News: Council refines Rotherham shop front grant scheme

Priority areas across the borough have been the target in the latest round of shop front grants from Rotherham Council.

46 businesses successfully secured funding to make improvements to the premises through the initial scheme.

£270,000 was utilised from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and a decision was made in December 2025 to allocate a further £117,643 to the project from the same pot to meet demand.

The scheme has been given a further funding boost. Rothbiz reported in May that £666,655 (£110,000 revenue and £556,655 capital) had been set aside for Shop Unit Grants from the council's Local Growth Fund allocation.

The latest round of funding has two aspects to enhance the exterior of business premises in eligible High Street locations - one for existing businesses and one to help bring empty units back into use.

Existing businesses have been applying for up to £10,000 for their projects, with them funding anything above this level. This can be for things like exterior re-painting, new windows, doors and shop frontage, improved access and new signage.

A council report explained that "some funding is available to bring empty units back into use, with funding available to support projects up to £20,000. The first £10,000 of the project is 100% funded. Anything up to £20,000 after that is 50% match funded, meaning there is a maximum grant of £15,000 available.

"The Scheme will seek to revitalise local high streets across the borough, through bringing empty units back into use and improving the exteriors of existing buildings. Funding to the internal fabric of building can also be supported in certain cases."

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Priority sites are: Rotherham town centre; Parkgate / Rawmarsh (From the bottom of Rawmarsh Hill and not the retail parks); Dinnington; Maltby; Swinton; Thurcroft; Wath; and Dalton.

Rotherham Council said that applications outside of these areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis but priority will be given the areas.

Empty Shops will have priority, then external works, then internal works to the fabric of the building.

Businesses within eligible locations were previously able to apply for up to £25,000 in grant funding to improve the exterior location of their properties.

A council report on the first year of the scheme states: "Over the course of the scheme, 46 businesses successfully secured funding to make improvements to the premises. Improvements included complete paint refresh of exterior of premises, new windows and shop frontages, improved accessibility for premises, new signage, new lighting to improve visibility, especially at night, new awning, new doors, new carpets internally and some internal refreshment.

"All works were carried out by legitimate local suppliers, who worked with the clients to supply quotes, carry out the work and then invoice for payment to be made.

"Feedback from clients that have undertaken the process has been positive with many stating that the projects would not have been undertaken without the grant funding.

"Not only has the exterior work made the premises look better, new doors, windows and shop frontages have helped to make premises warmer and more economical. Businesses that have carried out internal remodelling have reported that it has made them more attractive to customers."

Prestige Printers in Swinton received a grant in the first wave. They said: “We now look like a modern up to date business, a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing place to enter. We believe our customers both new and old will be with us long into the future. An updated business on the High Street, whereas before we had an outdated, uninviting frontage which gave the impression of us not caring about the business or our customers which was simply not true. We are now ready for the modern age and are very pleased with the finished result."

In addition to the grants, Rotherham Council is recruiting three new High Street Business Advisers, who will work directly with traders in Rotherham town centre and the borough’s principal town centres.

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News: Demolition marks end of a chapter in Rotherham regen scheme

Demolition work is well underway to make way for a brand-new community hub in the heart of a Rotherham town.

Planning permission was granted for a new library at Wath in 2024 as part of a scheme that is backed by government funding.

A new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a £9.9m community and commercial development being delivered by Rotherham Council. Last year a Stage 1 Pre-construction contract was awarded to Tilbury Douglas following a competitive tendering exercise.

The new Wath Library project is set to include a state-of-the-art library building, improved public realm, redesign of the site to enhance connectivity and visibility of town centre offer, and address perceptions of security, provision of a new commercial unit in prime location on the market square to attract new businesses, improvements to facilities for learning, working, and making, and improvements to the car park.

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Demolition work began in February and as it takes place, stage 4 design work is being carried out.

Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: “It’s great to see real progress on site. This project will create a modern, welcoming space for the community and play a key role in Wath’s future.”

In May, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved a further £2.04m for the project which secured £9.9m from the government's Levelling Up funds.

A council report set out that detailed contractor pricing and refinement of the scheme following appointment had "identified cost pressures that cannot be accommodated within existing contingencies."

Cost increases were due to an increase in demolition costs of around £800k, largely due to the presence of previously unidentified and significant levels of asbestos.

An increase in construction costs and inflationary increases due to delays in tendering, contractual negotiations, design and cost assessments and additional design fees all added to the rising costs.

An option to stick with the original £9.9m budget was discounted as providing a smaller building footprint and changing to the external design would require a full redesign and new Planning approval, causing significant delays to the project.

The report adds: "The scheme for Wath Library was developed with the aim of transforming this prominent site in one of the Borough’s principal settlements, with high quality place making in order to restore the cultural heart of the town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride within the community.

