News: Why are new Rotherham town centre apartments still empty?

Rotherham Council has shared more on why part of its multimillion pound housing scheme in the town centre has stayed empty since it was completed a year ago, despite the houses and flats on the same development being filled with owners and tenants.

Rothbiz reported last month that at Wellgate Place, 11 one and two bedroom apartments remain unsold and that the authority was considering changing the tenure from shared ownership to affordable rent.

The first home opened in February 2022 as part of an ambitious £30m+ development of more than 170 homes across three key town centre sites, heralding the next stage in Rotherham town centre's transformation.

The ‘Trilogy Collection’ includes Westgate Riverside, Wellgate Place and Millfold Rise and properties have been made available for sale, affordable rent and through shared ownership.

Council documents show that the 11 shared ownership apartments at Portland House at Wellgate Place remain empty having been handed over to the authority in May 2022, with officers concluding that the "market has reacted well to shared ownership houses, but not to shared ownership apartments."

Shared ownership involves buyers purchasing a 25% - 75% share in the home and then paying rent on the percentage of the property not purchased along with a service charge. The Wellgate Place examples were on the market with a total value of the properties at £100,000 for the 1 bed, and £120,000 for the 2 bed.

On the site of the former car showroom on the edge of the town, 20 houses have all sold - including 12 through shared ownership and eight on the open market. Elizabeth House has 23 apartments for council rent for the over 50’s and the council's rented homes "are almost all let" despite the uptake being slow. For Portland House and its apartments for shared ownership, all 11 remain available.

A council report shows that previous strategies included the aim that grant funding bids would be expected to deliver circa 88% shared ownership. This was later reduced by national housing body (and part funder), Homes England, but it was still substantial when funding bids were being submitted.

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The report states: "Shared ownership however was not a significant part of the Rotherham housing market at that time and in being an early adopter, the Council effectively took on a market making role in delivering this tenure at reasonable scale into areas where shared ownership had little existing presence.

"There was also the view that the creation of homes in the town centre, particularly through home ownership products, would benefit the wider regeneration of the town centre.

"Learning from the delivery of the town centre programme has established that the market has reacted well to shared ownership houses, but not to shared ownership apartments. The likelihood is that the combination of a mortgage requirement, payment of rent on the unowned share in addition to service charges on apartments may be too much for the market to bear in what is still a borough of relatively depressed market values. This is also reflected in other shared ownership schemes across the borough. Shared ownership houses generally have no, or minimal service charge obligations.

"One block of apartments at Portland House, Wellgate place is proving difficult to sell under shared ownership terms. They were handed over to the Council in May 2022 and no sales or reservations have been taken. There has also been limited interest overall. The Council are now incurring costs while ever they remain empty."

The high level of service charges are likely to be the main concern for buyers. The report explains that the average service charges per property is estimated to be around £2,224 per year / £185 per month. In some instances, it can work out cheaper to purchase a house from the other town centre developments, as these do not generally include a service charge.

Other issues relate to the volatility in the housing market and the difficulty for prospective buyers in obtaining mortgages for the shared ownership properties. The report adds that the location of the development "has caused some concern with surveyors in terms of valuations" with some zero valuations being returned from "one or two particular surveyors who have limited knowledge of the area and the Council's ambitions."

Having looked at other options, such as financial incentives and addressing the service charges, or putting the properties on the open market, Rotherham Council has now made the decision for a change in tenure from shared ownership to affordable rent.

The properties are due to go out to council tenants and not be restricted to the over 50's like the adjacent apartment block.

Trilogy Collection website

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News: Council consider changes to fill Rotherham town centre housing development

Shared ownership options at Rotherham Council's multimillion pound housing scheme in the town centre could be removed in a bid to get the new properties filled. The move comes during Empty Homes Week 2023.

The first home opened in February 2022 as part of an ambitious £30m+ development of more than 170 homes across three key town centre sites, heralding the next stage in Rotherham town centre's transformation.

The ‘Trilogy Collection’ includes Westgate Riverside, Wellgate Place and Millfold Rise and properties have been made available for sale, affordable rent and through shared ownership.

With the houses for sale being snapped up alongside new rental tenants, shared ownership appears to be a less popular option for some of the apartments.

Council documents show that at Wellgate Place, 11 one and two bedroom apartments in Portland House remain unsold.

The authority is now considering changing the tenure of 11 shared ownership homes to affordable rent.

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Wellgate Place, on the site of the former Henley's garage on Wellgate, consists of two apartment blocks containing 34 homes and 20 two and three-storey terraced houses, with a value of £8.5m. It was set to provide a mix of 23 Council rent, eight market sale and 23 shared ownership.

Letting agents Crucible Homes describe the share ownership properties: "These stylish and modern apartments offer an open plan kitchen and living room with floor to ceiling windows. They also benefit from either one double bedroom and bathroom with shower above the bath, or one double and one single bedroom. The properties offer storage rooms and allocated parking."

Under shared ownership buyers can purchase between a 25% - 75% share in the home. They will then pay rent on the percentage of the property not purchased along with a service charge. It continues to be a less popular way on to the housing ladder nationally, especially with Government-backed initiatives like Help to Buy providing equity loans for new build properties.

This week is national Empty Homes Week 2023. The number of empty properties in Rotherham remains below this national average, at less than 3%. Nevertheless, the Council recognises that even a small number of empty properties can have a negative impact on neighbouring properties and wider communities.

Rotherham Council also works with private homeowners to help them understand how to bring empty properties back into use and ensure they maintain their properties while they are vacant, so they do not pose a risk to the public. This could include advice about how to market property or accessing support through the Council’s probate researchers.

