News: Footfall figures up following first Forge Island openings

Footfall across Rotherham town centre during 2024 was 10% higher than the previous year and developers, Muse, point to the impact of the opening of the Forge Island leisure scheme in attracting visitors.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets which are yet to open.

Expected to be a catalyst for further investment and regeneration, the cinema and hotel opened last summer.

Formerly Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, before home to a supermarket, Muse say that Forge Island now has a "sustainable and long-term future as a dynamic place for the community and visitors."

Acquired by Rotherham Council, the most recent use was a temporary bus station and a COVID testing site. Developers say that they wanted to re-imagine the place and re-establish its economic and cultural importance within the town centre.

A case study from Muse said: "Whilst still developing as a destination, we are already seeing a positive impact on the community and the local economy.

"A brand-new eight screen cinema has opened, bringing film back to the town centre for the first time in 30 years. This is much more significant than simply a new place to watch a Hollywood block-buster.

"Hundreds of people descended on Forge Island to enjoy opening day, with screenings regularly sold out since it opened its doors. In fact, Forge Island was the best performing cinema in the Arc chain during December 2024."

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The cinema anchors a growing evening and night-time economy in the town centre with Vetro Lounge and Sygnature Dish set to open in adjacent units within months.

The aim is for more money to be spent in the town, fewer people travelling outside Rotherham for entertainment, and new customers drawn from across the region. Already, footfall across Rotherham town centre during 2024 has been 10% higher than the previous year.

The update from Muse added: "The opportunity at Forge Island was to create a long-term sustainable future for Rotherham’s industrial past. A place which could drive a modern economy, create jobs, and curate a destination for communities and visitors to spend their precious leisure time.

"It’s a plan which aligns with the wider vision for Rotherham town centre, with investments in attractive outdoor spaces, revitalised markets, and high-quality riverside and urban living.

"By working in partnership with the local authority, we have delivered in a way which creates something new and exciting for the community – a place to meet friends and recharge during evenings and weekends. It has brought families back into the town centre and underpinned a new energy and vibrancy which will permeate Rotherham’s future."

With funding for the project coming from Rotherham Council, the authority ensured that social value was high on the agenda through partners, Muse and lead contractor, Bowmer & Kirkland.

As a project, Forge Island saw 83 local people employed with 278 weeks of apprentice training and 69 hours of career and education support. £1,890,775 was spent with the local supply chain meaning that overall, the development created a social and local economic value of £4,361,703.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse

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News: £47m Forge Island development about regeneration, not commercial returns

The Forge Island development was fully-funded by Rotherham Council for the purposes of regeneration of the town centre, not as a commercial venture, the authority has confirmed.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets which are yet to open.

Work began on site in November 2022 after Rotherham Council agreed to fund the regeneration scheme itself when the the funding available its delivery partner, Muse, "significantly reduced" due to the volatility of the financial markets. The authority said it would save nearly £50m compared to an externally funded deal drafted in 2018.

At a recent council meeting Cllr. Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance & Safe and Clean Communities, was asked about the financial situation at Forge Island given that a number of food outlets were not now planning to open as expected.

Rothbiz reported first in July that operators "have not been able to bring forward" outlets that had originally signed up for the development.

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Cllr. Alam said: "The Council had agreed the Forge Island development for the purposes of regeneration of the town centre, not as a commercial venture. The Cabinet approval for the scheme was that it would pay for itself over the life of the development. The scheme was projected to do so through a complex financial model which included provision for periods of time when some of the units could be empty.

"The Council were negotiating with a number of potential new tenants and as such, were not concerned about the implications of this."

Cabinet approved an increase in the Council’s Capital Programme in 2022 to cover the £46.8m costs which were expected to be covered by the authority's own borrowing and capital resources.

The council expected that the repayment of capital costs will be met wholly or largely over the long term by revenue generated from commercial activity in the Forge Island development. At the time, the cabinet heard that the longer-term financial risks that the project presents related to the Council’s ability to maintain the incomes levels from the lettings, car parking and business rates.

Doncaster's Rustic Pizza Co looks to be the latest operator to pull out having signed up last year and despite signs at the site saying "coming soon." A social media post stated: "Unfortunately we have decided not to proceed with Rotherham. As the other restaurants have pulled out it would be a huge financial risk for us if it wasn’t to work."

Cllr. Alam added that negotiations were ongoing with a number of different tenants.

Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Showtime! Opening date for new Rotherham cinema

Over 30 years in the making, Arc Cinema at Forge Island has announced the opening date for its new site in Rotherham town centre.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as two independent restaurants - The Rustic Pizza Company and Cafe Noor.

