News: Footfall up in Rotherham town centre

The number of visitors to Rotherham town centre is above 14 million a year, but is not yet back to pre-COVID levels.

Rothbiz reported in April that Rotherham town centre had attracted a million more visits since 2024, according to the leader of the council.

Now the authority has published the latest annual footfall figures.

In its Statement of Accounts, Rotherham Council said that there were 14.1m visitors to the town centre in 2025/26, an increase of 850,000 from 2023/24.

Revitalising the town centre is a central part of the council's 2025 - 2030 plan, called "Forging Ahead." Long term measures of success include an increase in footfall in the town centre, a decrease in the percentage of vacant units in the town centre and an increase in the proportion of people optimistic about the future of Rotherham town centre.

Although the progress of the plan is monitored, and updates provided to councillors, the data behind these measures is not published.



When data was made public, it showed that yearly footfall figures for Rotherham town centre have been in decline since 2012. From just over 26 million in that year, reducing by ten million to 16 million in 2019, even before the COVID pandemic.

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The way footfall is measured varies. Commercial property agents at nearby Parkgate Shopping promote that the popular retail destination attracts eight million visitors per year. Agents for Meadowhall say that the Sheffield shopping centre has 24 million visitors a year. Barnsley town centre attracted a footfall of more than nine million in 2024-25 according to Barnsley Council.

On the ground, Rothbiz recently reported on a "perfect storm" described by local retailers who said that "a massive dip in footfall over the years, not least due to huge retailers leaving for out of town retail parks, has taken its toll."

In Rotherham, the local authority points to the opening of Forge Island in 2024. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets.

Investment is also being made in events and a dedicated council team designed to make Rotherham’s high streets safer and more welcoming.

Vibrant Town Centres is one of four "gamechangers" in the new plan from the Rotherham Partnership. The vision is for partners to work together to diversify the offer in town centre in order to increase the number of return visits from residents and those outside of the borough.

The plan mentions the continued efforts to create more housing in the town centre, supporting businesses and community organisations to fill previously empty units and revitalise streets, and a collective effort to support residents to buy local.

On using culture and events, the plan states: "An engaging and exciting programme of events will draw people into our town centres, making them vibrant hubs for our communities and places where people come together. In Rotherham town centre, this sense of surprise and discovery will drive a renaissance in the visitor and nighttime economy."

The plan adds: "Across our town centres, including Dinnington, Maltby, Rotherham, Swinton and Wath, we will support the regeneration of our high streets with a focus on improving footfall, business support and making public spaces more pleasant and welcoming.

"We are redefining how we measure success - moving beyond traditional metrics of retail and spending, to also prioritise the social, wellbeing and community value which town centres can deliver."

Images: Flux Rotherham / BTG Eddisons

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News: New parking system at Forge Island includes four hours free

Users of the Forge Island leisure development in Rotherham town centre will now be able to park for free for up to four hours.

Forge Island is Rotherham town centre's landmark leisure destination delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema and a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel and food outlets - Vetro Lounge, Sygnature Dish and Heavenly Desserts.

Rothbiz reported last month on a council decision regarding a hybrid, ticketless parking system to introduce new concessionary free parking and new parking charges. An original tariff for the 340 space car park has never been implemented due to "operational issues."

The chosen option introduces concessions for all other businesses as part of the Forge Island development alongside the current free parking for cinema and hotel users.

From this week, the authority is implementing parking fees of up to 1 hour for free with up to 2 hours costing £2.50, up to 4 hours would be £5, and up to 24 hours would be £8.

Additionally, parking concessions have been extended to customers of all businesses located within the Forge Island development providing four hours of free parking.

Guests at the Travelodge are still entitled to free overnight parking between 4pm and 10am.

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An update from the Council states: "Enter your registration number on the devices in the business you're visiting. Our automated number plate recognition system will take care of the rest!

"You can of course park for longer than four hours - but just the first four hours are free. If you stay longer, you'll need to pay for the remainder of your visit.

"If you’re not visiting Forge Island businesses, you can still park for up to an hour for free, but longer stays will incur a charge. You will need to pay at a pay station before returning to your vehicle."

In making the decision, the authority explained that it had experienced difficulties in attracting businesses to Forge Island and in letting the units, and had received complaints from the tenants in respect of the car park.