Within the last year, the Council’s Empty Homes Officer has dealt with 199 enquiries and brought 27 empty properties back into use.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Amy Brookes, said: “We’re urging anyone who is struggling to bring a residential empty home back into to use to contact us, likewise if you know of an empty property and would like to see it become a home again. We have a dedicated team that want to work with owners to offer support, information, and advice. We know the reasons for properties remaining vacant can be complex and myriad.”

Trilogy Collection website

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News: All houses reserved in new Rotherham town centre development

All the houses have been reserved and the first residents have moved in at a new development on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

A guided tour of new mixed tenure housing was taken by Council Leader Chris Read and Councillor Denise Lelliott recently, as they inspected ongoing construction works at the new Westgate Riverside development.

The site is one of the three Council housing projects due to be completed this year as part of the ‘Trilogy Collection’ - Wellgate Place and Millfold Rise being the other two.

National contractor Willmott Dixon is working on behalf of the Council to deliver 171 homes on authority land following the award of a £31.5m contract.

Westgate Riverside sits at the heart of the Council’s ‘Residential Riverside Quarter’. It comprises 72 homes, including apartments, traditional houses and bespoke waterside properties with terraces overlooking the river Don. 44 of the new builds will be available for Council rent, 20 for private sale and eight come under shared ownership. 14 of the homes have been released for sale with the first reservations already taken.

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Council Leader Chris Read said: “This is an exciting transformation and what we’ve seen today is impressive. The housing looks great and will provide modern living. I’m looking forward to welcoming people into their new homes.”

Councillor Lelliott added: “These homes are well-built and exceptionally well-designed. They’re a key part of the Town Centre Masterplan and we’re delighted that they will attract residents to the heart of our town.”

Wellgate Place, on the site of a former car showroom, features 54 homes with 23 for Council rent, eight for private sale and 23 for shared ownership. All the houses have been reserved and the first residents have moved in. A show apartment is now open to view on site.

Millfold Rise on Westgate comprises 45 homes for both Council rent (31) and private sale (14), including apartments and a modern twist on the back-to-back house. These will be released later in the summer.

Trilogy Collection website

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News: First home opens in £30m Rotherham town centre development

The first home is now open in an ambitious £30m+ development of more than 170 homes across three key town centre sites, heralding the next stage in Rotherham town centre's transformation.

The show home at Wellgate Place is now open to the public and is the first chance people have had to see what the future of housing in Rotherham will look like.

To mark the milestone moment in Rotherham Council’s transformation of the town centre, Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr. Chris Read visited the development with Chief Executive Sharon Kemp and Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr. Amy Brookes.

Wellgate Place features 54 homes ranging from one bedroom apartments to 2 and 3 bedroom homes, and these will be a mix of council rent, council shared ownership and properties for sale.

The development is one of three key housing schemes, called "The Trilogy Collection" in the town centre which will deliver a total of 171 modern new homes and is an integral part of the wider Town Centre Masterplan.

The masterplan sets out an exciting number of developments that will transform and revitalise the town centre, with a vibrant leisure scheme on Forge Island, attractive outdoor spaces, revitalised markets complex and high-quality riverside living.

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Built by Wilmott Dixon and funded by the Council with support from Homes England and the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority, Wellgate Place includes a variety of property types to suit people of different ages including first-time buyers, key workers, families and older downsizers.

In addition to the council rent properties and homes for sale, there are a number of council shared ownership apartments and homes. Under this scheme, buyers have the ability to purchase a small share of their home. They are also able to increase that share over time. It is ideal for first time buyers but also for anyone who wants to own a brand new home in a way they can afford

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr. Amy Brookes, said: “This is a significant moment in the transformation of Rotherham Town Centre. Housing is a catalyst for change and this development will help drive the regeneration of Rotherham, bringing more people in and helping to revitalise the local economy.

“The Town Centre Masterplan is ambitious and will help give others the confidence to invest in Rotherham. We have already seen private investors committing to projects in the town and these new housing schemes are attracting young professionals and families.

“These new homes are the first glimpse of a future Rotherham and help bring to life the vision we have for a thriving town centre of the future.”

Trilogy Collection website

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News: £1.2m cost increase for Council housing developments

Additional costs have been incurred by Rotherham Council as they attempt to kickstart housebuilding in Rotherham town centre.

National contractor Willmott Dixon is working on behalf of the Council to deliver 171 homes on authority land following the award of a £31.5m contract.

Now the Council is looking to find additional money amounting to over £1m due to implications of the flooding in November 2019, and the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic.

On the Millfold House site on Sheffield Road, a £10m project that will feature one apartment block and a number of back-to-back houses, the building has been demolished but council papers show that problems have been encountered.

The papers state: "The extreme flooding caused movement in the existing retaining wall at the rear of Millford House. This structural issue had to be rectified before any construction could productively take place. A provision has also been identified for additional covid 19 precautions that could be required as the construction work moves from an outdoor environment to an indoor environment. In identifying, resolving and replanning the project to account for these issues the spend profile has slipped."

An additional funding request has been made of £1.217m.

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The request follows on from a landswap deal reported by Rothbiz last year to enable a larger development to take place on the site. Carried out at a £1 peppercorn, the overall additional costs in developing the site for six more apartments is £1m.

The Millfold Rise development will feature one apartment block consisting of 31 apartments and 14 back-to-back houses, which offer first floor garden terraces. The homes are due to be completed in Spring 2022.

The second scheme is the £13m Westgate Riverside development on the site of the former Sheffield Road baths which consists of two apartment blocks containing 44 homes and 28 two and three-storey semi-detached and terraced houses. The third development, on the site of the former Henley's garage on Wellgate, consists of two apartment blocks containing 34 homes and 20 two and three-storey terraced houses, with a value of £8.5m.

75% of the properties will be affordable homes with Council funding coming from its Housing Revenue Account. The Council has secured grant funding from Homes England Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme and from Sheffield City Region Housing Capital Fund.