The Irish cinema operator has confirmed that an advance preview of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is set to take place on September 5.

The fantasy comedy horror film directed by Tim Burton is a sequel to 1988's Beetlejuice that may well have been shown the last time Rotherham had a cinema. Cannon, the last in the town centre, closed in 1990.

Positioned at the south of the former home of the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the design of the cinema looked to the strong industrial heritage of the site which was historically home to a foundry and an iron works. The cinema design incorporates a saw-tooth roof profile with a metal cap and a robust brick podium base.

Arc has previously confirmed that the Rotherham cinema will have two flagship Hypersense screens, including Dolby Atmos sound, a giant screen and a 4K Laser projector – which creates a truly immersive experience. Additionally, it will also have six medium-sized screens that provide an intimate atmosphere for smaller showings – perfect for Arc's popular events like ‘Silver Screen’ and ‘Kids club’ which will be launching in Rotherham.

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Across the site, the first occupier to open at Forge Island, Travelodge Rotherham Central – the town’s first branded hotel, recently held an official opening.

The new design includes a redesigned reception, next-generation rooms, and a number of sustainable building features.

A new Bar Café welcomes both hotel guests and passers-by, offering an all-day dining service including breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and bar.

Travelodge Rotherham Central, situated next to Rotherham train and tram station, is set to have a positive impact on the town’s tourism economy. Located a short walk from the town centre, it is just a few miles from a host of major visitor attractions including Magna Science Adventure Centre; Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park, Clifton Park and the Grade 1 listed Wentworth House stately home and gardens.

Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director, Travelodge, said: “We are delighted to announce that our first hotel in Rotherham has now opened its doors. With its new premium design and great location, I have no doubt that our hotel in Rotherham will be a strong addition to the area. We have a fantastic hotel team in place and are already receiving very positive feedback from customers.

“Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is doing a great job in investing to regenerate the town centre. Its funding support has enabled the delivery of this development, at a time when private sector funding is in very scarce supply. This will be of great benefit to the Rotherham community for many years to come. Forge Island is a great addition to the town centre and will support the existing shops and attractions, such as Rotherham United’s AESSEAL New York stadium, so there is plenty for Travelodge’s business and leisure customers to enjoy.”

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, added: “The hotel opening marks the first opportunity to welcome people to Forge Island, and with other tenants working hard to complete their fit outs it won’t be long before more residents and visitors will be able to experience all that Forge Island has to offer.”

Arc Cinema website
Travelodge website
Forge Island website

Images: Arc Cinema

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News: "Forge Island alone will not turn things around"

Rotherham's MP has called on the government to continue to support the regeneration of the borough's town centre, warning that even when the Forge Island development opens fully next month, more funding is required.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as two independent restaurants - The Rustic Pizza Company and Cafe Noor.

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said that the imminent opening of Rotherham’s Forge Island development will "begin a new era for our town centre" but has written to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Democracy and Local Growth regarding uncertainty over regeneration funding awarded to Rotherham town centre under the previous government.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that Rotherham had been selected by the government as one of 55 towns to be given £20m endowment-style funds to invest in local people’s priorities.

Town Boards were asked by the Government to submit their Long-Term Plans (comprising their 10-year vision and 3-year investment plan) before August 1. Town boards from the 55 locations are now saying that the deadline has been moved and they are awaiting a new timescale.

Sarah Champion, who sits on Rotherham's Town Board, posted on social media: "The imminent opening of Rotherham’s Forge Island development will begin a new era for our Town Centre. This has been a long time coming, but I hope that the new facilities will play their part in revitalising Rotherham.

"But Forge Island alone will not turn things around. We need sustained investment in town centre facilities to deliver the improvement we all need to see. I am therefore concerned by reports that central Government funding programs may be under threat and I have written to the Government urging them to back our town centre."

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In 2021, Rotherham secured £31.6m from the Town Deal and £12.6m from the Future High Streets Fund. Town centre projects include the revamp of Rotherham Markets, Grimm & Co, enhancing the leisure quarter next to Forge Island, a potential new music venue in town and supporting the development of further residential schemes.

The Long-Term Plan for Rotherham is to focus on three key themes: Safety and security; High streets, heritage and regeneration; Transport and connectivity.

Sarah Champion's letter states: "I am writing to you regarding the Long Term Plan for Towns. I understand that the future of the scheme is being considered by the Government and that Rotherham may as a consequence miss out on much-needed investments.

"As you will be aware, Rotherham MBC is in the process of a substantial investment in the town centre. The town centre has notably declined in recent years, with the loss of many businesses, both local and national chains.

