News: The changing face of Rotherham's High Street

Expanding businesses and new traders with a focus on niche and leisure offers have boosted the vitality of Rotherham's High Street but one current occupant is contemplating the future of retail and possibly taking the business online only.

This month has seen Entertainment Station, The Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective and The Three Cranes Inn take space in the regenerated heritage area. This follows on from Guests Tea Rooms opening up and Cutthroats Barbershop expanding onto the High Street. Another new bar, Sports Box, is due to open at the top of the street next week.

Rothbiz reported in February that Hamby's shoe shop and antique centre would close with well known retailer and regeneration spearhead, Chris Hamby taking a step back.

Inside the former Mason's Jewellers, Emily Dawson has expanded her quirky tattoo studio offering fully custom designs drawn by each artist on the team in their own individual style.

A key part of the town centre masterplan focuses on leisure (along with housing) rather than retail to breathe new life into the centre.

And at 25 and 27 on the High Street, which includes a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, the property has been converted back into a pub.

It is thought to have closed as a pub in 1907 and half of the building was demolished in 1953 leaving a twin-gabled façade for retail units on the ground floor. Saved from being lost forever, the new venue serves cask and craft beers, ciders and ales.

The owners said on Facebook: "Thank you to all our customers for a fantastic opening day/weekend, we couldn't get over how busy we were, we are very grateful and hope to see you again soon."

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Moving across town from Riverside precinct, Entertainment Station has taken 8 High Street and reported a busy first day in its new location where it has created a hub for fans to buy, sell and swap retro and modern video games, as well as meet with friends and fellow gamers. The ethos is not unlike national retailer, Warhammer, which opened a few doors up last year.

One current High Street store led the way for new, independent retailers when it opened ten years ago as the first retailer to move into a unit in the refurbished Grade II-listed Imperial Buildings. Yella Brick Road, and its "brother" store, Things That Boys Like, have since expanded and merged to take key retail space on the High Street.

Owners Chris and Dannii Paston said last week that they were setting a date of the start of 2020 to make a decision whether to continue to trade in Rotherham town centre, or take the businesses online alone.

Their post on Facebook reads: "It may... just may be time for a change. It's not been the easiest time to trade in the last couple of years, and high street retail has changed dramatically since we opened all those many years ago. We're still here of course, but it's a bit of a slog! We're lucky to have an incredible landlord, wonderful staff and a large number of fantastic regulars.

"We want to have a physical shop with a high street address. We don't want to simply be gigabytes and a URL. So we'll not go down without a fight. We'll try many many things before we shut our doors for the last time. And if we do go elsewhere, we'll still love the high street and have faith in our fellow Rotherham town centre retailers, but for Yella Brick Road and Things That Boys Like, it may be time for a change, whether it be temporary or permanent."

Entertainment Station
Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective
Three Cranes Inn
Guests Tea Rooms
Cutthroats Barbershop
Sports Box
Things That Boys Like

Images: Google Maps / Three Cranes Inn / Yella Brick Road

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News: Proposed pub plans progress in Rotherham town centre

Work is well underway on creating new pubs and bars in Rotherham town centre, with more being planned.

One project is the conversion of Rotherham's oldest buildings back into the Three Cranes Inn. Set to open this summer, the plan is to create a traditional English pub with a core range of lagers, beers and ciders as well as craft ales and beers.

Saved as part of ambitious regeneration plans led by Chris Hamby, the listed buildings were renovated and used as an antiques centre. New plans show how the ground and first floor will be converted into a pub whilst areas such as the heritage site and museum are to remain unaltered.

A new bar, complete with Rotherham coat of arms, and bench seating is being fitted with removable external seating planned at the outside front.

The former Three Cranes Inn occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century - the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. It was on English Heritage's "at risk register" having been in a state of disrepair for many years.

It was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600 and an earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais.

It is thought to have closed as a pub in 1907 and half of the building was demolished in 1953 leaving a twin-gabled façade for retail units on the ground floor.

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Nearby, a unit within the historic Imperial Buildings is currently being converted into a sports bar complete with eight massive screens for showing live sports. The plan is to be open for the first game of the football next month.

A new cocktail bar is also proposed for another unit in the Imperial Buildings and new plans have recently been submitted for part of a long closed watering hole.

At Westgate, a new micropub is planned in the building that was previously known as Mondos, and prior to that, Millenium, Dickens Inn, Sports and Jakes Bar.

Since closing as a venue, the building on the site of the former Station Hotel, has had plans approved to create retail units on the ground floor with flats above.

Now plans have been submitted for creating a small pub in vacant space on the ground floor.

The change of use plans, from Nabile Tariq, state: "The flats have been implemented but the retail units and office on the ground floor has been marketed but has still not been occupied. Now the applicant has ascertained that a micro pub could present a viable business use.

"The business concept is to provide a community facility serving the neighbourhood as a traditional pub. All beer will be from local microbreweries."

A maximum capacity of 50 and opening hours of 12 noon to 11.00 pm are proposed

Three Cranes Inn Facebook page

Images: Three Cranes Inn / Google Maps

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News: Housing plan for historic Rotherham site

Five new homes are being created in Rotherham town centre as part of a heritage-led regeneration scheme.