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News: Council undertakes land swap with funeral directors

Rotherham Council is carrying out a land swap deal to support a town centre housing development.

Council contractor, Willmott Dixon, is well underway with work on Westgate on the Millfold House site - a £10m project that will feature one apartment block and a number of back-to-back houses.

As part of the redevelopment, the Council has agreed a land swap with J. Parkinson & Sons in order to provide for a larger density development. This will enable the Council to add a further six apartments to the proposals.

Established in 1875, the funeral directors moved into purpose-built premises, situated on the old car park on Westgate, in 2013.

The firm is staying put but as part of the land swap deal the Council have agreed to construct four garages on the land they are transferring to replace J. Parkinson & Sons existing garage/office which needs to be demolished as part of the new development.

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Although the land swap itself will be carried out at a £1 peppercorn, the overall additional costs in developing the site for six more apartments will be £1m. The authority is also paying legal fees for both parties.

The Council says that: "With the inclusion of these areas of land this will enable a further six apartments to be developed, improving the financial performance of the scheme as a whole" and it is expected that the additional apartments will realise an additional £25k in rental income per year.

The Millfold Rise development will feature one apartment block consisting of 31 apartments and 14 back-to-back houses, which offer first floor garden terraces.

The homes are due to be completed in Spring 2022.

Images: RMBC / Willmott Dixon / Bond Bryan

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News: Rotherham construction contract confirmed for Willmott Dixon

National contractor Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rotherham Council to deliver 171 homes with the award of a £31.5m contract.

The scheme is made up of three developments under the Council's Rother Living brand - one on the site of the former Henley's garage in Wellgate, another on Sheffield Road, and the final site on Westgate on the Millfold House site.

Work is already underway and the developments will feature a mix of houses and apartments for council housing, shared ownership, and affordable sale.

Rothbiz reported back last year that Willmott Dixon was the contractor partner as the authority progressed ambitious proposals for new town centre housing. Since January 2019, the Council has worked with the contractor to develop these schemes to construction stage, and previous contracts are now subsumed by this larger construction contract.

The Council signed off on the contract at the end of last month having been scrutinised its legal and finance departments and by external consultants.

Stuart Kerr, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: "These three Rother Living schemes are hugely important projects for the town and Rotherham Council. The developments will make a difference to the local community by providing high-quality council housing and opportunities for residents to get on the housing ladder.

"We're excited to be working in partnership with Rotherham Council and their Rother Living brand. As an employer within the region and, having recently completed Rotherham's University Centre as part of the Rotherham Plan 2025, we are delighted to be playing a part in the council's continued investment in housing and the town centre. With 75% of the development reserved for affordable housing, these schemes will go a long way to support the council’s housing growth plans."

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The £13m site Westgate Riverside development in Sheffield Road consists of two apartment blocks containing 44 homes and 28 two and three-storey semi-detached and terraced houses. The Millfold House development (pictured, top), which is valued at £10m, will feature one apartment block consisting of 31 apartments and 14 back-to-back houses. The third development, on the site of the former Henley's garage on Wellgate, consists of two apartment blocks containing 34 homes and 20 two and three-storey terraced houses, with a value of £8.5m.

Willmott Dixon is already working across these sites. In Sheffield Road, full site set-up is already complete and work is on-going to transform the land, which includes the addition of flooding defenses. Work has also started at the Millfold House development with ground preparation work having commenced in mid-June.

The construction firm said that it would be actively supporting local social enterprises and SMEs, delivering initiatives to improve wellbeing and mental health in the community, supporting local projects, community groups and running initiatives aimed at reducing crime.

Councillor Dominic Beck, cabinet member for housing at Rotherham Council, said: "These are exciting developments that will deliver 171 new properties for local people, including 129 council homes and shared ownership dwellings. It will transform three disused former industrial sites and comes at a time when the Forge Island part of our Town Centre Masterplan starts to take shape.

"The developments include a variety of property types to suit people of different ages - including first-time buyers, key workers, families, and older downsizers. A lot of hard work has gone into putting these plans together and it's fantastic to see the Willmott Dixon team making a start on development, which will greatly contribute towards our ambitions for housing growth and town centre regeneration.

"Ultimately, these three developments are a significant step forward in our vision to improve Rotherham town centre, giving it a new sense of purpose with a stronger identity and thriving community, which local people can take pride in."

The developments, which have been designed by Bond Bryan Architects, are due for completion in 2022.

Rother Living website
Willmott Dixon website

Images: Bond Bryan / Willmott Dixon

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News: Work starts on Rotherham town centre housing schemes

Work has started in Rotherham Council's £30m proposals for new town centre housing where 170 new homes are set to be built across three key sites.

The schemes are seen as key to meeting the aim of the masterplan to increase the number of residential properties in the town centre.

Rothbiz reported in October on the proposals getting a green light for a range of new properties on sites across the town centre owned by the Council. These include the site of the former Sheffield Road baths, Millfold House on Sheffield Road (pictured) and the former Henley's garage on Wellgate.

Working with construction partner, Willmott Dixon, the developments feature a mix of tenures which include apartments for Council rent and a choice of ways to buy (outright sale or shared ownership).

Councillor Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: "These are exciting, significant developments which will deliver 171 new properties for local people, including 129 Council rented and shared ownership homes, It will totally transform three disused former industrial sites and kick-start a raft of new housing development in the town centre.

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"The developments include a variety of property types to suit people of different ages including first-time buyers, key workers, families and older downsizers. There will also be a block of 23 Council-rented apartments on the former Henley’s Garage site which will be age-banded for applicants of over 50 years of age.

"A lot of hard work has gone into putting these plans together and I think we have come up with a fantastic scheme, which will contribute towards our ambitions for housing growth and town centre regeneration."