"Rotherham faces unique competition, being sandwiched between Parkgate Retail Park and Meadowhall Shopping Centre. This has left Rotherham struggling to attract visitors and the Council's commitment to creating a unique and compelling offer is commendable.

"But this inevitably requires significant and sustained investment to deliver. I am concerned that the potential loss of funding through the Long Term Plan for Towns could make the challenges facing the town centre still more challenging.

"I do of course recognise the difficult financial situation facing the Government. But I do not believe that we can deliver the growth we all want to see without investment.

"I understand that the Leader of the Council has written to you urging the Government to ensure that the Long Term Plan for Towns is delivered, or suitable alternative funding be made available. I would echo his comments and hope that the Government will commit to supporting Rotherham's development."

In July Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves discussed a projected overspend of £22bn inherited from the previous government, adding that when it comes to commitments which they did not fund, seemingly including the £20m endowment-style funds, "If we cannot afford it, we cannot do it."

Images: Reform Landscape Architecture

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News: First visitors stay over at new Rotherham Travelodge

The new multimillion pound Travelodge in Rotherham town centre has hosted its first overnight visitors ahead of an official opening.

The rest of the Forge Island development has reached the fit out stage.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as six independent restaurants on the riverside, including The Rustic Pizza Company, Estabulo, and Sakku Samba.

The hotel, the first Travelodge in the borough, has been bookable for stays since May and reviews on TripAdvisor describe a "pristine brand new hotel" and pick out the welcoming staff for praise.

The four storey hotel has been built by Bowmer + Kirkland on the north of the Forge Island site close to Rotherham Central station. It was designed with a metal top and brick base in grey. The new Rotherham hotel is in Travelodge's new-build budget luxe hotel brand, incorporating the new Bar Café concept offering unlimited breakfast, tasty evening meals and fresh barista coffee.

Standard rooms (with new décor and signature king size "Dreamer" bed) are priced at £68.99 for the saver rate and £75.99 for the flexible rate.

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With Rotherham Council stumping up the money for the whole scheme, "significant slippage" on its progress was reported at the end of 2023 but a recent update to the council's cabinet states that "delivery on site has progressed further than anticipated."

Construction is complete on the Forge Island cinema, which was handed over for fit out in May 2024 prior to a planned summer opening. The food and drink units were handed over on July 1 2024.

Arc Cinemas, which has been recruiting for a general manager, recently provided a sneak peek of the new cinema, the first in Rotherham for over 30 years. The update on social media showed signage on the exterior and work to create the screens inside.

State-of-the-art facilities will offer the ultimate blockbuster experience, while smaller screens provide a more intimate movie watching atmosphere. All screens feature VIP electric recliner seats as standard.

The next phase of regeneration in the area is the delayed Riverside Gardens scheme. A first stage contract has now been let and subject to costs, a full contract is expected to be agreed in September 2024.

Using a mixture of soft and hard landscaping, Riverside Gardens is creating a gateway to Forge Island on an area extending from the demolished Riverside Precinct, covering the old abattoir site behind Market Street and passing the Old Market, Keppel Wharf and Westgate Chambers residential developments. Corporation Street is also getting a revamp.

Travelodge website
Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen / Arc Cinemas / Facebook

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News: Forge Island prepares for fit out as hotel opens for bookings

The new multimillion pound Travelodge Hotel being built on Forge Island in Rotherham has begun taking bookings for when it opens this summer.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as six independent restaurants on the riverside, including The Rustic Pizza Company, Estabulo, and Sakku Samba.

The hotel, the first Travelodge in the borough, is now is bookable for stays from July 8 2024.

The four storey hotel is being built by Bowmer + Kirkland on the north of the Forge Island site. It was designed with a metal top and brick base in grey. The new Rotherham hotel will be in Travelodge's new-build budget luxe hotel brand. It has also been confirmed that it will incorporate the new Bar Café concept offering unlimited breakfast, tasty evening meals and fresh barista coffee.

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In 2022 Travelodge announced that it was evolving its core brand product to a new budget-luxe premium look and feel design which includes all the low cost efficiencies you would expect from Travelodge, but with the added benefit of thoughtful, stylish design and homely touches throughout its interiors.

Standard rooms (with new décor and signature king size "Dreamer" bed) are priced at £77.99 for the saver rate and £89.99 for the flexible rate.

Also on Forge Island, Arc Cinemas is currently recruiting for a general manager.

