News: Plans approved to enable Sheffield fast food favourite to open in Rotherham

Plans have been approved that will enable "Britain's best takeaway" to open in the revamped Westgate Chambers development in Rotherham town centre.

Westgate Chambers is a large private-led regeneration project - a £10m scheme designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects involving the creation of a commercial, retail and residential development that involves renovating the buildings around a courtyard, including a Georgian Grade II listed building.

Rothbiz revealed in November 2023 that Sheffield-based burger restaurant, Munchies, had applied for a change of use application for a unit on Main Street.

With three locations across Sheffield, Munchies garnered national acclaim earlier in 2023 when it won The Best Takeaway In Britain Award at the Just Eat Restaurant Awards.

The brand is famed for its burgers and milkshakes and describes itself as having a "generous menu that satisfies big cravings from a business which is big on personality and bigger on flavour."

The plans for the 1,800 sq ft unit at 4 Main Street show kitchen and preparation areas to the rear and booths and banquette seating at the front.

A design statement submitted with the application hints at a playful interior, neon lights and an "instagram-worthy atmosphere."

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The Council’s Adult Care, Housing & Public Health Department have raised objections to the proposals in terms of clustering of takeaways in the Town Centre and within the Boston Castle Ward.

Planning policies exist in Rotherham to limit the number of takeaways in prime town centre streets. In this case, planning officers conclude that Main Street is not a Primary or Secondary Street Frontage, adding that: "this takeaway business is considered to be appropriately located within an area of the Town Centre which is dominated by the night time economy, which this use is considered to be complimentary to."

Another policy states that new hot food takeaways are not acceptable within 800 metres of a school or tertiary college facility, except in defined town or local centres, which this site is within.

A report from the planners concludes: "Whilst it is recognised that hot food takeaways may provide some healthy eating options, evidence demonstrates the link between fast food takeaways and health concerns for Rotherham's communities.

"In this instance as Rotherham Town Centre is already well served by a number of fast-food takeaways, the additional takeaway will unlikely make a difference. Any college or school children in the area already also have access to range of hot food takeaways."

Conditions include restricting opening hours to 11:00 until 23:30 Sundays to Thursdays, and 11:00 until 02:30 Fridays and Saturdays.

Munchies website

Images: Munchies / Imperial Signs

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News: The Sheffield fast food favourite that wants to open in Rotherham

The revamped Westgate Chambers development in Rotherham town centre could be a new home for "Britain's best takeaway," if newly submitted plans are approved.

Westgate Chambers is a large private-led regeneration project - a £10m scheme designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects involving the creation of a showcase commercial, retail and residential development that involves renovating the buildings that surround a landscaped internal courtyard, including a superb Georgian Grade II listed building, one of the oldest surviving historic structures in Rotherham town centre.

With the New York View apartments joined by the likes of Pot8's snooker club and the new location for rock bar, Snafu, the latest application is for a change of use that would enable an empty unit to be used for a hot food takeaway.

Plans show that it will be for Sheffield-based burger bar, Munchies.

With three locations across Sheffield, Munchies garnered national acclaim earlier this year when it won The Best Takeaway In Britain Award at the Just Eat Restaurant Awards.

The brand is famed for its burgers and milkshakes and describes itself as having a "generous menu that satisfies big cravings from a business which is big on personality and bigger on flavour."

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If approved, the revamped 1,800 sq ft unit at 4 main Street would enable Munchies to expand into Rotherham with plans showing kitchen and preparation areas to the rear and booths and banquette seating at the front.

A design statement submitted with the application hints at a playful interior, neon lights and an "instagram-worthy atmosphere."

The application states that the new takeaway aims to enhance the dining options in the urban area characterized by a mix of pubs, bars, offices, and retail outlets. It adds: "Its introduction as a fast food takeaway/restaurant complements the existing mix of uses, providing a new and desirable food option that caters to the needs of local office workers, residents, and visitors.