In October 2025, the council's Parking Services staff were drafted in to ensure the site was used appropriately following "heavy usage by non-genuine customers," given the proximity to Riverside House, the police station and the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / Google Maps

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News: Further free parking for Forge Island as Rotherham Council faces difficulties with flagship site

A council briefing has laid bare the difficulties that the authority is facing with its Forge Island regeneration scheme.

Forge Island is Rotherham town centre's new landmark leisure destination delivered by the council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema and a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel and food outlets.

Since the first openings in 2024, footfall across Rotherham town centre was 10% higher than the previous year but a report regarding the parking charges at the transformed site of the former Tesco supermarket shows that Rotherham Council is having difficulty attracting businesses and facing complaints from the current tenants.

In February 2025, Rothbiz reported on a free concessionary parking offer for users of the businesses on Forge Island but the tariff for the 340 space car park has never been implemented due to "operational issues."

In October, Parking Services staff were drafted in to ensure the site is used appropriately after the council received a number of complaints about parking availability at Forge Island.

Now a decision has been made regarding a hybrid, ticketless system that will introduce new concessionary free parking and new parking charges.

The hotel and cinema have parking concessions written into their leases, the other businesses do not. A 3.5 hours concession for customers of the cinema is already in place, as is free parking for hotel guests between 16:00 and 10:00. The report states that: "[Restaurant unit tenant] Vetro Lounge are now requesting a concession for their customers on a regular basis and are worried the introduction of parking charges will impact their trading."

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The authority has had to weigh up issues such as potential higher parking fees that could deter visitors and impact the trading of the businesses, with the problem of "heavy usage by non-genuine customers," given the proximity to Riverside House, the police station and the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The report states: "The purpose of the car park, whilst it is there to support wider parking within the town centre, its "main" purpose is to support the footfall and the generation of trade / customers for the tenants located on Forge Island."

Continuing the current free parking situation has been ruled out due to "genuine customers complaining to the cinema and hotel that they were unable to find a parking space, which jeopardised rental income from these businesses."

Also ruled out was an option to keep concessions for cinema and hotel users, but not offer any to users of other businesses. Instead, charges would be brought in to try to maintain sufficient parking capacity for genuine customers of Forge Island.

However, the report adds: "Adjacent destinations such as Parkgate and Meadowhall offers free parking to its visitors / customers and therefore parking charges at Forge Island are likely to influence customer choice.

"Giving concessions to all customers of Forge Island will impact the income received from the car park and the business plan for the site, but charging all customers to use the site will potentially put customers off visiting the site and using the food outlets.

"Given the difficulty we are having in attracting businesses to site, letting the units and the current volume of complaints from the tenants in respect of the car park and management of the car park it is recommended that the other outlets are given a concession equal to that of the cinema."

The chosen option introduces concessions for all other businesses as part of the Forge Island development alongside the current free parking for cinema and hotel users.

This was expected to match the same concession of 3.5 hours, which the council says "would allow visitors to visit both the cinema and other outlets without the need to pay for parking. If they exceeded the allotted concession they would need to pay the balance of the parking charge, which would be their choice."

Fees would also be introduced for people wishing to park in Forge Island but not use any Forge Island businesses.

A 30 minute drop off period has been in operation. Free parking is already offered in the town centre at all Council Off-Street car parks on Saturdays and Sundays, but that is not mentioned in the Forge Island report.

The Council is justifying the fees as it expects that the higher rates would send "significant numbers" of employees of the Council back to New York Stadium car park as they are willing to pay the day rate of £5 there. Charging on weekends has been suggested to deter use of the car park by people attending football matches at the stadium.

A decision dated December 24 2025 states that the authority will implement parking fees of up to 1 hour for free with up to 2 hours costing £2.50, up to 4 hours would be £5, and up to 24 hours would be £8.

Additionally, parking concessions will be extended to customers of all businesses located within the Forge Island development and that those concessions provide for 4 hours of free parking.

The council will review the charges after 12 months.

To facilitate the new system, ANPR cameras would be used and tablets will be installed within the businesses in order for users to enter their car registration number and validate their parking. Validated free parking will be offered to vehicles displaying a valid blue badge.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse

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News: Work to prepare old Rotherham cinema building for regeneration

Rotherham Council has appointed a contractor to secure an art deco former cinema in the town centre until a new use can be found.