The residential project mirrors the plans to improve Forge Island which will include a cinema, food and drink outlets, a hotel, and a car park, with the new leisure facilities set within an attractive public space.

75% of the properties will be affordable homes with Council funding coming from the Housing Revenue Account. The Council has secured grant funding from Homes England Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme and from Sheffield City Region Housing Capital Fund.

Tom Bell, assistant director of housing at Rotherham Council, said: "The forthcoming transformation of Forge Island will help create many of the conditions for an attractive town centre residential offer.

"The market is still relatively underdeveloped and by bringing forward this scheme, within a similar timeframe to Forge Island, the council is demonstrating the demand for town centre living in Rotherham and providing the confidence for the private sector to invest."

The first homes are due to be available by Autumn next year and the entire scheme complete by early 2022.

Rother Living website



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News: Rotherham town centre housing schemes set for approval

The planning board at Rotherham Council is being recommended to approve the authority's own £30m proposals for new town centre housing.

Rothbiz reported first that plans had finally been submitted for a range of new properties on sites across the town centre owned by the Council. These include the site of the former Sheffield Road baths, Millfold House on Sheffield Road and the former Henley's garage on Wellgate.

The plans would build 171 brand new homes in a range of ownership models from new council rent properties, shared ownership homes and new homes for market sale. 123 (72%) are classed as affordable housing.

Willmott Dixon has been brought in by Rotherham Council to work on the proposals and the planning applications ares set to be discussed at the meeting of the planning board next week.

Plans from Bond Bryan show that family homes and large scale apartment blocks are planned for the vacant Baths site by the river. An apartment block and back-to-back housing is planned for Milfold House with apartment blocks and three-storey houses proposed on Wellgate.

Each application is being recommended for approval but only if a number of financial contributions are made to go towards public open space and travel projects to lessen the impact of the developments.

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The Wellgate application has attracted a number of objections due to its impact on the Grade II listed Wellgate Old Hall and the fact it goes against the Council's own guidelines for the site.

Applicants state that "the setting of the building would be preserved by imposing a building line contingent on the west boundary of the site." Objectors state that the apartment blocks overshadow the listed building which would be "smothered to death by overdevelopment."

Planners consider that the development is acceptable and conclude that views of the Hall along Wellgate will not be obscured, adding that the new blocks would "book end" the listed building and reintroduce its historic setting.

Papers to the planning board state: "The Council's Conservation consultant has stated that it would be difficult to suggest that the proposed scale and massing would have a harmful impact on the setting of the Grade II listed Hall. Moreover, the proposed use of traditional brick will ensure that the development maintains a dialogue with not only the Hall but the surrounding historic environment.

"It is noted that the owner / occupant of the Old Hall have raised strong objections to the proposed scheme in respect of the impact on their building. However, for the reasons set out above it is considered that sufficient evidence has been submitted to justify the development."

Documents to the Sheffield City region Combined Authority show that the schemes are set to use £3.917m from the city region's LGF Housing Fund, with Rotherham Council investing £20.468m and £5.965m requested from Homes England.

Rother Living website

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News: Willmott Dixon working on Rotherham town centre housing schemes

Willmott Dixon is the contractor partner for Rotherham Council as the authority progresses ambitious proposals for new town centre housing.

Rothbiz reported first that plans had finally been submitted for a range of new properties on sites across the town centre owned by the Council. These include the site of the former Sheffield Road baths, Millfold House on Sheffield Road and the former Henley's garage on Wellgate.

The plans would build 171 brand new homes in a range of ownership models from new council rent properties, shared ownership homes and new homes for market sale. 123 (72%) are classed as affordable housing.

Cabinet papers show that Rotherham Council will be funding these works from its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) but a bid for grant funding from Homes England's Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme (SOAHP) is being submitted. The Council is also close to securing £3.9m from the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Housing Fund.

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As part of a collaborative, two-stage process, the Council entered into a Professional Services Contract with Willmott Dixon last year to work up designs to planning application stage. The firm, which built the University Campus Rotherham, has now submitted a final price and, subject to further detailed scrutiny of that price, a contract is set to be awarded to physically construct the housing scheme.

Cllr. Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: "In Rotherham, we should be rightly proud that we have a Labour Council that is delivering on the biggest council house building programme in our borough for a generation.

"We have now published our exciting proposals for new housing sites right in the heart of our town centre. These radical plans will contribute to our wider efforts to regenerate Rotherham town centre."

Partners have a draft timetable with work starting on site by March 2020 and completions by March 2022.

Last year, Rotherham Council committed £50m over the next three years to build homes and have launched its Rother Living brand.

Willmott Dixon website
Rother Living website

Images: Bond Bryan / Rotherham Labour

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News: Meet the buyers on £300m frameworks

A meet the buyer event is taking place in Rotherham this week and is aimed at sub-contractors and suppliers looking for opportunities on the Yorkshire framework projects that are worth £300m each year.

Taking place at Rotherham United's AESSEAL New York Stadium, main building and civil engineering contractors appointed to the YORbuild2 and YORcivil2 frameworks will attend the event which is intended to promote and support supply chain engagement which is a key theme of the YORhub frameworks.

The event is scheduled for Friday morning, October 26 at 9:30am - 12.

The YORhub suite of construction frameworks have grown in popularity since the YORbuild framework was launched in 2009, and now comprises three frameworks - YORbuild2, YORcivil2 and YORconsult2 - which is due to be launched later this year.

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The frameworks have been established by five Yorkshire and Humber local authorities and are used by local authorities and other public sector organisations including universities, blue light organisations and the health sector.

One example from the Yorbuild2 framework is the successfully completed £10.5m University Centre Rotherham that was delivered by Willmott Dixon.

36 tier 1 members have been confirmed for the event this week including Wates Group, which successfully secured a multi million pound tender as part of Rotherham Council's £29m scheme to build high quality and affordable homes.