"It promises to enhance the local dining landscape, contribute positively to the area's vibrancy, and meet the needs of a diverse range of users."

In 2020, Rotherham Council introduced a planning policy including the restrictions on the location of new hot food takeaways within 800 metres of schools and colleges.

Munchies website

Images: Munchies / Google Maps

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News: Plans lined up for new Rotherham pool hall

Work is underway on a new pool hall in Rotherham - right on cue for a masterplan which focuses on improving the leisure offer in the town centre.

Last year, the former Rileys snooker hall and sports bar sold as part of a Doncaster Gate plot at auction for £260,000.

This meant that the tenants, operating as Pot8's, began racking their brains for a new venue nearby. A good break saw a soon-to-be completed development accross the town became available and operators look set to give it a shot and start from scratch on Main Street.

The pool hall is looking to take a 5,334 sq ft unit within Westgate Chambers - the largest private-led regeneration project currently ongoing in Rotherham town centre.

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Renovation plans for Westgate Chambers were approved in 2018. A £10m scheme designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects involves the creation of a showcase commercial, retail and residential development that involves renovating the buildings that surround a landscaped internal courtyard, including a superb Georgian Grade II listed building, one of the oldest surviving historic structures in Rotherham town centre.

The buildings, close to the important regeneration site of Forge Island, were bought by the Council in 2006 but the authority's own redevelopment efforts were hit by the economic downturn and a removal of Government funding. Having sold the properties, the current scheme, by Peter Hill of developers HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, is providing high quality retail, leisure and commercial space at street level with contemporary apartments above.

An application has also been submitted for new alcohol licence for the premises at 8 - 10 Main Street, known by many as the former Body-Tec gym.

Change of use plans, drawn up by Self Architects, show that the ground floor would have a small bar area, six pool tables and drinks tables aimed at casual play and socialising. The basement area is aimed at more dedicated pool playing with ten tables and another small bar and a shop selling pool equipment.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Westgate Chambers work continues

The largest private-led regeneration project currently ongoing in Rotherham town centre is coming into view.

Renovation plans for Westgate Chambers were approved in 2018. A £10m scheme designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects involves the creation of a showcase commercial, retail and residential development that involves renovating the buildings that surround a landscaped internal courtyard, including a superb Georgian Grade II listed building, one of the oldest surviving historic structures in Rotherham town centre.

The buildings, close to the important regeneration site of Forge Island, were bought by the Council in 2006 but the authority's own redevelopment efforts were hit by the economic downturn and a removal of Government funding. Having sold the properties, the current scheme, by Peter Hill of developers HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, is providing high quality retail, leisure and commercial space at street level with contemporary apartments above.

The development site originally contained six buildings which surrounded an enclosed service yard. Three buildings fronting Main Street, and the fourth listed building, has frontages onto Main Street and Westgate. Two buildings in a dilapidated condition fronting Domine Lane have been demolished.

The renovation part of the development involves the renovation, repair, and reorganisation of four existing buildings with an individual character. The New York View Apartments comprises of 29 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, many benefiting from their own private outside space.

On the first building (previously home to Planet and a taxi rank) new sympathetically designed shopfronts and a new entrance foyer now front Main Street. At the rear, the previously awkward roof geometry has be updated with simple pitched and flat roofs behind a new parapet. The old patchwork of brickwork to the southern elevation has gained a crisp render finish, inset with new windows in a contemporary dark grey.

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Parisian-style attic accommodation in the roof space of the next building (Body-Tec) has created penthouse flats with roof terraces hidden from street level by the existing parapet wall, giving valuable outside space (pictured, below).

Work continues on the "Westgate Centre" building on Main Street where a third floor is being created with the use of dormer windows.

On Domine Lane, work is underway on the new building that will create Westgate City View Apartments. The development "brings high-quality contemporary architecture, which will lift the street scene and continue the recent contemporary development" at the adjacent Old Market building.