Vandals have already caused "significant damage" to the fabric of the empty Grade II Listed building.

The authority was granted planning permission earlier this year to repaint the exterior of 2 Corporation Street "to more sympathetic and historically appropriate colours, in order to preserve and enhance its architectural integrity, while maintaining its significance."

Now attention has turned to the inside of the former Regal Cinema and Mecca Bingo that was acquired in 2022.

A council tender for the internal clearance, external roofing, and refurbishment, includes remedial works - a secondary strip following initial clearance, and asbestos and vegetation removal.

Parapet and gutter works are set to be carried out followed by the boarding of the building on completion of works.

The council's plans also included using a vinyl treatment on the metal shutters of the existing windows and doors to create the illusion of the original windows and entrances. Where original cinematic posters would have been displayed interchangeable advertising will again be displayed.

The contract, worth £451,694, has been awarded to Blackpool-based F Parkinson Ltd and is due to complete by the end of September 2025.

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The future for the building is not yet clear. Planning documents state that: "The owner of the premises Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) have confirmed that they intend to mothball and secure the building until a viable scheme for its re-use can be found."

In a council report, Kevin Fisher, Assistant Director Property and Facilities Services at Rotherham Council said: "Enabling works are required within the building to ensure that the building remains safe, secure and compliant whilst a review of future use is undertaken."

Planning documents also add that: "The building is vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins due to its vacant state. Significant damage has already occurred to the building fabric from vandalism, and this is only likely to continue unless the building is fully secured."

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the building had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status. This meant that earlier proposals from Sunshine Homes Ltd to erect a new residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units was withdrawn. The plans would have involved knocking down the building as converting the existing property was found to be not a viable proposal.

The property has since been added to the council's own heritage at risk register.

Rothbiz has previously reported on Rotherham Council using regeneration funding to carry out market testing and an options appraisal for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre as the current Civic Theatre building has challenges in terms of capacity, opportunity for growth and its general condition. A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2022 to determine a suitable location for a new venue and a site was subsequently acquired by the Council.

Images: Google Maps

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News: "Operators signed up" for Forge Island

The empty units at the £47m Forge Island leisure development in Rotherham could soon be filled, according to the latest update from the Council.

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

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

Deals for Casa Peri Peri, Estabulo, Sakku Samba, Caffé Noor, Cow & Cream and The Rustic Pizza Company appear to have fallen through with the authority saying that, working with its development partners, Muse, it was in discussion with a number of other potential operators who have expressed an interest in the site.

At a recent meeting of Rotherham's Town Board, council representatives were asked about the empty units at Forge Island.

The Town Board is a private-sector chaired board established to oversee regeneration progress of various projects backed by government funding. It contains representatives from a wide range of key sectors.

Minutes show that Simon Moss, Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport at Rotherham Council, "confirmed that a number of operators have signed up and agreed to terms; more information will soon follow."

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Earlier this month Rotherham Council confirmed that it had fully-funded the scheme for the purposes of regeneration of the town centre, not as a commercial venture, adding that it wasn't concerned about the implications of the empty units as the scheme was designed to pay for itself over the life of the development.

In the meantime, space at Forge Island is being utilised by ROAR, a non profit dedicated to supporting creative practices and promoting the arts in Rotherham.

ROAR has established "Senspace" in the empty units where different artworks are being added to, manipulated and moved all the time.

Open for the recent Christmas Lights switch-on, the group describes Senspace as a "growing and changing interactive exhibition looking at the ideas of mindfulness and wellness in a creative capacity."

It is described as offering "a refreshing escape — a sanctuary where art, meditation, and mental health come together to nourish both mind and soul. Each work in the exhibit invites you to immerse yourself in a sensory journey, discovering moments of calm, self-reflection, and grounding.

"At Senspace, art is meant to be felt, breathed, and experienced. With interactive installations that evoke meditative states and ambient soundscapes that soothe, every element is crafted to help reduce stress, build resilience, and deepen personal insight. This isn’t just an art exhibit; it’s an experience designed to reconnect you with yourself through the gentle power of art and mindfulness."

Senspace runs until November 29.