The job advert reads: "The Arc Cinema will be opening its doors to offer an ultra high specification luxury cinema experience to customers in Rotherham. A brand new build, scheduled to open in August 2024, with 8 screens, The Arc Cinema will offer something special for all movie lovers. State-of-the-art facilities offering the ultimate blockbuster experience, while smaller screens provide a more intimate movie watching atmosphere. All screens feature VIP electric recliner seats as standard.

"We pride ourselves in taking great care of our customers, and on becoming a central part of each community that we serve."

On the food and beverage offer, incoming outlet, Rustic Pizza Co has provided an update on Forge Island progress.

The Rustic Pizza Co was founded in 2017. Its base at Lakeside in Doncaster offers authentic Neopolitan style pizza, Italian hand-pulled coffee and rustic breakfasts.

A recent update to Facebook said: "We attended a site visit at Rotherham Forge island this week and to say we are excited would be an understatement! We will be starting our fit out in the next couple of weeks and we can’t wait to bring Rustic to Rotherham!"

Forge Island website
Travelodge website
Arc Cinema website
Rustic Pizza Co website

Images: Travelodge / Rustic Pizza Co / Facebook

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News: Forge Island recruitment underway

Local residents are being encouraged to explore the job opportunities on offer as part of Rotherham’s town centre transformation into a regional leisure destination.

Outlets from Forge Island – the town’s new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse - including Arc Cinema, who specialise in providing a VIP cinema experience and national hotel chain Travelodge, will be among the companies advertising roles at an event being held in the town centre this week.

Leisure and hospitality roles including chefs, waiting and bar staff, housekeeping, front of house will all be available at Rotherham Council’s annual recruitment event at Riverside House.

In addition, a wide range of established employers from across the borough will also be at the event on Friday 23 February from 10am until 2pm, including some who will be able to hold interviews on the day.

Both public and private sector employment opportunities are available including in construction, health and social care, customer services, administration, leisure and security. Other opportunities are also being showcased, including further education, training, volunteering and foster care.

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Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott said: “Our aim has always been to bring more people into our centre to live, work and play, restoring pride and activity in our town centre. Forge Island is a major milestone in our efforts to provide Rotherham with a family-friendly destination people can enjoy and be proud of, whilst providing hundreds of jobs.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to bring such a diverse range of employers together for this recruitment event. With people juggling different demands, it’s good to see a variety of working patterns will be available, which include part-time, full-time, working from home or evening working.

“Whether you’re looking for extra hours or pay, wanting to further your career or develop new skills through education and training, I’d encourage people to come along and see the wide range of opportunities available.”

The recruitment event takes place on Friday 23 February, 10am to 2pm, at Riverside House, Main Street.

Forge Island website

Images: RMBC / Muse

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News: More new venues in Rotherham town centre

Premises licences are being sought for a number of venues in Rotherham town centre.

Alcohol could be on the menu at a former church building on Ship Hill as literacy charity, Grimm & Co, prepares to open at its magical new location.

Following the purchase of a former church building on Ship Hill in 2020 thanks to support from an Arts Council England small capital grant, Grimm & Co were looking to proceed with the renovation and refurbishment work when lockdown hit.

Now a few years on, the charity has begun hosting workshops and events at its wonderful new space.

In addition to educational space, the new Grimm & Co. location has retail space and a café. Known as The Feastery, it will include story-themed activities for young people to enjoy, a space to catch up with friends, relax with a good book, or simply have a moment of peace in this cozy, magical space.

The premise licence, recently approved by Rotherham Council, allows for the sale of alcohol between 9am and 11pm, everyday.

A spokesperson for Grimm & Co. explained: "We can’t wait to open the doors to our new feastery cafe, book nook and story themed marketplace in our Emporium of Stories! We work with thousands of children and young people every year and we also deliver arts-based learning activities to families and teachers.

"This fabulous new venue will be one of a kind and the funds raised through the cafe, shop and events will help fund activities in the charity. This licence application will help us to provide a food and beverage offer to suit all communities and events."

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At the foot of Rotherham Minster, the operators of a successful café at Rotherham Markets has taken prime space at All Saints' Square.

Work is underway to create Ginge's Tap, a retro music bar specialising in a range of beverages that won't break the bank along with sharing platters and live music.

A premises licence here would enable alcohol to be served between 10am and 11pm in the week and on Friday and Saturday between 10am and midnight.

Just off All Saints' Square, an application has been submitted that would enable a former pub to serve alcohol again.

Rothbiz reported in 2021 that the Red Lion was under review after South Yorkshire Police petitioned for its premises licence to be scrutinised following a number of incidents.