Finally, on the corner of Main Street and Westgate stands the remains of a handsome Grade 2 Listed Georgian building, originally a fine residence built-in 1794 by the architect John Platt and occupied by him until his death in 1810.

Self Architects, who have submitted updated plans for the development, said: "We propose to reinstate that handsome Georgian façade by fitting appropriate 9 and 12-panel double glazed timber sash windows to the Main Street and Westgate facades and renew the shopfronts in a style complementary to the building."

New cladding, brickwork and a replacement roof are part of the plans. The red brick stairwell serving the back of the listed building, will be reinvented to form an attractive secure entrance foyer and stairwell. Some internal changes are being proposed.

The plans conclude: "The result of the proposed renovations would reinstate the buildings own identity as a handsome Georgian building, when viewed from Main Street and Westgate, and provide high-quality residential apartments with their own outside space, overlooking the courtyard.

"A new sympathetically designed roof will ensure the structural integrity for many years to come."

Images: Atollie Property Management

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News: Council cancels clause so Chambers conversion can continue

Rotherham Council has agreed to remove a buyback clause from its disposal deal for Westgate Chambers so that the new owners can carry on with the town centre regeneration project.

Renovation plans for Westgate Chambers were approved in 2018. A £10m scheme designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects involves the creation of a showcase commercial, retail and residential development that involves renovating six buildings that surround a landscaped internal courtyard, including a superb Georgian Grade II listed building, one of the oldest surviving historic structures in Rotherham town centre.

The buildings, close to the important regeneration site of Forge Island, were bought by the Council in 2006 but the authority's own redevelopment efforts were hit by the economic downturn and a removal of Government funding. The new scheme, by Peter Hill of developers HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, is providing high quality retail, leisure and commercial space at street level with contemporary apartments above.

Rotherham Council agreed to sell the Westgate complex in 2014. As part of the sale, a number of clauses were inserted in the contract of sale including a clause for the Council to buy back the property if sufficient progress was not made.

Council documents show that Hill has asked for the removal of this clause, as it is hindering his attempts to secure further finance for the development.

An executive decision was recently made to remove the clause which "should allow the developer to deliver the regeneration of Westgate Chambers more quickly."

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Peter Hill, director of HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, said: "We are entering a new phase of works as part of the planned five-year build programme. We are looking forward to the development moving forward with the additional regeneration of Rotherham town centre, bringing in new restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities to help new residents to live, work, rest and play and most importantly creating new town centre jobs."

With previous work concentrating on the 29 apartments in the Main Street/Westgate section, the next phase of works includes the demolition of two 1960's buildings on Domine Lane to make way for a modern block of 32 new apartments.

Simon Moss, assistant director for planning, regeneration and transport at Rotherham Council, said: "Regeneration of the town centre not only means constructing new buildings, it is also important to remember our heritage by restoring historical buildings like Westgate Chambers so that they continue to be used by residents.

"One of the Council's key priorities is to help local people and businesses benefit from a growing economy, with a thriving town centre and more people living, working and spending their leisure time here."

The historic listed part of the complex was originally constructed in 1794 by local architect, John Platt as a residence for himself. Platt sold the house in 1808 but remained in occupation until his death in 1810. Part of the house was demolished when Main Street was constructed.



Images: Self Architects

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News: Over 25% of floorspace in Rotherham town centre empty

Over a quarter of floorspace in Rotherham town centre has been recorded as vacant, exceeding Rotherham Council's target despite the authority changing the way the key figure is measured.

The national retail landscape and the wait for the important regeneration projects in the masterplan to be built are two key contributing factors.

Rotherham Council records the figure as part of its Council Plan to see how it is delivering against its priorities. A key partnership goal is to create a vibrant town centre where people want to visit, shop and socialise.

The percentage of vacant floorspace has been steadily increasing for the last year, rising from 18.4% to around 23%. For the third quarter of 2018 - 19 (October - December 2018) the figure hit 25.8%, passing the Council target of 25% for the first time.