Forge Island website

Images: ROAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Arc Cinema Rotherham officially opens

With the newly opened cinema taking centre stage, Rotherham Council is hoping that Forge Island will become a central hub for family-friendly activities.

The Arc Cinema Rotherham had an official opening last week having hosted a number of advanced screenings. It is the first cinema operating in Rotherham town centre since 1990.

The centre piece of Rotherham’s Forge Island regeneration project, work commenced on building the new multimillion pound cinema in January and since that time The Arc Cinema Group has left no stone unturned in a bid to bring a luxury cinema experience to South Yorkshire.

The new facility, features eight screens, has combined contemporary design, whilst also giving a nod to the golden age of cinema houses. Each screen is equipped with luxury reclining seats, designed to give film lovers the ultimate viewing experience.

The cinema also features two state-of-the-art HYPERSENSE screens. The latest development in cinema technology, the two giant wall-to-wall cinema screens have been carefully designed to provide the ultimate viewing experience and feature state-of-the-art 4K laser projection as well as boasting Dolby Atmos® surround sound to create a truly immersive viewing experience.

To celebrate the opening of The Arc Cinema Rotherham, throughout September all films can be viewed for just five pounds every Friday and before 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Laura Vickers is the general manager heading up a new 30-strong workforce at The Arc Cinema Rotherham. She said: “The opening of a new cinema in Rotherham is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated events that the town has seen for many years. We’ve received a terrific amount of support from across the whole community.

“We believe that visiting the cinema is an experience which can and should be enjoyed by everyone and we’re looking forward to welcoming film lovers to our brand new cinema."

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Brian Gilligan, Director, Arc Cinema Group, added: “From the outset, our aim has been to create a place that belongs to the people of Rotherham, just as much as it belongs to us.

“Rotherham is an area with a large population that has been underserved by cinema facilities for a long time. We hope that the opening of our cinema, will not only create a location where film lovers can enjoy the latest blockbusters, but in time it will become an important part of the local community.”

The Arc Cinema group is a family-owned business which operates twelve cinemas across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Since its formation in 2014, the company has specialised in bringing cinema facilities to populations that are under-served. The company places emphasis upon playing an active role within the communities it serves by engaging with local good causes, schools and community groups.

Families can enjoy a day of free entertainment and activities at Forge Island on Saturday September 14. Activities include live music, street performers, art, face-painting and the chance to meet and greet some famous faces – from Minions to Paddington – to celebrate upcoming film releases this autumn, as well as special offers, balloons and giveaways throughout the day.

Rotherham Council Leader, Cllr Chris Read said: “Our vision was always to create a family friendly destination and with our fantastic new cinema, plus the Travelodge hotel now open, and the multi-million-pound investment into the public spaces and wider development complete, we couldn’t let the summer end without inviting people of all ages to mark this milestone.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone down to explore Forge Island, which has such historical significance for the town, as we celebrate the start of its new chapter as a place for people from Rotherham, and beyond, to visit and enjoy for years to come.”

The council added that: "It is hoped that Forge Island will become a central hub for family-friendly activities year-round and the team are exploring options for more activities later this year, to complement other events across the town."

Arc Cinema website Forge Island website

Images: Arc Cinema / facebook

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News: Film fans get an advance preview as Rotherham cinema opens early

The new Arc Cinema in Rotherham is open for bookings from this week as the Forge Island site welcomes film fans ahead of an official launch event next month.

The move coincides with National Cinema Day on August 31 and means that film fans will be able to catch summer blockbusters including Deadpool & Wolverine, Alien Romulus, Twisters and Bad Boys 4, along with family films such as Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4 with ticket prices starting from £4.

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

Rothbiz reported last week that the Irish cinema operator had confirmed that an advance preview of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is set to take place on September 5, with an official launch on September 6 at the new site, the first cinema in Rotherham town centre for over 30 years.

Arc said that it was "thrilled to announce that we’ll be opening our doors a whole week earlier than planned for special preview screenings."

Arc has 12 locations spanning across the UK and Ireland with three more in the works.

Positioned at the south of the former home of the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the design of the new Rotherham cinema looked to the strong industrial heritage of the site which was historically home to a foundry and an iron works.

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

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National Cinema Day has cinemas up and down the country, including Arc Cinemas, celebrating with £4 tickets.