The Supply Chain Engagement Programme is for any business interested in supplying construction services or goods to the framework - contractors, including subcontractors and materials suppliers, consultants and other construction service providers.

YORhub website

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News: University Centre Rotherham handed over with a degree of satisfaction

Contractors, Willmott Dixon, have handed over the keys to the new £10.5m university campus in Rotherham town centre.

The University Centre Rotherham (UCR) includes specialist teaching facilities, seminar and lecture rooms, library, café and independent and group study spaces. The RNN Group is due to open the campus on Doncaster Gate in autumn 2018.

UCR is a brand new campus dedicated to offering degrees and professional training qualifications, providing a state-of-the-art teaching facility in the heart of Rotherham. There are a wide variety of degree courses accredited by top universities and awarding bodies, including Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Hull, with plans for over 50 courses to be running at UCR by 2020.

Jana Checkley, director of higher education and skills for RNN Group (pictured, right) said: "UCR has been a fantastic journey and as an organisation we are exceptionally proud to have worked with Willmott Dixon on such a beneficial project.

"The new university centre has been built to an extremely high standard and we look forward to moving in our state-of-the-art facilities, ready for UCR to open its doors this autumn to students of all ages and career aspirations."

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Willmott Dixon has been working closely with the Group since last September, from milestone events marking the development's rapid progress, to inviting Construction students from across all three Colleges to gain insight into working on large-scale projects.

Alan Neal, construction manager for Willmott Dixon (pictured, left), said: "As a local company based in Yorkshire with a strong track record of work in Rotherham, we are excited to be handing over the keys to this brilliant new university centre. One aspect we are proud of is how we've been able to work closely with companies in and around Rotherham, to ensure as many as possible were involved with the building work.

"University Centre Rotherham will provide important skills that will benefit the local economy for years to come and we hope it will also encourage many students to choose a career in construction."

In the planning stages, lots of thought and consideration went into determining the best way to minimise disruption to the local wildlife during the build. Wilmott Dixon are big advocates of biodiversity management by working in collaboration with The Wildlife Trusts, and are committed to systematically managing their environmental impact at each stage of the project.

Rotherham Council provided the land for the campus in a cut price deal. The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority agreed to fund infrastructure works. A grant of £3.5m has been approved with the balance coming from RNN Group. Lloyds Banking Group, has both supported and partly funded the project.

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "Access to outstanding education is crucial in ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, can fulfil their potential and realise their ambitions.

"I am delighted to see this important step for University Centre Rotherham, and very pleased that the Sheffield City Region was able to support the creation of the new centre with £3.5m of Local Growth Fund money."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "Having UCR here in Rotherham is part of the town’s regeneration and forms a key part of our vision and masterplan to enhance where we live.

"As a Council we are also committed to ensuring all our young people have the best start in life, and what better way can we support this than by ensuring they are able to gain the skills and education they need right here in the borough.

"This university centre will help bridge the skills gap we have which is currently holding the town back. If young people can get better qualifications they would be able to get better jobs, progress their careers and increase their income which can only be a good thing for the town."

UCR website

Images: Willmott Dixon / RNN Group

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News: Fit-out to start at University Centre Rotherham

All construction work is complete at the new £10.5m university campus in Rotherham town centre and the next stage is moving in furniture and further interior alterations.

The University Centre Rotherham (UCR) includes specialist teaching facilities, seminar and lecture rooms, library, café and independent and group study spaces. The RNN Group is due to open the campus on Doncaster Gate in autumn 2018.

An event was recently held on site to mark the building as watertight. Current students from Rotherham College and North Notts College who have previously visited the site in earlier stages, were invited to see UCR at almost completion.

Alan Neal, construction manager for Willmott Dixon and manages the UCR project. He said: "As the manager of this project I'm extremely proud to see the progress of the university centre, and a close relationship with RNN Group has only made it a smoother process.

"It's been a fantastic experience, with over 400 students from all three Colleges visiting the site and being able to work on a project that gives back to the community is something that I'm very passionate about."

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UCR is a brand new campus dedicated to offering degrees and professional training qualifications, providing a state-of-the-art teaching facility in the heart of Rotherham. There are a wide variety of degree courses accredited by top universities and awarding bodies, including Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Hull, with plans for over 50 courses to be running at UCR by 2020.

Jana Checkley, director of Higher Education and Skills for RNN Group, said: "The progress has been rapid and exciting and the communication with Willmott Dixon has been incredible.

"We've seen a lot of interest from potential students at recruitment fairs and open events, and we look forward to welcoming them to the first dedicated degree-focused centre in Rotherham, when the doors open in September."

An open event is being held at the College's Wharncliffe restaurant tomorrow where local employers are being invited to find out what the facility has to offer for businesses.

UCR website

Images: RNN Group

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News: On course at University Centre Rotherham

As building work continues on the new £10.5m university campus in Rotherham town centre, details have been released showing the types of higher level education courses that the first cohort of students will take.

The University Centre Rotherham (UCR) includes specialist teaching facilities, seminar and lecture rooms, library, café and independent and group study spaces. The RNN Group is due to open the campus on Doncaster Gate in autumn 2018.

There are a wide variety of degree courses accredited by top universities and awarding bodies, including Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Hull, with plans for over 50 courses to be running at UCR by 2020.

And they are cheaper too, backed by student loans and maintenance loans, tuition fees are considerably less than others with undergraduate courses ranging from £3,000 to £7,000 per year.

Bachelor degrees, foundation degrees, HNCs and HNDs, PGCEs and higher and degree apprenticeships are being offered by the institution.

Accounting, business and management courses are set to include guest lectures delivered by industry-based speakers, enterprise challenges and visits to related organisations. Example arts courses include studying for degrees in graphic communication design, fashion and fine and applied art.