"The scheme includes demolition of the existing library and the creation of a brand-new library to deliver a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. The redevelopment is designed to enhance the visitor experience between Biscay Way and the High Street to encourage visitors into the town centre."

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News: Where next in Rotherham for McDonald's?

Early stage plans are being prepared for a new development on the edge of a town in Rotherham, featuring a new petrol station, McDonald's restaurant and a drive thru coffee shop.

The most recent McDonald's in Rotherham opened in Dinnington last year, creating 70 full time equivalent jobs.

Now a planning enquiry has been made to Rotherham Council regarding an unused piece of land close to Wath town centre.

Feasability plans from Valli Forecourts show a mixed-use development comprising a Petrol Filling Station (PFS), a drive-thru coffee shop and a drive-thru restaurant on land adjacent to the A633 Station Road near Wath roundabout.

On the opposite side of the road to the recreation ground, and backing on to the Cross Keys pub, the brownfield site is currently occupied by a Cadent gas works and undeveloped land, bounded to the north by commercial uses and undeveloped land to the east and south.

The plans, seen by Rothbiz, are for the construction of a twelve filling bay PFS, ancillary retail kiosk and associated parking provision, including six-bay Electric Vehicle (EV) charging hub, as well as jet washing bays and rollover car wash.

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The proposals would also see the provision of a 3,300 sq ft drive-thru restaurant to the east of the site (identified on plans as a McDonald's), and a 2,150 sq ft drive-thru coffee shop to the south of the site (an operator is not shown on the plans). Separate dedicated parking provisions would be included within each plot.

The proposals would see a new access constructed into the site off Station Road, to the northwest of the site, including a new pedestrian refuge island.

The land is part of a much larger area designated as Industrial & Business Use in the borough's local plan.

Rotherham Council planners recommended that the planning board reject the Dinnington proposals stating that: "by virtue of its range and quality of employment opportunities, it has little positive contribution to the borough and would not meet the criteria [for industrial use]."

Planning permission was approved when the planning board at Rotherham Council went against the recommendation of officers.

Valli Forecourts website

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News: Council confirms support for Rotherham's high street businesses

A new team of advisers will be deployed on Rotherham’s high streets in a bid to give local businesses more hands on support and help town centres thrive.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to approve the recruitment of three new High Street Business Advisers, who will work directly with traders in Rotherham town centre and the borough’s principal town centres – Wath, Swinton, Dinnington and Maltby.

As reported by Rothbiz, the investment was agreed as part of the council budget in March and forms part of a wider push to strengthen Rotherham’s high streets. A £304,000 figure was included in the council's budget for Supporting the High Street.

Each of the five locations will also benefit from a £25,000 activity fund, designed to back local promotions, events and campaigns to bring more people through the doors of independent shops and services.

Under the plans, the advisers will act as a familiar face for traders, working with them on a range of issues from street safety and cleanliness to promotion, footfall and access to grants.

Rather than focusing on a single issue, the advisers will have oversight of what is happening in each area, coordinating activity around events, crime prevention and wider business support.

The advisers will also play a key role in delivering the popular Shopfront Grants scheme, which has secured a further year of funding for 2026/27 through the Local Growth Fund, worth around £600,000. The oversubscribed scheme has already helped businesses improve the appearance of their premises.

In addition, the team will work with ward councillors, residents and traders to decide how the £25,000 activity budgets in each area are spent, ensuring local priorities shape the projects on the ground. This could include marketing campaigns, seasonal events or joint promotions aimed at increasing footfall.

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A council paper explains that various indicators will be used to measure the impact and success of the activities, and will include the number of businesses supported, the amount of vacant building floorspace brought back into use, and the take up of business support and grants by Rotherham businesses.



Recruitment to the new adviser posts is expected to begin shortly, with the team due to be in place to start work with traders later this year.

Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “Our high streets are the heart of our communities, and this new team of High Street Business Advisers is about giving traders the direct, practical support they’ve told us they need.

“The advisers will be a visible, familiar presence, helping businesses tackle everyday issues, make the most of funding opportunities and work together to attract more people into our town and township centres. Alongside the £25,000 activity fund in each location, this investment will help strengthen Rotherham’s high streets, part of our wider commitment to ensuring our places are thriving, safe and clean.”

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News: Rotherham Council hails "visible difference" made by Street Safe team

Over 1,620 hours of high-profile patrols in Rotherham town centre are part of Rotherham Council's investment aimed at reducing both actual, and perceived crime and Anti-social Behaviour (ASB), and increasing feelings of safety.

Recruited thanks to a £570,000 investment in last year’s budget - the Street Safe Team has been patrolling Rotherham’s town centres daily, providing reassurance to residents, tackling antisocial behaviour, and supporting partner organisations.