29 High Street, above the Bears Den craft shop, was previously derelict and in a state of disrepair. The development will now include four one bedroomed flats and one single bedroomed duplex house all for rent. The properties will also benefit from a modern kitchen and bathroom and a generous living space.

The property is one of a number that were saved from being lost forever by local businessman Chris Hamby who has pioneered the project to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings. Now fully-let, units were created in The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street.

Work is now well underway above and the properties are expected to be completed in the New Year. Chris, who also owns Hambys shoe shop and the antique centre on the High Street, requested permission from the Council to develop the space and create modern living facilities in the heart of the town.

Chris said: "I've been operating in Rotherham since 1992 and I've seen the town grow and thrive. In the last few years we've seen some difficult times, and no doubt we will continue to experience tough times in the years to come, however, this is a beautiful town on the up and I am hopeful that people will hold their faith and stay with us.

"The High Street is a fantastic area and we have some great restaurant and bars popping up so I wanted to develop better quality housing and make use of the space that was in total ruins."

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The Georgian Town House contained the remains of the Italian restaurant and was painstakingly restored with a new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door.

It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers.

The overall plan that enabled the buildings to be removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register was backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works. A further £630,000 was made available by the Council to continue the restoration.

Rothbiz reported first on plans to convert the Grade II listed "hidden gem" behind the High Street into a boutique hotel. Set to open in Spring, the new hotel in the George Wright building is also set to include a gallery restaurant, gin bar and courtyard space.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, said: "We have an ambitious economic growth plan in Rotherham and to achieve this we need to improve the quality and choice of housing in the borough. Developers like Chris are crucial to helpful us achieve our plans and we fully support any local business person who wants to invest in Rotherham and can see its true potential."

The new Rotherham town centre masterplan that places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses. Town centre living is seen as critical to sustaining the long term health of the town centre and is important in achieving around the clock vitality and vibrancy and Rotherham Council has identified that the town centre has the land available to deliver 2,000 new homes.

Hamby's website

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News: Boutique hotel conversion for historic Rotherham building

A Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building in Rotherham town centre is set to be brought back to life as a boutique hotel under new plans revealed this week.

The George Wright building is an early 19th century former office built in a Tudor Revival style. It is tucked away behind the High Street on The Crofts and was saved from being lost forever by Chris Hamby who has pioneered the heritage-led regeneration project to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings.

With the initial focus on the restoration of the Three Cranes building and the retail units which are fully let, plans have now been submitted and work is already underway to continue the conversion of the George Wright building.

This project is being pioneered by another local businessman who sees the potential of the town and the importance of recognising its heritage - Mark McGrail, who found success with Parkgate-based SME Environmental Services and last year completed the 1915 Bar & Bistro in the town centre.

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The latest plans for the George Wright building, drawn up by White Design Ltd, are for an internal fitout, external landscaping works and refurbishment, including some new windows and doors and change of use class to become a restaurant, bar and boutique hotel.

The building was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. The site also formed lawyer's offices from 1777-1887.

Mark McGrail, explains: "It's being lovingly restored, keeping its listed features, converted to a boutique hotel. Each room is being restored and dedicated to a person of Rotherham's past and future. The facility will have a gin tasting bar, open terrace front and back, with a botanical type garden to the rear. And there is a gallery restaurant with open kitchen."

With seven rooms, the intention is to create a high quality establishment – "a hidden gem", set away from the main thoroughfare of the High Street.

Mark added: "It has two wedding apartments which open up opposite the Minster with the view, specifically for the church, and there is access to and from the High Street. We are looking to post two cannon at the front entrance with space for a horse drawn carriage to be able to enter in and out."

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The original stone built two-storey, Grade II listed building was constructed in 1850. It includes a two and three storey annex to the north that had been subjected to fire, leaving the roof and upper floors missing. The regeneration scheme enabled the shell of the building to be repaired and restored in 2013 but the interior has remained vacant.

The overall plan that enabled the buildings to be removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register was backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works. A further £630,000 was made available by the Council to continue the restoration.

McGrail's first major revamp created the 1915 Bar and saved the vacant 8,000 sq ft property that was previously The Exchange and formerly Yates Wine Lodge from demolition. It also created space for Sorting Office, a new creative collective of artist studios.

Images: White Design Ltd / Hamby's

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News: Rotherham loses out in lottery bid

Award-winning Rotherham town centre has been denied the chance to undertake further heritage-led regeneration after a bid for funding was rejected.

The impressive regeneration of listed buildings on the High Street has seen 13 key properties renovated thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Rotherham Council and the property owners. Some of the most prominent are part of the complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings like The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street created by local businessman, Chris Hamby.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) also kick-started work at 22 – 30 High Street - now home to the Makers Emporium, 20 High Street - now home to Patchwork Pig, Essoldo Chambers, and the former Mason's Jewellers. Improvements to Rotherham Minster and its grounds, including the impressive floodlighting, have also been carried out in addition to associated public realm improvements to High Street.

Now minutes from a recent meeting of the Heritage Lottery Fund show that a bid from Rotherham Council to build on the momentum in Rotherham town centre using funding from the Townscape Heritage programme has been rejected.

HLF's Townscape Heritage programme provides grants ranging from £100,000 to £2m to regenerate towns and cities by improving their built historic environment. Funding instead is set to go to Worksop, Hartlepool, Burnley, Armagh, Rothesay, St Austell, Merthyr Tydfil, Coventry and Cleethorpes.

