried out on historic buildings to be completed.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings. The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

In December, an additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street.

Now the council's cabinet is being asked to approve further funding, in the form of an additional £300,000 loan and £190,000 grant, to enable the works to be finished on schedule by the end of December 2014.

The work is part of the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Significant delays on the redevelopment of the three listed buildings include delays in securing the HLF funding, the severe winters causing additional damage to the fabric of the building, additional unforeseen structural issues and subsequent additional costs associated with specialist archaeological and architects fees. In addition, unforeseen works to the basement of 29 High Street and the party walls to 25/27 and 29 High Street have led to further costs that were not anticipated at the start of the project.

The report to cabinet states: "Without additional support Mr. Hamby will be unable to achieve a "fit out" of these buildings which in turn will hamper his ability to let these units and this in turn will exacerbate his ability to repay his existing loan commitments to the Council. It is therefore deemed prudent for the Council to continue its commitment to this important High Street regeneration project and ensure its ongoing success."

As part of the scheme, Hamby opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with Sophisticakes upmarket tea room at No. 17. At No. 21, Things That Boys Like has brought men's clothing, gadgets and gifts to Rotherham's High Street.

The Three Cranes has had interest from a real ale pub for the property and at the Georgian townhouse, a new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats. The George Wright building will house apartments when renovations are complete.

The council is able to borrow money at reasonable rate from the Public Works Loan Board and then lend the money at "commercial rates" over a period of 22.5 years. To help mitigate that risk, the council has already entered into a legal charge over existing property assets of Mr Hamby and the properties acquired on the High Street for re-development until such time as the loan is fully repaid. The value of the assets held on legal charge will be more than the total loan debt outstanding.

Hamby website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham heritage regeneration continues

Building works being carried out on historic buildings on Rotherham's High Street are set to be completed in October.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings. The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The work is part of the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

In December, an additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street.

A recent update to the council's cabinet stated that the Three Cranes and 29-29a High Street are expected to be completed by October 2014. Work on these two projects involves significant structural repairs to the building fabric along with the reinstatement of architectural details.

Containing the remains of the Italian restaurant at 29A High Street (pictured before work began), the town house was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats.

The former Three Cranes Inn, that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600. The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. It is on English Heritage's "at risk register" and has been in a state of disrepair for many years. The Three Cranes has had interest from a real ale pub for the property.

Also part of the scheme, the main construction works on the George Wright building are almost complete. With its unique facade, the building was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. It was later used as a wine bar and restaurant and will house apartments when renovations are complete.

Also taking place on the High Street, renovation work at the RSPCA charity shop at 14a has been slower than anticipated due to a dispute with the original builder, however, this work is now being completed by a different contractor, with an expected August completion.

To accompany the work to property, a £417,000 scheme to improve the public realm and the street itself is underway. In total, the heritage programme is set to spend £1.352m in this financial year.

It's a different story across town where demolition crews are taking down the former Doncaster Gate Hospital (pictured). February saw Rotherham Council's cabinet sign off plans to demolish Rotherham's first purpose-built hospital, which is in its ownership, in a bid to save costs and attract a greater interest in the opportunities for development of the site.

Costing £100,000 a year to keep in its deteriorating state, the council budgeted £235,000 for demolition in 2013/14 and a further £115,000 is set to be spent knocking it down this financial year.

The cleared site is set to be offered back to the market with the council expecting sufficient interest to result in a redevelopment that would add to the regeneration of this edge of town centre site.

Hamby website

Images: Hamby's / Chrisfp on Flickr, used under Creative Commons licence.

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News: Portas highlights Rotherham town centre turnaround

Mary Portas has followed up the 2011 review into the nation's high streets by publishing a think piece on why they still matter, and again the retail guru has referenced the work taking place in Rotherham as a "beacon many should follow."

With many of the original recommendations, such as a national markets day and the Future High Street Forum, taken on board by the government, some, like wholesale changes to business rates and planning, have just been just tinkered with. The latest essay highlights the successes of towns which have followed her guidance.

Rotherham is a Portas Pilot, having secured £100,000 in government funding to use innovative local ideas to revitalise the town centre. The borough also secured extra funding from British Land and The High Street Renewal Fund.

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review, Mary Portas was back in the borough earlier this year. After seeing the success of heritage-led regeneration on the High Street, the support of entrepreneurial retailers in Pop-Up shops and the newly opened, Makers Emporium, Portas described the turnaround as fantastic and was bursting with pride at was has been achieved.

In the latest essay, entitled, "Why our High Streets Still Matter", Rotherham is used as a case study of how a local council has taken a very active role in the regeneration of a once desolate town centre.

The report picks out key statistics such as the 86 new businesses that have opened in the last three years and the reduction in vacant units on key shopping streets from over 20% to 14%, as well as the improvements in shopper satisfaction.