A new foundation degree course focuses on games development and new degree courses are in development in media studies and theatrical fashion and media hair and make-up.

The RNN Group's engineering focus continues into the new campus, as does the focus on the care sector and hair and beauty.

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Jana Checkley, director of higher education and skills for RNN Group, said: "The University Centre Rotherham is an amazing opportunity for the community. We are building a university specific centre that is going to house over a thousand students over the next five years.

"The UCR is a place were students are able to focus on developing their skills for a career in music, graphics, computing, engineering and many other fantastic opportunities that are going to help enrich the community of Rotherham.

"We are going to be working with local employers to help build a more diverse curriculum that is going to have over 50 different subjects by 2020."

Dan Jarvis, candidate in the upcoming Sheffield city region mayoral election, recently toured the building site for the new campus with the leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr. Chris Read.

Mr Jarvis met on site with the deputy principal of the RNN Group, Philip Sayles and construction manager from contractors, Willmott Dixon, Alan Neal, to take a tour of the latest developments, as well as learn more about course offerings.

Rotherham Council provided the land for the campus in a cut price deal. The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority agreed to fund infrastructure works. A grant of £3.5m has been approved with the balance coming from RNN Group.

Dan Jarvis said: "The UCR site in the centre of Rotherham points to great opportunities and it is fantastic to see it taking shape. It shows how by working together, we can create jobs and secure the investment that we need to bridge the skills gap and offer local people the skills they need to succeed in future employment."

Cllr. Chris Read added: "When I was last here it was for the ground-breaking ceremony and the build was still in its early stages, with nothing much to see – today's visit shows how far the build has come along and I can't wait for local people to come and see UCR for themselves this September.

"UCR is not only the first key piece of the jigsaw for our regeneration of the town centre, it is also a critical investment to ensure that Rotherham people have access to the skills that they need in the future. We still have too few people with higher level qualifications, and for too long it has been difficult to study locally – over the coming years that is going to change."

UCR website

Images: RNN Group / Dan Jarvis

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News: Council's jobs hope for Fortem

Rotherham Council bosses are hoping that the restructuring of one of its main housing contractors will lead to more jobs being created in the borough, despite around 20 staff currently at risk of redundancy.

In 2016 Willmott Dixon's property repairs and maintenance specialist Willmott Dixon Partnerships announced that it was changing its name to Fortem.

From a base at Templeborough, Fortem works with Rotherham Council to deliver a repairs and maintenance service to 10,500 homes in the areas of Wentworth South, Wentworth Valley, Rother Valley West and Rother Valley South.

In 2010 the company secured the five and a half year contract worth £58m with possible extensions up to 2020.

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Fortem recently announced that it was preparing to make around 20 of its Rotherham staff redundant. The redundancies are principally in administration and managerial roles and some of the work is to be transferred from Rotherham to the organisation's head office in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

At the same time, discussions are ongoing around Fortem creating a new academy and bringing additional jobs to the borough.

The Improving Places Select Commission at Rotherham Council recently discussed the work of Fortem, along with fellow contractor, Mears.

Mark Nearney, housing contract services and development manager at Rotherham Council, updated the meeting on the announcement.

Nearney said: "Overall, in the package, there will be job creation from Fortem with the "Learning Academy for Life." The net figure is that there will be more jobs in Rotherham. Yes, it'll be different types but it'll be healthy, full time employment, but some of the admin work will move down to Hitchin. We'll be keen to make sure that that doesn't affect service delivery."

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Cllr. Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, added: "We've paid a lot of attention to this. It is a large contractor of ours and we need to be managing them and what they propose to do with their redundancies.

"I've spoken to people at Fortem and there will be some really positive news around the academy that they will be establishing with Rotherham College down in Dinnington, which will create 13 brand new jobs and a further 20 jobs in Rotherham at what they are calling their Northern Support Hub to support other contracts that they have got in the North.

"They are obviously undergoing some restructuring nationally as an organisation and we do have a relationship with them that is challenging. We know what happens when a contract isn't managed well but we have challenging, professional relationships with Mears and Fortem where we can have these sorts of discussions.

"Our thoughts are with those in danger of losing their jobs but hopefully there will be some positive news as well and there is a possibility of some of those people being redeployed."

The local branch of the Unite union said that it was preparing for industrial action having approached Fortem over the redundancies only to be told that the union had been derecognised.

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News: Chamber welcomes two new patrons

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Fortem and Cannon PR as new patrons.

Cannon PR, which is headquartered on High Street, Rotherham was formed in 2011 by award-winning Public Relations professional Matthew Ridsdale. Since its inception, the company has delivered a comprehensive range of communications services aimed at helping businesses throughout South Yorkshire to grow. A member of the Public Relations Consultants Association, over the past six years Cannon PR has supported a wide range of businesses within the technology, professional services and food and drink sectors as well as being responsible for supporting business finance specialists Finance For Enterprise and the Sheffield City Region Launchpad Programme, responsible for helping new entrepreneurs to take their first steps in business.

Cannon PR has also played an active role in supporting a number of Chamber-led initiatives including the unique Gallery Town project, designed to stimulate regeneration within Rotherham's town centre, whilst company founder Matthew also sits on the Chamber's Member Representation Council, a role which he has held since 2012.

Matthew Ridsdale, director and founder of Cannon PR (pictured, right), said: "I've been proud to support the work of the Chamber for more than a decade and when I decided to launch Cannon PR in 2011, one of the very first calls I made was to the Chamber.

"It's been terrific to see the Chamber grow and evolve, particularly over the past eighteen months. Last year saw Cannon PR enjoy a significant period of growth and as a Rotherham-based business we are proud to support our local Chamber over the next twelve months.