Having applied for a number of temporary licences at the end of 2023, the new application would allow alcohol to be served on every day of the week between 11am and 03:30am the following day.

Travelodge Hotels has recently secured a premises licence in preperation of the opening of its brand new 69-room hotel on Forge Island in the summer.

The "budget-luxe" hotel is set to include a 2,400 sq ft cafe bar on the ground floor.

A 24 hour operation, alcohol could be sold pretty much all the time, but its sale will be restricted to hotel residents and bona fide guests of hotel residents after 11pm when access is to be restricted to residents with a key card.

Grimm & Co. website
Ginge's Tap website
Travelodge website

Images: Grimm & Co. / Muse / Travelodge

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News: Rotherham's Forge Island on track for 2024 completion

Building work is on track at Forge Island in Rotherham as the flagship development enters the final months of construction ahead of opening to the public towards the end of summer 2024.

The new landmark destination, which will bring a much-needed family-friendly offer to Rotherham as part of Rotherham Council’s regeneration vision for the town centre, is being delivered in partnership with the Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.

Work began on site in November 2022 and construction has continued at pace, with all topping out milestones due to be reached early next year on the cinema, Travelodge hotel and retail buildings – set to house a mix of independent eateries. Once construction completes at the end of spring, the tenants will fit out their premises ready for the scheme opening.

Work has also recently got underway on the £30m+ markets redevelopment across town with Rotherham Council's cabinet approving the way forward this week.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Denise Lelliott said; “These developments form the main cornerstones of the council’s multi-million-pound investment in Rotherham’s future. A number of major milestones have been achieved at Forge Island over the last 12 months, including the installation of a new pedestrian bridge, which connects to the town centre and which nods to the town’s rich engineering heritage and is inspired by the world-famous Bailey Bridge designed by Rotherham-born civil engineer, Donald Bailey, during the Second World War. Thousands of local people also discovered more about the past, present and future of Forge Island at a dedicated marquee at the Rotherham Show in September.”

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Earlier this year, two giant cranes erected on site were named ‘Rotherham Rainbow’ and ‘Steely Crane’ by pupils at the local Thornbury Primary school following a ‘crane naming’ competition which received more than 70 entries. The cranes were dismantled last month as construction work nears completion, but children from the school were recently invited back to the site for a special ‘time capsule’ ceremony which saw books, school uniform, glasses and colourful drawings added to specially made capsule now buried on site.

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “Developing a transformational scheme of this scale always comes with its challenges – not least the difficulties of building on an ‘island’ surrounded by water – so the fact we’ve remained on track is a testament to the hard work of the whole project team. It’s fantastic to see the impact Forge Island has already made on the town centre skyline, and we can’t wait for the community to come and enjoy all that it has to offer when it opens next year.”

Construction work on the £47m Forge Island scheme – which was announced as 100% let in October 2022 – is led by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, working alongside the wider project team which also includes Arup, Helm Consulting, Arcadis and re-form Landscape Architecture. The new pedestrian bridge was designed by FaulknerBrowne Architects.

Arc Cinemas is the anchor tenant. The Rustic Pizza Co, Cow & Cream, Casa Peri Peri, Estabulo Rodizio, Sakku Samba and Caffe Noor will offer visitors a range of culinary flavours from across the world.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC

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News: Groundwork begins on Forge Island development - cinema slated to open in 2024

Ground works have begun on the Forge Island development – bringing a state-of-the-art cinema, 69 room hotel, and six restaurants providing food from around the world to Rotherham town centre.

The move comes after Rotherham Council's cabinet rubber-stamped a financial deal to fund the up front costs for the transformational scheme. It also comes after a sg#ignificant amout of flood alleviation work, public realm improvements and demolition in the area.

Residents passing Forge Island will be able to see diggers and heavy plant vehicles on site as they prepare to lay foundations for the £47m development, being delivered by master developer, Muse, in partnership with Rotherham Council.

Once complete, the new destination will provide something for residents and families to enjoy right in the heart of Rotherham town centre, which will include a variety of exciting features including the boutique 8 screen cinema from The Arc, each with laser digital projection and Dolby digital surround sound for the ultimate film experience.

The scheme is 100% pre-let with Travelodge who will be offering visitors a range of a hotel rooms. Finally, five food and beverage brands have already signed up to the scheme and will showcase food and drink from across the globe – the sixth will be announced shortly.

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Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “Forge Island is the single biggest investment in our town centre for decades. It will be the first cinema in the central area for thirty years and the community has waited a very long time to see this work begin. As we face into the difficult economic times ahead, it's more important than ever to redouble our efforts to build a better future on the other side. So this marks a huge step in the right direction in the delivery of our town centre masterplan, towards the kind of town centre that people can be proud of once again."