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The former Three Cranes Inn (pictured), that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600.

The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

It was included on the first Heritage at Risk Register in 1999, and has been ever since. Until last year.

An application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for another phase of heritage regeneration in Rotherham town centre was rejected last year.

Rotherham Council put forward a bid worth £1.9m for a project based on John Platt's house which is now part of Westgate Chambers.

The £1.9m bid included a development grant of £39,300 (90% of eligible development costs) for a second phase of works to properties in the town centre conservation area. The project would have informed people about the history and heritage of the architect's house, and explored opportunities for artists to display work depicting the architectural and historical heritage of the buildings.

Images: RMBC

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News: Regenerated Rotherham buildings no longer on risk register

Important historic buildings on Rotherham's High Street, that were for years considered at risk and close to being lost forever, have been removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

Produced by the organisation formerly known as English Heritage, the register highlights the work of its programme that protects and manages the historic environment, so the number of "at risk" historic places and sites across England is reduced. The list provides an annual snapshot of the health of England's historic environment.

25 and 27 on the High Street in Rotherham town centre is known as the Three Cranes building. The former Three Cranes Inn, that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600.

The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

It was included on the first Heritage at Risk Register in 1999, and has been ever since. Until now.

In April this year, the restoration of the buildings was revealed. Local businessman, Chris Hamby (pictured) is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings. The plan is backed by loans and grants from Rotherham Council and Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The empty buildings are now back in use and the regeneration initiative has helped Rotherham make it to the final of the Great British High Street competition.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area that radiates from Rotherham Minster. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre. It is made up of £4.7m investment from the HLF, Rotherham Council and the property owners.

The case study on the buildings being taken off the register states: "25 and 27 High Street Rotherham were included on the first Heritage at Risk Register in 1999. The Heritage Lottery Fund and Rotherham Council supported a comprehensive programme of repair and restoration. The building is now in use as Hambys Antique Centre and has been removed from the Register.

"Rotherham Town Centre Conservation Area remains at risk. However, with further regeneration projects still to complete, its outlook is certainly brighter."

Rotherham town centre conservation area remains on the at register but is considered to be "improving." The nearby conservation area on Doncaster Road adjacent to Clifton Park is also on the register and is said to be "deteriorating significantly."

An application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for another phase of heritage regeneration in Rotherham town centre was rejected in January.

Rotherham Council put forward a bid worth £1.9m for a project based on John Platt's house which is now part of Westgate Chambers.

Another bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund is expected to be submitted to enable further restoration work to be carried out around the High Street.

Rotherham town centre website
Historic England website

Images: Historic England

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News: Heritage celebrated on Rotherham High Street

Finishing touches have been made to the ambitious heritage-led regeneration initiative in Rotherham town centre.

Officials from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) have been given a guided tour of the town's High Street, which is celebrating the restoration of 13 key properties thanks to a total of a £4.7m investment from the HLF, Rotherham Council and the property owners.

The guests, which also include representatives from Historic England (formerly known as English Heritage), the Department of Communities and Local Government and Rotherham Civic Society, saw the exteriors and interiors of the renovated buildings on the High Street as well as new keystones, depicting the history of the street and its properties, that are set within new street paving.

The tour included a visit inside No 26 - The Makers Emporium (pictured, below), which showcases a variety of products crafted by local makers, artists and designers, as well as the former Three Cranes Inn. This dates back to the 15th century and houses Hamby's Antiques on the lower floors and heritage showrooms on the upper floors.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area that radiates from Rotherham Minster. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets (pictured, above) focusing on listed buildings. The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

An additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street. An additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan and the council's cabinet approved further funding, in the form of an additional £300,000 loan and £190,000 grant, to enable the works to be finished.

Hamby's shoe shop has moved back from 19 High Street into the former John Mason Jewellers building at the top of the High Street that was restored in a previous round of the heritage initiative. Independent fashion retailers, Yella Brick Road and Things That Boys Like have joined forces to expand into the vacated unit at 19 High Street whilst Craft Corner & The Bears Den is set to relocate across from the Riverside Precinct into the new unit in the Georgian town house.

Rotherham-based graphics print, production and management company, Rainforest Graphics has also been on hand to create new signage and artwork on key properties.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, advisory cabinet member for Rotherham Council, described the changes to the town centre over the past seven years as "incredible."

"This has been partnership working at its very best," she added. "The work around the Minster and the High Street has been a catalyst for investment and activity across the whole town. The High Street is looking wonderful and my congratulations go to everyone who has been involved in these excellent schemes that have resulted in this wonderful regeneration of the town's historic core."

A spokesperson for the Rotherham District Civic Society, added: "We in Rotherham are the beneficiaries of all this work. Our High Street looks, once again, as it should. The Rotherham District Civic Society would like to thank Chris Hamby and his construction team for their hard work and belief in the future of the town."

An application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for another phase of the Rotherham Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative was rejected in January.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council put forward a project worth £1.9m including a development grant of £39,300 (90% of eligible development costs) for a second phase of works to properties in the town centre conservation area. The project would seek to inform people about the history and heritage of architect John Platt's house (now part of Westgate Chambers), and explore opportunities for artists to display work depicting the architectural and historical heritage of the buildings.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen / Makers Emporium

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News: Rotherham retailers relocate as restoration is revealed

A number of independent retailers are moving into new premises as the wraps come off two historic buildings at the centre of the heritage-led regeneration of the town's High Street.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings and this week the scaffolding came down to reveal the hard work put in to rescue Rotherham's oldest surviving non-religious building, the Three Cranes, and the prominent Georgian town house at 29-29a High Street.