Regular prices are around £6 for standard screenings and £8 for Hypersense screenings. Offers include £5 tickets for students and for Second Chance Cinema on Mondays, plus £5 prices for the over 60s on Thursdays afternoons. Thursday evenings are designated Date Nights with tickets at £14 per couple.

The Kids Club is £3.50 for family-friendly showings every Saturday & Sunday around 11am and every morning during school holidays. The chain also takes part in Meerkat Movies, offering 2-for-1 cinema tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday.

And cinema-goers will also be able to park at Forge Island for free.

Laura Vickers, the newly appointed General Manager of The Arc Cinema Rotherham, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to open our doors earlier than expected. This is a fantastic opportunity for our team to get to know our new community and for Rotherham to experience the unique cinematic experience we’ve worked so hard to create. We can’t wait to welcome you all and start sharing the magic of the movies with you.”

Arc Cinema website

Images: ARC / Facebook

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News: Showtime! Opening date for new Rotherham cinema

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arc Cinema website
Travelodge website
Forge Island website

Images: Arc Cinema

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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News: Forge Island loses restaurant brands as challenging trading conditions bite

A company connected to the restaurant operator that signed up to open a number of brands in Rotherham town centre has gone into liquidation.

Rotherham Council has confirmed that just one of the operator's brands is now coming to Rotherham.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by the council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development is anchored by an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema and a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel.

With the hotel now open and the cinema slated to begin screening films in September, the food and drink units were handed over on July 1 2024.

The partners had celebrated the development being fully let over a year before opening, announcing deals that would see six independent restaurants open on the riverside, including Casa Peri Peri, Estabulo, Sakku Samba, Caffé Noor, Cow & Cream and The Rustic Pizza Company.

A triple-header deal was signed with Thistle Group in 2022 who would bring Casa Peri Peri, Estabulo Rodizio/Sakku Samba as a dual-branded concept, and Caffé Noor.

On July 8, Dabangg Hospitality Group Ltd T/A Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill went into liquidation. Dabangg shares a director with Thistle Property Holdings Group Ltd.

Dabangg Hospitality's website has gone offline but its LinkedIn page explains that it is "a prominent and visionary company that owns and operates five successful restaurant companies: Estabulo, Sakkusamba, Fleur, Caffe Noor, and Sakku."

Documents show that HMRC applied to the courts to have Wakefield-based Dabangg Hospitality Group Ltd wound up. A week later, Clark Business Recovery Limited was appointed as liquidator.

Further documents show that the group owed £7m to HMRC - £2.7m regarding PAYE and £4.3m regarding VAT.

Sakku Samba venues in Manchester and Bradford have recently closed but company directors appear unfazed by the liquidation with new companies created and new venues opening, including Raft in Manchester and Habbibi in Leeds.

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Back in Rotherham, the Forge Island website now only shows two outlets on its food and drink page - The Rustic Pizza Company and Caffé Noor.

Cow & Cream closed its remaining Barnsley store in September 2023, with the burger and shakes specialist stating that food cost prices, energy prices and packaging costs had made providing a value for money product impossible for them to achieve.

Rotherham Council’s Interim Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment Andrew Bramidge said: “Unfortunately due to challenging trading conditions and circumstances beyond anyone’s control, operators have not been able to bring forward all the planned eateries for Forge Island at the current time.

“However, Thistle Group remains committed to Rotherham and will open its luxury coffee shop brand, Café Noor, at the gateway of the site as intended. Meanwhile, Travelodge hotel is already open on site and welcoming guests, The Arc Cinema is on track to open in early September, and Rustic Pizza is due to open its doors to the public this summer.

"Alongside our development partners Muse, we are already in discussion with a number of other potential operators who have expressed an interest in the site, and we will make further announcements about these in due course when agreements are reached."

It’s coming… pic.twitter.com/MrUJWSDJNs

— Chris Read (@christophe_read) July 9, 2024

Rotherham Council has fully funded the Forge Island scheme after its Cabinet approved an increase in the Council’s Capital Programme in 2022 to cover the £46.8m costs which were expected to be covered by the authority's own borrowing and capital resources.

Rotherham Council acquired the site in 2017 following the move accross town by Tesco. A 250 year lease to Muse was initially proposed before the council stepped in with the upfront costs.