The team aims to improve feelings of safety and security in the town centres of Rotherham, Wath, Swinton, Dinnington and Maltby. The team provide a visible, uniformed Council presence, with a particular focus on hot spot areas.

The team has provided dedicated resources utilising their ability to deploy various powers to bolster enforcement and alongside existing uniformed presence, provide a welcoming and reassuring presence in the town centres. By being a highly visible presence, the team has acted as the "eyes and ears" of the Council and are identifying and reporting issues where they are unable to intervene directly.

With Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in place, the council say that the Street Safe Team has increased its capacity for both preventative and responsive interventions such as building and coordinating local intelligence, dealing with street drinking, anti-social behaviour, as well as enforcement for issues such as littering and wider environmental issues (commercial waste etc). The team will be undertaking parking enforcement once training is complete.

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A report to the council's cabinet sets out that, since going live in November 2025, the team has delivered:

· 1,620 hours of high-profile patrols in Rotherham town centre · 112 hours of patrols across other town centres · 12 Community Protection Warnings · 9 Fixed Penalty Notices relating to PSPO breaches · 17 environmental waste cases raised · 17 intelligence reports, leading directly to arrests in four cases

The team has also provided vital support to vulnerable people, with six referrals for vulnerable adults and four emergency first-aid interventions, including one that uncovered a domestic violence incident.

The authority has also invested in created a Roadside Cleansing team, working with other teams to form a coordinated effort to improve the look, feel and safety of Rotherham’s public spaces.

Cllr. Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces, said: “Residents have told us that clean streets and safe neighbourhoods are their top priorities, and these teams are delivering exactly that. You can already see and feel the difference their work is making across our communities.

Cllr. Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Safety, added: “This isn’t something the Council is doing alone – it’s all of us together looking after our neighbourhoods, reporting issues, supporting one another and taking pride in where we live.

“With continued investment and the dedication of these new teams, we’re building on this positive progress and creating the cleaner, safer Rotherham that residents expect and deserve.”

A refreshed communications and perception-management plan has been developed focusing on "rebalancing the narrative" around town centre safety, promoting positive developments and encouraging public reporting and the use of support services.

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News: Demolition work set to begin at £9.9m Rotherham regen scheme

The redevelopment of Wath town centre is set to reach a major milestone, with demolition of the existing library building due to begin in the coming weeks.

Planning permission was granted for a new library at Wath in 2024 as part of a scheme that is backed by government funding.

A new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a £9.9m community and commercial development being delivered by the council. Last year a Stage 1 Pre-construction contract was awarded to Tilbury Douglas following a competitive tendering exercise.

To safely prepare for the demolition, part of the Biscay Way car park, located behind the existing library, will be temporarily closed from Monday 9 February to Friday 24 July 2026.

The closure is required to accommodate a works compound, as asbestos identified within the building must be removed safely using controlled procedures and specialist equipment.

To help reduce the impact of the temporary car park closure, on-street parking restrictions in Wath town centre have been extended from one hour to four hours along Sandygate, and on the south side of High Street, providing additional longer stay parking during the works.

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To support blue badge users, three new disabled parking bays will be created to replace the existing spaces that will be temporarily closed during the demolition works, ensuring continued accessible provision in the Biscay Way Car Park.

The demolition is expected to be completed in July 2026, at which time the hoardings will be pulled back to fully reopen the car park.

Cllr Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces, said: “This work marks an important step forward in delivering the new library that Wath has been waiting for. It’s an investment in Wath’s future and part of our wider commitment to create thriving, safe and clean places across our borough.

“To make sure the demolition can be carried out safely, part of the Biscay Way car park will need to close temporarily. We know this may cause some shortterm inconvenience, and I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this important work takes place.

“Supporting the whole borough is a key priority for the Council, and this project is a positive step towards creating facilities the whole community can be proud of.”

The temporary library service remains open at 4 Sandygate, providing the full range of library services, including meeting spaces, public computers, WiFi, children’s activities and Makerspace sessions.

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News: Council sets aside £700k to support businesses on Rotherham's high streets

High street businesses across Rotherham are in line for much-needed support with local and regional business support agencies setting aside resources to target "High Street Heroes."

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has recently launched High Street Heroes, a fully funded programme designed especially for South Yorkshire's independent retailers and high street businesses.

Delivered by Novus Marketing Solutions, the programme is designed to help real businesses build confidence, attract customers, and feel more in control of their online presence. Supporting shop owners, market traders, cafés, restaurants, hospitality venues, and service providers that have a physical presence, it includes practical workshops, 1-to-1 consultations, events and resources.

A spokesperson for the scheme said: "Running a high street business today comes with constant pressure. From managing stock and serving customers to dealing with rising costs and trying to keep up online, it can often feel like there is never enough time to step back and focus on growth.