The former Three Cranes Inn, that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century, is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600. The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. It is on English Heritage's "at risk register" and has been in a state of disrepair for many years.

Now housing Hamby's own antique centre, the restoration will allow for rooms above to be used as a heritage centre given the historic nature of the building. Conscientious owner Chris has also highlighted the historic fabric of the building by leaving certain features on show. This includes remnants of an earlier wing that consisted of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

The Georgian town house was just a shell of a building containing the remains of a burnt-out Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door has been installed with the upper floors being converted into flats. An independent retailer is set to move across town to take the impressively restored unit.

Hamby's shoe shop is set to move back from 19 High Street into the former John Mason Jewellers building at the top of the High Street that was restored in a previous round of the heritage initiative. Independent fashion retailers, Yella Brick Road and Things That Boys Like are joining forces to expand into the vacated unit at 19 High Street whilst the Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective takes on their vacated unit in the Imperial Buildings.

The project has been backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The work is part of the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

An additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan and the council's cabinet approved further funding, in the form of an additional £300,000 loan and £190,000 grant, to enable the works to be finished.

Rotherham is a "Portas Pilot" using government and private sector funding to support retail which has helped to reduce vacancy rates, boost footfall and increase shopper satisfaction. A focus has been on creating a different and vibrant retail offer by supporting independent traders.

Like Yella Brick Road and Hamby's, Wray's Butchers has secured a grant from the council and is currently fitting out new premises on Effingham Street in what was the former Ilkeston Co-Op Travel shop. The family business has been trading in Rotherham for over 50 years, most recently on Upper Millgate.

Chris Taylor, owner of Wrays Butchers, said: "We are very proud to be in Rotherham town centre. The supermarkets wiped out many independent butchers but our customers have been extremely loyal and we have worked hard to keep our prices very low without losing our product quality.

"The new location will mean that the company can continue as it always has but the extra space will mean there will be opportunities to offer new products and even better deals.

"The investment in the new shop has been significant and the company is very grateful for the Town Centre Business Development Grant we were allocated from the Council."

Co- director of Wrays Butchers, Deborah Taylor, added: "The support and encouragement we have received from the Retail Investment Team at the Council has been brilliant. They are as passionate as we are about making this work and helping Rotherham town centre become a vibrant and enjoyable place to shop."

Hamby's website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Hamby sources new apprentice

Specialist retailer Hambys has taken on a new apprentice at its Rotherham High Street stores.

A family run firm, Hambys has two stores on the High Street, one selling shoes and accessories and the other just up the road which has three floors of antiques.

Alicia Caster from Rotherham, aged 17, had been looking for work when she applied for a traineeship at the Source Skills Academy.

Based at Meadowhall, The Source Skills Academy is a flagship centre providing state of the art training and development facilities with a focus on the retail and service sector.

It also has a centre on Rotherham's High Street offering advice, guidance and training services to Rotherham businesses to increase skills levels and to support trade in the town centre, attracting new investment.

During her traineeship, Alicia had the opportunity to do a work placement at Sheffield Showcase, a council funded initiative where empty shop fronts are used to display the work of local artists and promote local retailers whilst also giving young apprentices the opportunity to practice their visual merchandising skills.

The Showcase team coached Alicia on a range of retail activities whilst working at Showcase and at the scheme’s charity shop First in Best Dressed.

Andrea Cavanagh, tutor at The Source, said: "When Alicia first came to us she was quite shy but after working with our team of apprentices, her confidence began to grow and so did her communication and team working skills."

It was then that Alicia was identified as a candidate to progress onto an Apprenticeship that was available at Hambys in Rotherham.

Alicia attended the interview and impressed owners Chris and Tracy Hamby who offered her a work placement trial to see how she got on. She took to her new role instantly and has since commenced a full Retail Apprenticeship where she is studying towards her Level 2 in Retail.

Alicia (pictured with George Elliott, account manager at The Source), said: "I'm really enjoying my role at Hambys - I like working in both the Hambys stores as they’re quite different so it keeps things interesting."

Tracy Hamby, added: "Alicia has definitely settled in to her new role now and it feels like she's always been here. She’s very helpful and pleasant with the customers; it was a real bonus that she had retail experience through her traineeship as she already knew how to use a till and how to talk to the customers. She is fast becoming a key member of the team."

Hambys website
The Source website

Images: The Source

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News: More council cash needed for High Street renovation

The ambitious regeneration of Rotherham's High Street needs more council funding to enable the work being carried out on historic buildings to be completed.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings. The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

In December, an additional £140,000 was approved by the council, in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street.

Now the council's cabinet is being asked to approve further funding, in the form of an additional £300,000 loan and £190,000 grant, to enable the works to be finished on schedule by the end of December 2014.

The work is part of the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Significant delays on the redevelopment of the three listed buildings include delays in securing the HLF funding, the severe winters causing additional damage to the fabric of the building, additional unforeseen structural issues and subsequent additional costs associated with specialist archaeological and architects fees. In addition, unforeseen works to the basement of 29 High Street and the party walls to 25/27 and 29 High Street have led to further costs that were not anticipated at the start of the project.