"The Chamber of Commerce is an important organisation for local businesses, one which helps to provide support and representation and through Cannon PR's involvement we have also been able to use our skills and expertise to support a number of community led initiatives. For me, becoming a patron is about not only supporting the local business community but helping to create opportunities to build a stronger local economy."

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Fortem, sister company to construction giant Willmott Dixon, joined the Chamber in 2016 and since then the company has actively supported many Chamber initiatives, including the organisation’s annual awards event. The company is responsible for undertaking a full range of property solutions for a large number of valued clients across the housing, bluelight, public buildings, education and care sectors and counts Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Midland Heart and Orbit housing amongst its national client base.

The company employs over 160 people from its base at Templeborough, Rotherham and plays an active role in supporting a wide range of community initiatives, investing more than £1.2 million in community led projects during 2017. At the same time, the company actively works to create skilled jobs within the local economy, through its highly regarded apprenticeship programme.

Mick Williamson, managing director at Fortem said: "We first joined the Chamber in 2016 because we felt it was important to build stronger links with the local business community, enabling us to continue to invest in the communities we serve and creating opportunities to support others. Since then we've never looked back!

"Over the past twelve months alone, our work with the Chamber has helped us to create new jobs within the local economy, whilst also being able to play a greater role in the local community through our active volunteering programme. We see our role as a patron being very much about investing back into the communities we serve."

The addition of Fortem and Cannon PR bring the total number of patrons at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber to 19 businesses including ASD Lighting, Gibson Booth, Westfield Health, Barnsley FC and Rotherham United FC.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: "On behalf of everyone at the Chamber, I'd like to give a very warm welcome to our newest patrons, Fortem and Cannon PR. Both businesses have actively supported the Chamber for a number of years, and I’m sure they will both continue to play key roles in helping to strengthen and support our growing membership.

"Becoming a Chamber Patron is not only a commitment towards supporting the work of the Chamber, but also about illustrating how local businesses come together to support common interests such as playing an important role in the communities we serve as well as adding weight and gravitas to the role the Chamber plays in supporting businesses in both Barnsley and Rotherham."

BR Chamber website
Canon PR website
Fortem website

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News: Brickwork students on site at UCR

Brickwork students from Rotherham College were invited to the University Centre Rotherham (UCR) site by contractor Willmott Dixon for a site tour to showcase the latest developments of the build, but also for a demonstration of the bricklaying process for a large project.

In the autumn of this year, the RNN Group will open the 35,500 sq ft campus building on Doncaster Gate to offer state-of-the-art facilities and a wide variety of degree courses.

The aim of the visit was not only to show students what a typical day looks like on a building site, but also to offer students the opportunity to spot any potential hazards and demonstrate the quality of work expected to reduce building waste.

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The brickwork students were firstly taken into the on-site meeting room for an introduction by building manager Chris James, before they were shown development plans and a time-lapse video of the progress so far.

Alan Neal, construction manager at Willmott Dixon, said: "The role of a bricklayer is to manage the quality of their work, be compliant with specifications and spot any potential problems. If they feel a particular part of the build isn't working, it is their job to observe, take evidence and report. This kind of attitude will make the project safer not only for them but for everyone else on-site."

Students were also introduced to the bricklaying supervisor, who explained the bricklaying process and the type of brick being used on the building exterior.

After the site tour students were invited to ask any questions on career paths and apprenticeships, as well as to voice any observations they made on the health and safety aspects of the build. These observations will then be fed back to the operations manager, who will ensure any hazards are inspected and made safe.

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News: University Centre Rotherham reaches new heights

A topping-out ceremony has been held to celebrate a huge milestone in the construction of the brand new University Centre Rotherham (UCR) in the town centre.

In the autumn of this year, the RNN Group will open the centre on Doncaster Gate to offer state-of-the-art facilities and a wide variety of degree courses accredited by top universities and awarding bodies, including Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Hull, with plans for over 50 courses to be running at UCR by 2020.

Willmott Dixon are just months away from completing the build. "Topping-out" is the term used by contractors to refer to the installation of the final piece of structure, or the completion of the roof on a building.

Representatives from organisations backing the important regeneration project gathered to mark the occasion. These include Rotherham Council, the Sheffield City Region (SCR), Rotherham Together Partnership and Lloyds Bank.

John Connolly, chief executive for the RNN Group, said: "It's fantastic to see our new University Centre Rotherham really starting to take shape and beginning to take its place on the Rotherham skyline.

"Over the coming months, people will hear much more about the courses and brilliant facilities, and we'll be working closely with more employers to get them involved so training meets their needs for highly-skilled staff."

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The UCR's model is based on offering an alternative technical education with Level 3 courses and apprenticeships up to degrees and degree apprenticeships at Level 4 to 7.

RNN Group, which encompasses Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College, alongside apprenticeship business, RNN Training, has been working closely with 200 of the 1,000 employers it has links with to develop courses that particularly meet a need for the local economy.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "The culmination of this project will bring what many businesses in Rotherham have been hoping for a long time - a university campus in our own town and in a central location. The number one priority for a majority of businesses is getting staff with the right skillset and developing our own "home grown talent" will prove a major step forward. This also ties in with the Rotherham Together Partnership "game changer" of increasing skills and employment in the borough."

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, added: "University Centre Rotherham will be a great asset to the borough. As Rotherham looks forward to a future with more growing and innovative businesses, the UCR will help to develop a home-grown future workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge."

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Rotherham Council has provided the land for the campus in a cut price deal. The SCR Combined Authority agreed to fund infrastructure works with a grant of £3.5m approved with the balance coming from RNN Group.

Nigel Brewster, vice chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "The University Centre will help to attract, retain and develop skills in the region which are so important for the SCR’s sustainable growth. It will be a major asset to Rotherham and the employers and workforce of the region - the "let's get it done" work-ethic in Sheffield City Region harnesses drive and ambition."