"High Street Heroes has been created to give independent high street businesses access to support that is clear, friendly, and designed to fit around real working days. Everything is explained in plain English, with a focus on ideas that can be used straight away rather than theory or jargon.

"High streets are at the heart of local communities. When independent businesses feel supported and confident, it benefits not just the shops themselves but the towns and people around them.

"High Street Heroes is about backing those businesses with the right kind of support at the right time, helping South Yorkshire’s high streets move forward together."

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Rotherham Council is looking to further support high streets in the town centre, Swinton, Wath, Maltby and Dinnington.

Rothbiz reported last year that the authority's Shop Unit Business Grant Project was oversubscribed but it looks like further funding has been found.

With an initial £270,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a decision was made in December 2025 to allocate a further £117,643 to the project from the same pot to meet demand.

And following the capital investment, a £304,000 figure is included in the council's budget for 2025/26 to introduce three new Business Support Officers to engage with businesses in the town centre areas, helping them to flourish.

A council report states: "The purpose of the proposed £304,000 investment is to introduce 3 new Business Support Officers to engage with businesses in these areas to ensure that resources are focused on tackling the issues that matter most and so that successes can be effectively communicated.

"As well as providing a visible presence, and becoming known, in the various locations they will provide initial business advice, help to co-ordinate local promotions, signpost to other services (e.g. grant opportunities) and co-ordinate with other Council departments. They will also have access to a small budget in each of the five locations to support local activities e.g. promotional campaigns or local events."

The aim is to allow for greater engagement with ward members, businesses and residents with the officers working across the five main town centre locations, but also be available to provide support to business in other high street locations across the borough.

Further investment for certain high streets is also on its way through the Pride in Place long term funding allocated by the government - £20m over the next ten years for building Pride in Place in the Rotherham Central area and £20m over the next ten years for building Pride in Place in Maltby East.

High Street Heroes website
On the High Streets website
RiDO website

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News: Street Safe team aims to make Rotherham feel safe and welcoming

A dedicated team designed to make Rotherham’s high streets safer and more welcoming have hit the ground in the town centre, with the first new recruits now in post.

Rothbiz reported in January on key investment in the budget for 2025/26 - £570,000 to launch a new "Street Safe Team" focused on increasing safety in town and village centres.

The new team will provide extra eyes and ears on the ground, tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting residents, businesses and visitors.

Their role includes engaging with the public, reporting issues quickly and working closely with South Yorkshire Police and other partners to keep Rotherham safe.

The uniformed team, which will be made up of a full complement of 10 staff in the new year, will focus on hotspot areas in the town centre before being rolled out in Dinnington, Wath, Maltby and Swinton in the next few weeks. They’ll have powers to enforce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle anti-social issues such as street drinking and substance misuse, as well as nuisance parking.

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Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “We’re acting on what our communities have told us - that feeling safe and visible support matters - as part of the changes we’re making to support our local high streets.

“We want Rotherham to feel safe and welcoming for everyone. Our new team are there to lend a hand, point people in the right direction and to take action against the minority who can put other people off. They’ve already supported the police with an arrest in the town centre, and they’re providing valuable evidence and feedback.

“But this initiative isn’t just about enforcement. It’s about restoring pride and trust in our public spaces - giving residents and visitors a familiar presence that’s welcoming, approachable and ready to help. So when you see them, do say hello!”

Paul Murphy, Community Protection Manager and lead of the new team, said: “We’re pleased that we're on the ground and already making a difference. The Street Safe team is all about giving people confidence that our high streets are safe, welcoming places to visit and enjoy. The team is approachable, proactive and ready to tackle issues head-on, while working closely with partners to keep things moving in the right direction.

"Having the team in place is a big step forward for Rotherham, and we’re excited about the positive impact the team will have for residents, businesses and visitors. We're looking forward to meeting everyone over the coming weeks."

Rotherham Council is currently running a consultation on local safety matters in Rotherham town centre.

Earlier consultations had respondents ranking feeling safe low for the town centre with the report adding: "Safety is one of the biggest concerns. Crime, antisocial behaviour, and intimidation make people feel unsafe, especially at night. CCTV and lighting are valued but seen as not enough."

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News: Rotherham high streets grants scheme oversubscribed

Demand has been "incredible" for Rotherham Council's grants scheme that aims to help breathe new life into the borough's high streets.

The council is looking at extending the scheme if money can be found.

Rothbiz reported in August on the launch of the opportunity for local businesses to benefit from a makeover thanks to a £270,000 investment from the authority.

The Shop Unit Business Grant Project is funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

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

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

Applications closed in October, with all projects set to be completed by the end of December 2025. Grants have been awarded on a first come, first served basis until the full allocation is spent.