The report to cabinet states: "Without additional support Mr. Hamby will be unable to achieve a "fit out" of these buildings which in turn will hamper his ability to let these units and this in turn will exacerbate his ability to repay his existing loan commitments to the Council. It is therefore deemed prudent for the Council to continue its commitment to this important High Street regeneration project and ensure its ongoing success."

As part of the scheme, Hamby opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with Sophisticakes upmarket tea room at No. 17. At No. 21, Things That Boys Like has brought men's clothing, gadgets and gifts to Rotherham's High Street.

The Three Cranes has had interest from a real ale pub for the property and at the Georgian townhouse, a new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats. The George Wright building will house apartments when renovations are complete.

The council is able to borrow money at reasonable rate from the Public Works Loan Board and then lend the money at "commercial rates" over a period of 22.5 years. To help mitigate that risk, the council has already entered into a legal charge over existing property assets of Mr Hamby and the properties acquired on the High Street for re-development until such time as the loan is fully repaid. The value of the assets held on legal charge will be more than the total loan debt outstanding.

Hamby website

Images: RMBC

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News: Portas highlights Rotherham town centre turnaround

Mary Portas has followed up the 2011 review into the nation's high streets by publishing a think piece on why they still matter, and again the retail guru has referenced the work taking place in Rotherham as a "beacon many should follow."

With many of the original recommendations, such as a national markets day and the Future High Street Forum, taken on board by the government, some, like wholesale changes to business rates and planning, have just been just tinkered with. The latest essay highlights the successes of towns which have followed her guidance.

Rotherham is a Portas Pilot, having secured £100,000 in government funding to use innovative local ideas to revitalise the town centre. The borough also secured extra funding from British Land and The High Street Renewal Fund.

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review, Mary Portas was back in the borough earlier this year. After seeing the success of heritage-led regeneration on the High Street, the support of entrepreneurial retailers in Pop-Up shops and the newly opened, Makers Emporium, Portas described the turnaround as fantastic and was bursting with pride at was has been achieved.

In the latest essay, entitled, "Why our High Streets Still Matter", Rotherham is used as a case study of how a local council has taken a very active role in the regeneration of a once desolate town centre.

The report picks out key statistics such as the 86 new businesses that have opened in the last three years and the reduction in vacant units on key shopping streets from over 20% to 14%, as well as the improvements in shopper satisfaction.

Also picked out for praise are a number of encouraging projects such as the popular Whistle Stop Sweet Shop & Temperance Bar, that has expanded with the backing of the council through the Portas Pilot funding.

Chris Hamby's ambitious plans to bring listed buildings on the High Street back to life is also praised, as is the way his vision was backed with an affordable loan by the council when the banks wouldn't.

The Makers Emporium, home to 30 local artisans and crafters, is also highlighted for the way in which a number of groups have come together to create an innovative retail space. It is described as an example of a very clever way to differentiate the High Street offer and become a destination.

In the report, Mary Portas, said: "The turnaround achieved in Rotherham is one of the best case studies I know.

"Collaboration at its finest; an inspired and talented Town Team, an enlightened and committed Local Authority, a busy and ambitious local college and a very supportive British Land.

"The results they've started to see are impressive to say the least. If you have an interest in High Streets, go and visit Rotherham and get the story first hand."

Rotherham town centre website
Portas Agency website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham sets example for retail revival

"You give us the money and we'll make it work." That was the message from the Labour leader of Rotherham Council to the Tory minister for high streets, town centres and markets, as they opened the newest retail outlet on Rotherham's revitalised High Street, alongside leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas.

The evidence is there for all to see. Firstly, the government has stumped over £350,000 to support the council and its town team partners in realising its vision to create a vibrant and thriving town centre with a different retail offer by fostering new, independent businesses.

And secondly, Roger Stone is right, the funding has been used wisely, with the opening of over 80 shops and an overall increase of 13% in pedestrian foot flow in the past three years.

Granted, in those three years, some national and independent retailers have closed their Rotherham stores. Ethel Austin, Internacionale, and Co-op Travel have found the climate tough and closed stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, not just Rotherham.

Helping to go a long way to fill the voids in the South Yorkshire town that has been identified as having the highest amount of retail competition in the UK, are independent retailers supported by the council's Business Vitality Grants Scheme, which since 2009 has supported over 20 businesses to get started, offering help towards rent and fit-out costs for retailers that have potential to widen the appeal and drive footfall for the benefit of all businesses.

Pop-up shops have also been successful with the council offering a prime retail unit in the refurbished Imperial Buildings on flexible and attractive lease terms to help businesses get up and running. After an initial trial, Vintage Dolls has this month celebrated its first birthday.

The most recent addition to Rotherham's retail mix is the Makers Emporium, a project offering 3,000 sq ft of retail space on a temporary basis to more than 30 local entrepreneurs and designers to launch their products and test the market.

Physical regeneration is also taking place on the High Street with local retailer Chris Hamby progressing the next stage of the heritage-led project to bring historic buildings back into use.

Miele Delicatessen, a new Italian deli has also opened in the refurbished former Muntus department store on the High Street, selling a range of authentic food and quality coffee.