Raife Gale, senior development manager at Muse, said: “Since we were appointed as the council’s partner for Forge Island in 2018, we’ve worked collaboratively with the council to reach this point where we’re on site and we can’t wait to deliver this exciting destination for the community.

“Demand to come to Forge Island has been incredible and we’ve assembled a fantastic line up of operators and amenities to join us in our mission to create an attractive leisure destination with a social purpose that becomes at catalyst for further investment and regeneration in the town.”

Forge Island website

Images: RMBC

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News: Contracts exchanged for new Rotherham hotel

The UK’s second largest hotel chain, Travelodge, has solidified its commitment to anchoring the Forge Island regeneration scheme in Rotherham town centre.

Forge Island is a Council-owned site which sits between the River Don and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. Led by Muse Developments, it will host a new leisure scheme with an 8-screen boutique style cinema, modern hotel, food and beverage (F&B) outlets and car parking. It is set to be completed in 2024.

In 2021, Rothbiz reoprted that the hotel chain had exchanged a deal with Muse Developments and Rotherham Council to join The Arc Cinema as anchor tenants at Forge Island.

Now Travelodge has confirmed that it has agreed contracts with Muse Developments and Rotherham Council to develop a 69-room hotel which will be Rotherham’s first Travelodge hotel.

In a recent announcement, hotel bosses said that the North East remains a key growth area and they are actively looking for a further 16 hotel sites across the region - kickstarted by the new Rotherham deal. The expansion programme could represent an investment of around £160m for third party investors and create 400 new jobs. The chain has built up a number of partnerships with local authorities with the deals helping to unlock major redevelopment, create jobs, boost the local economy and provide a long term income stream for councils.

The approved plans are for a four storey hotel at the north of the Forge Island site, designed with a metal top and brick base in grey. It is likely that the new Rotherham hotel will be in Travelodge's new-build budget luxe hotel brand. It has also been confirmed that it will incorporate the new Bar Café concept offering unlimited breakfast, tasty evening meals and fresh barista coffee.

Earlier this year, Travelodge announced it is evolving its core brand product to a new budget-luxe premium look and feel design - whilst maintaining its great value price proposition. The new budget-luxe design includes all the low cost efficiencies you would expect from Travelodge but with the added benefit of thoughtful, stylish design and homely touches throughout its interiors.

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The new Travelodge budget-luxe design includes a timeless classic, elegant style reception which is the hub of the hotel. A next generation room which has been smartly devised to create a multi-dimensional space by utilising the new luxurious signature Travelodge navy blue colour for the R&R (resting and relaxing) section of the room and a serene colour palette for the functional and energising side of the room to work and get ready.

The Bar Cafe restaurant features a contemporary design, with key statement features and a warm relaxing ambiance. The restaurant offers distinctive zones designed to suit the needs of business and leisure travellers. These include counter seating with built-in USB and laptop power for those working outside the room, dining zones with intimate booths and dining benches for groups. Situated in the heart of the Bar Café is a stylish statement bar which offers a selection of wines, popular spirits and a range of ales.

The Travelodge budget-luxe design also includes a number of sustainable initiatives. This includes the new carpet being made from recycled fishing nets which are part of a project supporting clean ocean initiatives, tackling over 640k tonnes of discarded fishing nets currently impacting marine life. The carpet backing is also made of old plastic bottles. Every ten of these bottles which are recycled rather than being sent to landfill saves enough energy to power a laptop for 25 hours. The other features include low energy lighting, motion sensing controls and aerated showers and taps.

Steve Bennett, Chief Property & Development Officer at Travelodge, said: “2022 marks an important milestone in the evolution of Travelodge, as we launch our new premium look and feel budget-luxe Travelodge design hotels and expand our estate with new hotels and in-house restaurants . We are seeking to continue this expansion with plans for more than 75 new Travelodge hotels throughout the UK over the next five years, which will create around 2,000 new jobs.”

"As we look to the future, the long-term prospects for low-cost hotels remain strong. Britain has become a nation of value conscious travellers, with more of us choosing to stay in budget hotels than any other hotel type, supporting our plans to expand our hotel network. It is also an interesting time for the property sector; as the Covid pandemic has accelerated major change and opened opportunities for us to take Travelodge to new locations. We are very excited by the next phase of our expansion plan, which will see us deliver more choices in more places than ever before.”