Providing an update to the council, Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "This was a £270,000 scheme to help support our small businesses, shops and our local high streets across the borough. And I'm pleased to say that the scheme has been oversubscribed actually - the level of demand has been incredible to be fair, and I think that it has shown that there is a need and a demand for this sort of intervention and support for our small business community.

"We are actively looking now to find additional funding that will be able to support as many of the applications as possible that we have received and I am hopeful that we are going to be able to progress that over the next few weeks.

"I have given the steer to the service that the majority of the money can't just go into the town centre solely, there does need to be a fair spread across all eligible areas. It was designed from the outset to support high streets across the borough."

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News: Rotherham delivery firm downed by dispute

Rotherham-based logistics specialist Humber Services Ltd, went into administration following a dispute with a major client.

The firm, based at Wath, was established in 2018 and operated a "white glove" delivery service for furniture retailers.

Experts from business advisory firm Quantuma were appointed as administrators of Humber Services Ltd on August 1 2025.

Quantuma explained that the company was experiencing cashflow difficulties as a result of a client dispute and was coming under creditor pressure.

An update from the administrators said: "Although haulage and storage were the Company's primary operations, it later began supplying complete bed components on behalf of one client. Customer orders for beds were placed through the client and fulfilled by the Company.

"However, a dispute arose as a result of customer complaints, resulting in significant issues and customer dissatisfaction. Many customers refused to pay the client, and the Company decided to cease providing this service for this client. As a result, the client issued asubstantial counterclaim against the Company, estimated at c.£1m."

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In June, the company ceased to trade and the business was transferred to connected company, HS Home Deliveries Ltd. In July a creditor presented a winding up petition against the company.

Paragon Business Finance Plc was the major creditor as Humber Services' ledger was subject to an invoice factoring agreement. The value of the Company's debtor ledger was £529,338 but administrators said that the majority of the ledger is aged and/or disputed and therefore the estimated to realise value is £76,771.

Unsecured creditors are estimated to be £1.2m.

Quantuma added: "Humber Services experienced cashflow difficulties following a dispute with a major customer, which resulted in a breakdown of the relationship, non-payment for services rendered and the receipt of significant counterclaims for non-performance.

"Following creditor action, the company was at risk of liquidation and the secured creditor appointed Quantuma to gain control of the situation on a more urgent basis than liquidation would have allowed."

Quantuma managing director and Joint Administrator Andrew Watling said: “It is extremely regrettable that Humber Services was forced to cease trading, due to a series of challenging circumstances. This was a sad ending for an established Company. As Joint Administrators, our immediate priorities have been to seek to obtain maximum value for the Company’s creditors.”

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News: O&P Construction delivers YOR4Good site initiative

Local contractor O&P Construction has supported a Rotherham community group as part of their social value commitment.

O&P created an accessible allotment space on behalf of Reach Day Services, which offers daytime support and activities for adults with learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs.

O&P partnered with Reach Day Services, Rotherham Road Allotment Society and Maltby Town Council on the YOR4Good initiative, which included installing a self-composting toilet and handwashing facility with solar lighting; a portacabin to be used as a social area and workshop; a new water connection and grey water recycling and a generator for power and lighting – all of which created a more accessible site and will allow Reach Day Services to offer activities that were previously not possible to provide.

YOR4Good is a community fund developed to support economic regeneration in the area covered by YORhub’s frameworks. It is funded by cash and/or benefit in kind donations from the contractors of our YORcivil and YORbuild frameworks, when they are delivering construction projects through YORhub.

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Bob Mitchell, Construction Director, O&P Construction Services Ltd said, "We are proud to have supported this local community project via the YOR4Good Fund to make a real difference in the community in which we are working. The provision of these facilities will ensure that the Rotherham Road Allotments become a community venue that can welcome more people with different characteristics and offer activities and opportunities that were previously impossible to provide."

Philip Henderson, YOR4Good Panel Chair and YORbuild Framework Programme Manager, adde: "We are also proud that YOR4Good was the first social value initiative of its kind in the country, and we are delighted to support the Reach Day Services Allotment Project & Rotherham Road Allotment Society with this fantastic initiative."

In Rotherham, Wath-based O&P Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the Thrybergh Country Park redevelopment project having recently completed the extension at at Waverley academy.

O&P Construction website
YORHUb website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News: Contractor appointed to £10m Rotherham regeneration scheme

A library in Rotherham will temporarily relocate next month as work on a new building forges ahead.

Planning permission was granted for a new library at Wath in October last year as part of a scheme that is backed by government funding.

A new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a £9.9m community and commercial development being delivered by the council.

A delegated decision has now been made by the authority resulting in the recommended award of the Stage 1 Pre-construction contract to Tilbury Douglas following a competitive tendering exercise.