The authority explained that there were currently "very difficult trading conditions for town centre businesses, especially retail" and said that it would be submitting a bid to the Government's High Street Fund, a fund of £650m to aid the regeneration of town centres.

An update to councillors also said that the delivery of the Town Centre Masterplan is key. Progress is being made on the leisure-led regeneration project at Forge Island where a proposed cinema, hotel and new bars and restaurants are set to be a catalyst in reviving the town centre and continuing the move away from retail uses.

The masterplan focuses on growing leisure and residential uses rather than retail.

Public realm elements of the plan are currently being consulted on and amongst Council budget cuts, councillors recently approved a proposal to extend free weekend parking to Wellgate multi-storey and Drummond Street meaning that there will be 1,000 free council car parking spaces in the town centre every Saturday throughout the year.

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Rotherham Council recently changed the way it calculated the floorspace vacancy figures stating that: "Following adoption of the Local Plan Sites and Policies document a revised approach to monitoring vacancies in town centres has been introduced.

"This approach continues to monitor vacancies at ground floor level but excludes derelict buildings or buildings which are unoccupied and where redevelopment is expected to take place within a reasonable period of time. This approach reflects the fact that these premises are not available to come back into use within a reasonable period of time and as such more accurately identifies where units are vacant (and could come back into use) as opposed to being unavailable."

One such example is the floorspace at Westgate Chambers which is wrapped in hoardings to enable a multimillion pound revamp to take place.

For the second quarter of 2018 - 19 (July - September 2018), the percentage of vacant floorspace was recorded at 16% but this has been revised to 21.5% with the "return to previous definition of Town Centre."

Rotherham Council has also stopped publishing the figures for aggregate footfall in the town centre, which, in less than two years, dropped by two million.

The authority also no longer publishes the percentage of total vacant units in the town centre. Recent analysis by The Guardian showed that Rotherham lost 17.1% of its shops since 2013.

Instead, the Council records the net new business opening in the town centre during each quarter. Q1 saw one net new opening whilst Q2 saw a loss of six businesses. In Q3, seven businesses opened whilst two closed.

Closures include independent traders Ahan Dee and The Sweet Escape on the High Street as well as national retailers such as Bargain Buys. Openings include Lollipop Tots under 5's play area and A Million-Hair in The Old Town Hall. Work is currently being carried out on Papa John's on Wellgate.

Rothbiz reported recently on changes on the High Street where new uses have already been found for when Hamby's prepares to move out.

Kuppa 7 Cocktails is also opening in the town centre as the latest venture from the group behind the 1915 bar. A new speakeasy style bar is also in the works but this is secret...

Images: Allsops

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News: More housing at Keppel Wharf planned

A prominent commercial unit in Rotherham town centre could be converted into residential use under recently submitted plans.

Completed in 2008, Keppel Wharf forms part of the high profile Westgate Demonstrator Project which brought new apartments to the riverside. The scheme, part of the much-vaunted Rotherham Renaissance programme saw around £60m worth of development carried out, creating The Old Market, Keppel Wharf and the Imperial Buildings.

Whilst the residential aspects have been popular with investors and tenants, the commercial space has been more hit and miss.

Keppel Wharf, built on the former baths site overlooking the river, created 53 residential apartments and 5,000 sq ft of commercial space, plus 2,500 sq ft of open terrace.

Now plans have been submitted to convert the current commercial space on the ground floor, upper ground and Mezzanine level, into residential space.

A paying tenant for the large unit overlooking the river, which was designed for retail or restaurant use, has never been in place. Instead the space has previously been used as an art gallery and arts space.

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The plans include introducing a "bed deck" to the upper ground floor to create a further 13 residential properties. The large bin store used for the commercial space will be re-purposed for the new residential properties.

If approved, nine two bed apartments and four one bed apartments, of which nine will be accommodated over two stories.