Also picked out for praise are a number of encouraging projects such as the popular Whistle Stop Sweet Shop & Temperance Bar, that has expanded with the backing of the council through the Portas Pilot funding.

Chris Hamby's ambitious plans to bring listed buildings on the High Street back to life is also praised, as is the way his vision was backed with an affordable loan by the council when the banks wouldn't.

The Makers Emporium, home to 30 local artisans and crafters, is also highlighted for the way in which a number of groups have come together to create an innovative retail space. It is described as an example of a very clever way to differentiate the High Street offer and become a destination.

In the report, Mary Portas, said: "The turnaround achieved in Rotherham is one of the best case studies I know.

"Collaboration at its finest; an inspired and talented Town Team, an enlightened and committed Local Authority, a busy and ambitious local college and a very supportive British Land.

"The results they've started to see are impressive to say the least. If you have an interest in High Streets, go and visit Rotherham and get the story first hand."

Rotherham town centre website
Portas Agency website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham sets example for retail revival

"You give us the money and we'll make it work." That was the message from the Labour leader of Rotherham Council to the Tory minister for high streets, town centres and markets, as they opened the newest retail outlet on Rotherham's revitalised High Street, alongside leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas.

The evidence is there for all to see. Firstly, the government has stumped over £350,000 to support the council and its town team partners in realising its vision to create a vibrant and thriving town centre with a different retail offer by fostering new, independent businesses.

And secondly, Roger Stone is right, the funding has been used wisely, with the opening of over 80 shops and an overall increase of 13% in pedestrian foot flow in the past three years.

Granted, in those three years, some national and independent retailers have closed their Rotherham stores. Ethel Austin, Internacionale, and Co-op Travel have found the climate tough and closed stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, not just Rotherham.

Helping to go a long way to fill the voids in the South Yorkshire town that has been identified as having the highest amount of retail competition in the UK, are independent retailers supported by the council's Business Vitality Grants Scheme, which since 2009 has supported over 20 businesses to get started, offering help towards rent and fit-out costs for retailers that have potential to widen the appeal and drive footfall for the benefit of all businesses.

Pop-up shops have also been successful with the council offering a prime retail unit in the refurbished Imperial Buildings on flexible and attractive lease terms to help businesses get up and running. After an initial trial, Vintage Dolls has this month celebrated its first birthday.

The most recent addition to Rotherham's retail mix is the Makers Emporium, a project offering 3,000 sq ft of retail space on a temporary basis to more than 30 local entrepreneurs and designers to launch their products and test the market.

Physical regeneration is also taking place on the High Street with local retailer Chris Hamby progressing the next stage of the heritage-led project to bring historic buildings back into use.

Miele Delicatessen, a new Italian deli has also opened in the refurbished former Muntus department store on the High Street, selling a range of authentic food and quality coffee.

High Streets Minister Brandon Lewis and retail expert Mary Portas visited Rotherham to see first hand the progress being made and to officially open the Makers Emporium.

Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who has the responsibility for improving high streets and town centres, said: "Rotherham is a prime example of how a struggling town centre can be turned around into a success story, and in the last three years 86 new businesses have opened their doors in the high street.

"The town has grabbed the opportunities offered to it and is a great example of how our high streets can become shopping destinations that serve the whole community. It's an example to other town centres around the country."

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street, Mary Portas met with some of the independent retailers, the town team and Chris Hamby. She said: "I'm bursting with pride at everything that's been achieved in Rotherham.

"The town team have done an extraordinary job increasing footfall and reducing vacancy rates but most of all producing a place people want to shop in and feel at home in. They have huge competition from some of the UK's biggest shopping malls right on the doorstep but they are bearing out the national statistics that people prefer high streets."

Joining independent retailers like colourful gift shop, Patchwork Pig, and specialists in all things manly, Things That Boys Like, the former Snafu rock bar has been transformed into a light and airy retail space selling locally-designed and hand-crafted products.

Funded by the Government's High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the council, The Source and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Makers Emporium aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and see what it takes to run their own business.

Makers include Our Tiny Bees, Badger & Kingdom, Oddle Doddle Jewellery, Poco Nido, Seraphina Pearl Designs and Panache par Paris.

Terry Cooper of Tea Wear Recycled Cutlery, who works with metal and wood to create unique items of jewellery and homewares, sold Mary Portas a set of coat hooks fashioned from recycled ornate spoons. He summed up the new project: "When everywhere looks the same and you could be stood on any High Street in the UK, what we need is something unique. This place is, and it just lifts everything."

Makers Emporium website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen / Miele Delicatessen / Twitter

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News: Three Cranes restoration plans submitted

One of Rotherham's most important buildings could be given a new lease of life and return to its previous use as a public house if recently submitted plans are approved.

The former Three Cranes Inn that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century is part of a heritage-led regeneration scheme on Rotherham's High Street. The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. It is on English Heritage's "at risk register" and has been in a state of disrepair for many years.