High Streets Minister Brandon Lewis and retail expert Mary Portas visited Rotherham to see first hand the progress being made and to officially open the Makers Emporium.

Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who has the responsibility for improving high streets and town centres, said: "Rotherham is a prime example of how a struggling town centre can be turned around into a success story, and in the last three years 86 new businesses have opened their doors in the high street.

"The town has grabbed the opportunities offered to it and is a great example of how our high streets can become shopping destinations that serve the whole community. It's an example to other town centres around the country."

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street, Mary Portas met with some of the independent retailers, the town team and Chris Hamby. She said: "I'm bursting with pride at everything that's been achieved in Rotherham.

"The town team have done an extraordinary job increasing footfall and reducing vacancy rates but most of all producing a place people want to shop in and feel at home in. They have huge competition from some of the UK's biggest shopping malls right on the doorstep but they are bearing out the national statistics that people prefer high streets."

Joining independent retailers like colourful gift shop, Patchwork Pig, and specialists in all things manly, Things That Boys Like, the former Snafu rock bar has been transformed into a light and airy retail space selling locally-designed and hand-crafted products.

Funded by the Government's High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the council, The Source and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Makers Emporium aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and see what it takes to run their own business.

Makers include Our Tiny Bees, Badger & Kingdom, Oddle Doddle Jewellery, Poco Nido, Seraphina Pearl Designs and Panache par Paris.

Terry Cooper of Tea Wear Recycled Cutlery, who works with metal and wood to create unique items of jewellery and homewares, sold Mary Portas a set of coat hooks fashioned from recycled ornate spoons. He summed up the new project: "When everywhere looks the same and you could be stood on any High Street in the UK, what we need is something unique. This place is, and it just lifts everything."

Makers Emporium website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen / Miele Delicatessen / Twitter

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News: Three Cranes restoration plans submitted

One of Rotherham's most important buildings could be given a new lease of life and return to its previous use as a public house if recently submitted plans are approved.

The former Three Cranes Inn that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century is part of a heritage-led regeneration scheme on Rotherham's High Street. The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. It is on English Heritage's "at risk register" and has been in a state of disrepair for many years.

Now detailed plans have been submitted by local businessman Chris Hamby for a programme of repairs and restoration with the intention to return the end use of the building into it being a public house.

The building is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town to survive and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

The plans include careful repair and restoration with a feature made of the remaining dais canopy by removing modern timber framing and part of the flooring to create a double height space. A glass wall will be installed to look onto it from the first floor.

Half of the building was demolished in 1953 and a new shop front is planned in a typical Georgian style on the remaining twin-gabled façade. The exterior of the upper floors is to be covered in a lime render and new roof will be required.

The modern flat roof extension is set to be removed to create a yard at the back of the building.

In 2011, a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from the council to Chris Hamby was approved to facilitate the purchase and subsequent re-development of Nos 17, 19 and 21 High Street along with the listed buildings known as The Three Cranes and the former Georgian Town House and The George Wright Building.

The loan also secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works to the listed buildings.

At the end of last year an additional £140,000 was approved by the council in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes and former Georgian Town House.

Hamby opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with Sophisticakes upmarket tea room at No. 17. At No. 21, Things That Boys Like has brought men's clothing, gadgets and gifts to Rotherham's High Street.

Plans have also been approved for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Georgian Town House, that now contains the remains of the Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats.

Across town, another historic pub has been brought back to life. The Cutler's Arms on Westgate has been refurbished by Rotherham's own Chantry brewery. It is set to open today.

Hamby's website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: More council cash for High Street

Rotherham's High Street is set for another £500,000 boost via Rotherham Council to enable building works to historic buildings to be completed and improvements to the physical appearance of the surrounding area to be carried out.

The council's cabinet recently approved the provision of an additional £140,000 in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes and former Georgian Town House on the High Street.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street. The plan is already backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The work is part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

The original THI programme also had an allocation of £580,000 to "develop and improve the public realm on High Street thus reinforcing the regeneration of the location and improving the setting of the retail units."

These works were to be wholly funded through money from regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward but when the coalition government disbanded Yorkshire Forward, the funds were withdrawn, leaving a gap in the budget for the public realm works.

A report to the council's Cabinet Member and Advisers for Regeneration and Development shows that officers have now put together a plan to use various sources of its own funding to enable the works to be carried out with a reduced budget of £417,000. The majority comes from its own capital programme (£305,500).

Previous council public realm improvements in the surrounding area include the work to Minster Yard and successful Minster Gardens project.

The report said that if the funding was approved, the works could start in April and take 20 weeks to complete.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Makers Emporium on Rotherham High Street

UPDATED 13:58.

A historic building on Rotherham High Street is set to return to its previous retail use and provide space for crafters and makers as work continues on regenerating heritage buildings in the town centre.

No.'s 22 – 30 High Street have been undergoing a refit as part of the the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which is supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Borough Council.

Last year, the freehold of the SNAFU bar was sold by leading business agents Christie & Co. based on a guide price of £275,000. In a separate deal, the first, second and third floors of the historic building went to auction in September 2012 with local chartered surveyors, Mark Jenkinson giving it a guide price of £120,000.

Remembered by many as the former Muntus department store, work has been done to restore the exterior and the new owners are progressing plans to convert the upper floors into apartments.