The plans, drawn up by Den Architecture, states: "The proposed development makes best use of this underutilised ground floor, upper ground and Mezzanine level demonstrating a carefully considered approach in order to achieve a scheme that is befitting of the area.

"The scheme sits comfortably within it's context, providing much needed high quality city centre residential units. The proposal respects the neighbouring properties.

"It is therefore considered that the proposal is appropriate for the site, context and only enhances what should be a desirable location."

Property agents at GVA, were brought in during 2017 to progress the sale of much of the development, with the client thought to be the developer, Illiad.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Westgate Chambers redevelopment given planning OK

Plans for the long-awaited revamp of a prominent building in Rotherham town centre have been approved and developers are hoping to attract new restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities to the £10m scheme.

Rothbiz reported last week that the planning application for the 0.275 hectare property, which includes a Grade II Listed Building, was being recommended for approval.

The planning board at Rotherham Council approved the plans, despite a number of concerns and objections over the impact on the conservation area, the loss of a historic building and the relationship between residential and leisure uses.

Sheffield-based HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd is leading on the latest scheme, which has an estimated gross development value of £10.7m and includes two interrelated developments.

For the existing building, the plan is for the addition of new shopfronts, in keeping with the heritage-led development of the nearby High Street, with three floors of contemporary apartments above.

A brand new building containing retail space and flats on Domine Lane is set to bring "high quality contemporary architecture, which will lift the street scene and continue the recent contemporary development."

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61 apartments are set to be created with the basement and ground floors to contain the uses suitable for retail, drinking establishments and the first and second floors for residential.

The existing courtyard entrance will be moved to the bottom of the street, which will potentially allow the Council to pedestrianise Domine Lane as detailed in the Town Centre Masterplan.

The site, close to the important regeneration site of Forge Island, was bought by the Council in 2006.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "One of the Council's key priorities is to help local people and businesses benefit from a growing economy, with a thriving town centre and more people living, working and spending their leisure time here.

"We are already seeing new developments in the town centre – including housing developments on Ship Hill and High Street, a new bar within Westgate Chambers, and restaurant close by – and these developments reflect the growing confidence investors have with our town centre regeneration plans."

Peter Hill, director of HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, added: "These are exciting times ahead for all concerned with this prestigious scheme. We now look forward to it moving forward with the additional regeneration of Rotherham town centre, bringing in new restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities to help new residents to live, work, rest and play within the town centre and most important of all creating new town centre jobs."

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Concerns were raised over the firm's plans to demolish un-listed buildings on Domine Lane - a block of 1950s offices which is considered not be of special interest and a further block of "rather fine" Victorian commercial buildings.

The planning board heard that officers have been in discussions with the developer for a number of months to arrive at a scheme that is considered to be acceptable and of benefit to the town centre. The demolition would make the scheme viable and the prospect of the refurbishment and reuse of the listed building on the corner of Main Street and Westgate was considered justification for the proposals.

Historic England objected to the plans but the Council considers that the loss of the buildings would lead to less than substantial harm to the Town Centre Conservation Area.

Speaking at the planning board meeting, Mark McGrail, the owner of the adjacent 1915 Bar, raised concerns over the problems with approving residential use next to late night licensed venues.

McGrail said: "The scheme itself is fantastic. It looks brilliant. My only objection is the pulling of the Victorian building and the design.

"We are licensed to 4am in the morning and privacy wise and noise wise you are guaranteed that, on the first day of that opening, it's going to be a non-stop environmental nightmare. I wouldn't want to live there. I'm proud of the club but I wouldn't want to be woken up at two o'clock in the morning because of people coming out."

Having renovated the former pub close to the town's old Post office, and well underway with converting the historic George Wright Building into a boutique hotel and bar, McGrail added that he could have easily led on a renovation of the Victorian building on Domine Lane without the need to knock it down.

Council planners conclude that the proposed building would not impinge of the privacy of the patrons of the 1915 Bar. Additional studies submitted with the application make clear that noise from existing leisure venues should not be a problem provided that the suggested noise mitigation measures are put in place by the developer.