Travelodge website

Images: Muse / Travelodge

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News: Principal terms agreed for two new restaurants at Forge Island

Principal terms have been agreed for two new restaurants at Forge Island, joining the cinema and modern hotel at the Rotherham town centre scheme.

A head lease between the private developers, Muse, and Rotherham Council is also "realistically within reach."

Securing a funder for the scheme is also close.

The Council-owned site, which sits between the River Don and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal, will host a new leisure scheme with an 8-screen boutique style cinema, modern hotel, food and drink outlets and car parking.

Major hotel brand, Travelodge, exchanged a long-term deal last year to become an anchor tenant. This followed the news earlier in the year that boutique cinema operator, The Arc, had agreed to open its seventh site at the scheme.

To capitalise on securing the anchor tenants, Rotherham Council and Muse agreed to accelerate detailed designs that they say will increase the attractiveness of Forge Island to food & beverage (f&b) occupiers and provides the best opportunity of securing an early start on site.

An update to the Council states that: "The site has been marketed to occupiers and pre-let agreements secured with The Arc Cinema and Travelodge. Heads of terms have been agreed with two restaurants and solicitors are instructed to complete pre-let agreements with those parties.

"The two restaurant deals with solicitors are progressing satisfactorily with the principal terms having been agreed. Muse is continuing to market the remaining units which are attracting interest, giving rise to an expectation that further occupiers will commit to the scheme prior to opening."

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At the time of securing the approval of the planning board in 2020, developers anticipated that construction would begin in autumn 2021.

It looks likely that a start date will now be in October 2022.

So far the Council has completed the first phase of enabling works to allow the scheme to proceed, including demolitions to provide a clear development site, the construction of a fish pass and the construction of flood mitigation measures. The Council has further enabling works to complete prior to transferring the site to Muse ready for construction to start. Flood alleviation work is also underway, as is further work around the public realm and the creation of Riverside Gardens nearby.

Muse is currently working on detailed design in preparation for awarding a construction contract.

The council update adds: "In response to current market volatility and to limit risk pricing by contractors, Muse is working to appoint a contractor to engage during the design process and reach a negotiated price. It is considered that this approach is likely to produce the best possible price and greatest level of certainty around cost but would not prevent a further tender exercise being undertaken should an acceptable negotiated price not be achieved."

Legal discussions are also ongoing regarding leases and funding.

In 2019, a 250 year lease with Muse was proposed. The agreement included an option for the developer to ask the Council to take an over-riding lease of the scheme. Reducing some of the risks for the developer, this would involve the authority subletting and collecting rents from operators, which would generate an income stream to fund the head lease costs.

On advisement from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), who have indicated that the existing terms "continue to represent an institutional offer," variations are being proposed to a head lease "to enhance the investment value of the scheme."

One is to include an obligation that the Council inherits the site at the end of the lease term. The update explains that: "this reflects the operating approach of the investors likely to be attracted to the scheme, which are specialist annuity funds who prefer an income stream for a fixed number of years without the residual asset to manage at the end of the annuity period."

Another variation is to prepare the terms to move away from being linked to the Retail Prices Index (RPI) which is expected to be effectively phased out by the Bank of England.

Varying the length of the head lease (existing proposals are for the Council to take a 35-year head lease) could also "maximise the investment value" and the Council may have an option to adjust the head lease rent upwards if the lettings income increases sufficiently or, alternatively, to reduce the head lease rent by providing capital into the scheme.

On timescales the update says: "It is anticipated that Muse and the Council will agree heads of terms as described above with a funder during May 2022. Construction will start in October 2022 allowing practical completion and handover to tenants for fitting out by January 2024. At this point the Council’s head lease will commence.

"The exact details of the final head lease will be subject to commercial negotiation but agreement on the head lease is today realistically within reach. Muse has made sufficient progress such that the scheme is on the threshold of final design, is in progress to be fully costed and can be marketed to obtain full funding from institutions and therefore, subject to delegated approvals be built and let."

Forge Island website

Images: RMBC / Muse

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News: Travelodge to open 69-room hotel in Rotherham town centre

Major hotel brand, Travelodge, has exchanged a long-term deal with the UK’s leading town and city-centre regenerator, Muse Developments and Rotherham Council, to become the latest anchor occupier at Rotherham’s Forge Island.

The deal will see a new 69-room hotel delivered in the heart of Rotherham town centre, as part of the area’s wider repurposing and transformation into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

Travelodge becomes the second major signing at Forge Island, following the news earlier in the year that boutique cinema operator, The Arc, had agreed to open its seventh site at the scheme. Plans being brought forward by Muse and the council include a number of food and drink outlets and a car park.