After the closure of popular bar and live music venue earlier this month, fitout work is now underway and the building is set to reopen in Spring 2014 and offer low cost retail space for talented artists, crafters and makers to sell their products and raise awareness of their brands. A dedicated retail manager will be on hand and advice and training will be provided as part of the package.

Last month, Rothbiz reported on the next phase of retail revival in Rotherham town centre that is set to include dedicated space for enterprising retailers to "test-trade" their products.

The Makers Emporium at 26 High Street is all part of the work being undertaken to redefine the shopping offer in the town centre through projects such as Pop-up Shops, Business Vitality Grants and the Business Development Grants. Rotherham was one of 27 areas to be named as a "Portas Pilot" securing £100,000 of government funding to support the high street. £268,000 was also awarded to Rotherham as part of the government's High Street Renewal Award.

Work is continuing by local businessman, Chris Hamby to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street. The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works.

The work is also part of the THI scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Next week, Rotherham Council's cabinet are set to discuss the provision of additional long term capital loan finance in support of the redevelopment of the Three Cranes and the Georgian Town House.

The former Three Cranes Inn occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath. This building represents a potentially unique survival for South Yorkshire of in situ medieval domestic architecture on a burgage plot.

Previously used as Wakefield's Army Stores, the building has been empty for many years. The Three Cranes originally occupied one half of a much larger building with four gables facing the High Street. The lower two gables, which originally belonged to another inn known as The Swan, were demolished in 1963 when Freeman, Hardy Willis rebuilt their shop.

The grade 2* listed building is on English Heritage's "at risk register" as showing signs of structural decay and faulty rainwater goods.

Plans have also been approved for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Georgian Town House next door, that now contains the remains of the Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats.

Makers Emporium website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: 3 Keys Property / Tom Austen

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News: Rotherham's regeneration recognised by English Heritage

Rotherham has been highlighted by English Heritage for the way in which heritage-led regeneration can help revitalise town centres despite a backdrop of testing economic times.

English Heritage works to protect and promote England's historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood. It has published a report this week on how the changing face of retail and shopping is impacting on historic town centres.

Undertaken for English Heritage by Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, in conjunction with Strutt & Parker and in partnership with the Historic Towns Forum, the report has identified a series of places across England where innovative approaches have achieved successful outcomes.

In the section on smaller-scale development in historic areas, Rotherham is used as a case study where the local authority and other partners have intervened to reinvigorate historic shopping streets.

A key part of the wide-ranging Rotherham Renaissance programme, the historic character of the town's compact centre was used as a positive asset in promoting the town.

Projects include the successful restoration of the Imperial Buildings. The Edwardian, Grade II listed building at the top of the High Street has had extensive repairs and improvements made, as well as the introduction of living space above the ground-floor retail units. It is now a vibrant part of the retail offer with all but two units occupied by mainly niche, independent businesses.

The impressive floodlighting of The Rotherham Minster and associated public realm works is also mentioned. As is the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme that sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. Supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Council, the aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Work is continuing by local businessman, Chris Hamby to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street.

It is one of a number of initiatives that has led footfall being up by 6% in one year and the town being one of 27 areas to be named as a "Portas Pilot" securing a further £100,000 of government funding to support the high street. £268,000 was recently awarded to Rotherham as part of the government's High Street Renewal Award.

Baroness Andrews, chair of English Heritage said: "The challenges are not to be underestimated, but English Heritage believes that local authorities that have made the historic environment central to their retail "offer" can go a long way to creating an attractive and viable high street.

"At a time when people are increasingly looking for more to their shopping trips, these success stories show how investing in historic buildings and careful and imaginative use of street patterns in our historic towns and cities, creates successful "destinations", places which attract people because they make shopping a much more pleasant and enjoyable experience."

Rotherham town centre website
English Heritage website

Images: RiDO / RMBC

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News: Antiques shop is ahead of the times

Chris Hamby is not afraid to try new things to keep his Rotherham business ahead of the times in the fast moving retail sector.

Hamby's is a family run business which dates back to 1961, but owner Chris Hamby has not rest on his laurels. Originally a  credit drapers, supplying clothing, footwear, furniture and decorating supplies to villages and ran by his parents, Hamby's has received an overhaul over the last 50 years, moving into new markets to offer customers what they really want.

As part of his ambitious heritage-led regeneration scheme on the High Street in Rotherham town centre, Hamby now runs a successful footwear store and an antiques shop, and is continually trying out new things.

Chris (pictured above, left with apprentice, Ashley) said: "I suppose you could say I'm an innovative type of retailer, in that I don't just want to focus my business down one route, I want to try new things and be the best I can be in several areas. Both businesses challenge me in different ways, but my passion drives me to ensure both are a success.

"To me it is vital to stay ahead of the game, and I have looked into different initiatives over the years to ensure I do just that. Last year we contacted an Account Manager at The Source to help us develop the business further and grow our workforce. The Source had some fantastic suggestions including WorldHost customer service training and recruiting an Apprentice. I had no idea how recruiting an apprentice could benefit me, but it has been phenomenal."

Based at Meadowhall, The Source Skills Academy is a flagship centre providing state of the art training and development facilities with a focus on the retail and service sector.