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

Forge Island website

Images: Estabulo / facebook /Chris Read / twitter

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News: First visitors stay over at new Rotherham Travelodge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travelodge website
Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen / Arc Cinemas / Facebook

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News: Forge Island recruitment underway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forge Island website

Images: RMBC / Muse

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News: Free parking for film fans at Forge Island

Rotherham Council has confirmed that film fans are set to have another reason to chose to stay local to watch future features - free parking at Forge Island.

Rothbiz first reported on the parking plans back in 2020 and the new Arc Cinema on the £47m development in Rotherham town centre is slated to open in 2024.

The scheme is being lead by national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, partnering with the council. It will also include a new Travelodge hotel and six food and drink outlets, which are already fully let.

A 340 space car park, to be operated by the council, is being created on the main site with the new buildings on a podium above taking them higher than the 1 in 100 flood risk level. Entry to the car park is to continue from Bridge Street and Market Street as it does currently.

When discussing the progress at Forge Island at a recent council meeting, Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, confirmed that users of the hotel and the cinema would be able to park for free.

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Cllr. Lelliott said: "The strategy for parking at Forge Island offers free parking for hotel customers between the hours of 4pm and 10am. In addition, those customers using the cinema will be offered concessionary free parking for a period of up to 3.5 hours.

"Outside of these concessions car park users will be expected to pay, and while yet to be agreed, the tariffs are expected to be at least in line with the Council’s current core town centre car park tariff."

Council car parks currently charge in the region of £1.50 up to two hours, £2 up to four hours, £3.50 over four hours.

Rotherham Council bought the Forge Island site in 2017 for £1.5m. Previously a Tesco store, it has since been used as a council car park, a temporary bus station, and COVID-19 testing centre.

Cllr. Lelliott added: "Forge Island was a car park, and previous to that it was a supermarket. We have been working and looking at a parking strategy - we have got to make it work for the hoteliers and the cinema operators that have come in. We don't want parking fees to be something that prevents people from coming and using this."

Last year, Rothbiz highlighted what to expect when the Arc Cinema opens in Rotherham. It is set to have two flagship Hypersense screens and six medium-sized screens.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / RMBC

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News: New Rotherham cinema in the frame

The new cinema in Rotherham town centre has started to come into view at the £47m Forge Island development.

The town has gone nearly 35 years without a cinema. Cannon, the last town centre cinema, closed in 1990.

The new Arc Cinema is slated to open in 2024 with contractors, Bowmer & Kirkland making swift progress for Rotherham Council and its development partner, Muse Developments. Indeed working hours were extended to include more time for construction on Saturdays (except when there's a Rotherham United home game).

As shown in the image above, the platform for the development has been installed with the 340 space car park underneath and the new structure being built on top.

Plans were approved in 2020 for the scheme which will also include a new Travelodge hotel and six food and drink outlets, which are already fully let.

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

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

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Also on the construction site, two eye-catching cranes have been named by children at Thornhill Primary School.

More than 70 pupils from the school in Masborough submitted names for the cranes, and a range of colourful pictures of their crane characters, to Forge Island site developers, Muse.

After a long and difficult deliberation, the two winning entries were "Rotherham Rainbow" by Redwanella, aged 7 and "Steely Crane" by Selda, aged 9.

The competition winners were invited down to the construction site for a hard hat tour with the project team and to see their winning names attached to the 37-metre and 25-metre-high cranes.

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “We had so many wonderful entries that it was difficult to choose just two names, so thank you to all the pupils who took part. Our winning names really capture the essence of Forge Island, with Rotherham Rainbow representing a bright future for the town, and Steely Crane a nod to the site’s heritage as a steel forge.

“We’ve also decided to have a selection of the other pictures made into colourful hoardings around the site – a brilliant daily inspiration for the project team who are working hard to create something quite special here for families who live in and visit Rotherham. We plan to work with more local schools and community groups over the next year to bring them on the journey with us and build anticipation before the scheme opens to the public in 2024.”

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Victoria Cusworth, said: “It is great to see the borough’s young people getting involved in this flagship scheme and it really underlines the fact that, once opened, Forge Island will be a family destination.