The development will be set within a stunning public square, complete with a new pedestrian bridge connecting the scheme to the wider town centre, to create a real sense of place and deliver direct benefits to the Rotherham community.

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Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: “Bringing a major occupier in Travelodge to Forge Island further highlights our collective commitment with the council to create a connected, innovative and inclusive scheme that brings people back to the town centre.

“We’re working hard to drive investment and growth to benefit the Rotherham community, along with providing a range of employment opportunities too. Forge Island represents what can be done when the best of the public and private sector come together with a clear vision and we’re looking forward to bringing the scheme forward in due course.”

Tony O'Brien, Travelodge UK development director, added: “We are delighted to be opening our first hotel in Rotherham at Forge Island. This development is our 23rd local council hotel partnership. This type of partnerships is of huge benefit to local communities as it helps regenerate vacant space and supports inward investment. This often leads to further development, new job creation and increased income via business rates for the local council.

“There are no branded budget hotels in the centre of Rotherham and this hotel will help attract new visitors to the area. This is great news for the local economy as research shows, customers will spend on average double their room rate with local businesses during their stay which can equate to an annual multi-million pound boost for the Rotherham economy.

“The Forge Island development is in a great location in the heart of the town centre, near to the railway station, the shopping centre and the AESSEAL New York stadium, home of Rotherham United. With on-site car parking and the benefit of the new cinema and restaurants, this Travelodge is ideally located for leisure and business for business and leisure travellers."

Plans were approved in 2020 for the Forge Island scheme on the site of the former Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills.

The approved plans are for a four storey hotel at the north of the site, designed with a metal top and brick base in grey giving it a separate identity to the cinema. The top element is also clad in metal and the hotel building includes a foyer which connects through to a 40 cover café/bar area plus a separate 2,500 sq ft restaurant unit.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “It’s great news that Travelodge has signed up to be part of the Forge Island development and joined The Arc Cinema in helping to create a fantastic asset for people across the borough to make use of.

“We’re determined to create a long-term vision for the town centre and can’t wait to see people using the hotel, cinema and cafes and restaurants that will be on site in the future.

“Travelodge will be an asset to Rotherham, and I’m pleased that they have selected our town to expand their already well know and recognised brand across the country.”

Travelodge operates 582 hotels across the UK and Forge Island will be the only one in the borough.

Following the deal with Travelodge, it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2022.

Travelodge website
Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC / FaulknerBrowns

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News: Travelodge targets Rotherham

Travelodge, the UK's leading budget hotel company, is targeting Rotherham for a new development but is asking for financial support from the local council to help make it happen.

The company is looking to bounce back from a difficult financial year which included financial restructuring and a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to reduce rent at certain sites. It has a requirement to open 3,000 bedrooms each year with a total requirement for a further 40,000 bedrooms by 2025. In January, it announced a £223m investment programme to help further grow its business in 2013.

Rotherham is on Travelodge's list of UK target locations and this week its property team wrote to 124 Local Authorities highlighting how councils can be creative in securing funds to finance regeneration schemes which included the construction of a Travelodge hotel on land or assets owned by themselves.

It highlights the 81-room Aylesbury hotel (pictured) that has been funded by Aylesbury Vale District Council as part of a £18m regeneration project which includes a Waitrose supermarket, a 270-space multi storey car park and the Travelodge hotel.

The development was supported with prudential borrowing from the local council who borrowed funds from the Public Works Loan Board, a division of HM Treasury at a fixed low rate of 4.5% to fund this project.

The same mechanism was used by Rotherham Council to support the construction of the £20m New York Stadium on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

A town centre hotel remains a key regeneration desire and is included as part of the council's local plan for transforming Rotherham town centre by providing opportunities for tourism and leisure facilities. Feasibility work is being carried out on a potential 100-bed riverside hotel surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops, to replace the former Guest & Chrimes foundry adjacent to the stadium.

Last year, planners recommended that plans for a 80-bed Premier Inn hotel and restaurant at Templeborough be refused, and consider two sites - adjacent to New York Stadium and the former Liquid nightclub - to be preferable sites for a hotel in planning terms.

Paul Harvey, managing director for property at Travelodge, said: "We are the first UK budget hotel brand to work with local councils on co-partnership developments. The deals we have done so far have provided a great investment opportunity for both parties and as a result of this innovative calibration, we have today written to 124 other local authorities across England & Wales to see if we can work with them on a similar scheme."

Travelodge added that is also in advanced negotiations with five other local authorities across the UK for developments utilising land and assets owned by the councils.

Travelodge website

Images: Travelodge

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