Exeter-headquartered Tilbury Douglas completed the Parkgate link road at the end of 2024.

Drawn up by Rotherham Council architects, the new split level 2/3 storey public library building has been designed to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility.

Also including a cafe with outside seating, it is envisaged that the new banking hub will also move into the new building.

Public spaces around the library will also be improved as part of the scheme.

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As part of ongoing work, the existing library service will close its doors on Saturday, May 3, and relocate temporarily to 4 Sandygate, which was previously the Adrian Allen Training Academy.

The temporary location – which will open on Monday June 2 - will still offer a full provision, including meeting spaces, public PCs, fiction and non-fiction sections, a children’s area, free Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi printing, and a variety of activities and events, including Makerspace sessions.

Demolition of the existing library building will begin this autumn, with the new library set to open in spring 2027. It was due to be completed in Summer 2026.

The new library will be a modern and vibrant space, creating an environment for the community to come together. Public spaces around the library will also be improved as part of the scheme, while the redevelopment will also include commercial space to support a vibrant mix of small businesses.

Work on a new building in Rotherham town centre is progressing alongside the market development. Lead contractor, Henry Boot, began erecting steelwork on the new £36m scheme this month.

Cllr Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy said: “We’re looking forward to bringing this wonderful new community building and library to Wath.

“Libraries are so important for our communities so it’s great to see plans for the new building ramping up a gear. Not only will the new library in Wath be pleasing on the eye, but it will also provide people with somewhere to enjoy events and all the cultural benefits that come with a comfortable, well-equipped, modern library. The wider development will also give a welcome boost to the local economy.”

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News: Planning permission granted for Wath regeneration scheme

Planning permission has been granted for a new library at Wath, bringing the completion of the new community facility a step closer.

Rothbiz reported in July that Rotherham Council had submitted a planning application for the scheme that is backed by government funding.

A new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a multi-million-pound community and commercial development being delivered by the council.

Cllr Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy said: “We’re looking forward to bringing this wonderful new community building and library to Wath.

“Not only will it be pleasing on the eye, it will provide people with somewhere to enjoy events and all the cultural benefits that come with a comfortable, well-equipped modern library.”

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Drawn up by Rotherham Council arhitects, the new split level 2/3 storey public library building has been designed to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility.

Also including a cafe with outside seating, it is envisaged that the new banking hub will also move into the new building.

Public spaces around the library will also be improved as part of the scheme.

Approving the scheme without going before the council's planning board, officers explained: "The proposed new library will be a substantial gain and should benefit the public by being more accessible with a refreshed modern offer. This allows for current demands for a more compelling modern library offer, to a wider range of residents and visitors to be provided.

"The space will provide a family friendly integrated café, flexible events and meeting space to encourage community and business use. As part of the new markets and library development there will be a range of third sector support services e.g. the banking hub co-located which will create a true community hub. This will provide services in a more accessible and seamless manner for residents."

A planning report concludes that the "public realm improvements and the new Library facility itself will raise the profile and improve the physical environment of Wath-upon-Dearne Town Centre, which in turn will enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre and provide the community with efficient and modern facilities that are accessible to all."

The £9.9m scheme which has been funded by UK Government and Rotherham Council, is due to be completed in Summer 2026.

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News: New Rotherham housing development set for approval

A scaled back proposal from a national housebuilder for a new housing development in Rotherham is being recommended for approval.

Rothbiz reported in 2021 that Barratt Homes was looking at building new homes on land at Far Field Lane, off Doncaster Road and close to Wath Victoria Primary School.

Around 24 acres in size, the current agricultural land near Whincover Farm was allocated for housing development in the Council’s 2019 adopted Local Plan, meaning the principle of residential development here is acceptable.

Barratt believes that the development of the site will provide much needed new housing for people in a convenient and sustainable location, whilst contributing to the current and future housing needs in the area.

Consultants had argued that applying affordable housing for the development would make it "wholly unviable" but Rotherham Council has attached a number of conditions to any approval, including 25% on site affordable housing provision.

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The application was originally seeking permission for 296 dwellings, this has been revised and the current proposals are for 269 dwellings - a mix of 2,3 and 4-bed houses. The sole access to the site will be from a new simple priority ‘T’ junction onto Doncaster Road.

A drainage basin in the adjacent allocated Green Belt is also in the plans and this has been judged to not constitute inappropriate development.

The conditions also include £518,705 in education provision, £134,500 towards sustainable transport measures, £65,000 towards the upgrade of existing offsite play facilities and £256,000 towards the provision of four consulting rooms at NHS facilities within close proximity of the site.

A planner's report recommending that the Council's planning board approves the plans, concludes: "There have been objections from local residents regarding the impact on highways and highway safety as a result of this development. Whilst these concerns are noted the Council’s Transportation Infrastructure Service have confirmed that the scheme has been appropriately designed and there are measures in place to ensure that the impact is minimal. Therefore, a refusal on highway grounds would not be justified in this instance.