A Rotherham base opened on the High Street in 2011 with support from Rotherham Council and the Skills Funding Agency. It offers advice, guidance and training services to Rotherham businesses to increase skills levels, create apprenticeship opportunities and to support trade in the town centre.

Chris added: "Taking on an apprentice has been a real eye opener for me. Our first apprentice in the Antiques Shop made such an impact on the way we work, taking on additional responsibilities above his job description that we decided to recruit a second apprentice to work in our Footwear Shop.

"My best piece of advice for running a successful retail business is to never stand still. Don't be reactive, stay ahead of the times and you will succeed. It could be anything from expanding into new markets, utilising different initiatives to grow your business or sharing best practice with neighbouring retailers; it's all valuable for growth."

Hamby's website
The Source website

Images: The Source

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News: Heritage regeneration to continue in Rotherham town centre

A heritage-led regeneration scheme on the High Street in Rotherham town centre is set to continue as funding is secured for another year.

The £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Borough Council. The Rotherham District Civic Society raised concerns that the lottery cash was under threat but £1.4m has been carried over in the council's capital budget for this financial year.

The project sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

A report to the council's cabinet said: "Spend on the project had been deferred pending a decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund that they would extend grant payment beyond the original agreed period. Confirmation of the decision to grant the Council an extension was received at the end of March and the project can now be completed."

Funding has also been approved for improvements to the public realm on the High Street and around the Minster.

One key project is halfway through a successful rehabilitation. Local businessman, Chris Hamby announced ambitious plans for a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street.

The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works to the listed buildings.

Hamby opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with Sophisticakes upmarket tea room at No. 17. Work is now taking place in No. 21 for "Things That Boys Like" bringing men's clothing, gadgets and gifts to the town as an offshoot from sister store, Yella Brick Road.

Plans have also been approved for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Georgian Town House, that now contains the remains of the Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats.

Work is also progressing on the grade 2 listed George Wright building, an early 19th century former office built in a Tudor Revival style. It requires a new roof, new windows and some of the brickwork needs replacing.

The building was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. It is hopefully set to open as a pub and restaurant.

Work is also needed on the former Three Cranes Inn that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century. The grade 2* listed building is on English Heritage's "at risk register" as showing signs of structural decay and faulty rainwater goods.



Images: Tom Austen

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News: Rotherham's retailers of the future

Young apprentices are proving popular with small, independent retailers in Rotherham town centre.

British Land, the part-owners of Meadowhall Shopping Centre and Parkgate Shopping is building on the success of the customer service apprenticeships it part-funded at Meadowhall last year.

The property investor worked with local partner The Source Skills Academy to create further apprenticeship opportunities with independent retailers.

Based at Meadowhall, The Source Skills Academy is a flagship centre providing state of the art training and development facilities with a focus on the retail and service sector.

A new venture opened on Rotherham's High Street last year offering advice, guidance and training services to Rotherham businesses to increase skills levels and to support trade in the town centre, attracting new investment.

George Elliott of The Source, said: "The project has been a huge success and the youngsters lucky enough to gain a place on the scheme have developed into excellent, vibrant, and committed retailers who add a great deal to the businesses they are placed in."

Chris Hamby (pictured above, right), owner of two stores in Rotherham town centre, added: "Taking on a young apprentice has been a real eye opener for me. When we were approached, I was a bit nervous about whether they would be customer focused enough, but Ashley has been great and has changed my opinion.

"Based on this experience, I would definitely be interested in taking on another young apprentice in our other store, and hope to be able to offer a permanent role to Ashley. For us, this scheme has been a total success on every level."

The Source website

Hambys website

British Land website

Images: British Land

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News: Hamby's new store opens on Rotherham's High Street

A new store has opened as part of a heritage-led regeneration scheme on the High Street in Rotherham town centre.

Local entrepreneur and retailer, Chris Hamby has opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Dave Pickering performing the official opening ceremony.

Last September, Chris announced ambitious plans for a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings.

The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works to the listed buildings.

Hamby's own store at the top of the High Street, which already has undergone a £250,000 renovation, will now become Hambys Gift shop and Antiques centre.

Chris Hamby said: "I am very excited to be opening this new store. It is much larger, brighter and more modern and I am sure our many loyal customers and friends old and new will be delighted when visiting the shop.

"It is proof of our belief in Rotherham as a vibrant town, and I want to thank customers, our hardworking staff, Rotherham Council and Rotherham Chamber for their good wishes, support and encouragement."

Tim O'Connell, business and retail investment manager for Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO), added: "It is great news for both customers and other retailers that an established business like Hamby's is expanding in the town and particularly pleasing to see these superb historic shop units in High Street brought back into use.

"Growing our range of quality, independent specialist retailers such as Hamby's and encouraging customers to "shop local" is an essential part of the work underway to re-vitalise Rotherham town centre.

"I am glad that we have been able to assist Chris in bringing his plans to fruition and our recent success with the Portas Pilot scheme will allow us to rollout new initiatives to encourage more people to follow in Chris' footsteps."

Of the four further buildings that Chris is restoring, three are the subject of letters of intent from prospective tenants and scaffolding will soon be erected on the "Three Cranes" building and the former Alfonso's Italian Restaurant – ready for the restoration works to begin.

Work has also already started on the currently hidden George Wright building – with a view to its opening as a pub and restaurant in May 2013.

Hamby's website

Images: RiDO

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