Images: HMP Bespoke Construction / Self Architects

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News: £10m Westgate Chambers revamp set for approval

Plans for the long-awaited revamp of a prominent building in Rotherham town centre are set for approval this week.

Rothbiz reported last year on plans by the new owners of Westgate Chambers to create an exciting courtyard residential development and vibrant retail, leisure, and hospitality space, in the heart of the conservation area in Rotherham town centre.

Set to go in front of the planning board at Rotherham Council this week, members are being recommended to approve the plans, despite a number of concerns and objections.

The 0.275 hectare property, which includes a Grade II Listed Building, is being sold off by Rotherham Council who acquired it in 2006. Sheffield-based HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd is leading on the latest scheme, which has an estimated gross development value of £10.7m and includes two interrelated developments.

For the existing building, the plan is for the addition of new shopfronts, in keeping with the heritage-led development of the nearby High Street, with three floors of contemporary apartments above.

A brand new building containing retail space and flats on Domine Lane is set to bring "high quality contemporary architecture, which will lift the street scene and continue the recent contemporary development."

61 apartments are set to be created with the basement and ground floors to contain the uses suitable for retail, drinking establishments and the first and second floors for residential.

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Concerns have been raised over the plans to demolish un-listed buildings on Domine Lane - a block of 1950s offices which is considered not be of special interest and a further block of "rather fine" Victorian commercial buildings.

A report to the planning board states that officers have been in discussions with the developer for a number of months to arrive at a scheme that is considered to be acceptable and of benefit to the town centre.

The report concludes that the demolition is acceptable as "it became clear that the financial cost of bringing the building back into a useable state structurally and then renovating it internally to bring it up to modern standards would be such a strain financially that it would further render the whole scheme unviable.

"The Council acknowledges Historic England's objections but considers that the loss of this building would lead to less than substantial harm to the Town Centre Conservation Area."

Justification comes from making the scheme viable and the prospect of the refurbishment and reuse of the listed building on the corner of Main Street and Westgate.

The financial viability issues of the scheme also mean that no affordable housing is set to be included but the plans are liable for the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Objections have also been raised regarding the relationship between the new apartments and existing pubs and bars neighbouring the site.

Council planners conclude that the proposed building would not impinge of the privacy of the patrons of the 1915 Bar despite the bar's owner stating that the new development would put the business and livelihoods and 30 plus staff in jeopardy.

Mark McGrail added that: "If the development goes ahead we will have no option but to close our premises and offer it to an alternate business to the detriment of the area."

Additional studies submitted with the application make clear that noise from existing leisure venues should not be a problem provided that the suggested noise mitigation measures are put in place.

Images: HMP Bespoke Construction / Self Architects

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News: Plans in for £10m Rotherham town centre development

Plans for the long-awaited revamp of a prominent building in Rotherham town centre have been submitted.

Rothbiz reported first in February that the new owners of Westgate Chambers had been discussing plans for the future use of the building to include retail, leisure and residential aspects. The draft plans also included some demolition and the construction of a new block facing Domine Lane.

A decision to sell the Main Street property was made by Rotherham Council back in 2014 and the deal is set to go through when planning permission has been granted.

The plans from Sheffield-based HMP Bespoke Construction Ltd, state: "The development will create an exciting courtyard residential development and vibrant retail, leisure, and hospitality space, in the heart of the conservation area in Rotherham town centre.

"The Westgate Chamber site is in a key location within Rotherham town centre; adjacent to the Westgate and Minster Quarters, and on the route between the proposed Forge Island Leisure Hub, and the town centre. The new development has the potential to be a key component in the rejuvenation of Rotherham, and will bring vibrant retail and leisure space and high quality residential accommodation right in the heart of Rotherham."

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Acquired by the Council in 2006, the major part of the 0.275ha complex is currently home to bars, nightclubs and takeaways with disused offices on the upper floors converted into artists studios and community arts space in 2011. Many units are vacant and part of the site is Grade 2 listed.