"The scheme put forward will provide much needed new housing on an allocated housing site close to local facilities and in a sustainable location that would not result in significant impact on the local highway network, air quality or the environment. In fact, it is considered that the scheme put forward with the landscaping, EV charging points and public open space will help in providing an enhancement in terms of biodiversity and sustainable transport methods."

The planning board is set to meet on July 18 to discuss the application.

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News: Plans submitted for Wath regeneration scheme

A new chapter for Wath town centre has been outlined in a planning application for a £8.9m regeneration project.

In last year's Budget, the government announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration for Wath and Dinnington. It came after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

£8.9m of government funding is set to focus on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of Wath town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community.

Plans show that this will be done through the demolition of the existing 1970s library and a brand new library built in its place.

The library fronts onto Montgomery Square which acts as the Town’s market place. It sits between the town and the large Tesco store on Biscay Way.

Drawn up by Rotherham Council arhitects, the new split level 2/3 storey public library building has been designed to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. A library as a space for people has been designed with places for people to meet, and to learn, and as a community resource.

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The ground floor consists of an open plan main library incorporating two double height entrances, library reception area, sensory corner, a new coffee kiosk, an exhibition area and a flexible IT suite. The ground floor also includes a separate area for a commercial unit as an addition to the local high street offering.

The first-floor accommodates a large, double height Exhibition / Meeting / Conference Space, a private meeting room, two balcony reading areas, and a dedicated "Makerspace Workshop."

Externally, the design incorporates stonework, glass curtain walling and flashes of colourful sharp and industrial looking corten panels which architects say provides "a balance of modern aesthetic and civic presence with the link to the areas past and historical roots."

The design incorporates large entrances and landscaping as the plans addd that: "A key feature of the proposal is to make the building more open and inviting, something the current library is very much lacking."

The public surface car park that offers free parking for 96 cars is set to remain.

Rothbiz reported last month that Rotherham Council has been carrying out a pre-tender exercise to engage with the construction industry to establish the level of interest in the redevelopment projects, which are due to be completed in 2026.

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News: Council tests market over Rotherham regen projects

Rotherham Council is going out to the market to see if the private sector is interested in helping to deliver £20m of regeneration projects in the borough.

In last year's Budget, the government announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration for Wath and Dinnington. It came after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

Following a period of consultation, and as acquisition discussions continue with landowners, the authority is now carrying out a pre-tender exercise to engage with the construction industry to establish the level of interest in the redevelopment of the town centres.

Tender documents state: "The engagement explores local market conditions and aims to gauge the opinions on procurement routes and deliverables require to deliver within tight timescales in line with the funding availability."

With funding through the Department of Levelling Up, the £11m for Dinnington aims to tackle the declining physical infrastructure blighting the town centre with funding set to facilitate strategic site assembly and the demolition of burnt out and problematic buildings to pave the way for redevelopment.

The documents confirm: "Selective demolition and refurbishment of the shopping parade will open up a direct route from the bus station and car parks and create a clearer and safer gateway to the High Street. The development of modern flexible commercial space set around a new town square will signal much needed investment in the town, helping it to adapt and to sustain the future retail and service industry.

"The development will be complemented with high-quality public realm that also serves to increase natural surveillance and tackle anti-social behaviour hotspots. The scheme will also support a more attractive, modern, and safe market space.



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"The proposal is to demolish the burnt-out building, the indoor market, the outdoor market, the colliery band building, and half of the shopping parade (36 - 44 Laughton Road).

"These structures will be replaced with six new commercial units, a pop-up market, a new commercial / community building to be used for public rental, and a fully landscaped area of public realm to create a new market square and clear routes between Laughton Road, the bus station, and well-used car parks.

"The remaining half of the shopping parade will be refurbished to complement the rest of the regeneration project."

In Wath, £8.9m of government funding is set to focus on high quality place making to restore the cultural heart of the town centre, increase footfall, boost the local economy, and restore a sense of pride amongst the community.

The documents confirm: "Although well used and well loved by the community, the current library building is underperforming and difficult to operate. The current library has few windows and provides very little overlooking of external spaces. Some areas around the building, such as the external staircase, are therefore vulnerable to anti-social behaviour.

"In a wider context, the large structure acts as barrier between Biscay Way and the Town Centre, with the library effectively turning its back on the key road into the locality, the site is therefore considered to be a key opportunity to open up and connect different parts of the town and boost levels of footfall through the use of active frontages.

"The redevelopment will deliver facilities of a modern standard, with sustainable and inclusive design. It will also tackle persistent anti-social behaviour issues through enclosure of the external stair core and passageway running between the library and the adjacent residential and commercial block.