The 35,500 sq ft campus building has been designed by Bond Bryan to accommodate approximately 560 people on a typical term day but will be built with expansion in mind and teaching space for approximately 1,000 students. Options for expansion on the site of the former Victorian hospital are already being looked at.

Richard Stowell, operations manager for Willmott Dixon, said: "UCR has made fantastic progress since the start in September 2017; in the space of a few months we have completed the groundwork, erected the steel, cast the floors and started the perimeter cladding.

"The roof topping out marks a significant milestone in the project calendar as we begin to commence internal trades, and is another milestone in our work to achieve completion later this year, so that UCR can welcome its first students this autumn."

UCR website

Images: RNN Group

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News: Rapid progress on pioneering University Centre Rotherham

With the steelwork up and concrete being poured, contractors working on the new £10.5m University Centre Rotherham (UCR) are making rapid progress on creating a new beacon for the town.

Businesses from across Rotherham visited the UCR site this week as part of the Rotherham Pioneers breakfast meeting, which centred around celebrating Rotherham and its future.

The meeting was an opportunity for Phil Sayles, deputy principal of the RNN Group, to explain how UCR will work closely with local employers to shape education that will ensure that students have the skills and experience they need to go into successful careers and drive the Rotherham economy.

Alan Neal, construction manager at Willmott Dixon, who are leading on the project, discussed the progress of the build where work is ahead of schedule.

In autumn 2018, the RNN Group will open the centre on Doncaster Gate, near its Rotherham College Town Centre Campus. UCR will offer state-of-the-art facilities and a wide variety of degree courses accredited by top universities and awarding bodies, including Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Hull, with plans for over 50 courses to be running at UCR by 2020.

Sayles told attendees: "It is going up really quickly. All the steelwork is up and contractors are moving on to other areas. The new centre sends a message about higher education opportunities in our town."

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The 35,500 sq ft campus building has been designed by Bond Bryan to accommodate approximately 560 people on a typical term day but will be built with expansion in mind and teaching space for approximately 1,000 students.

Rotherham Council has provided the land for the campus in a cut price deal. The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority has agreed to fund infrastructure works. A grant of £3.5m has been approved with the balance coming from RNN Group.

Sayles discussed the issues around higher level skills in the area where the percentage of people with degree / HND level qualifications is 10% lower than the national average and described a "starkness" in participation from different areas in the borough.

The UCR is about making sure local people have the confidence and ambition to gain those much-needed higher level skills but it is also about closings the skills gaps holding back local businesses.

Estimated to attract 1,000 additional students over the first five years, the UCR's model is based on offering an alternative technical education with Level 3 courses and apprenticeships up to degrees and degree apprenticeships at Level 4 to 7.

RNN Group, which encompasses Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College, alongside apprenticeship business, RNN Training, has been working closely with 200 of the 1,000 employers it has links with to develop courses that particularly meet a need for the local economy.

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Sayles explained to attendees how businesses can work with the UCR in influencing teaching, setting real world briefs for students and talent spotting the graduates. "UCR will bring massive, positive change to businesses in our town" he said.

The group is also in the process of setting up a number of employer advisory groups. A good relationship with NHS Trusts led to the establishment of a health sector group with more set to follow based around construction, the visitor economy, IT and engineering.

The RNN Group is a founding member of the Rotherham Pioneers - an exclusive group for Rotherham businesses who want to promote the town, celebrate all that is good, and grow the Rotherham business community. The next event is scheduled to be held at Grimm & Co in December.

UCR website
Rotherham Pioneers website

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News: Construction starts on University Centre Rotherham

Construction work has begun on the RNN Group's brand new £12m campus, University Centre Rotherham (UCR) in Rotherham town centre.

The centre on Doncaster Gate, which will provide degrees and other higher level and professional qualifications, is due to open in autumn 2018, and is seen as one of the key "game changers" in the Rotherham Plan 2025, a strategic plan to regenerate the town to make it a better place to live, work, invest in or visit.

The 35,500 sq ft campus building has been designed by Bond Bryan to accommodate approximately 560 people on a typical term day but will be built with expansion in mind and teaching space for approximately 1,000 students.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, will join representatives of RNN Group, and the contractors, Willmott Dixon at the site this week to dig the first soil.

Cllr. Read said: "Having a university centre is a key part of the town's regeneration and I am delighted that it is going ahead.

"We have a skills gap in Rotherham and that is one thing that is holding the town back. But some of our people are also being held back. If they can get better qualifications they will be able to get better jobs, progress in their careers, increase their income and that can only be good for the town."

Preparation work began last month with the site being cleared and the access road being widened.

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RNN Group has been working closely with 200 of over 1,000 employers it works with to develop courses that particularly meet a need for the local economy. More than 50 different courses are expected to be running by 2020, including digital, creative, health, technical construction, engineering, and leadership and management. The target is to attract 1,000 additional students over the first five years, with, it's hoped, many of those students also going on to create new businesses in the town.

John Connolly, chief executive of the RNN Group, said: "Providing local access to university education in Rotherham will make a real difference to individuals, businesses and the local economy.

"The University Centre will provide new opportunities for those who might not have considered university as an option in the past. The combination of lower fees and the chance to live at home whilst studying locally will bring Higher Education right into the heart of Rotherham, helping to create a skills and jobs revolution in the town."

Rotherham Council has provided the land for the campus in a cut price deal. The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority has agreed to fund infrastructure works. A grant of £3.5m has been approved with the balance coming from RNN Group.

Nigel Brewster, vice chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP said: "This is an important and welcome development which will help both adult students and our regional businesses. We have backed the funding because we know there is a skills gap in the region and we want to help address it.

"This investment in infrastructure will help companies who will be able to recruit skilled workers and grow their businesses, creating more jobs.

"It is an exciting and visionary way forward which will benefit the whole region."

RNN Group website

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