The proposed development has an estimated gross development value of £10.7m and the plans, drawn up by Self Architects, are for two interrelated developments.

For the existing building, the plan is for the addition of new shopfronts, in keeping with the heritage-led development of High Street, with three floors of contemporary apartments above.

A brand new building containing retail space and flats on Domine Lane is set to bring "high quality contemporary architecture, which will lift the street scene and continue the recent contemporary development."

Dilapidated buildings on Domine Lane are set to be demolished with the access to a courtyard moved to adjacent the 1915 Bar. The plans conclude that: "Overall the loss of the buildings on Domine Lane is outweighed by the benefit of providing much needed housing and high quality retail and leisure premises in the area."

The rear of the blocks are set to be developed to create an additional floor behind the existing ridge with a reorganisation of the floor plans to open up the space.

Renovating the current buildings, high quality retail, leisure and hospitality space is set for street level, with 29 well-proportioned, contemporary, one, two and three bedroom apartments, above. The new building will feature a large commercial unit on the ground floor with 32, high quality one, two and three bedroom apartments all with inset balconies, Juliette balconies or roof terraces.

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Given its proximity to the railway station and interchange, no car parking will be provided on site for the apartments, however 14 parking spaces are proposed for the use of employees of the ancillary retail and leisure uses.

Floor plans show that the basement and ground floor will contain the uses suitable for retail, drinking establishments and the first and second floors for residential.

The Georgian building, known as the Co-op building, was originally a fine residence built in 1794 by the architect John Platt and occupied by him until his death in 1810. It is set to be retained and enhanced. The proposals include reinstating the "handsome" Georgian façade by fitting appropriate 9 and 12-panel windows to the Main Street and Westgate facades, and renewing the shopfronts in a style complimentary to the building.

Images: HMP / Self Architects

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News: Westgate Chambers redevelopment plans come forward

Draft redevelopment plans for a prominent building in Rotherham town centre have been unveiled.

Westgate Chambers on Main Street is set to be brought back into wholesale use with retail, leisure and residential aspects - including the construction of a new block facing Domine Lane.

A decision to sell the asset was made by Rotherham Council back in 2014 and the deal is set to go through when planning permission has been granted.

Pre-application discussions have been ongoing with plans, drawn up by Self Architects, showing what the prospective new owners have in mind for the building, part of which is Grade 2 listed.

The later addition and some empty older buildings facing Domine Lane are set to be demolished and replaced with a new build section facing the Old Market development (pictured, below). It would include a large retail space of around 3,500 sq ft on the ground floor with 17 new apartments on the upper three floors.

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Acquired in 2006, the major part of the complex is currently home to bars, nightclubs and takeaways with disused offices on the upper floors converted into artists studios and community arts space in 2011.

The ground floor of the building that is set to be retained, which currently has a number of voids, would remain as leisure, retail and restaurant use. As would the units on the upper floors, currently home to popular rock bar, SNAFU and Jaxx.

New frontages could mirror the heritage-led regeneration of the nearby High Street.

The two upper floors facing Main Street and Westgate would be converted into a further 21 apartments under the plans.

A detailed planning application will now need to be submitted.

The Council made the strategic acquisition with a mix of funding from Yorkshire Forward (the Regional Development Agency) and Transform South Yorkshire (the housing market renewal (HMR) partnership for South Yorkshire) as part of plans to introduce residential elements to the Westgate and riverside areas of town.

Initial proposals for the refurbishment of Westgate Chambers aimed to deliver around 60 high-quality apartments with commercial units underneath but following the public spending review in 2010 and the closure of Yorkshire Forward in 2012, the main source of finance to deliver the Rotherham Renaissance programme was removed. Since then, a number of feasibility studies have taken place to identify how the redevelopment of Westgate Chambers can move forward and secure investment from other sources and the private sector.