“Forge Island will be a space for residents of all ages to enjoy and socialise, while accessing some brilliant amenities and restaurants. Along with Riverside Gardens, it will provide a gateway to Rotherham’s riverside where residents will be able to enjoy urban wildlife and nature. Overall, it will be hugely beneficial to residents by promoting a strong economy, good mental and physical wellbeing, and strengthening our communities.”

Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen / Muse

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News: New bridge lifted into place at Forge Island

A striking new pedestrian bridge has been successfully lifted into place at Forge Island in Rotherham linking the flagship development with the town centre.

The Forge Island development, part of Rotherham Council’s regeneration vision for the town centre, is being delivered in partnership with the Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor Bowman + Kirkland.

The bridge will offer a vital connection from the town centre to the new family-friendly leisure destination – as well as a link to the town’s remarkable engineering heritage.

The 46-meter-long bridge, weighing 86 tonnes, was manufactured and installed by S H Structures, specialists in the design and manufacture of complex steel structures. Over a period of two days, a crane was erected and rigged, ready for the careful installation of the bridge which took one hour, in a military precision operation watched by local residents from vantage points across the town centre.

The design takes inspiration from the world-famous Bailey Bridge; a portable, steel-truss bridge, designed and developed by Rotherham-born civil engineer, Donald Bailey, which was used by the military throughout Europe during the Second World War.

Designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, the new bridge is a celebration of Rotherham’s engineering heritage, taking inspiration from the original design to create a contemporary permanent gateway structure for the town.

The diamond truss steel design that is synonymous with Bailey Bridges is clad with red/brown perforated steel panelling to fit with the colour of planned Forge Island buildings, another nod to the history of the area, which originated as a steel forge in the 19th century.

The bridge will be illuminated at night, to make a striking visual feature of its unique structural elements to enhance the experience of everyone who visits Forge Island.

The bridge will provide pedestrians and cyclists with an eye-catching crossing from the town centre across the River Don, to the new waterside destination, which will feature a mix of independent and family-friendly eateries alongside boutique cinema operator, The Arc and national hotel chain, Travelodge, all set within attractive new public spaces.

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Andrew Fairest, Project Director at Muse, said: “This is an important milestone for the whole Forge Island development, as we link this new waterfront destination to the Rotherham community, making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy what Forge Island has to offer.

“Rotherham’s engineering heritage was a wonderful starting point for the Muse team, offering a rich seam of inspiration and shaping our thinking around Forge Island. The bridge is a key part of this exciting new chapter in Rotherham’s story, linking the past with the present and future.”

Over the next few weeks, a podium is being built on site, which will elevate the scheme out of the floodplain of the River Don. Work will then begin to construct the buildings and new landscaped public spaces, including a stepped amphitheatre beside Rotherham Lock.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “This major milestone not only shows that the Forge Island development scheme is forging ahead, is it also showcases a symbolic connection between Forge Island and the heart of the town centre. Once Forge Island opens, this bridge will be the main gateway from the cinema, hotel and restaurants to the rich heritage and culture of the town centre, and I am sure that my footsteps will be a few of thousands.”

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

Forge Island is set to open to the public in 2024.

Forge Island website

Images: B & K / Reach Timelapse

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News: Plans tweaked for Forge Island as work continues

With construction well underway, Rotherham Council and national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, its delivery partner, have made minor changes to the plans for the Forge Island leisure scheme in Rotherham town centre.

More public realm is being added to the riverside area.

Construction work started last year with lead contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, after Rotherham Council stepped in to fund the scheme when the funding available to Muse, "significantly reduced."

Plans were approved in 2020 for the scheme which will include a new Arc Cinema, Travelodge hotel and six food and drink outlets, which are already fully let.

Applicants now want to make non-material amendments to the previously approved planning permission which "reflect design development as the project moves from the planning approved drawings to detailed design for construction purposes."

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

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Across the river, the acquisition and demolition of the former Wilkos store by the council has prompted a rethink for the café and public realm in that area.

With the Riverside Precinct and Chantry Buildings gone too, the site on Corporation Street is being readied for proposals that include a 1,500 sq ft café in a new open area called "Millgate Place" that connects Forge Island (and its new bridge) with the heart of the town centre.