"The proposed scheme, which is currently at stage 3 RIBA design, includes the demolition of the existing library and the creation of a brand-new library in its place to create a modern, inviting, and inclusive community facility. The redevelopment is being designed to enhance user experience between Biscay Way and the High Street to encourage visitors into the town centre. The new building has been designed to respond more positively to the surrounding area, with key frontages on three sides of the building to draw in visitors and create a greater sense of destination."

Both schemes are due to be completed in 2026.

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News: Beer today, gone tomorrow?

A political row is brewing over why proposed new micropubs have not yet been allowed to open in Rotherham, despite strong support from their local communities.

Rothbiz reported last month on plans by the operators of the Roadhouse to take on a former opticians on Laughton Road in Dinnington where an alcohol licence has already been secured.

A decision is yet to be made by Rotherham Council on the change of use application but local ale fans are fearful of plans falling flat. Around 250 representations have already been received, so many that the local planning department have been unable to publish them all online.

The council's environmental health team has already requested that, if plans are approved, then a condition is attached which would mean that the rear yard would not be able to form part of the establishment, as is proposed.

The closest dwelling is located four metres away to the rear of the premises, boundary to boundary, and environmental health officers state that a suggested condition would read: "The proposed use as a drinking establishment shall only take place indoors. No seats or tables shall be placed outdoors."

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A similar story has been encountered in Kiveton, where a planning application has been submitted for a change of use at a vacant cafe that would enable it to be used as a drinking establishment.

Having already secured an alcohol licence, the Kiveton Tap on Wales Road is currently operating as a bottle shop until a decision is made on the plans.

Again, the council's environmental health team has raised concerns over the "potential for nuisance to neighbouring residential premises from the proposed use as a result of noise from raised voices from patrons, background music and fixed plant" and are recommending that conditions be attached to any approval regarding a scheme for sound insulation.

Again the use would be restricted to indoor only given that "noise from vocals is extremely difficult to control especially in drinking establishments where alcohol is served until late evening."

Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, said: "Dinnington and Kiveton Park, like so many of the towns and villages of Rother Valley, need high quality hospitality and retails [sic] venues to want to invest. The decision made – with complete lack of transparency, scrutiny and democratic accountability – is unacceptable."

In the north of the borough, Beer Haus has recently opened in Wath town centre. Taking over the former Pastures Moo premises, the cafe bar stocks a wide range including imported German lagers, Yorkshire craft beers and exotic international flavours.

The family establishment, which opened in February, also benefits from an ever changing food offer thanks to a number of street food stalls pitching up in the adjacent yard, including Mac In A Box, St Marcino Pizzeria and J's Fried Chicken.

Roadhouse website
Kiveton Tap website
Beer Haus website

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News: New images released for Rotherham regeneration schemes

New details have been released regarding the regeneration of two town centres in the Rotherham borough.

In last year's Budget, the government announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration for Wath and Dinnington. It came after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

The £11m scheme at Dinnington aims to address blight in the town centre and boost the local economy. The funding will facilitate clearance of the burnt out and derelict buildings on the hight street and pave the way for a new attractive town square, with purpose built commercial units to diversify the local offer.

£11,049,547 has been allocated to deliver significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The project has been developed in more detail since the autumn 2023 consultation, and plans will be submitted for determination in the coming months (sketch, top). A face-to-face engagement event is being held outside the Indoor Market building on Laughton Road on Friday March 22 at 9am to 12 midday.

Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott: “These planned changes are great news for Dinnington and we want as many people as possible to come along and see where the improvements will be made.”

Rothbiz reported last month that allthough negotiations with some of the landowners were moving forward, other negotiations had stalled with some landowners unable to reach agreement based on the independent valuations.

Physical works are expected to commence autumn 2024 with an aim for the project to be completed by spring 2026.

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In Wath the £8.9m scheme will include the demolition of the existing library, to make way for the creation of a brand-new library, providing a modern and inclusive community facility.

The public space around the building will be improved and will include new play equipment. Investment in the surrounding public realm aims to draw people into the town centre and provide more things to do. The redevelopment will also include commercial space to support a vibrant mix of businesses in the town centre.

The redevelopment will be designed to improve green spaces between Biscay Way and the High Street and encourage visitors into the town centre.

Following feedback from the consultation in autumn 2023, changes have been made to the proposals (cgi, above). Face-to-face engagement events are being held at Wath Library on Thursday 21 March at 12:30pm to 2:30pm and 5:15pm to 6:45pm.

The scheme is due to be completed in spring 2026.

Cllr Lelliott added: “Wath’s future is looking bright and we want to share our planned improvements with as many people as possible so they can see what’s changing for the better.”

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