7 and 9 Westgate are Grade 2 listed buildings. Known by many as the former Co-op buildings, they were originally constructed in 1794 by local architect, John Platt as a residence for himself.

Images: Self Architects

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News: Westgate Chambers set for sell off

The cabinet at Rotherham Council is set to sign off the sale of Westgate Chambers, the prominent buildings in Rotherham town centre.

Acquired in 2006, the major part of the complex is home to bars, nightclubs and takeaways with disused offices on the upper floors converted into artists studios and community arts space in 2011.

Located at the top of Corporation Street, the council made the strategic acquisition with a mix of funding from Yorkshire Forward (the Regional Development Agency) and Transform South Yorkshire (the housing market renewal (HMR) partnership for South Yorkshire).

A key part of the Rotherham Renaissance initiative to regenerate the town centre, the Westgate area and river corridor had been a focus for redevelopment, earmarked for housing together with retail and commercial uses.

Initial proposals for the refurbishment of Westgate Chambers aimed to deliver around 60 high-quality apartments with commercial units underneath.

Following the public spending review in 2010 and the closure of Yorkshire Forward in 2012, the main source of finance to deliver the Rotherham Renaissance programme was removed. Since then, a number of feasibility studies have taken place to identify how the redevelopment of Westgate Chambers can move forward and secure investment from other sources and the private sector.

7 and 9 Westgate are Grade 2 listed buildings (pictured). Known by many as the former Co-op buildings, they were originally constructed in 1794 by local architect, John Platt as a residence for himself.

A number of the commercial units are vacant along Westgate, Domine Lane and Main Street with the popular bar, Elliot's, closing earlier this year. A one year lease has recently been advertised by the council on the 3,000 sq ft property. At the end of 2013, rock bar, SNAFU opened in new premises alongside a new bar, Jaxx, in Westgate Chambers.

Now it appears that the council are selling off the site with a report on the proposed Westgate Chambers disposal being taken to the council's cabinet today.

Across town, demolition work has begun on the historic former Doncaster Gate Hospital. The council's cabinet confirmed the demolition in February and the cleared site is set to be offered back to the market in early spring 2014 with the council expecting sufficient interest to result in a redevelopment that would add to the regeneration of this edge of town centre site.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Temporary town centre hold ups will be worth it

Roadworks at the Westgate-Main Street area of Rotherham mark the start of the first scheme to improve public spaces in the Rotherham Renaissance project for the town centre. They will complement the £37m All Saints’ Quarter developments, bounded by Westgate, Main Street, the River Don and All Saints’ Square. The council has written to business people in the area to explain the scheme, showing how ultimately it could make the town centre safer and more attractive. The main aims of the scheme include introducing new rustic stone flags for a widened paved area and possibly creating a new piece of public art. Lighting will be introduced to making the area feel safer at night for pedestrians and wherever possible access to properties will be made level to assist the disabled. The three lanes of traffic outside Imperial Buildings will be reduced to two, making the pedestrian crossing easier and safer to use.
Rotherham Renaissance website
South Yorkshire Times article

Rotherham

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News: Rotherham to share Renaissance best practice online

The team behind the massive town-centre programme, Rotherham Renaissance, is set to launch the UK’s first website aimed primarily at other regeneration promoters and practitioners. The idea is to highlight the lessons learned in how best to unlock complex schemes, get new markets moving and engage high-quality developers and architects. The new website focuses on the £60m Westgate Demonstrator Project. Visitors will see and hear experts talking about the practical issues that have gone into bringing the council's and its partners’ ambitions to reality. Yorkshire Forward's Rob Tranmer stated that "Rotherham has demonstrated its ability to be innovative and its initiative by being the first town to share its best practice in this way." The Westgate Project which will provide 1,160 apartments, is the first major mixed-use scheme to be built under the renaissance scheme.

Rotherham Westgate Demonstrator Project website

Rotherham Renaissance website

Rotherham Advertiser article

Rotherham

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