The plans, drawn up by Tetra Tech consultants, state: "The proposed amendment on Site B north to the café arrangement and the surrounding public realm layout reflects the opportunity to enhance the Forge Island project detail following a change in circumstances since the grant of the original planning approval.

"The Wilko store adjacent to the boundary of Site B north has now been demolished and, subject to the amendments now proposed, allows the café and public realm design to take advantage of the more exposed aspect to the north and better orientate the building within its immediate environment but also improve its integration with the wider public realm and connectivity to the riverside.

"The previous arrangement comprising a retaining wall and steps can be removed and the land graded to allow level access (1:20 max) on the footpath connecting back into the riverside path to the north. This is considered a significant public realm enhancement with improved accessibility compared to the original planning approval."

The Thistle Group's Caffé Noor is signed up to take on the unit when construction is complete in 2024.

Planning approval is still awaited for a much larger public realm scheme along the river at Domine Lane and Market Street.

Forge Island website

Images: Muse / FaulknerBrowns

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News: Rotherham's new cinema - what we know so far

National urban regenerator, Muse Developments, has provided an update on the new cinema at its Forge Island leisure scheme in Rotherham town centre that is slated to open in 2024.

The Arc Cinema signed a long-term lease with Muse in 2021 to become the leisure anchor at Rotherham's Forge Island. Construction work got underway last year after Rotherham Council stepped in to fund the scheme when the funding available to delivery partner, Muse, "significantly reduced."

Plans were approved in 2020 for the scheme which will also include a new Travelodge hotel and six food and drink outlets, which are already fully let.

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

A 340 space car park is also in the plans.

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The cinema is set to be an 8-screen boutique style cinema with initial plans for the 25,000 sq ft building showing five screens with between 125 and 143 seats and three smaller screens of between 50 and 83 seats.

Arc Cinemas are known for their top-class facilities at 12 locations spanning across the UK and Ireland. The new location at Forge Island will be no exception. Every seat will be a comfortable, leather, electric recliner with plenty of legroom, providing a luxury experience but at an affordable price.

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

Last year, the operator applied for a premises licence, covering 8:00am to 3:00am to enable the cinema to stay open late to enable die hard film fans to watch new releases at midnight on the day they open. Up to 12 events per year for these cinema "all-nighters" were requested.

Prices at Arc Cinema in Beeston range from £2.95 for Kid's Club showings, to £7.00 for concessions and up to £10.50 for adults at peak times. Showings in the Hypersense screens are charged at the standard ticket price + £2.50. Family tickets are £30 for a family of four.

Brian Gilligan, director at Irish firm, Melcorpo, which runs The Arc Cinema, said: "At The Arc Cinema, we believe everyone should get to experience the magic of the movies on the big screen. Unfortunately, Rotherham has been underserved of cinema facilities for so long, with the nearest cinema over in Sheffield. We’re excited to open in Forge Island next year and bring something new to the town and make it easier for locals to experience movies how they were intended to be seen."

Cannon, the last town centre cinema, closed in 1990.

Arc Cinema website
Forge Island website
Muse Developments website

Images: Muse / Arc Cinemas

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News: Forge Island construction contract awarded

One of the most successful and financially secure, privately owned construction and development groups in the UK is to build the long-awaited Forge Island regeneration scheme in Rotherham.

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

Bowmer & Kirkland has bagged the £33.9m construction contract.

The Derbyshire company was founded in 1923 and for 2021 had a turnover of £1.2 billion.

Forge Island is a Council-owned site which sits between the River Don and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. The Council's Cabinet recently approved an increase in the Council’s Capital Programme to cover the £46.8m costs of the scheme which is expected to be covered by the authority's own borrowing and capital resources.

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The funding deal cemented the contract with the Council's delivery partner, Muse, for the delivery of Forge Island, and subsequently the construction contract with Bowmer & Kirkland.

A spokesperson from Bowmer & Kirkland, said: "No longer will the people of Rotherham have to leave their town to watch a movie as we have started work to build an eight-screen cinema , food and drink units, a 69-bedroom hotel, car parking for 340 cars and a new pedestrian bridge spanning the River Don.

"Working for Muse Developments on the Forge Island area in the town, we will be building a podium level above the flood level of the site to provide the ground floor of the buildings and all will be completed by Spring 2024."

Bowmer & Kirkland website
Forge Island website

Images: RMBC

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