Now detailed plans have been submitted by local businessman Chris Hamby for a programme of repairs and restoration with the intention to return the end use of the building into it being a public house.

The building is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town to survive and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

The plans include careful repair and restoration with a feature made of the remaining dais canopy by removing modern timber framing and part of the flooring to create a double height space. A glass wall will be installed to look onto it from the first floor.

Half of the building was demolished in 1953 and a new shop front is planned in a typical Georgian style on the remaining twin-gabled façade. The exterior of the upper floors is to be covered in a lime render and new roof will be required.

The modern flat roof extension is set to be removed to create a yard at the back of the building.

In 2011, a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from the council to Chris Hamby was approved to facilitate the purchase and subsequent re-development of Nos 17, 19 and 21 High Street along with the listed buildings known as The Three Cranes and the former Georgian Town House and The George Wright Building.

The loan also secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works to the listed buildings.

At the end of last year an additional £140,000 was approved by the council in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes and former Georgian Town House.

Hamby opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with Sophisticakes upmarket tea room at No. 17. At No. 21, Things That Boys Like has brought men's clothing, gadgets and gifts to Rotherham's High Street.

Plans have also been approved for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Georgian Town House, that now contains the remains of the Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats.

Across town, another historic pub has been brought back to life. The Cutler's Arms on Westgate has been refurbished by Rotherham's own Chantry brewery. It is set to open today.

Hamby's website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: More council cash for High Street

Rotherham's High Street is set for another £500,000 boost via Rotherham Council to enable building works to historic buildings to be completed and improvements to the physical appearance of the surrounding area to be carried out.

The council's cabinet recently approved the provision of an additional £140,000 in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes and former Georgian Town House on the High Street.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street. The plan is already backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The work is part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

The original THI programme also had an allocation of £580,000 to "develop and improve the public realm on High Street thus reinforcing the regeneration of the location and improving the setting of the retail units."

These works were to be wholly funded through money from regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward but when the coalition government disbanded Yorkshire Forward, the funds were withdrawn, leaving a gap in the budget for the public realm works.

A report to the council's Cabinet Member and Advisers for Regeneration and Development shows that officers have now put together a plan to use various sources of its own funding to enable the works to be carried out with a reduced budget of £417,000. The majority comes from its own capital programme (£305,500).

Previous council public realm improvements in the surrounding area include the work to Minster Yard and successful Minster Gardens project.

The report said that if the funding was approved, the works could start in April and take 20 weeks to complete.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Makers Emporium on Rotherham High Street

UPDATED 13:58.

A historic building on Rotherham High Street is set to return to its previous retail use and provide space for crafters and makers as work continues on regenerating heritage buildings in the town centre.

No.'s 22 – 30 High Street have been undergoing a refit as part of the the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which is supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Borough Council.

Last year, the freehold of the SNAFU bar was sold by leading business agents Christie & Co. based on a guide price of £275,000. In a separate deal, the first, second and third floors of the historic building went to auction in September 2012 with local chartered surveyors, Mark Jenkinson giving it a guide price of £120,000.

Remembered by many as the former Muntus department store, work has been done to restore the exterior and the new owners are progressing plans to convert the upper floors into apartments.

After the closure of popular bar and live music venue earlier this month, fitout work is now underway and the building is set to reopen in Spring 2014 and offer low cost retail space for talented artists, crafters and makers to sell their products and raise awareness of their brands. A dedicated retail manager will be on hand and advice and training will be provided as part of the package.

Last month, Rothbiz reported on the next phase of retail revival in Rotherham town centre that is set to include dedicated space for enterprising retailers to "test-trade" their products.

The Makers Emporium at 26 High Street is all part of the work being undertaken to redefine the shopping offer in the town centre through projects such as Pop-up Shops, Business Vitality Grants and the Business Development Grants. Rotherham was one of 27 areas to be named as a "Portas Pilot" securing £100,000 of government funding to support the high street. £268,000 was also awarded to Rotherham as part of the government's High Street Renewal Award.

Work is continuing by local businessman, Chris Hamby to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street. The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The work is also part of the THI scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Next week, Rotherham Council's cabinet are set to discuss the provision of additional long term capital loan finance in support of the redevelopment of the Three Cranes and the Georgian Town House.

The former Three Cranes Inn occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath. This building represents a potentially unique survival for South Yorkshire of in situ medieval domestic architecture on a burgage plot.

Previously used as Wakefield's Army Stores, the building has been empty for many years. The Three Cranes originally occupied one half of a much larger building with four gables facing the High Street. The lower two gables, which originally belonged to another inn known as The Swan, were demolished in 1963 when Freeman, Hardy Willis rebuilt their shop.

The grade 2* listed building is on English Heritage's "at risk register" as showing signs of structural decay and faulty rainwater goods.

Plans have also been approved for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Georgian Town House next door, that now contains the remains of the Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats.

Makers Emporium website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: 3 Keys Property / Tom Austen

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